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University of Edinburgh Business School

University of Edinburgh Business School is a leading business school offering undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, PhD, and executive education programmes with a focus on practical skills and global impact.
University of Edinburgh Business School
Dean

Gavin Jack

Academic staff
100 - 500
Students
22000
Locations
29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9JS, Scotland, UK
Established
1919
Afiliations
AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA, CFA Institute, Chartered Banker, CIPD, CIMA, ACCA
Address
29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9JS, Scotland, UK
Social Media
Summary

The University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS) is part of the University of Edinburgh, located in Scotland’s capital city. The university itself was founded in 1583, and the Business School has been offering business education since 1919. It provides a variety of programmes including undergraduate degrees, masters, MBA (full-time, part-time, and online), PhDs, and executive education.
 

UEBS is triple-accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, which shows the quality of its teaching and research. It ranks highly in several global listings, including 16th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing, and also features in rankings for business analytics, finance, and management. The school is known for its research work in areas such as climate change finance, innovation, and business strategy. Its faculty includes around 140 academic staff, many of whom are active in research and industry consultancy.


The Business School encourages professional development. Each master's and MBA student follows a personalised journey to develop skills relevant to real-world business challenges. The school supports students with dedicated development teams to help prepare them for global career opportunities.


UEBS has strong links with businesses and industry. Students often work on projects and dissertations in collaboration with companies, gaining practical experience. The alumni network is large and international, with over 22,000 members across 141 countries. Many alumni contribute to mentoring and events, providing valuable support to current students.
 

Living in Edinburgh offers a mix of history, culture, and modern business opportunities, as it is the UK’s second-largest financial centre. The Business School also offers support for scholarships and funding, and the cost of living is detailed to help students plan their budgets.

History

The University of Edinburgh Business School traces its origins back to 1919 when the University of Edinburgh began offering business education. The University itself was established much earlier, in 1583, making it one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Over the years, business education at Edinburgh grew steadily, responding to the increasing demand for formal business studies in Scotland and beyond.
 

In 1980, the University introduced its MBA programme, marking a significant development in its business education offerings. This programme allowed the school to expand its reach and attract students from different parts of the world. Over the following decades, the Business School continued to develop its curriculum, adding various undergraduate, masters, PhD, and executive education courses. This growth reflected the changing needs of business and industry, as well as advances in research and teaching methods.
 

The Business School officially became known as the University of Edinburgh Business School in 2008, establishing itself as a distinct entity within the University of Edinburgh. Since then, it has grown its academic staff to around 140 and enhanced its research profile. The school set up several research centres and networks that focus on key business themes, such as climate change, finance innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. These centres have enabled the school to contribute knowledge and solutions to real-world business challenges.
 

The Business School has also achieved triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. These are widely recognised as the main quality marks for business schools worldwide and confirm the school’s commitment to high standards in teaching and research. The school’s programmes have appeared consistently in global rankings, including its Masters in Marketing, Business Analytics, Finance, and Management.


UEBS has developed strong connections with businesses and industry, involving practitioners in teaching and allowing students to work on live projects. It has also built a global alumni network of over 22,000 graduates who support current students and contribute to the school’s community.
 

Today, the University of Edinburgh Business School is known for combining its long history with modern research and teaching approaches. It remains based in Edinburgh, a city with a rich cultural and economic environment, serving as an important centre for business education in the UK and internationally.

Courses

The University of Edinburgh Business School offers a wide range of courses across undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, PhD, and executive education levels.
 

At the undergraduate level, students can study degrees that provide a strong foundation in business and management. These courses cover areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. The programmes aim to give students both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for various business roles after graduation.
 

For postgraduate students, the Business School offers more specialised Master’s degrees. These include Masters in Marketing, Business Analytics, Finance, Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Climate Change Finance and Investment, Finance, Technology and Policy, and more. These programmes usually last one year full-time and provide deep knowledge in the chosen subject area. They combine lectures, case studies, group work, and research projects to develop critical thinking and practical skills. Many courses also include options for student-led projects or dissertations, often in collaboration with companies or organisations.
 

The MBA programmes are available in several formats: full-time, part-time Executive, and online. The MBA focuses on strategic leadership and development. It is designed to equip students with the skills needed to manage organisations, lead change, and make effective business decisions. The programme offers flexibility to accommodate working professionals and international students. The MBA network also connects students with business leaders and alumni worldwide.


For those interested in research, the Business School offers PhD programmes across several subject groups such as accounting, finance, marketing, organisation studies, and strategy. PhD candidates work closely with faculty on original research that contributes new knowledge to business and management.


The Business School also provides Executive Education courses, including masterclasses and professional development programmes. These short courses help managers and business leaders update their skills or gain knowledge in specific areas such as digital transformation or leadership.

Global MBA rankings
  • Ranked 16th worldwide for Masters in Marketing (QS 2025)
  • Ranked 25th globally for Masters in Business Analytics
  • Ranked 33rd worldwide for Masters in Finance and Masters in Management
  • 15th in 2024 QS Sustainability Rankings (3rd in the UK)
  • 26th in 2023 Corporate Knights Better World MBA ranking (7th in the UK)
  • 22nd in 2024 QS World University Rankings overall (5th in the UK)
  • 43rd in 2023 Financial Times Finance MSc world rankings (8th in the UK)
  • 64th in 2024 QS Global MBA rankings
  • 78th in 2023 Financial Times Management MSc world rankings (5th in the UK)
Job integration rate

Each year, the school supports hundreds of placements and internships through its connections with businesses locally and internationally. Around 80% of graduates find work or further study within six months of completing their degree. The school’s career services offer guidance, workshops, and networking events to help students prepare for the job market and connect with employers. This support helps students build skills and confidence to succeed in their chosen careers.

General information

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University of Edinburgh Business School
Dean

Gavin Jack

Academic staff
100 - 500
Students
22000
Locations
29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9JS, Scotland, UK
Established
1919
Afiliations
AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA, CFA Institute, Chartered Banker, CIPD, CIMA, ACCA
Address
29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9JS, Scotland, UK
Social Media