University of Exeter Business School tops MBA ranking

The University of Exeter Business School has been named the UK’s top business school for integrating sustainability and ESG themes into its MBA programme for the second year in a row.

The Exeter MBA placed 10th globally and first in the UK in this year’s Corporate Knights Better World MBA rankings, an evaluation of 174 MBA programmes, including all those in the Financial Times Global MBA ranking.

The rankings look at the proportion of core modules that integrate sustainable development themes, with credit given to content relating to environmental, social and governance performance – including topics such as the circular economy, sustainable finance and climate change, all of which are mainstays of The Exeter MBA programme.

The judges also take into account the percentage of recent graduates now working in ‘impact organisations’ and for any company that derives most of its revenue from sustainable activities.

Professor Donald Lancaster, Director of The Exeter MBA programme, said he was thrilled with the result, adding: “Exeter was among the first to embed ESG principles into its MBA programme and our elevated ranking shows that we continue to lead the way, putting our values into action as we educate the leaders of tomorrow.”  

Professor David Boughey, Interim Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the University of Exeter Business School, said: “Through its innovative curriculum and excellent teaching, The Exeter MBA has always strived to ensure the business leaders of the future are equipped with the skills and values to make a real difference in tackling the greatest issues of our times, from climate change to creating fairer societies.

“We are – and always have been – serious about using the power of our research and education to create a better world, so are delighted our MBA has been singled out as the top MBA programme in the UK.”

Business schools that participated in the ranking include those all programmes in the Financial Times Global MBA ranking, the Princeton Review Best Green MBA, the Top 40 from the 2023 Better World MBA ranking and all current PRME Champions, with business schools accredited by either one of AMBA, AACSB or EQUIS also eligible.

Corporate Knights CEO Toby Heaps said: “The sustainable economy is growing twice as fast as the rest of the economy, but most business schools are missing out, with 84% of core courses failing to touch on relevant sustainability themes. The top 40 schools in the Better World ranking are bucking this trend and preparing their graduates to thrive in a world where sustainability is the growth engine.”