Insights

Norwich Business School receives Association of MBAs (AMBA) re-accreditation

Norwich Business School at the University of East Anglia has officially received re-accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), one of the world’s leading authorities in post-graduate business education, demonstrating its continuing commitment to excellence in management education.

Upon receiving AMBA re-accreditation, all current MBA and recent MBA alumni of Norwich Business School are invited to continue to be part of AMBA’s global member community of more than 70,000 students and alumni in more than 150 countries on a free basis, for networking, thought leadership, career development, and a variety of benefits.

Accreditation from AMBA represents the highest standard of achievement in post-graduate business education. Its rigorous assessment criteria ensure that only the highest-calibre programmes which demonstrate the best standards in teaching, curriculum, and student interaction achieve AMBA accreditation.

The University of East Anglia is a public research-intensive University, sited on a 360-acre campus on the western edge of Norwich in the English county of Norfolk. The University was founded in 1963. Norwich Business School currently enrols over 1,000 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate students.

During the re-accreditation process conducted by AMBA, members of the accreditation panel, representing senior management from global business schools, saw a strong sense of identity and community across the school and university.

The panel were also impressed on seeing the extensive and impactful company visits integrated into the Full-Time MBA programme.

Finally, the panel noted that a Capstone Consultancy project had an undeniable impact on the student learning experience.

Professor Amir Sharif, Head (Dean) of Norwich Business School said: “I am delighted that our world-class MBA programme continues to be recognised for its quality and excellence by AMBA through continued accreditation. This confirms our ongoing commitment to our strengths in providing experiential management education of the highest quality as a responsible business school. I am particularly grateful to our excellent academic and administrative teams that strive to make our MBA programmes remain relevant and provide a vibrant learning experience. It was heartening to hear that our offering and excellence was held in very high regard as a unique and compelling MBA offering by the AMBA visit team. Our dedication to the learning outcomes of our students, through a strong sense of programme and school identity means that we continue to provide deep career value to our students, supported through our local, regional, national and international organisational links. We look forward to continuing to work with our students and key stakeholder to maintain a quality MBA learning experience. Congratulations to all!”

Professor Tiago Botelho, Accreditation and MBA Director, Norwich Business School said: “Receiving AMBA reaccreditation, reflects the dedication of NBS faculty, staff, students, and alumni. This achievement confirms that our MBA programmes not only meet but exceed global standards for academic excellence, innovation, and impact. In a fast-changing world, this recognition reinforces our commitment to developing responsible leaders who are equipped to drive meaningful change across industries and sectors. It also strengthens the value of our degrees for graduates and provides a clear signal to employers and partners that our programme remains among the best in the world.”

Jonathan Reed, CEO Paddy and Scott’s Coffee and Executive MBA graduate (2022 cohort) said: “When looking into studying an Executive MBA, the attraction of learning in an environment that is in the top 2% of MBAs in the world was a huge pull. It's a proud moment to see the programme retain its outstanding status through AMBA reaccreditation - and richly deserved endorsement of an outstanding programme. My experience both as a student and then being involved in the reaccreditation assessment visit was hugely positive. I enjoyed a transformative experience as a student at the Norwich Business School that led to me buying a company, launching world-class products and gaining new relationship(s) I could only have dreamt of. It was my pleasure to share this experience with the assessors and talk candidly about my gratitude to the team that contribute to the course.”

Steve Whitelock, Leadership Development Specialist, Aviva and Executive MBA student (2023 cohort) said: “It’s wonderful news that NBS has been reaccredited with AMBA. This high level of recognition reflects the excellent standard of academic learning and the brilliant student experience I have had since joining the MBA programme. I was honoured to have the opportunity to meet with the AMBA accreditation board and share with them my MBA journey, as well as my personal and professional growth story which the programme has enabled.”

AMBA accreditation is international in scope and reach, and AMBA works under the belief that accredited programmes should be of the highest standard and consider changing trends and innovation in post-graduate management education. Its accreditation process reflects this commitment to fostering innovation, and demanding business schools to perform at the highest level continually.

Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of the Association of MBAs and Business Graduates Association (BGA) said: “I am absolutely delighted that Norwich Business School has been re-accredited by AMBA for its MBA programme. I was really interested to read how the panel were so impressed with the Capstone Consultancy project and the overall commitment of the school to the wellbeing of the students.”

For more information or interviews, please contact:

·       Ellen Buchan, Insight, Content and PR Manager, AMBA & BGA –

e.buchan@amba-bga.com

·       Cara Durowoju, Marketing and Business Relationships Coordinator, Norwich Business School, UEA - c.durowoju@uea.ac.uk

·       Victoria Pritchard, Accreditation Project Officer, Norwich Business School, UEA – v.pritchard@uea.ac.uk

About Norwich Business School

Norwich Business School (NBS), at the UEA is a vibrant, inclusive community, renowned for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and exceptional student satisfaction. Our passionate academics bring a wealth of professional experience and research expertise with them, to enrich students’ learning and provide them with authentic, real-world perspectives.

NBS consistently features in the UK top rankings for various business subjects, including Accounting and Finance (24th Complete University Guide), Marketing (15th Complete University Guide), and Business and Management Studies (29th Complete University Guide).

At UEA and NBS, we value diversity and celebrate the richness of cultures that international students bring to our campus. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere where internationalised perspectives enhance learning and foster meaningful connections.

The UEA MBA has been shaping future leaders for over 30 years, offering a transformative experience for students. Our MBA attracts ambitious, career-driven professionals who are eager to make a lasting impact in the world. With a diverse student body from a wide range of backgrounds, we foster an inclusive and supportive community where every individual is empowered to succeed.

Guided by our world-class research, our students learn from expert academics who blend advanced theory with practical insights. The MBA offers a unique, personalised program that continually provides opportunities for students to share knowledge, collaborate, and enhance their expertise.