March NUI Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics secures global recognition

University awarded AACSB Accreditation for excellence

NUI Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics has secured global recognition for excellence with accreditation by AACSB International - the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The prestigious international award followed a rigorous assessment and quality review process over a number of years, which included developing and implementing a strategic plan to align with AACSB standards.

NUI Galway now counts itself among 876 universities to have secured the stamp of approval, with the University in the same bracket as Harvard, Manchester, Aalto, Northwestern, Berkeley, Stanford, Warwick, Insead, Monash and UCD.

President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Achieving this accreditation is recognition of the global standard that J.E. Cairnes School of Business School & Economics has met in specific and recognisable measurements of business education excellence, including areas such teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. This accreditation demonstrates how our faculty and professional staff have demonstrated our core university values in their activities, and how we ensure continuous innovation in delivering the highest quality of business education to students.”

Professor Geraint Howells, Executive Dean for the College of Business Public Policy and Law at NUI Galway, said: “Over the past number of years, J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics has shown great innovation across its programmes, quality assurance processes, internationalisation, student recruitment, partnership development and industry engagement. I would like to applaud the entire Business team for their participation in securing this global accreditation.”

Professor Alma McCarthy, Head of J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, said: “AACSB accreditation is awarded to only the best universities. This incredible success enhances our reputation as one of the best business schools in the world, and we will continue to innovate and expand as part of our new strategic plan moving forward.”

AACSB commended the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics for its growth and development over the past five years, delivering excellence in business education, research and impact.

Significant achievements include more than 100 international partnerships with universities. The expanding network offers students extensive international study and research opportunities, internationalisation and diversity at postgraduate level.

The partnerships are also resulting in a globalised classroom and learning experience with more than 40 nationalities represented in the J.E. Cairnes School, as well as world-leading research which significantly impacts business and public policy.

The standards sought by AACSB require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation; student, faculty, and staff as active participants; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement.

Confirming the accreditation Stephanie Bryant, AACSB Executive Vice President and Chief Accreditation Officer, said: "NUI Galway’s commitment to earning AACSB 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.”

AACSB accreditation is valid for 5 years, when a subsequent reaccreditation visit to NUI Galway will take place.

Professor McCarthy added: “AACSB is a reflection of the transformational work that is taking place throughout our School. I would also like to acknowledge Dr Tom Acton, former Head of School, and our dedicated Accreditation Team comprising of Professor Willie Golden, Niamh Corcoran and Michelle Bradley, who led our School through this accreditation process over the past number of years.”

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