The Open University Business School

The Open University Business School (OUBS), founded in 1983, has been providing flexible and high-quality management education for over 40 years. It is one of the few business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, a recognition held by only 1% of business schools globally. OUBS has earned a strong reputation for its practice-based, distance learning approach, which allows students to continue working while gaining new skills. This method enables immediate application of knowledge, benefiting both individuals and organisations.

With more than 116,000 alumni from over 130 countries, OUBS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The school’s programmes cater to a wide range of business disciplines, including accounting, finance, strategy, marketing, and leadership. It provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education courses, with a particular focus on leadership development through its MBA programme.
 

OUBS is committed to delivering high-impact research and creating value for students and businesses. The school has established partnerships with several influential professional bodies, such as the Institute of Directors (IoD) and Chartered Management Institute (CMI), ensuring that its curriculum meets the needs of both students and employers. OUBS is also active in sustainability initiatives and social responsibility, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Over the years, the Business School has received numerous awards, including recognition for its innovation and commitment to sustainable education. It is well-regarded for its research, earning top rankings in various global surveys, including 5th in the Global Online MBA Rankings by CEO Magazine.

The Open University Business School (OUBS) was established in 1983 with the mission to provide high-quality, flexible business education accessible to a wide range of individuals. In its first year, OUBS attracted 1,600 students, a promising start for the institution. The school’s rapid growth was evident in 1989, when it launched its MBA programme. By the same year, it became the largest business school in Europe. This was a significant milestone, marking OUBS as a leading provider of business education in the region. That same year, the school began offering courses in Eastern Europe, extending its influence beyond the UK and into international markets.
 

In 1992, OUBS awarded its first MBA degrees, further solidifying its position as a respected business school. The school’s commitment to quality was recognised in 1994, when it received an "excellent" rating for business teaching from the UK Higher Education Funding Council. That same year, it also achieved accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), setting the foundation for future achievements in business education. During this period, OUBS received the Investors in People (IiP) award in recognition of its efforts to support staff development.
 

In 2000, OUBS launched its first undergraduate management programme, the BA in Business Studies. This development expanded the school’s offerings and allowed it to provide education at various levels, catering to students who sought to pursue business education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
 

In 2004, OUBS reached a significant milestone by achieving triple accreditation from three prestigious organisations: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). This triple accreditation, held by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide, solidified OUBS’s reputation as a globally recognised and respected business school.
 

The early 2000s also saw OUBS’s involvement in creating and developing cutting-edge technology for education. In 2007, the school introduced its Electronic Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a platform that enabled students to access course materials and participate in online learning. This move into digital education marked the beginning of a broader focus on technology-led learning and innovation at OUBS.
 

OUBS continued to innovate and enhance its offerings over the next decade. In 2009, the school celebrated the 20th anniversary of its MBA programme and the graduation of its 20,000th MBA student. This milestone demonstrated the growing impact of the school’s MBA programme and its global reach. In 2010, the school launched a new MBA programme, further improving the curriculum to meet the needs of today’s business world. The same year, OUBS retained its AACSB accreditation, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high academic standards.
 

In 2011, OUBS signed the United Nations Global Compact Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), reflecting its commitment to sustainability and responsible business education. The following year, OUBS continued to retain its AMBA and EQUIS accreditations, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to maintaining global standards in business education.
 

In 2013, OUBS launched its Executive Education programme, designed to cater to the needs of senior managers and executives. This new programme further enhanced the school’s reputation for providing high-quality education that was flexible and tailored to professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and management skills.
 

In 2014, OUBS celebrated its 25th anniversary and the graduation of its 25,000th MBA student. The school also saw its MBA ranked 13th globally by the Financial Times Online MBA Rankings and 2nd by CEO Magazine, reflecting its strong reputation in the business education sector. That year, the school was also ranked 8th by QS Top MBA.
 

In 2016, OUBS continued to demonstrate its leadership in online education, ranking 6th in the Global Online MBA Rankings by CEO Magazine and QS Distance Online MBA Rankings. During this time, OUBS was featured in AACSB's Innovations That Inspire for its significant investment in free online learning resources, further cementing its role as a leader in online business education.
 

OUBS’s commitment to social responsibility continued in 2017 when the school won the Business Partnership category at the Guardian University Awards. That same year, it was ranked 7th globally in the CEO Magazine rankings and retained its position as the top UK institution for online MBA programmes.

The school’s emphasis on innovation and research led to further success in 2019, when an OUBS MBA alum received an international Influential Leader Award from AACSB. This recognition showcased the continued success of the school’s graduates and their impact on the global business landscape. OUBS was also ranked 5th globally in the CEO Magazine Online MBA Rankings and maintained its position as the top UK institution.

In 2020, the school was ranked 31st in the QS Distance Online MBA Rankings. Despite challenges posed by the global pandemic, OUBS continued to adapt and innovate, ensuring that its students could continue their studies through flexible and accessible online learning platforms.
 

In 2022, OUBS successfully retained its triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS) and saw its research excellence recognised in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), where 75% of its impact cases were rated as internationally excellent or world-leading.
 

The Open University Business School today remains a leader in business education, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programmes. The school continues to attract students from across the globe, with over 116,000 alumni in more than 130 countries. Its commitment to providing flexible, accessible, and high-quality education has made it a respected institution, dedicated to the professional and personal growth of its students. The school’s ongoing focus on sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices ensures its continued relevance in the global business education landscape.

The Open University Business School (OUBS) offers a wide range of courses designed to meet the needs of professionals at different stages of their careers. The courses are flexible, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. OUBS provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programmes, all grounded in practice-based learning. This ensures that students can apply new knowledge immediately in their workplaces.
 

At the undergraduate level, the Business School offers the BA (Hons) Business Studies programme. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business practices, management principles, and the global business environment. It covers core subjects such as accounting, marketing, strategy, and human resources. The course also allows students to tailor their learning to their specific interests through optional modules.

For those looking to advance their careers, OUBS offers a range of postgraduate programmes, including the MBA (Master of Business Administration). The MBA is one of the flagship programmes of OUBS and is designed for individuals with professional experience seeking to develop their leadership and management skills. The course covers key areas like strategy, marketing, financial management, and leadership, and allows students to focus on specific areas such as entrepreneurship, international business, and sustainable business practices.
 

OUBS also offers the MSc in Finance, which is recognised for its alignment with the CFA Institute’s curriculum. This course is ideal for those looking to build expertise in finance and investment. It equips students with a deep understanding of financial markets, risk management, and corporate finance. The MSc in Human Resources Management is another popular postgraduate course, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and is designed for those looking to specialise in HR.

For professionals seeking specific knowledge in leadership or strategy, OUBS provides an Executive MBA and various Executive Education programmes. These programmes are tailored to senior managers and executives looking to enhance their strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and decision-making skills. The Executive MBA allows students to learn in a flexible format while still maintaining their full-time roles in leadership positions.
 

In addition to these, OUBS offers short courses and professional development courses through the Centre for Professional Learning and Development. These courses are designed to meet the needs of organisations and individuals looking to develop specific skills, such as project management, digital marketing, and leadership development. The MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) offerings provide free learning resources to the public, covering topics such as business, finance, and sustainability.

• 5th in the Global Online MBA Rankings by CEO Magazine (2019)
• 1st for UK institutions in the Global Online MBA Rankings by CEO Magazine (2019)
• 6th in the QS Distance Online MBA Rankings (2016)
• Ranked 13th globally in the Financial Times Online MBA Rankings (2014)
• Ranked 8th by QS Top MBA (2014)

OUBS has a strong track record for job integration, with 92% of its graduates reporting a positive experience after completing their studies. The school has helped thousands of students secure jobs across various industries globally. Over 28,000 MBA graduates alone have gone on to take leadership roles in companies worldwide. The flexible, practice-based approach of OUBS ensures that students can immediately apply their learning in their workplace, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Many of the school’s programmes are closely linked with industry needs, which contributes to the high job placement rate and successful career outcomes for its graduates.

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