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Southampton Business School

Southampton Business School offers world-class business education, with a focus on practical learning, research excellence, and preparing students for leadership roles in global industries.
Southampton Business School
Dean

Professor Laura Costanzo

Academic staff
50 - 100
Students
800
Locations
Building 175, Boldrewood Innovation Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
Established
NaN
Afiliations
Russell Group, AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), Athena Swan Charter
Address
Building 175, Boldrewood Innovation Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
Social Media
Summary

Southampton Business School is part of the University of Southampton, located on the south coast of England. The school is a founding member of the Russell Group and ranks in the top 1% of global universities. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), making it a highly respected institution in business education.
 

The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including degrees in Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Marketing, and Management. It also provides MBA, DBA, and Executive Education programmes designed for experienced managers. The courses are regularly updated to reflect the changing business world, ensuring they remain relevant and challenging.


Southampton Business School is known for its cutting-edge research in various sectors, including banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and transport. The school is committed to integrating multidisciplinary research, focusing on areas such as sustainability, data analytics, leadership, and entrepreneurship. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 75% of the school’s research was rated as internationally excellent or world-leading.


The business school also offers several scholarships for both postgraduate and MBA students. The campus is located at the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, providing excellent facilities, including libraries, computing services, and sports amenities. Accommodation options are available for international students, with guaranteed housing for the first two years.


The school has received high rankings, such as being 27th in the UK for Business, Management, and Marketing, and its MBA programme ranks 13th in the UK. Southampton Business School's global reach, research excellence, and industry partnerships provide students with the tools and networks to succeed in the business world.

History

Southampton Business School is part of the University of Southampton, established in 1920. It has grown over the years to become one of the leading institutions in business education. The university itself was founded in 1862 as a scientific and technical institution and later gained university status in 1952. The business school, though initially smaller in scale, has developed significantly alongside the university’s expansion and success.


In the early years, Southampton Business School focused on providing practical, industry-focused education. This approach gained the school a solid reputation for producing graduates who were well-equipped to meet the challenges of the business world. Over time, the school expanded its offerings to include a wider range of courses in areas such as management, accounting, marketing, and finance, reflecting the changing demands of the global economy.
 

A major turning point for the school came in the 1980s when it became a part of the University of Southampton, which by then had established itself as a leading academic institution in the UK. During this period, Southampton Business School introduced its first MBA programme, which aimed to develop experienced professionals into leaders in their respective fields. The introduction of postgraduate courses helped to attract a more diverse student body, including both UK and international students.


In the 2000s, the business school became a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, a network of research-intensive universities in the UK. This affiliation signified the school’s commitment to research excellence, and it played a key role in shaping its future growth. The school’s research focus expanded, with faculty members contributing to various fields such as sustainability, data analytics, and business strategy. Research at the school was recognised for its global impact, and in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 75% of the research was rated as internationally excellent or world-leading.
 

In recent years, Southampton Business School has strengthened its position on the global stage. It received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing it among the top business schools worldwide. The school continues to develop and refine its curriculum, ensuring that it remains relevant to today’s fast-changing business environment. Its academic offerings are now recognised for their integration of cutting-edge research with practical application, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and global business.


Today, Southampton Business School has over 800 students from a variety of countries, studying a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programmes. It remains committed to providing high-quality education and research that addresses real-world problems. The school’s ongoing collaboration with industry partners, government bodies, and research organisations ensures that it stays at the forefront of business education, helping shape future leaders who can make a positive impact on business and society. The school is also focused on increasing its global presence, with students and alumni across the world contributing to its reputation for academic excellence and industry relevance.

Courses

Southampton Business School offers a wide range of courses that cater to different levels of education, from undergraduate to postgraduate and executive programmes. These courses are designed to meet the needs of students aspiring to become leaders in business, management, finance, and other related fields. Here’s a detailed look at the courses offered:
 

At the undergraduate level, the school offers several BSc degrees. Some of the key programmes include Accounting and Finance, Business Analytics, and Business and Heritage Management. These degrees focus on providing students with a strong foundation in business principles, financial analysis, and the application of data analytics in business decision-making.


The BSc in Accounting and Finance prepares students for careers in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, and corporate finance. The course covers areas such as financial management, financial accounting, and taxation, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate complex financial environments.
 

The BSc in Business Analytics focuses on the growing importance of data in business decision-making. Students learn about business intelligence, data mining, and statistical analysis techniques, all of which are essential for businesses looking to leverage data to improve performance. The course includes the option for Placement Year or Study Abroad to help students gain practical experience or broaden their international perspective.
 

Postgraduate offerings include the MSc in Accounting and Finance, which provides advanced knowledge and skills in financial analysis, accounting theory, and financial management. Students also have the option to take the MSc in Business Analytics and Finance, which combines financial knowledge with data analytics, preparing students for roles that require expertise in both fields.
 

For experienced professionals, the school offers MBA (Master of Business Administration), DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), and Executive Education programmes. These programmes are tailored to individuals looking to enhance their leadership skills and advance their careers. The MBA programme, in particular, offers specialisation options in General Management, Entrepreneurship, and Maritime, among others. The focus is on developing the ability to manage complex business problems, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to take on strategic leadership roles.
 

The school also provides PhD programmes in Business Administration for those wishing to pursue a career in academic research or higher-level consultancy roles. These programmes allow students to contribute to cutting-edge research in business management, strategy, and other business-related fields.

Global MBA rankings
  • #27 for Business, Management and Marketing in the UK (QS World University Rankings)
  • #37 for Accounting and Finance (QS World University Rankings)
  • #6 for Graduate Employment in Business, Management, and Marketing courses (UK)
  • Joint 10th among Russell Group Institutions
  • Top 25% of UK Business Schools for Research Quality (REF 2021)
  • #13 in the UK for Master of Business Administration (MBA) (QS Global MBA Rankings)

 

Job integration rate

Approximately 89% of University of Southampton students progress to employment or further study after graduation. The business school has a dedicated Career Services team that works closely with students to help them secure placements with leading companies. This includes support with CV writing, interview preparation, and access to job fairs and internships. Many students also benefit from the placement year options available in certain courses, which provide real-world work experience.

General information

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Southampton Business School
Dean

Professor Laura Costanzo

Academic staff
50 - 100
Students
800
Locations
Building 175, Boldrewood Innovation Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
Established
NaN
Afiliations
Russell Group, AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), Athena Swan Charter
Address
Building 175, Boldrewood Innovation Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
Social Media