Lancaster University Management School

Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is the business school of Lancaster University, located in Lancaster, United Kingdom. Established in 1969, the school developed from the university’s early departments of marketing and operational research, which date back to the university's foundation in 1964.


Initially formed as the School of Business and Organisational Studies, it was renamed the School of Management and Organisational Science in 1974. Later, it was reorganised into the Lancaster University Management School in 1982, becoming a unified and cohesive institution.
 

LUMS offers a wide range of programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, executive education, and doctoral levels. The school currently has over 2,200 undergraduate and more than 1,200 postgraduate students. Its academic structure includes seven departments: Accounting and Finance, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Management Science, Marketing, Organisation, Work and Technology, and Business and Management. The school is part of the larger Lancaster University campus in a semi-rural setting.

The school is internationally recognised, holding the prestigious “triple crown” accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, which affirms the quality of its teaching and research. LUMS has also been awarded the Small Business Charter Gold Award for its role in supporting small businesses and local economies. It has received the Athena Swan Bronze award for advancing gender equality, with plans to maintain this commitment.

In terms of rankings, LUMS performs strongly in various national and global league tables. It is ranked 13th worldwide for its Master’s in Supply Chain Management and holds top UK positions in Masters programmes for Marketing, Finance, Management, and Business Analytics. The school ranked first in the UK for research power and research environment in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Its research focuses on three main pillars: Sustainability, Social Justice, and Innovation in Place. It supports interdisciplinary work through ten research centres covering topics like consumption, family business, financial econometrics, health futures, marketing analytics, sustainability, and logistics.

LUMS has strong connections with industry, collaborating with companies such as AstraZeneca, BAE Systems, British Airways, and Ernst & Young to provide customised executive education and practical modules. The school promotes student employability through placement opportunities, study abroad programmes, and participation in case competitions.

Its flagship MBA programme is recognised for producing managers prepared for leadership roles across sectors. LUMS’s strategy for 2030 aims to build on its research excellence, strengthen civic engagement, and become a top-five UK management school with global impact. The school’s values focus on collegiality, academic excellence, respect, and ethics, guiding its teaching, research, and community involvement.

Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) traces its origins to Lancaster University’s foundation in 1964. At that time, the university established several departments, including marketing and operational research, the latter being the first such department in Europe. Initially, there was no intention to create a general business school, as the university chose a different path compared to other institutions that followed the Franks report and set up business schools in London and Manchester.
 

Within five years of the university’s opening, plans were made to bring together related areas such as marketing, operational research, financial control, systems engineering, economics, computer science (then part of mathematics), and politics into a single entity. Politics was later removed from this plan, and a new Department of Organisational Research was established. In 1969, this led to the creation of the School of Business and Organisational Studies, which was the precursor to the management school.
 

In 1974, the school changed its name to the School of Management and Organisational Science. This change reflected its broad focus, covering business, commerce, trade unions, and public services. Despite this wide scope, the school remained a collection of largely independent departments for some years.

A significant transformation took place in 1982 when Alan Mercer was appointed chair of the school. During his three-year term, he worked to reorganise the school into a single integrated unit, forming what is now known as Lancaster University Management School. This integration faced resistance but was ultimately successful. Later, Mercer served as associate dean for research and encouraged the school to submit a single entry for the 1992 Research Assessment Exercise. This led to a top grade of ‘5’ for the school, raising Lancaster’s profile to become one of the top ten UK universities by research rating.
 

In 1989, LUMS introduced its MBA programme, which has since become a flagship offering. Over the years, the school expanded its facilities, including the opening of the Hub area and atrium in 2005, the Charles Carter Building in 2010, and the West Pavilion building in 2021. These additions provide teaching, study, and administrative spaces and house various academic departments.
 

LUMS has developed strong partnerships with businesses and public sector organisations. Notable collaborators include AstraZeneca, BAE Systems, British Airways, Ernst & Young, and the UK Cabinet Office. These partnerships contribute to customised executive education and embed practical experience within academic programmes.
 

The school is structured into seven main departments covering a broad range of subjects in management, finance, marketing, and related fields. Research is a core part of LUMS, with a focus on sustainability, social justice, and innovation. The school maintains ten research centres to support interdisciplinary work.
 

LUMS has received multiple accreditations, including AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, and holds awards such as the Small Business Charter Gold Award and the Athena Swan Bronze award for gender equality. Its research was ranked first in the UK for research power and research environment in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Currently, LUMS continues to develop its academic offerings, research impact, and industry links. The school’s 2030 strategy aims to enhance its global standing, support responsible management education, and deepen its civic engagement. It remains a research-led management school committed to developing future leaders and supporting societal progress.

Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) offers a broad range of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, doctoral, and executive education levels. The courses are designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for careers in business, management, finance, marketing, and related fields.
 

At the undergraduate level, LUMS provides over 60 degree programmes. These include single honours and joint honours options in subjects such as Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Economics, Marketing, and Management Science. Many undergraduate degrees offer the opportunity for students to take a year-long industrial placement or to study abroad, enhancing their practical experience and global exposure. These placements are designed to improve employability by allowing students to apply their learning in real business environments.
 

For postgraduate students, LUMS offers around 13 master’s programmes across various specialisations. These include MSc courses in Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Business Analytics, Finance, and Management. The master’s courses combine contemporary theory with real-world business challenges to help students deepen their understanding and prepare for leadership roles. Postgraduate students also benefit from access to the Graduate College, providing a supportive academic community.

The MBA programmes at LUMS are highly regarded and include the full-time MBA, Executive MBA, and Cyber Executive MBA. These programmes aim to develop leadership skills and strategic thinking in students, preparing them for senior management roles. The MBA courses include real business projects, networking opportunities, and collaborations with industry partners.
 

LUMS also provides doctoral programmes (PhDs) for students interested in research careers. Doctoral students work closely with academic supervisors in a research-intensive environment. The school supports a range of research areas, including sustainability, social justice, innovation, and technological futures.
 

In addition to degree courses, LUMS offers executive education and professional development programmes. These short courses and qualifications are designed for working managers and leaders who want to update their skills or gain new knowledge in areas such as leadership, strategy, and digital transformation. The school collaborates with businesses to create customised training solutions.

LUMS places strong emphasis on practical learning, industry engagement, and employability. Many courses feature modules delivered or designed with input from leading companies like Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Accenture, and Cisco. Students have opportunities to take part in case competitions, consultancy projects, and entrepreneurial activities.

• Ranked 13th in the world for Master’s in Supply Chain Management (2025 QS Business Master’s Rankings)
• Ranked 3rd in the UK for Master’s in Supply Chain Management
• Master’s in Marketing ranked 41st worldwide and 8th in the UK
• Master’s in Finance ranked 65th globally and 12th in the UK
• Master’s in Management ranked 70th globally and 12th in the UK
• MBA ranked 12th in the UK and 42nd in Europe (QS Global MBA Rankings 2025)
• Executive MBA ranked 9th in the UK and 92nd globally (QS Global EMBA Rankings 2025)

Approximately 94% of graduates find work or continue studying within 15 months of finishing their course. Many undergraduate programmes include a placement year, offering students practical experience in business settings. LUMS collaborates with companies such as Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and British Airways to provide work placements and internships. Postgraduate students also benefit from career support and networking opportunities to improve their chances of employment after graduation.

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