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Two international accreditations mark Nottingham Business School as a global leader in personalised learning and high-impact research

A commitment to personalised learning, impactful research and strong links to professions have contributed to two prestigious accreditations from EFMD Global for Nottingham Business School (NBS), part of Nottingham Trent University.

    Newton building
    Nottingham Business School holds four accreditations for it excellence in areas including teaching, research and business support

    Following a rigorous assessment process, NBS has retained its EQUIS accreditation - the highest international benchmark of excellence for business schools.

    Many aspects of NBS’ work, including personalisation, impact of its much-expanded research, quality of courses, level of internationalisation, integration of ethics, responsibility and sustainability, and connections to business, were judged to be world-class.

    Simultaneously, NBS also received EFMD Programme Accreditation for its flagship BA (Hons) in International Business courses, which were labelled as ‘distinctive’, ‘impressive’ and ‘exceptional’.

    NBS’ pioneering personalisation programme means that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential through active experiential learning that integrates theory and practice with critical reflection, and to tailor their student experience and support to their individual needs and ambitions.

    The 'strength, scope, and engagement' of corporate connections were noted as an important feature of NBS, which was seen to benefit from a strong network of leading multinational and national companies, organisations, and professional services firms.

    NBS was also praised for its focus on fostering an international culture among its global faculty and student body – offering international student mobility and producing graduates who are sought after internationally.

    EFMD logo
    EQUIS from EFMD Global is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of business schools

    The EFMD assessment of NBS’ International Business programme particularly emphasised the work experience and international exposure on offer for its students, including opportunities for students to learn a language at every level of study and undertake international study or work placement, leading to an inherent cultural awareness. The high standard of work from the NBS students was also noted.

    In addition, the assessment team commended NBS’ implementation of ethics, environmental sustainability and social responsibility at the core of all its activities, including research and teaching.

    Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School, Professor Baback Yazdani, said: “It is our mission to deliver education and research that combines academic excellence with positive impact upon people, business and society. These accreditations demonstrate that we are achieving this mission and confirms our status as an internationally recognised business school which undertakes rigorous research with high impact and offers an outstanding student experience. It is also testament to the dedication of everyone within NBS to continuous improvement in all areas and I commend their hard work and commitment.

    “Supported by our experienced faculty and global network of professional contacts and alumni, we aim to immerse our students in the real-world of international business from day one. This means that we develop graduates who can lead and succeed in business with a strong sense of ethical and social awareness and global citizenship.”

    EQUIS is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of business schools. EFMD Programme Accreditation is a benchmark for internationally recognised and peer-reviewed programmes, emphasising academic rigour, practical relevance, internationalisation, and ethics and sustainability.

    These accreditations sit alongside two others held by NBS; AACSB, a mark of global excellence in business education; and the Small Business Charter accreditation (SBC), a mark of excellence for business schools with expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship and engagement in the local economy.

    NBS is also recognised as a United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) Champion.

    To find out more about Nottingham Business School, visit the website.

    • Notes for editors

      Press enquiries please contact Helen Breese, Public Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8751, or via email

      Nottingham Business School (NBS) at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a world leader in experiential learning and personalisation of business, management and economics education and research, combining academic excellence with positive impact on people, business and society.  NBS has an unrivalled level of engagement with business, public and voluntary organisations and thus is known as the business school for business. With 6500 students, NBS is also one of UK’s largest business schools.

      NBS is accredited by EQUIS and AACSB, which are internationally recognised hallmarks of excellence and quality for business education. NBS is also accredited as accredited by Small Business Charter, supporting hundreds of businesses in the region and nationally and the School is one of only six UK business schools recognised as a PRME Champion and held up as an exemplar by the United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME).  NBS courses are ranked in the Top 20 for Accounting and Finance and for Economics in The Guardian Good University Guide 2021.

      Nottingham Trent University (NTU) was named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards. The award was based on performance and improvement in the Guardian University Guide, retention of students from low-participation areas and attainment of BME students.

      NTU was also the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017, and The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018. These awards recognise NTU for its high levels of student satisfaction, its quality of teaching, its engagement with employers, and its overall student experience.

      The university has been rated Gold in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework – the highest ranking available.

      It is one of the largest UK universities. With nearly 32,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across four campuses, the University contributes £900m to the UK economy every year. With an international student population of more than 3,000 from around 100 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook.

    Published on 1 March 2021
    • Category: Press office; Nottingham Business School