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King's Business School

King's Business School is a leading public research university in London, globally recognised for academic excellence and impactful research.
King's Business School
Dean

Prof. Stephen Bach (Executive Dean)

Academic staff
500 - 1000
Students
33000
Locations
London, United Kingdom
Established
1980
Afiliations
AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
Address
Bush House, 30 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BG, United Kingdom, London, WC2B 4BG, United Kingdom
Social Media
Summary

King's Business School (KBS), a constituent faculty of King's College London, has established itself as a leading management institution since its founding in 1989, becoming the university's ninth faculty in 2017. Located in central London, KBS offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration with businesses, government, and financial institutions. The school has achieved triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, a distinction held by only one per cent of business schools worldwide.

KBS provides a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programmes, focusing on integrating interdisciplinary approaches to modern business challenges. Undergraduate courses include Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees, while postgraduate offerings encompass Master's degrees (MSc), postgraduate diplomas (PG Dip), certificates (PG Cert), and doctoral programmes (MPhil, PhD). The school also facilitates international exchanges with renowned institutions like the University of Toronto, Wharton School, and the University of Hong Kong.

Research at KBS addresses critical global challenges through its five strategic themes: digitalisation, global business sustainability, governance and regulation, future work, and social and economic inequalities. The school’s research output has been recognised as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

King's Business School prides itself on fostering a diverse, global community, with students from over 80 countries contributing to a vibrant academic environment. The school also emphasises ethics and sustainability in business education, making these subjects compulsory in its undergraduate programmes.

KBS's central London location in the iconic Bush House allows students and faculty to engage directly with leading businesses and entrepreneurial firms. The school’s strong industry links and global networks enhance its ability to influence business practices and policy worldwide, positioning it as a hub for creating socially responsible leaders and innovative business solutions.

History

King’s Business School (KBS) has a rich history that reflects its growth and transformation into one of the leading management institutions in London. The origins of KBS can be traced back to the 1980s when it was established as the School of Management & Business within King’s College London. Initially functioning as a school within the university, it gained departmental status in 1994, marking the beginning of its formal academic journey.

In 2015, the School of Management & Business was officially established, allowing the institution to offer undergraduate degree programmes for the first time. This development was a significant milestone as it expanded the school’s reach and laid the groundwork for future growth. The decision to formalise the school as a department dedicated to management and business studies was in line with King’s College London’s broader ambition to enhance its offerings in these crucial fields.

A major turning point came in 2017 when the school moved to Bush House, an iconic building in the heart of London. The relocation to Bush House was part of King’s College London’s strategy to expand its Strand Campus and provide a central London hub for its business school. Bush House, built in 1919 by American businessman Irving T. Bush, has a storied history. Originally designed as an international trade centre, it later became the home of the BBC World Service in 1941, playing a vital role in global broadcasting during World War II and beyond.

The move to Bush House coincided with the school’s rebranding as King’s Business School, and it was designated as the ninth faculty of King’s College London. This transition marked the school’s evolution into a comprehensive academic institution focused on business education and research. King’s Business School quickly established itself as one of London’s largest management institutions, attracting a diverse student body from over 80 countries.

KBS’s location in central London provides students and faculty with unparalleled opportunities for collaboration with leading businesses, financial institutions, and government bodies. The school’s curriculum is designed to integrate modern business theory with practical applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the global business environment.

King’s Business School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Undergraduate courses cover fields such as finance, accounting, economics, social science, psychology, and law, all of which are essential for understanding and managing modern business operations. The school also offers a variety of postgraduate degrees, including Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes. Additionally, KBS provides Executive Education programmes designed for mid-career and senior professionals seeking to enhance their management and leadership skills.

Since its establishment as a business school in 2017, KBS has achieved triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA—an accomplishment that places it among the top one per cent of business schools worldwide. This accreditation not only recognises the school’s commitment to excellence in education and research but also connects it to a global community of institutions dedicated to maintaining high standards in business education.

Today, King’s Business School continues to build on its strong foundation, conducting research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing business challenges. Its five strategic research themes—digitalisation, global business sustainability, governance and regulation, the future of work, and social and economic inequalities—reflect the school’s dedication to making a positive impact on society. Through its academic programmes and research initiatives, KBS aims to develop socially responsible leaders who will use business as a force for good in the world.

Courses

King’s Business School (KBS) offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the modern business world. These courses are grounded in a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from various fields such as finance, accounting, economics, social science, psychology, and law.

Undergraduate Programmes

The undergraduate courses at KBS are structured around core principles of business and organisational management theory. The flagship Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Management provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate, preparing them for a wide range of careers in the corporate world. The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges. The school is known for its diverse student body, with a significant proportion of international students, reflecting its global outlook.

Postgraduate Programmes

At the postgraduate level, KBS offers a variety of advanced degrees, including Master of Science (MSc) programmes in areas such as International Management, Finance, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. These programmes are designed to provide deep, specialised knowledge and foster an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to address complex business issues with innovative solutions.

The school also offers research-focused degrees, including the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), for those interested in pursuing academic or high-level research careers. These programmes are supported by KBS’s strong research community, which is known for its impactful work in areas such as digitalisation, governance, and global business sustainability.

Executive Education

For professionals looking to enhance their skills, KBS provides Executive Education programmes, available both online and on-campus in central London. These courses are tailored to mid-career and senior professionals, covering topics such as strategic finance, governance and compliance, people management, and marketing. The Executive MBA programme, in particular, is designed to fit around the busy schedules of rising leaders, offering a flexible learning environment that blends in-person and virtual sessions.
 

Global MBA rankings

King’s College London is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and holds a prestigious position in various rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, King’s College London is ranked joint 40th worldwide, reflecting its reputation for academic excellence, research impact, and global influence. Additionally, the university is highly regarded for its subject-specific performance, being ranked 2nd in the QS WUR Ranking by Subject, which underscores its strength in specific academic disciplines. In Europe, King’s College London is ranked 7th in the Northern Europe category and 8th overall in the Europe University Rankings, highlighting its prominence among European institutions and its status as a leading educational and research centre in the region. These rankings affirm King’s College London’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and producing influential research that resonates on a global scale.

 

 

Job integration rate

King’s College London boasts a high employability rate, with over 90% of graduates securing skilled employment within 15 months of graduation. The university's strong industry connections and extensive employer engagement—ranked 14th in the UK—ensure that students have access to numerous career opportunities. With an average starting salary of £36,000 and top employers like PwC, McKinsey, and IBM recruiting from the university, King's graduates are well-prepared for successful careers across various industries, particularly in finance, legal, and executive management roles.

General information
King's Business School
Dean

Prof. Stephen Bach (Executive Dean)

Academic staff
500 - 1000
Students
33000
Locations
London, United Kingdom
Established
1980
Afiliations
AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
Address
Bush House, 30 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BG, United Kingdom, London, WC2B 4BG, United Kingdom
Social Media