About the School

A Legacy of Social Responsibility and Excellence

Queen Mary Business School was formally established in 2005 and has built a strong reputation for socially responsible education and research. Our work is grounded in a commitment to promoting social justice, sustainability and good governance across private, public and voluntary organisations, through both our research and educational programmes.

This commitment reflects the founding principles of Queen Mary University of London. Established in the 1880s to provide opportunities for people traditionally excluded from higher education, particularly women and those from low-income backgrounds, our University has a long-standing tradition of widening participation. Today, we remain one of the most inclusive universities in the Russell Group, and our Business School reflects this commitment through the diversity of our community.

The Roots of Business Education at Queen Mary

Although we were formally established as a School in 2005, business education has been part of Queen Mary since the 1990s. Initially, our Business Studies Unit delivered modules to undergraduate students studying subjects including science and technology, modern languages, human geography and international relations. These modules were taught by academics from neighbouring higher education institutions, while a small professional services team supported student registration and administration.

In 2002, we launched a full Bachelor of Science programme in Business and Management. Our Unit subsequently developed into the Centre for Business Management, with our own academic staff and a growing portfolio of teaching and research.

The Centre quickly expanded, developing distinctive research strengths and introducing new specialist Master's programmes. In 2005, we formally established Queen Mary Business School, giving us our own Head of School, dedicated budget and greater autonomy to shape the future direction of our education, research and impact.

Cultivating Research Excellence and Student Achievement

From our foundation, we have placed a strong emphasis on research and scholarship, steadily increasing both the quality and reach of our academic contributions to the business and management community. This research excellence sits alongside our commitment to providing students with the support, opportunities and skills they need to succeed.

We have continued to invest in student support, including specialist study-skills provision and initiatives designed to strengthen employability and entrepreneurship. Our Entrepreneurship Hub, for example, supports students who aspire to develop their own businesses, helping them turn ideas into practical ventures and providing opportunities to engage with the wider business community.

Today, we are a growing academic community, bringing together thousands of students and a diverse body of academic and professional services staff. Through our programmes, research and partnerships, we contribute to Queen Mary's wider mission of creating opportunity and delivering positive social and economic impact.

Queen Mary Business School is entering an exciting new chapter as work progresses on our new Queen Mary Business School building. Having now reached the topping-out stage, the purpose-built, seven-storey facility in taking shape as a new home for our community, with flexible and inclusive learning spaces designed to transform how our community learns, collaborates and connects.

Created by Nicholas Hare Architects and delivered by Willmott Dixon, the building reflects Queen Mary’s commitment to combining innovation, inclusivity and social impact. Its flexible study spaces, collaborative areas and quiet zones have been designed to support every student, providing the right environment to think, create and thrive.

Located in the heart of East London, the new building will also be home to the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre, strengthening the connection between academic learning and real-world experience. Here, students will gain practical insight while contributing to positive change in local communities and beyond.

With completion expected in May 2027, this landmark development is more than a new building. It is an investment in people, in ideas, and in the future of inclusive business education.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) 

We are accredited by the AACSB, joining an exclusive group of fewer than 6% of global business schools to have earned this accreditation. The AACSB recognises institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning. Read more about the AACSB here.

Athena Swan

We are proud to hold the Athena Swan Bronze Award which was renewed in 2023, underscoring our commitment to gender equality. 

The Athena Swan Charter, founded in 2005, is a worldwide framework that promotes gender equality in higher education and research. Initially aimed at advancing women's careers in the STEMM fields, the Charter has since expanded to address gender equality more broadly. 

Our School's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equality, as demonstrated by the Athena Swan Bronze Award, showcases the concerted efforts of our community. We are deeply committed to maintaining these values in the future, striving to make Queen Mary Business School a leading institution in terms of inclusivity, diversity, and academic excellence. 

Read more about Athena Swan here.

UN PRME

We take great pride in our unique approach to teaching and learning. Our teaching is underpinned by the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) [PDF 117KB].

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is one of 24 leading universities represented by the Russell Group, that are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience, excellent graduate employability and unrivalled links with business and the public sector.

Russell Group focus on:

• Sustainable funding: ensuring our leading universities can continue to deliver a high-quality experience for students
• Research: promoting world-leading UK research and innovation that changes lives for the better
• Immigration: ensuring our universities can attract and retain global talent, to learn, research and teach in the UK
• Access: continually working to make our world-class education more accessible to students of all backgrounds
• International partnerships: seeking an ambitious future EU relationship and embracing the new global opportunities ahead
• Environment: championing research into green technology, while mitigating the environmental footprint of our universities

Find out more.