Why are accreditations important for Business School?

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Accreditations

At Kent Business School we’re proud to be a 'Triple Crown Business School'. But why are we so proud of it? And what does it mean for you?  

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Accreditation - what does it mean?

Validation

The dictionary describes an accreditation as ‘the act of certifying an educational institution or program as meeting all official formal requirements of academic excellence’. In our own words, it means an impartial organisation has spent time rigorously checking everything about an institution and approved it. So when we say we are in the top 1% of business schools. You don't just have to take our word for it.

“Accreditations are a kite-mark of quality,” explains Dr Catherine Robinson, Deputy Dean of Kent Business School and acting Head of Accreditations. “They offer reassurance that the School not only provides the acceptable content of a degree, but excels in key areas of provision.

“The processes are rigorous, internationally judged and regular to ensure that accredited business schools are not only excellent, but leaders in the business education community on a global scale.  Being part of that community ensure we are able to share international experiences with our local stakeholders – businesses, students and communities.”

High standards

Our recent EQUIS accreditation was an assessment of our School overall. To receive EQUIS accreditation, we worked hard to meet high standards in governance, programmes, students, faculty, research, internationalisation, ethics, responsibility, and sustainability, as well as engagement with the world of practice.

We are also accredited by AACSB International (AACSB) who describe their accreditation process as a ‘voluntary, nongovernmental process that includes a rigorous external review of a school’s mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs.’

AMBA, who also approved our School, state they ‘foster innovation in global postgraduate management education.'

In short, accreditations are hard to achieve. Only 1% of business schools worldwide have achieved the 'triple crown' of EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA accreditation and Kent Business School being a part of that means you will be joining a world-leading institution when studying with us.

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Adding clout to courses

Accreditations from bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) to the accountancy bodies like ACCA or investment organisations such as CFA Institute ensure that specific courses stand out from the crowd for quality, but that they also offer added value for students, both while they study and when heading into work after graduating.

Courses accredited by industry bodies often offer exemptions from exams and a qualification that is recognised instantly within the given industry. They may also provide extras such as regular networking events and access to mentors. The more accreditations a course has, the more added value you get, we have five on our BSc Accounting and Finance course alone!

“Professional accreditations are specific to areas of study and demonstrate professional relevance of the materials you’re learning on your degree and ensure you’re fully up to date when leaving the course of the latest industry standards,” explains Dr Robinson.

Check out our five times accredited BSc Accounting and Finance programme

Doing the right thing

Accreditations aren't just for outstanding service, they are also for doing the right thing. Kent, for instance, holds the Athena Swan Silver Award, which means we are dedicated to advancing the representation of women in various areas including business as well as professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students.

Our Small Business Charter Award looks at our relationship with SMEs (Small & Medium sized Enterprises) in the local area.

“The Small Business Charter demonstrates the important role that the Business School plays in facilitating our own and wider university engagement with SMEs as well as highlighting our direct contribution to local economic growth through student entrepreneurship,” explains Dr Robinson. “SMEs feed into our teaching, our research as well as our wider civic mission.”

At Kent Business School, we aren't just about realising your ambitions in business, we are focused on the right way to get there, and building better business, for a sustainable tomorrow.

There's guarantee with frequency 

Accreditations are renewed regularly, often every three years or every five. Course accreditations are reviewed every academic year. This means you will always have clarity that as an institution, we are still holding up to the standards of our assessments.

“Accrediting bodies regularly update their standards and criteria, on the basis of the changing landscape of business and management. As part of these communities, we feed in with our latest developments and contribute to the direction of travel,” concludes Dr Robinson. “Regular visits ensure we maintain and build on the high standards we set ourselves.”

So, now you know what it all means, you’ll see that when it comes to choosing a Business School, accreditation is a great guide to know that the place you study can match your pace and set you up for success.

Our Accreditations

The rundown on all of our school accreditations and what they mean for you.

CABS

Being a member of CABS means that KBS are committed to turning our research into viable business and embedding EDI into our activities.

EQUIS

EQUIS accreditation is a high-level recognition of our high standards, and our aim to keep raising them. We proud to be in the top 1% in the world, but we want to be higher.

AACSB

AACSB's process includes 'a rigorous external review of a school’s mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs'.

AMBA

AMBA are a leading association who spearhead excellence and innovation in global postgraduate management education. Their accreditation puts our MBA programme amongst the best in the world.

SBC

Our SBC charter recognises our work in small business support, student entrepreneurship, and local engagement. We are committed in building better business and our students are key to our mission.

PRME

Kent Business School is a signatory member of the UN 'Principles for Responsible Management Education'. This is a part of our commitment to building sustainble business and a sustainable tomorrow.

EFMD

Kent Business School is a member of EFMD Global. EFMD provide the EQUIS accreditation, and as a member we are part of their mission driving quality improvement in the sector across the globe.