Plymouth Business School

Plymouth Business School is part of the University of Plymouth, located in Devon, England. The University dates back to 1862, with the Business School formally established in the late 20th century to meet growing demand for business education. Initially focused on undergraduate courses in business studies, accounting, and management, the school has expanded to include postgraduate programmes such as MBAs and specialised master’s degrees in finance, marketing, and human resource management.

The school places strong emphasis on applied research and engagement with regional business communities. It houses two interdisciplinary research clusters centred on sustainable business practices: one focused on productivity, innovation, and performance; the other on consumer, business, and community behaviour and management. Six research initiatives bring together academics working on themes like value chain management, coastal communities, social systems modelling, maritime transport, competition and innovation, and responsible leadership.

Plymouth Business School is committed to delivering industry-led programmes that equip students with practical skills for career success and personal development. Undergraduate courses include BA and BSc (Hons) degrees with foundation years, fast-track options, and work-based apprenticeships. Postgraduate study aims to bridge theory and practice, enhancing professional skills and employability.

Internationalisation is a key feature, with staff from diverse backgrounds contributing global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding. The school collaborates with external stakeholders to promote sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate ethics, aiming to develop graduates who are aware of their impact on society and the environment.

In 2019, the school moved to the University’s city centre campus, with modern facilities including the Bloomberg Interactive Suite and entrepreneurship support spaces. It was the first UK university to gain accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), recognising the quality of its business, management, accounting, and finance degrees.

Plymouth Business School is a constituent part of the University of Plymouth, situated in the city of Plymouth, Devon, England. The University of Plymouth traces its origins back to 1862, but the formal establishment of Plymouth Business School occurred later, during the university’s expansion to meet the growing demand for business and management education.

The school was officially founded in the late 20th century, building upon the university’s existing academic programmes in business, economics, and management. Initially, Plymouth Business School focused mainly on undergraduate education, offering courses in business studies, accounting, and management. Over time, it expanded its academic portfolio to include postgraduate taught courses such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes and specialised master’s degrees in finance, marketing, and human resource management.

In the 2000s, the school increased its research activity and became known for applied research projects that engaged with regional business communities and public sector organisations. This period saw the development of dedicated research groups focusing on sustainable business practices, innovation, and consumer behaviour. The school established collaborative links with industry and professional bodies to improve graduate employability and maintain the relevance of its programmes. Partnerships with local businesses, international institutions, and government agencies formed a key part of its strategic approach.

In 2019, Plymouth Business School relocated its teaching activities to the University of Plymouth’s city centre campus. This move consolidated facilities and enhanced accessibility for students as part of a broader campus redevelopment plan aimed at modernising university infrastructure.

Plymouth Business School maintains a research-active community, producing trans- and interdisciplinary research of local, national, and international significance. The school is home to two interdisciplinary research clusters: ‘Sustainable Business: Productivity, Innovation and Performance (PIP)’ and ‘Sustainable Business: Consumers, Business and Community Behaviour and Management (CBCBM)’. Within these clusters, six Research Initiatives bring together academics with shared interests in themes such as product and services value chain management, coastal communities, social systems modelling, maritime transport, competition and innovation, and responsible decision-making and leadership.

Staff at the school are involved in externally funded projects including research on coastal community policy needs and initiatives funded by the ESRC and Research England.

The school delivers industry-led programmes designed to equip graduates with skills for career success and personal development. Undergraduate offerings include BA and BSc (Hons) degrees with options for foundation years, fast-track courses, top-ups, and work-based apprenticeships. Postgraduate programmes focus on professional and practical skills, aiming to bridge theoretical knowledge with application.

Internationalisation is an important feature of the school, with academic staff representing various countries and bringing considerable cross-cultural competence. Plymouth Business School emphasises collaboration and co-creation with external stakeholders and is committed to responsible business practice. It aims to develop value-driven graduates who understand sustainability, corporate responsibility, and their societal and environmental impact.

The University of Plymouth was the first in the UK to receive accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), recognising the quality of degrees offered through Plymouth Business School in business, management, accounting, and finance.

The Fitzroy Building, the new home of the school, has been redeveloped to provide specialist facilities including the Bloomberg Interactive Suite, The Cube for student entrepreneurship, a Maritime Suite, and a Language Lab. These facilities support a comprehensive learning environment for business, management, accounting, finance, and marketing students.

Plymouth Business School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses designed to provide students with relevant knowledge and practical skills for careers in business and management. The school’s programmes aim to prepare graduates for both professional success and personal development.

At the undergraduate level, the school provides Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) honours degrees across various business-related disciplines. These include courses in business studies, accounting, finance, marketing, human resource management, and management. Many undergraduate degrees come with options such as foundation years for students requiring additional preparation before entering the full degree. The school also offers two-year fast-track routes for students seeking to complete their degrees in a shorter time frame. Additionally, there are top-up courses that allow students who have completed diplomas or foundation qualifications to gain a full honours degree. Plymouth Business School supports work-based degree apprenticeships, which combine academic study with paid employment, enabling students to gain practical experience alongside their studies.

Postgraduate programmes are designed to provide essential professional and practical development for students aiming to enhance their career prospects. These include taught master’s degrees such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA), as well as specialised MSc degrees in fields like finance, marketing, human resource management, and innovation management. Postgraduate courses focus on bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application in business settings. The school offers flexible study options to accommodate full-time and part-time students.

Research degrees are also available for students interested in contributing to academic and applied knowledge. These include doctoral (PhD) studies within the school’s research-active environment, which focuses on themes such as sustainable business, innovation, and responsible leadership.

Across all levels, Plymouth Business School integrates industry engagement and applied learning into its curriculum. This includes guest lectures, live projects, and collaboration with local businesses and international partners. Students have access to specialist facilities such as the Bloomberg Interactive Suite, which supports finance and accounting learning, and The Cube, a space for student entrepreneurship.

Internationalisation is embedded within the courses, with academic staff from various countries bringing diverse perspectives. The school encourages cross-cultural competence through global case studies and collaborative projects.

Plymouth Business School is ranked 21st among UK business schools according to the Eduniversal Global Business School Rankings. It holds a 3 Palmes rating in the Eduniversal Palmes of Excellence league, which classifies it as an "Excellent Business School."

In the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, the University of Plymouth, where Plymouth Business School is based, is placed in the 501–600 range globally. The university's performance across various indicators includes a teaching score of 22.8, a research environment score of 22, research quality at 77, industry income at 65, and an international outlook of 81.6. These factors contribute to its overall position in the rankings.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Plymouth is ranked between 661st and 670th globally. This ranking reflects the university’s position in the wider global context among higher education institutions.

In addition, the University of Plymouth is placed 251st in the Shiksha rankings for postgraduate Business and Economics. This further reflects its presence and recognition in specific subject areas.

As of the latest available data, the University of Plymouth reports that over 95% of its graduates are employed or engaged in further study 15 months after completing their degree . This statistic reflects the overall graduate outcomes across all disciplines, including those from Plymouth Business School.

Specifically, for postgraduate students, the university indicates that 87% are employed within six months of graduation . While this data encompasses all postgraduate disciplines, it provides a general indication of the employability outcomes for postgraduate students at the university.

• Plymouth Business School | University of Plymouth
• Plymouth Business School | Chartered Association of Business Schools
• Plymouth Business School | AMBA-BGA
• Business Management at University of Plymouth | UCAS
• School of Business | University Info | 1 Masters in English
• Plymouth Business School, University of Plymouth | Coreus Group
• Plymouth Business School | Postgraduate Studentships
• University of Plymouth Business & Management Studies | Shiksha 
• University of Plymouth | MBA Reviews
• Plymouth University - The Plymouth Business School | Eduniversal Business Schools Ranking
• University of Plymouth : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities