
Royal Docks School of Business and Law

Professor Fatima Annan-Diab
Summary
The Royal Docks School of Business and Law (RDSBL) at the University of East London is a career-focused institution located in East London. It offers a wide range of courses in business, law, finance, criminology, hospitality, and events management. The school prepares students for the future by focusing on the skills needed for Industry 4.0, recognising that many jobs today’s students will do do not yet exist.
RDSBL’s teaching combines theory with practical learning. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities such as a Trading Floor, Mock Courtroom, Strategy and Marketing Analytics Lab, and MBA Suite. These facilities simulate real work environments, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and prepare for real-world challenges.
The school places strong emphasis on employability. It has partnerships with businesses in London, including those in Canary Wharf and Tech City. Students have access to placements, live project briefs, and opportunities to work with well-known companies. The Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme helps students develop important skills like critical thinking and emotional intelligence, supporting their career readiness.
RDSBL supports entrepreneurship through an entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides funding and business support. It has been awarded the Small Business Charter (SBC) accreditation for five years, recognising its work with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and student entrepreneurs in East London. The school maintains strong links with local economic partners such as the Mayor of London and the Newham Chamber of Commerce.
The school holds many professional accreditations, including ACCA, CIPD, CBI, CFA Institute, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Graduates join an active alumni network with access to discounts, events, and continuing professional development. RDSBL is committed to delivering future-proof education that connects students with real opportunities in business and law.
History
The Royal Docks School of Business and Law (RDSBL) is part of the University of East London (UEL), which was established in 1992 through the merger of several institutions, including the North East London Polytechnic. The university’s creation aimed to provide higher education to the growing population of East London and to support the local economy by offering practical and relevant courses. The School of Business and Law was developed to meet the increasing demand for education in business, finance, law, and related areas, reflecting the economic growth and business activity in the East London area.
In its early years, the school focused on delivering foundational business and law education, adapting to the needs of the local community and employers. As East London developed into a major commercial hub, particularly with the growth of the Royal Docks area and Canary Wharf, the school expanded its course offerings to include specialised programmes in finance, entrepreneurship, criminology, hospitality, events, and technology-related fields. This expansion was part of a broader university strategy to align academic programmes with industry requirements and regional economic priorities.
Over time, RDSBL introduced practical and career-focused elements into its teaching, such as placement opportunities, live projects, and industry collaborations. This approach helped students gain work experience and improved their employability. The school also invested in modern facilities like a Trading Floor and Mock Courtroom to replicate real work environments and enhance student learning.
In recent years, the school has incorporated emerging technologies and trends into its curriculum, including artificial intelligence, fintech, digital marketing, and sustainability. The Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme was introduced to develop students’ personal and professional skills such as emotional intelligence and critical thinking, supporting their readiness for a changing job market.
The Royal Docks School of Business and Law has maintained strong partnerships with local economic stakeholders such as the Mayor of London and the Newham Chamber of Commerce. In recognition of its support for small and medium-sized enterprises and student entrepreneurship, it was awarded the Small Business Charter accreditation for five years. This accreditation acknowledges the school’s commitment to fostering business growth and innovation in East London.
Today, RDSBL continues to grow as a career-led institution. It offers accredited courses recognised by professional bodies such as ACCA, CIPD, CFA Institute, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Its alumni network provides ongoing support for graduates through mentoring, continuing professional development, and access to resources. The school remains focused on preparing students for the future, ensuring their skills match the demands of evolving industries and the wider economy.
Courses
The Royal Docks School of Business and Law (RDSBL) at the University of East London offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses designed to prepare students for careers in business, law, finance, criminology, hospitality, and events management. These courses are structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the professional world.
At the undergraduate level, students can choose from various programmes. The Accounting and Business Management BSc (Hons) combines practical professional experience with creative approaches to business and accounting, helping students develop strong business skills. The Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) is accredited by six professional bodies, enabling students to become qualified accountants and gain exemptions from ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, AIA, CPA Australia, and IFA.
The Banking and Finance BSc (Hons) equips students with expertise in financial markets, investment, and risk management, preparing them for careers in banking, finance, and accounting. The Business Economics BSc (Hons) blends practical experience with core business management concepts to develop students’ understanding of economics in real-world contexts.
Law-related courses include the Business Law LLB (Hons), a qualifying law degree that prepares students for careers as barristers or solicitors with specialisations such as employment law, commercial law, and company law. Other options include Criminology and Criminal Justice BA (Hons), which explores crime and society’s response, and Criminology and Law BA (Hons), combining crime studies with legal expertise. The Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons) focuses on criminal behaviour and forensic psychology. Additionally, the Economics BSc (Hons) prepares students to address challenges in the evolving business environment.
For those interested in events and hospitality, the Events Management BA (Hons) offers practical learning with industry professionals, while the Hospitality Management BA (Hons) prepares students for managerial roles focused on customer service, operations, and strategy. The Law LLB (Hons) is another qualifying law degree essential for legal training.
Postgraduate courses include MBA programmes designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their expertise through research and critical inquiry. The Business and Financial Law LLM familiarises students with legal and regulatory issues in international business and finance. The Business Management and Social Justice MRes prepares students for high-level research in their specialisms. The Events and Hospitality Leadership MSc mixes theory with practice to support employability in those sectors.
The school also offers professional development and research opportunities. The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship allows students to work in managerial roles while earning a degree. PhD and MPhil research degrees are available in areas such as business, law, and criminology, enabling students to undertake in-depth study and contribute new knowledge to their fields.
Global MBA rankings
- World University Rankings 2025: Ranked between 1001–1200 globally.
- Business and Economics: Ranked 801+ globally.
- Education Studies: Ranked 501–600 globally.
- Psychology: Ranked 301–400 globally.
- Social Sciences: Ranked 601–800 globally.
- Impact Rankings 2024: Ranked 401–600 globally.
- No Poverty 2024: Ranked 301–400 globally.
- Gender Equality 2024: Ranked 301–400 globally.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth 2024: Ranked 401–600 globally.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities 2024: Ranked 401–600 globally.
Job integration rate
The Royal Docks School of Business and Law (RDSBL) at the University of East London strongly supports graduate employability. In recent years, over 500 UEL graduates have secured jobs with top employers like KPMG, IBM, HSBC, and British Airways. The school offers industry-relevant courses, placements, and a full-year internship after the second year, giving students practical experience and networking opportunities. The Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme develops key skills such as critical thinking and emotional intelligence. Graduates also benefit from ongoing career support, mentoring, and access to a global alumni network, helping many secure employment shortly after finishing their studies.
General information
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law| University of East London
- Research in the Royal Docks School of Business & Law| University of East London
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law at UEL| Facebook · Royal Docks School of Business and Law at UEL
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University| Principles for Responsible Management Education
- Offer Holder Day - Royal Docks School of Business and Law| University of East London
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law @UEL| LinkedIn · Royal Docks School of Business and Law @UEL
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law Practice Based | YouTube · University of East London
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law at UEL| Instagram · rdsblsocialsuel
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law at UEL - X| X · SBL_UEL
- School of Business and Law MPhil PhD| University of East London
- ROYAL DOCKS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LAW| Issuu
- UEL University of East London - Royal Docks| FIND MBA
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University | Small Business Charter
Explore the latest data on Business, Industry Leaders and Influencers, Organizations, Education, and Investors to stay informed and ahead.

Professor Fatima Annan-Diab