Accreditations and global recognition
Triple Accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA
Our accreditations provide independent, international recognition of the quality and impact of our teaching, research and student experience. Achieving accreditation from leading global bodies demonstrates that we meet rigorous standards and place us among a small group of business schools worldwide recognised for excellence.
These accreditations reflect our commitment to delivering a high-quality, globally relevant education in the following ways:
AACSB focuses on overall quality and continuous improvement of our degree programmes. Only 45 business schools in the UK currently hold this accreditation.
EQUIS accredited institutes must demonstrate not only excellence in teaching, student experience, research and outreach, but also a high degree of internationalisation and interaction with the corporate world.
AMBA is the global standard for all MBA, DBA and Masters degrees, accrediting programmes from the top 2% of business schools in more than 50 countries.
Professional pathways
In addition to our triple accreditation, many of our programmes are recognised by leading professional bodies, helping students gain a competitive edge in their careers.
Accounting and Finance
Our students’ path into a career in accounting and finance is made easier by the accredited status awarded to our BAcc Accounting and Finance degree by all major UK professional accountancy bodies. This means that students are eligible for significant exemptions from the professional examinations of the following bodies:
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
As a result, accreditation provides a head start against graduates of other disciplines in the process of qualifying as a professional accountant.
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
In November 2022, the Adam Smith Business School was accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
CIM gives students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Accredited Degree partnership.
CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and their content is reflected in the MSc International Strategic Marketing and MSc Marketing (Online) degree. This ensures students are equipped with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Since 2020 we have offered Management students at undergraduate and postgraduate level the opportunity to graduate with accreditation by the Chartered Management Institute.
CMI is recognised internationally as one of the most important accreditations an aspiring manager can claim on their CV.
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
We are an approved CIPD accredited centre for MA Business and Management and MSc International Human Resource Management & Development.
Students benefit from a CIPD accredited student membership and graduate with a CIPD qualification which is regarded as the gold standard in the HR profession.
Our commitment to responsible and inclusive education
We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to equality, diversity and responsible leadership. Through initiatives such as Athena SWAN and the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), we embed inclusive practices and sustainability into everything we do, from teaching and research to our wider impact.
Athena Swan Charter
Our Athena SWAN Silver Award, awarded since 2019, recognises our sustained commitment to advancing gender equality and creating an inclusive environment for all staff and students. Through ongoing action and reflection, we continue to embed inclusive practices across our teaching, research and organisational culture. Find out more about our work and progress here.
Principles for Responsible Management Education
Part of a global network
We are long-standing members of leading international business education organisations, including the Chartered Association of Business Schools and the European Foundation for Management Development.
Through these partnerships, we are connected to a global community of business schools and organisations. This enables us to:
- collaborate and share best practice
- stay at the forefront of research and innovation
- enhance our teaching through internationally informed insights
- support our academics through access to sector-leading development opportunities.