Plymouth Business School achieves landmark IACBE accreditation

The first UK institution to receive the accreditation
IACBE Member with accredited programmes logo
The University of Plymouth's Business School has attained a significant milestone in UK higher education by becoming the first business school in the United Kingdom to receive specialised accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
This prestigious recognition, announced in August 2024, underscores the institution's commitment to excellence and positions it at the vanguard of international business education standards within the UK.
 
 
 

A precedent in UK business education

The Plymouth Business School's achievement of IACBE accreditation establishes a new benchmark for business education in the United Kingdom. This accomplishment is a testament to the institution's dedication to providing business education of the highest calibre, adhering to rigorous international standards.

Rigorous accreditation process

The path to IACBE accreditation entails a comprehensive evaluation process. Plymouth Business School underwent an extensive self-assessment and independent peer review to demonstrate compliance with the IACBE's nine Accreditation Principles:
 
  1. Commitment to Integrity, Responsibility, and Ethical Behaviour
  2. Quality Assessment and Advancement
  3. Strategic Planning
  4. Business Curricula and Learning Opportunities
  5. Business Faculty Characteristics, Activities, and Processes
  6. Student Policies, Procedures and Processes
  7. Resources Supporting Business Programmes
  8. External Relationships
  9. Innovation in Business Education
 
The successful fulfilment of these stringent criteria affirms Plymouth Business School's capacity to deliver business education that equips students for the complexities of the contemporary global business environment.

Implications for stakeholders

For current and prospective students, this accreditation serves as a robust endorsement of the educational quality at Plymouth Business School. It provides assurance that the degree programmes align with international standards and best practices in business education, potentially enhancing graduates' competitiveness in the global employment market.
Employers can derive confidence from recruiting graduates of Plymouth Business School, assured that these individuals have been educated at an institution that not only prioritises continuous improvement and academic excellence but also leads in meeting international accreditation standards within the UK.

Commitment to ongoing enhancement

The attainment of IACBE accreditation represents not only an acknowledgement of past achievements but also a commitment to future development. As the inaugural UK business school to secure this status, Plymouth Business School has demonstrated its dedication to the continual enhancement of its programmes and operations, ensuring its position at the forefront of business education nationally and internationally.

The International Accreditation Council for Business Education

Founded in 1997, the IACBE is a globally recognised accrediting body. It is nationally recognised by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the United States and has established itself as a leader in mission-driven and outcomes-based programmatic accreditation for business education.
The IACBE's membership spans multiple continents, and it has accredited thousands of business programmes worldwide, cementing its status as a hallmark of quality in business education. Plymouth Business School's accreditation marks the IACBE's inaugural entry into the UK, highlighting the global significance of this achievement.

Future prospects

The attainment of this historic accreditation opens new avenues for Plymouth Business School to further enhance its programmes and increase its value proposition to students and the business community. This pioneering status may also facilitate increased opportunities for international collaboration and academic exchange. 
For detailed information regarding the IACBE-accredited programmes at Plymouth Business School, interested parties are directed to consult the IACBE Member Status page.
This accreditation is a significant accomplishment for Plymouth Business School and serves as evidence of the University of Plymouth's commitment to delivering world-class business education. It establishes the institution as a pioneer in the UK higher education landscape. As the business world continues to evolve, Plymouth Business School is well-positioned to lead in preparing the next generation of business leaders, thereby setting a new standard for business schools across the United Kingdom.