University of Brighton recognised as among world’s leading business schools

University of Brighton has been recognised as among the leading business schools worldwide after receiving accreditation from the world’s largest business education alliance. 

Currently fewer than 6% of business schools are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). By gaining AACSB accreditation, the University has achieved its ambition to join a group of institutions considered to be the best business schools in the world. 

The accreditation process, spanning five years, focused on our School of Business Law and involved a comprehensive evaluation in May 2023 by a panel of business school deans from leading British, Australian and Canadian universities.

AACSB peer review panel with Uni of Brighton colleagues (left to right): Professor Toni Hilton – former Dean of the School of Business and Law, University of Brighton; Professor Daphne Taras – former Dean of the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada; Professor Keryn Chalmers – Dean of the School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia; Professor John Finch – Head of the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow; Professor Debra Humphris – Vice-Chancellor, University of Brighton.

Involving our staff and students, Brighton Students’ Union and external partners, the visit ensured a thorough assessment of our school’s operations, our dedication to delivering the school’s mission and our commitment to continuous improvement.

Through the rigorous peer-review process, AACSB accreditation ensures that business schools meet the highest standards of excellence in teaching, industry engagement, research, the curriculum and learner success. 

Professor Debra Humphris CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “This accreditation firmly establishes Brighton’s position among the world’s top-tier universities for business and management provision. 

“When students choose to come to Brighton to study, they know they will be joining a world-leading institution for business education, where industry engagement and research underpins real-world learning that prepares our students for success in employment or entrepreneurship.”

Professor Toni Hilton, former Dean of the School of Business and Law at the University of Brighton, said: “We are delighted to be joining the select group of universities that lead business and management education, industry engagement and impactful research in the UK and globally. This accreditation will enable our staff and students to collaborate with academics in other world-leading universities and our students will also benefit from the commitment to continuous improvement required to maintain accreditation.

“This significant achievement is further evidence of our success in delivering ambitious learning outcomes for our students alongside industry engagement and impactful research that enhances practice and makes a positive societal impact. It is particularly pleasing to be commended on our practices in promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion, our engagement and impact in the regional economy and society and the design and use of Elm House – the new building for the School of Business and Law – to support active learning, student centred pedagogies, and business engagement.” 

Our school mission

Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB, said: “AACSB accreditation recognises institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning. We congratulate University of Brighton and Dean Toni Hilton on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team – including the administration, faculty, staff, and students – for their roles in earning this respected honour.” 

Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners, and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education.

School of Business and Law colleagues during the AACSB visit in May

Comments from our associate deans

Rachael Carden, former Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience at the School of Business and Law said: “It’s brilliant to have the AACSB recognise the strengths and mission of our school. Our focus on positive societal impact and employability is reflected via authentic assessments, and our academic teaching and learning. This means our students receive a high-quality education and future employers can be confident that our graduates have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a highly competitive market.” 

Dan Bennett and Lucy Jones, former Associate Deans for Academic Operations at the School of Business and Law, said: “This outstanding achievement is testament to the incredible work and commitment of everyone in our School of Business and Law who have worked tirelessly over the past four years. Receiving AACSB accreditation puts us firmly in the leading number of business schools, and showcases the outstanding talent of academic staff who are leaders in their field.” 

Dr Stefan Speckesser, Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the School of Business and Law said: “Achieving AACSB accreditation recognises our ambition to make a difference to the real world. With our knowledge exchange activity, we apply our world leading research to support local, national and international communities of professionals in their ambition to bring positive change to their businesses and organisations, and to the places and people they connect with.” 

School of Business and Law colleagues during the AACSB visit in May

Read the news story on the University of Brighton website.