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University of Bristol Business School

The University of Bristol Business School offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes, combining academic expertise with practical business and global industry insights.
University of Bristol Business School
Dean

Professor Palie Smart

Academic staff
100 - 500
Locations
Howard House, Queens Avenue, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
Established
2022
Afiliations
AACSB
Address
Howard House, Queens Avenue, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
Social Media
Summary

The University of Bristol Business School is part of the University of Bristol, a top 10 UK university, located in Bristol, England. The Business School was officially established in September 2022 by merging the Schools of Management and Accounting & Finance. However, its academic tradition in business disciplines goes back to 1955. The School is based at Howard House, Queens Avenue, in a city known for innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. It is a member of AACSB and holds the Athena Swan Bronze Award.
 

The School offers a full range of degree programmes, including undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research options. Key undergraduate areas include Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, International Business Management, and Marketing. Postgraduate programmes are available in similar fields, alongside Executive Masters. PhD opportunities are offered in Management and Accounting & Finance, with interdisciplinary options through the South West Doctoral Training Partnership.


According to the 2021 REF, 88% of the School’s research in Business and Management is rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent.” Research themes include corporate finance, financial reporting, sustainability, innovation, digitalisation, global political economy, and public service governance. It maintains research partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, international organisations, and private firms across regions, including North America, Southeast Asia, and the Global South.
 

The School has strong graduate outcomes, with over 91% of graduates in graduate-level jobs or further study within 15 months. It is ranked 11th in the UK for Business and Management, and 15th for Accounting and Finance (Complete University Guide 2025). It ranks 49th globally for graduate employability (QS 2022) and is the 5th most targeted UK university by top employers (High Fliers 2024). Support includes a dedicated Employability Adviser team, career development services, and opportunities through the Professional Liaison Network and the Bristol Futures Initiative.

History

The University of Bristol Business School has its academic roots in business education dating back to 1955. At that time, the University of Bristol began offering business-related courses through its broader academic departments. 


Over the years, the study of business, accounting, and management expanded in response to the growing demand for professionals trained in these areas. Two main academic units emerged from this development: the School of Management and the School of Accounting and Finance. These two schools developed strong teaching and research programmes, and many students graduated from these departments to take roles in businesses, public organisations, and the financial sector both in the UK and abroad.


In September 2022, the University formally brought together the School of Management and the School of Accounting and Finance to create the University of Bristol Business School. The decision was made to unify the strengths of both schools under one structure, which would provide a more integrated academic and research environment. 


The Business School now delivers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research programmes. Undergraduate courses include Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, International Business Management, and Marketing. Postgraduate offerings include taught master’s programmes, executive education, and doctoral programmes in Management and in Accounting & Finance.

The School has also developed strong research output. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 88 per cent of the research in Business and Management was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Research topics cover financial reporting, corporate finance, sustainability, governance, public services, and digitalisation. 


The School collaborates with partners from international institutions, governments, NGOs, professional bodies, and private companies across several regions. It also works closely with interdisciplinary research institutes within the University, such as the ESRC Centre for Sociodigital Futures.

Today, the University of Bristol Business School is located in Howard House, Bristol, and includes students and staff from more than 50 countries. It is part of a university that ranks in the top 10 per cent for employer reputation in Business and Management studies. It has developed strong links with industry, including local and global businesses. 


The School supports students through the University’s Careers Service and its own Professional Liaison Network, as well as employability programmes such as internships and networking events. It is a member of the AACSB and holds the Athena Swan Bronze Award. The School continues to grow its course offerings and research contributions while focusing on global and societal challenges through business education and applied research.

Courses

The University of Bristol Business School provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes in areas such as accounting, finance, business, management, international business, marketing, and research. These courses are structured to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and are taught by academic staff and professionals with experience in their respective industries.
 

At the undergraduate level, students can choose from several degrees. The BSc Accounting and Finance focuses on financial reporting, auditing, and corporate finance, preparing students for roles in finance, banking, accounting, and consultancy. The BSc Accounting and Management combines finance with broader business and management studies, while the BSc Economics and Accounting provides a foundation in economic theory alongside accounting practices, targeting students interested in economic policy and financial analysis. 


The BSc Finance centres on investment, financial markets, and risk management, ideal for those pursuing careers in banking and investment. Many of these undergraduate degrees offer options for study abroad and work placements to enhance real-world learning. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest business trends and global developments.
 

In Business and Management, undergraduate students learn about key areas such as strategy, operations, leadership, and innovation, developing an understanding of how businesses function and respond to change. The International Business Management programmes focus on the global nature of business operations, including trade, international markets, and the role of cultural and linguistic differences.


Marketing courses combine academic theory with case studies and practical application, covering topics such as digital marketing, consumer behaviour, and brand strategy, and preparing students for roles in industries like advertising, public relations, retail, and media.
 

Postgraduate taught programmes at the School include master’s degrees in Accounting and Finance, Business, Management, and Marketing, along with Executive Masters. The Business School offers over USD 3.2 million in scholarships for master’s students, helping to support access to further education for talented individuals.
 

At the doctoral level, the School provides PhD programmes in Management and in Accounting and Finance. Students can also engage with interdisciplinary pathways such as Global Political Economy and Sustainable Futures, in collaboration with the South West Doctoral Training Partnership. PhD students benefit from dedicated academic support, high-quality research resources, and access to supervisors with strong industry and academic backgrounds.

Global MBA rankings
  • Ranked 12th in the UK for Business and Management (Guardian University Guide 2025)
  • Ranked 15th in the UK for Accounting and Finance (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • Ranked 11th in the UK for Marketing and Business and Management (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 49th in the world for Graduate Employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022)
  • Top 10% globally for Employer Reputation in Business and Management (QS World Rankings 2020)
  • 5th most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers 2024)
Job integration rate

The University of Bristol Business School has a strong job integration rate, with over 91% of its graduates either employed in graduate-level jobs or enrolled in further study within 15 months of graduation, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020. Students benefit from a dedicated employability team, professional networking events, internship programmes, and employer showcases. Many graduates secure roles with leading firms in finance, consulting, marketing, and public services. The University’s connection to major recruiters, including the Big Four accounting firms, helps students enter the job market with confidence and industry-relevant skills.

General information

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University of Bristol Business School
Dean

Professor Palie Smart

Academic staff
100 - 500
Locations
Howard House, Queens Avenue, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
Established
2022
Afiliations
AACSB
Address
Howard House, Queens Avenue, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
Social Media