BOURNEMOUTH University has been named among the top five per cent of institutions in the world awarding business degrees.

BU’s Business School won accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The accreditation process took more than five years and involved a visit in April by deans from American and Swedish universities as part of a panel review.

Staff, students, the students union and external partners were involved in the review.

Bournemouth is the first university in the south west and only the sixth ‘modern’ UK university – created since 1992 – to receive the accolade.

Stephanie Bryant, executive vice-president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International, said: “AACSB accreditation recognises institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning.

“Bournemouth University’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of their dedication — not only to their students, alumni network, and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of BU’s Business School to the network of AACSB-accredited business schools will have a lasting positive impact for their institution, both locally and globally.”

The accreditation will open up opportunities for staff and students to collaborate with academics around the world.

BU vice-chancellor Professor John Vinney said: “This is a fantastic achievement which places the business school in an elite group of globally recognised and leading schools.

“It is further recognition of the outstanding staff and students that we have at Bournemouth University.

“This accreditation is renowned around the world as the gold standard for business schools. It fully acknowledges the breadth of our academic activities and achievements and the brilliant way in which we combine our research, education and professional practice in the pursuit of excellence and impact. Our ‘fusion’ approach clearly resonated with the assessment panel and provided an excellent framework for meeting their standards.”

Professor Stephen Tee, executive dean of the Business School, said: “Any student who studies at the Business School at Bournemouth University will know that they will receive an education of the highest quality and future employers can be confident that graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate effectively in a highly competitive business environment, bringing a positive impact on organisational performance.”

AACS, founded in 1916, is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network.