
Nottingham Business School

Professor Baback Yazdani (Executive Dean)
Summary
Nottingham Business School (NBS) is part of Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and was established in 1980 in Nottingham, England. It is recognised as a full-service business school offering a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, professional, doctoral, and executive education programmes. In 2010, NBS expanded significantly with the redevelopment of the Newton and Arkwright buildings, creating modern facilities within Grade II listed structures.
Led by Dean Professor Baback Yazdani, the school is structured around five academic divisions: Accounting and Finance, Economics, Human Resource Management, Management, and Marketing. NBS places strong emphasis on experiential learning, personalisation, and global engagement, ensuring that students receive practical, hands-on education aligned with business needs.
NBS holds dual accreditation from EQUIS and AACSB, placing it among the top 1% of business schools globally. It was ranked 95th in the Financial Times European Business Schools list (2017) and 93rd globally in the Masters in Management rankings. The school is known for its research impact, with nine research centres addressing key themes including behavioural science, sustainable business, international strategy, and finance and technology. It actively collaborates with universities and industry partners worldwide and aligns research efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
NBS maintains strong ties with businesses and public sector organisations through placements, consultancy projects, apprenticeships, and executive education. It is recognised by the Small Business Charter and works closely with awarding bodies such as CMI, CIPD, and CIM. The school also supports SMEs and entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Help to Grow: Management course and the Dryden Enterprise Centre.
History
Nottingham Business School (NBS) is a full-service business school located in Nottingham, England. It forms part of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), one of the UK's leading educational institutions. NBS was established in 1980 as a centre for excellence in business and management education. Since its inception, it has grown significantly in terms of academic offering, infrastructure, and international reputation.
A major milestone in its development came in 2010 with the opening of the regenerated Newton and Arkwright buildings. These Grade II listed structures were extensively refurbished and transformed into a state-of-the-art educational complex. The two buildings are now linked by a modern glazed atrium, forming a central hub for the university and providing NBS with world-class facilities for teaching, research, and business engagement.
Under the leadership of Professor Baback Yazdani, Dean of Nottingham Business School, the institution has developed five key academic divisions: Accounting and Finance, Economics, Human Resource Management, Management, and Marketing. These divisions underpin the school’s comprehensive academic framework and course offerings.
Nottingham Business School offers a broad portfolio of courses at different academic levels, including undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications, professional programmes, MBAs, and doctoral studies. It has developed a strong reputation for its Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and its commitment to experiential learning and personalisation through initiatives such as the Personalisation Programme.
NBS has earned global recognition through its double accreditation from EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) and AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), placing it among the top 1% of business schools worldwide. The Financial Times ranked Nottingham Business School 95th in its 2017 list of top European Business Schools and 93rd globally in its Masters in Management ranking.
Research plays a central role in the school’s activities. NBS has nine research centres that cover diverse areas such as behavioural sciences, sustainable business, international strategy, finance and technology, and marketing. The centres have received funding from major bodies including Horizon 2020, DfID, and the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development.
NBS’s approach to business education is closely integrated with industry. The school is a recognised study centre for several professional bodies including the CMI, CIPD, and CIM. It also holds the Small Business Charter in recognition of its ongoing support for SMEs and entrepreneurship. The Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC), opened at NTU, serves as a dedicated space for business collaboration and start-up incubation.
The school offers bespoke training, consultancy services, and executive education designed to meet the practical needs of organisations. Its programmes include the "Help to Grow: Management" course, executive apprenticeships, and postgraduate consultancy projects. These initiatives reflect its emphasis on creating a continuous talent pipeline and fostering strong industry-academic linkages.
In research, the school continues to develop its capacity, attract internationally recognised scholars, and align its research priorities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The publication of "NBS Explore", a dedicated magazine highlighting impactful and sustainable research, is an example of its commitment to making a positive societal impact.
Courses
Nottingham Business School offers a comprehensive range of courses across various academic levels. These are designed to equip students with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to contemporary business environments. The School focuses on experiential learning and personalisation, ensuring that each course contributes meaningfully to students’ academic and career development.
The undergraduate programmes at NBS are structured to provide students with a solid foundation in business, management, and marketing. These courses are full-time and cover a wide range of disciplines including Accounting and Finance, Economics, Human Resource Management, Management, and Marketing. The curriculum is designed to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges through placements and projects.
NBS offers a diverse set of full-time Masters courses aimed at integrating theory and practice at every stage. These include programmes such as MSc in Management, MSc in Marketing, MSc in Finance, and MSc in International Business. These courses offer hands-on experience through business simulations, live consultancy projects, and international study opportunities, preparing graduates for advanced roles in global organisations.
The School provides a variety of MBA programmes tailored to develop strategic leadership capabilities. These courses are designed for professionals who wish to build upon existing experience and drive organisational change. The MBA courses include full-time, part-time, and Executive MBA options, each focusing on core business disciplines such as strategy, innovation, leadership, and sustainability.
NBS has a long-standing reputation for offering executive education programmes that support business professionals at different stages of their careers. These programmes include short courses, work-based degrees, and professional qualifications that are tailored to meet the specific needs of organisations. Delivery formats are flexible and include face-to-face, online, and hybrid options.
The Doctoral programmes at NBS offer opportunities for in-depth research in various business disciplines. The PhD courses are open to candidates aiming to contribute to academic knowledge and policy through original research. Doctoral students benefit from a supportive research environment and access to experienced supervisors and specialist training.
The School also delivers apprenticeship programmes across multiple sectors. These courses are developed in partnership with over 40 businesses and organisations. The apprenticeships combine academic learning with workplace experience and are designed to meet industry and professional standards.
Global MBA rankings
Nottingham Business School (NBS), part of Nottingham Trent University, holds a distinguished position in global business education, underscored by its attainment of the prestigious "triple crown" accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA. This accolade places NBS among an elite group of business schools worldwide, with only 129 institutions achieving this status as of 2024.
In the realm of executive education, NBS has garnered significant recognition. In 2024, it was ranked among the top 80 globally in the Financial Times Open Executive Education rankings, marking its second consecutive year in this esteemed list. Notably, NBS achieved a 45th place ranking for the quality of its partner schools and 26th for faculty diversity, reflecting its commitment to excellence and inclusivity in education.
Historically, NBS has also been acknowledged in the Financial Times European Business Schools rankings, securing positions within the top 95 from 2016 to 2019. Additionally, its MSc in Management program was ranked among the top 100 globally in 2019, highlighting the school's consistent performance in delivering quality management education.
Job integration rate
Nottingham Business School (NBS), a constituent of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), demonstrates a strong commitment to graduate employability. According to data from NTU, 94% of its graduates secure employment or pursue further study within six months of graduation. This statistic encompasses graduates from various disciplines, including those from NBS.
Furthermore, the Guardian University Guide 2024 reports that 78% of NTU graduates are engaged in graduate-level employment or training within 15 months post-graduation. NTU's dedication to student employability is reflected in its top ranking for employability in the Uni Compare 2024 rankings.
General information
- Nottingham Business School | Nottingham Trent University
- Full-time Masters at Nottingham Business School | Nottingham Trent University
- Nottingham Business School | Wikipedia
- Nottingham Business School | Principles for Responsible Management Education
- Nottingham Business School | GoStudyIn
- Nottingham Business School | Top Universities
- Nottingham Business School | University Info | Masters Portal
- Nottingham Trent University - Nottingham Business School | Find Courses
- Nottingham Business School | Wikiwand
- Nottingham Business School - Nottingham Trent University | MBA Reviews
Explore the latest data on Business, Industry Leaders and Influencers, Organizations, Education, and Investors to stay informed and ahead.

Professor Baback Yazdani (Executive Dean)