Aston Business School is globally recognised by top accrediting bodies and independent rankings.
- Accreditations
AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS ‘Triple Crown’
We are part of an elite group of global business schools who hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs) and EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System).ACCA
Our MSc Accounting and Finance course is fully accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).BPS
Our MSc Work Psychology and Business course is a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited postgraduate programme in Occupational Psychology (Stage 1).CIPD
Our MSc Human Resource Management and Business course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and meets the requirements of the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in HR.CFA
We are recognised by the CFA Institute University Affiliation programme.Small Business Charter
We were one of the first business schools to hold the Small Business Charter – and we still do. This accolade demonstrates exceptional dedication to helping improve links with and support the small business community.Membership of the Business Graduates Association
This Association is an International quality assurance body of world-leading and high-potential Business Schools who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning.
- Our History
1895 – where it all started
Our origins can be traced back to Aston University’s beginnings in the Birmingham Municipal Technical School, established in 1895.
In 1947, the Technical School created a Department of Industrial Administration – the second to be founded in the United Kingdom. When the Department was created, few would have anticipated that it would one day grow to be one of the largest and best business schools in the UK, or indeed that would gain international recognition for its world-class research and teaching. David Bramley was the first Head of Department.
1961 – Research and ‘Aston Studies’
Research at Aston Business School has its roots back in 1961, when the Industrial Administration Research Unit (IARU) was set up and, within it, the ‘Aston Studies’ on organisations. The research was groundbreaking, with the study of groups of workers and individuals being carried out in their workplace and organisation setting.
In response to the growth in postgraduate education, a joint venture with the University of Birmingham formed the Graduate Centre of Management Studies in 1964. The same year, a BSc in Behavioural Science and an MSc in Industrial Administration was introduced.
1979 – The Aston MBA
In 1979 our first MBAs were awarded.
1987 – Aston Business School
In 1987 the Management Centre was renamed Aston Business School.
The 90s – MSc aplenty
The mid 1990s saw the development of a range of integrated one-year MSc programmes and the undergraduate programmes expanded. Between 1980–1997 we launched an MSc in Public Services Management, the Work Organisation Research Centre (WORC), the Innovation Design and Operations Management Centre (IDOM), a distance learning MBA, an MSc in International Business and opened a dedicated suite for postgraduate students.
1999 – EQUIS accreditation
We’ve always been committed to maintaining the quality of our courses. In 1999, we formed the ABS Advisory Board and Undergraduate Advisory Panel to ensure that they were rated excellent. The first of our triple accreditations– EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) – was also achieved in the same year.
2003 – AACSB accreditation
In 2003, wen gained AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation.
2006 – Aston Business School Building
In 2006 we saw a £20m extension to the Nelson Building which is now called the Aston Business School Building which includes a dedicated MBA suite.
2008 – 60 years at Aston
In 2008 we celebrated our 60th birthday and named two of our lecture theatres after Adrian Cadbury and Susan Cadbury, in recognition of their long association.
2015 – AMBA and Triple Accreditation
Our AMBA accreditation (The Association of MBAs) was awarded in 2015. The Aston MBA is one of the longest-established MBA programmes in the UK, and one of the first to achieve AMBA accreditation. In 2018, the programme celebrated 40 successful years. Aston Business School is part of an elite group of global business schools who hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation.
2017 – Aston Law School
Our department of Law became Aston Law School, sitting alongside Aston Business School as part of the College of Business and Social Sciences.