Awards & accreditations

The EQUIS accreditation is part of the triple-crown accreditation that makes the University of Bradford School of Management part of an elite group of businesses globally.

EQUIS is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement, and accreditation of education institutions in management and business administration. The accreditation is ran by the European Foundation for Management Development.

University of Bradford School of Management was one of the first business schools to receive the AMBA portfolio accreditation for all our MBA programmes in the UK. The acccreditation covers all full time, executive part-time and distance learning MBAs from AMBA.

As a part of the AMBA accreditation we have also been awarded with the pre-experienced master's in general management (PEMM) accreditation across all of our Management MSc programmes.

AACSB represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. With less than 5% of the world's 13,000 business programs having earned the AACSB Accreditation this is a large achievement for the School of Management.

The award recognises schools who produce graduates who are highly skilled and more desirable to employers than non-accredited schools. This showcases the high level of commitment we show to our students and producing the best results possible as a school.

The AACSB award also focuses on societal impact, connection, continuous improvement and relevance. Our links to businesses within the community are key to the work we deliver to students but also showcase the relationships we can build with you to offer connection to students, impact on society and continued relevance of materials.

In 2021 the School of Management was awarded with the 1st runner up prize for the Community Engagement Initiative of the Year Award by ACEEU (Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities).

The award was granted for our SAS Step Initiative: Re-skilling for employment in the post-pandemic world. This was delivered in collaboration with SAS in the City of Bradford in an aim to re-skill recent graduates and employees who were furloughed during the pandemic in data analytics skills.

The programme had three objectives including the supporting of recent graduates who were unemployed, supporting of furloughed staff to support their transition back into work and support the post-pandemic economic recovery by contributing to bridge the skill gaps that existed within the market.

The free programme saw 4 learning pathways embarked by over 1,700 students at the point of the award having been launched in March 2021. Over 255 participants completed the programme with a 4.8/5 satisfaction rate leading to a 10% increase in data practitioner job role vacancies due to the uptake in skill sets in the market.

In 2021 University of Bradford School of Management won the Time Higher Education Business School of the Year Award.

The school was awarded for innovations and initiatives driven throughout the year including the MSc in AI and Data Analytics, SAS Step, Career Booster, mini-MBA Series for School Students and the help and guidance offered to SMEs with a focus on post-pandemic recovery.

The award showcases the impact that the School of Management can have for your business. Our work in business community and engagement was highlighted throughout the award process and was a key part of our strategy. 

The THE Award judging panel stated; "The University of Bradford’s School of Management has focused on becoming an engine of economic and social regeneration.", "The school also conducted research to better understand the effects of the pandemic on the region’s small and medium-sized enterprises, running Covid-19 resilience and recovery guidance events that were tailored for SMEs in Bradford and West Yorkshire." and "“Bradford’s School of Management also supported local schools and colleges with an innovative ‘mini-MBA’ virtual programme to help Year 12 and Year 13 students supplement their learning during the Covid-19 lockdown period.”

The above quotes highlight our commitment to supporting and engagement with businesses, the local community and individuals as we try to drive our mission which is to drive sustainable social and economic development through outstanding teaching, research and innovation.

In 2020 the School of Management was awarded the Business School of the Year award at the Educate North Awards.

The award was given in recognition of our performance in teaching, research, student experience, innovation and economic impact. Key aspects of our award included the Career Booster programme, the Co-create@Bradford initiative, new research areas (including joint efforts with partners) and digital skills development programmes delivered with the Amazon Web Services Academy to local businesses.

The network we have built within the School of Management was also cited in addition to our programmes and initiatives. The Knowledge Transfer Network was noted as we focused on building and maintaining our network with thousands of SMEs, regular workshops and local businesses all being a key part of the network.

Our community engagement also came to the forefront of our award with the school actively engaged with communities, non-traditional students and small regional enterprises. With the school being ranked #1 in England on the Social Mobility Index. The panel was also impressed with our future focuses and planning into identifying and achieving objectives such as the development of the local Bradford community in moving away from a low-skill, low economy position towards raising educational aspirations and attainments.

This built on the success we had at the 2019 Educate North awards where we were noted as highly commended in the Student Experience Award.

University of Bradford School of Management is the first business school in England to receive the BGA accreditation. The accreditation rerpresents the gold-standard quality assurance achievement awarded to schools clearly demonstrating increasing impact on students and communities.

The award is based over a measurable period using the Continuous Impact Model (CIM) assessing impact across a range of metrics including society, intent, ecosystem and value creation. It is a testament to quality assurance and enhancement held by the institution ensuring the value of qualification for students, graduates, employers and society.

Our School of Management MBA courses have been endorsed by the NHS Leadership Academy to deliver the NHS Master's in Business Administration (MBA) programme as announced by the Secretary of State in 2016.

As one of the first seven schools to be endorsed by the NHS Leadership Academy the school was able to deliver an MBA programme which was specifically designed to help build better leaders within the NHS.

As the leading UK professional body for HR specialists, CIPD accredits our BSc (Hons) and MSc Human Resource Management programmes. The accreditations recognise the meeting of rigorous academic and professional standards. The programmes offer underpinning knowledge required to achieve professional levels of CIPD membership.

Rewarded for improving practices in people and organisation development it recognises the benefits on individuals, businesses, economies and society. 

University of Bradford has recently gained programme accreditation for it's MSc in Human Resource Management.

ACCA accredits our MSc in Finance and Investment, MSc in Financial Management, BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Economics and BSc in Financial Economics. The accreditation means that graduates of the programmes are eligible for exemptions in the ACCA fundamental level examinations.

Accounting and Financing courses ran by the School of Management are accredited by CIPFA. This means students get exemptions from professional examinations having completed the requirements whilst studying at the University of Bradford.

CIPFA believes that developing leadership and skills, building governance and trust, increasing financial resilience and protecting place and planet are key. By improving public services CIPFA believes that they will be able to change lives for the better and meet ambition.

The CMI vision and mission is synonymous with what we believe at the School of Management. Due to this we are an approved centre to offer a practical qualification for managers and leaders at any level within an organisation.

As the only body approved by the Royal Charter for expertise in Management & Leadership skills CMI has focused it's efforts on researching, refining, advancing and inspiring professional excellence for over 75 years.

Through professional, progressive, passionate and practical practice CMI aims to grow partnerships and integrate businesses with qualified managers and leaders. By offering a home to management and leadership there is an aim to develop a global mindset and presence which supports business practice through professionally qualified management.

CIMA is the world's leading and largest professional body of management accountants. The accreditation allows the School of Management to offer accredited Account and Finance and Economics modules. This means students will be exempt from professional examinations having already completed requirements whilst studying at the School of Management.

CIMA aims to create business leaders in accounting positions who are innovative and future focused utilising data to make decisions. With a focus on diversity they offer Islamic Finance qualifications and courses in Russian. 

AIA is an international accreditation which is recognised globally. It allows Accounting and Finance and Economics courses to contain modules accredited by AIA meaning students will be made exempt from professional examinations having already completed requirements.

AIA act in public interest whilst promoting and developing the accountancy profession and interest of members. There 4 values of collaboration, innovation, excellence and integrity and respect aim to drive continuous improvement through new ideas and shared aims.

One of the largest accounting bodies globally, CPA Australia offers global membership to finance, accounting and business sectors. The Finance and Accounting courses at the School of Management contain accredited modules granting exemptions from professional examinations for students.

CPA Australia focus on community and diversity policies including their Reconciliation Action Plan which aim to deliver educational and career pathway initiatives to their local communities. Their vision focuses on building a partnership with members allowing for resilience in the future through a globally connected world built through trusted business relationships.

Founded in 1880 ICAEW has a global presence within the accounting industry. With the accreditation the School of Management offers accredited modules for Accounting and Finance courses granting exemptions from professional examinations.

ICAEW drives inclusivity and diversity and acts as a force for positive change whilst serving public interest. Working with governments, regulators and business leaders around the world they supervise over 12,000 firms aiming to maintain high standards globally.

As the premier professional organisation in insurance and financial services CII offer accredited modules within our Accounting and Finance modules, granting exemptions from professional examinations.

CII currently operates two initiatives in which they are focusing on social impact and engagement. Through these initiatives they aim to secure the confidence of the public but also engage with sectors in innovative ways.

CILT is the UK membership organisation for professionals involved in movement of goods and associated supply chains. Our MSc in Logistics, Data Analytics and Supply Chain Management is fully accredited by CILT offering full exemption from education requirements for membership.

Through connection and networking, professional voice, recognition and personal development CILT aims to promote best practice, provide solutions and encourage professional development.

Through the accreditation the School of Management offers accredited courses in BSc (Hons) International Business and Management and MSc International Business and Management. The partnership deepens student knowledge of exporting and international trade including marketing, dfinance, distribution, logistics and management.

The standard ensures students are prepared for the future enabling them to become leaders who understand the complexities of management and dynamics of international business. Students will focus on the rapidly changing external environment and make informed decisions to maintain competitive advantages. The institute partners with businesses around the world to provide expert training and expertise.