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University of Exeter Business School

The University of Exeter Business School offers business, economics, and finance education with a focus on sustainability, leadership, and global engagement.
University of Exeter Business School
Dean

Professor Alexandra Gerbasi

Academic staff
100 - 500
Students
3882
Locations
Building One, Rennes Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PU, United Kingdom
Established
NaN
Afiliations
University of Exeter; AACSB; AMBA; EQUIS; Russell Group; UN PRME
Address
Building One, Rennes Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PU, United Kingdom
Social Media
Summary

The University of Exeter Business School is part of the University of Exeter and was formally established in 2008. Its origins trace back to 1988, when the Centre for Management Studies first offered an MBA programme. The Business School is based on the Streatham Campus in Exeter, Devon, and is part of the University’s Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy. 

 

It currently has over 200 academic staff and a total student population of more than 3,800, including undergraduate, postgraduate taught, MBA, and research students. The School attracts students from over 80 countries.
 

The School is triple-accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB, placing it among a small group of business schools globally with this recognition. It is also part of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities in the UK. In recent rankings, it has been named the UK Business School of the Year (Times Higher Education Awards 2022) and is ranked #=64 in Full-time MBA Rankings in Europe (QS 2025), with subject-specific rankings including Masters in Marketing (#51–60) and Masters in Finance (#101–110).
 

The School is organised into three departments: Management, Economics, and Finance & Accounting. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and PhD programmes, including joint and interdisciplinary degrees. The Exeter MBA has a focus on sustainability and responsible leadership.


The School has 60 international partner institutions in 24 countries, including Bocconi University, Copenhagen Business School, and the University of Hong Kong. Alumni include notable figures such as Abdullah Gül (former President of Turkey) and Sajid Javid MP (former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer).
 

The School focuses on three research themes: Environmental Sustainability, Responsible Leadership, and Technological Transformation. Its campuses are located in Exeter and Penryn (Cornwall). Support services, events, and executive education programmes are also offered for ongoing learning and professional development.

History

The University of Exeter Business School traces its roots to 1988 when the University of Exeter launched its first Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the Centre for Management Studies. This marked the beginning of formal business education at the university. Over time, the Centre grew, and in 1998 the University brought together its Departments of Management, Economics, and Accounting and Finance, which led to the formation of what was known as the School of Business and Economics. This restructuring laid the groundwork for a more focused and integrated business school.


In 2008, the University formally established the University of Exeter Business School. It was created to strengthen business, finance, and economics education and to increase research capacity. At its formation, the School had 38 full-time academic staff. Over the following years, staff numbers grew significantly, surpassing 200 by 2013. The School was based in Building:One on the Streatham Campus in Exeter and has continued to develop its facilities and resources since.
 

The School introduced several new programmes, including undergraduate degrees, taught master’s degrees, and research degrees such as MRes and PhD. The Exeter MBA, introduced with a focus on sustainability and responsible leadership, became one of its key offerings. The School also increased its engagement with international partner institutions, building exchange programmes and collaborative research projects. Today, it has more than 60 international partners in 24 countries.
 

The Business School achieved triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, placing it in a small group of business schools worldwide with this recognition. It is also a member of the Russell Group of UK universities and participates in global initiatives such as the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education.
 

By 2025, the School will offer education across three departments—Management, Economics, and Finance & Accounting—and will host more than 3,800 students. It is focused on three main research themes: Environmental Sustainability, Responsible Leadership, and Technological Transformation. The School has two campus locations, Exeter and Penryn, and provides a wide range of degree programmes, executive education, and business partnerships. Its graduates and alumni work globally across the public and private sectors. The School continues to operate under the leadership of Professor Alexandra Gerbasi.

Courses

The University of Exeter Business School offers a wide range of courses across undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and research levels. These programmes are designed to prepare students for roles in business, finance, economics, management, and related areas. The School is made up of three main departments: Management, Economics, and Finance & Accounting.
 

At the undergraduate level, students can pursue BSc degrees in areas such as Business and Management, Marketing and Management, Business Economics, Accounting and Finance, Economics and Politics, and Flexible Combined Honours. These courses provide a foundation in core business subjects and allow students to specialise through optional modules. Some degrees offer a year abroad or a year in industry.


At the postgraduate taught level, the School offers a range of MSc programmes. These include MSc Finance, MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management, MSc Marketing, MSc International Business, MSc Management, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Economics, MSc Economics and Econometrics, MSc Accounting and Finance, and MSc Human Resource Management. These programmes are designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge in a specific field. Many include practical elements such as group projects, case studies, and work placements.
 

The School also offers The Exeter MBA, a full-time, one-year programme designed for professionals who want to develop leadership skills and a strong understanding of sustainable and responsible business practices. It includes consultancy projects, leadership development, and international study visits.
 

Postgraduate research programmes include MRes and PhD options. These are available in Management, Economics, and Finance & Accounting. Students pursuing research degrees receive supervision from experienced academics and may have opportunities to work on funded projects or contribute to publications.
 

The School also runs Executive Education programmes, including short courses and bespoke programmes for businesses and professionals. Topics include leadership, circular economy, and business transformation.
 

Some of the programmes are accredited by professional bodies such as the CFA Institute, CIMA, ACCA, and CIPD, which helps students gain exemptions or recognition towards professional qualifications.


Courses are delivered at the Streatham Campus in Exeter and the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, depending on the chosen programme. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work, and presentations. Assessment is usually a mix of coursework, exams, and practical tasks.

Global MBA rankings
  • Ranked #=64 in Europe for Full-time MBA (QS Global MBA Rankings 2025)
  • Ranked #201–250 globally in Full-time MBA (QS Global MBA Rankings 2025)
  • Ranked #51–60 in the world for Masters in Marketing (QS Business Masters Rankings 2025)
  • Ranked #101–110 in the world for Masters in Finance (QS Business Masters Rankings 2025)
  • Recognised as the UK Business School of the Year by Times Higher Education Awards 2022
  • All departments in the School are ranked top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)
Job integration rate

According to the Complete University Guide 2025, all departments are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects. Over 95% of undergraduates and postgraduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation. Many students find placements with global firms during their studies, and the School has strong links with employers in finance, consulting, government, and technology. The Career Zone and Business School Careers Team support students with job searches, CV preparation, interview practice, and employer engagement.

General information

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University of Exeter Business School
Dean

Professor Alexandra Gerbasi

Academic staff
100 - 500
Students
3882
Locations
Building One, Rennes Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PU, United Kingdom
Established
NaN
Afiliations
University of Exeter; AACSB; AMBA; EQUIS; Russell Group; UN PRME
Address
Building One, Rennes Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PU, United Kingdom
Social Media