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 (European 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.- Ranking
QS World University Rankings, 2020
We are in the top 100 in the world for Business and Management studies.Times Higher Education: FT Top 100 Business School
Awarded in recognition of Aston’s "strategic" and "inclusive" cross-institutional approach to supporting businesses, the West Midlands region and student entrepreneurship.QS Top 100 for MBA Career Specialisations
Aston Business School’s MBA programme has been ranked in the world top 100 for careers in consulting, entrepreneurship, marketing, information management and technology.QS Top 100 in the world for Business Studies
Aston Business School has been ranked in the top 100 in the world for Business and Management by the QS World University Rankings by subject.CEO Magazine: Tier One Status
The Aston full-time MBA programme has maintained its maximum Tier One status in the 2019 Global MBA rankings.QS Distance/Online MBA 2019
Aston's triple-accredited Online MBA has been ranked 20th in the world.- Awards
Times Higher Education: Outstanding Entrepreneurial University 2020
Awarded in recognition of Aston’s "strategic" and "inclusive" cross-institutional approach to supporting businesses, the West Midlands region and student entrepreneurship.The Guardian: University of the Year
The Guardian has named us University of the Year, saying that Aston "shone out for its commitment to social mobility, diversity and sustainability".The Guardian University Guide: 1st in the UK for Added Value
This is a reflection of the effectiveness of the supportive environment, excellent teaching and opportunities to develop that students experience at Aston University, both within and outside of their course.Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2020
Employed Aston Business and Management graduates earn £11,000 (39%) more than the UK average five years after graduating.Teaching Excellence Framework
We achieved the maximum Gold rating in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework and 91% Overall Student Satisfaction in the 2018 National Student Survey.Research Excellence Framework
100% of our business research achieved the highest rankings of 3* or 4* and was judged to have delivered ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ external impact in the latest Research Excellence Framework.CIMA Global Excellence Award 2020: Honorary Mention
This award recognises academic partner institutions that achieve CIMA pass rates above the global average in the same calendar year.
- 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 (European 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.