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MBA Anniversary HomePage

Welcome to our Anniversary Year!

During 2026, Strathclyde Business School's Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme celebrates the 60th Anniversary of our full-time programme and the 50th Anniversary of our part-time programme.

To mark these milestones, we've created this commemorative site. Enjoy taking a trip down memory lane with staff and alumni sharing their experiences and check out some highlights from years gone by.

Each month, we'll unveil a new article inspired by our milestone MBA Anniversaries.

April

Celebrating big anniversaries creates an opportunity for reflection on our programme and pushes us to think about how we move forward into the future to continue legacy of the Strathclyde MBA.

In this video, our MBA Programme Director, Prof Alex Dickson, reflects on the history of the Strathclyde MBA and comments on how we have continued to innovate creating a programme that is practice focused, built on rigorous foundations, and creates responsible leaders of the future.

See all previous features

Thinking of studying an MBA?
Join us at our Virtual Fair on the 29th April 2026 11:00-12:30 (GMT) to ask us about your application, offer or the programmes you're interested in coming to study.

An Established Business School

Management education in Glasgow took off in 1947 when the Royal College of Science and Technology founded its Department of Industrial Administration.

The Glasgow School of Management followed in 1950, linking the college with the Glasgow and West of Scotland Commercial College. When both merged in 1964 to form the University of Strathclyde, a new School of Business and Administration emerged, quickly building a reputation for innovation and launching Scotland's first MBA in 1966.

Old Photo
1976
New Photo
2025

In 1971, Strathclyde joined forces with other Scottish universities to create the Scottish Business School, paving the way for the founding of Strathclyde Business School in 1973.

A restructuring in 1982 turned it into a full faculty, uniting business education under one banner and cementing Strathclyde's role as a pioneer of Scottish management education.

See our timeline

Old Photo
1967
New Photo
2025

A tour of the school from 1976

We're sharing this video from our archives for those interested in a look back in time. The content and image quality aren't up to modern standards, but we hope you'll enjoy this glimpse into the past. The video ends with a summary by the first director of the Business School, Professor James A.M. Kennerley.

A new purpose built building for the school was opened in 1976 when 130 Rottenrow, Glasgow became our first official home.

MBA Alumni Profiles

Since 1966, approximately 7000 students have become Strathclyde MBAs. Here are some of their stories.

Picture of Shayan Anwar at graduation

One of the most rewarding aspects of the MBA year was connecting with my classmates. The diversity of professional backgrounds and cultures created a dynamic environment where I continuously learned from others.

Vijay Venkoba Rao
Full-time, Stephen Young Scholar

More about Vijay's Strathlife
Alastair Bell

Alastair Bell

Part-time; Graduated 2000

There’s no doubt that my MBA helped me into a general management role. If nothing else, it sends a message of a commitment to lifelong learning

Akash Singh

Akash Singh

Full-time; Graduated 2023

Strathclyde offers a world-class learning environment with excellent infrastructure and support

Jamie Culpan

Jamie Culpan

Exec Part-time MBA; Graduated 2024

there’s a real confidence boost that comes from completing the MBA, not just the qualification itself...Just go for it, you won’t regret it

Cynthia Brett

Cynthia Brett

Full-time; Graduated 2019

The cultural awareness that I gained has benefited my career when working with teams from other countries, particularly around communication challenges

View all MBA Alumni Profiles

We want to hear from you!
Share your MBA Experience with us here

MBA blogs 2021-2025

Our students frequently contribute guest articles to our blog. Below is a selection of posts focused on MBA topics.

A close-up digital illustration of a metallic chain composed of interlinked segments, each link covered with binary code consisting of zeros and ones. The chain appears three-dimensional and glossy, with a futuristic design, symbolizing concepts such as blockchain technology, digital security, or data connectivity. The background is blurred in shades of white and gray, giving the image a high-tech and modern feel. The binary digits are arranged in horizontal lines across the surface of the chain links, reinforcing the theme of digital information.
MBA project leads to blockchain patent

Jose Gonzalo's final MBA project united issues he saw in his daily work with one of his passions - blockchain technology - and resulted in a patent being filed for a new procedure. Here, he explains the story.

A close-up view of an old-fashioned typewriter with a sheet of white paper inserted. The paper displays the words ‘New Chapter’ typed in black, slightly distressed typewriter-style font. The metal type guide and ruler are visible at the top, and the typewriter’s mechanical parts, including the ribbon and keys, are partially shown at the bottom. The overall composition emphasizes the typed phrase, symbolizing beginnings, transitions, or fresh starts.'
A fond farewell from an MBA stalwart

Margaret English was a well-known face to students on our full time MBA programme - after almost 40 years at Strathclyde, she retired and here, she reflected on her time at Strathclyde and what it has meant to her

A close-up view of a wooden table with a rustic blue paint accent. On the left side, there is a bright red ceramic coffee mug filled with black coffee. To the right of the mug, a white paper napkin lies flat on the table with the words ‘Just do it!’ printed in bold, stylized blue lettering. A silver ballpoint pen rests diagonally across the napkin, pointing toward the top right corner. The composition suggests a motivational theme, combining the coffee cup, pen, and inspiring message in a casual setting.
Considering an MBA? Go for it!

Daechuck Lee did his MBA full time at Strathclyde. Here, he explains what he loved about his time here - so much so, he is setting up a scholarship for Koreans who want to do the same.

A minimalist illustration featuring two large, three-dimensional arrows on a teal background. The arrows are curved and merge into a single direction pointing upward to the right. One arrow is black, and the other is white, creating a strong contrast. The design suggests concepts such as convergence, collaboration, or merging paths, with clean lines and a modern, flat-shaded style.
Volunteering and the MBA: two pathways converging

As lock-down descended on the UK in March 2020, MBA student Marc Jordan felt compelled to help and volunteered in the care sector.

See all MBA focussed Blogs

A series of Pioneer front covers

Pioneering

During the 2000s, the Business School produced its own in-house magazine called Pioneer.

We are continually trying to add value to the University of Strathclyde Graduate School of Business (USGSB) experience, and PIONEER is one more contribution.

Professor Colin Eden Director of USGSB 1999 - 2006

Our complete collection of published magazines, spanning from Autumn 2002 through to Winter 2014, has now been carefully compiled and made available in digital format. All 18 issues from this period can be downloaded directly from this site, allowing readers to enjoy every edition from over a decade of publication.

Read all issues

Triple-accredited business school

Did you know that in 2004, Strathclyde Business School became the first Triple- Accredited Business school in Scotland?

AACSB accreditation logo
Association of MBAs Accredited logo
EQUIS accreditation logo

Our Timeline

Widely acknowledged for its innovation in business and management education, Strathclyde Business School has demonstrated pioneering developments across its undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

  • 1796

    Useful Learning Legacy

    The University was established in 1796 as 'the place of useful learning' and this remains at the forefront of our vision today

  • 1948

    Business Minds Shaped

    The University of Strathclyde Business School is founded as a pioneering, internationally renowned academic organisation to shape and develop the business minds of tomorrow

  • 1966

    Pioneering MBA Launched

    First one-year full-time MBA in the UK launched at Strathclyde

  • 1976

    MBA Flexibility First

    First part-time MBA Programme launched in the UK at Strathclyde

  • 1983

    MBA Flexibility First. Again!

    First distance learning MBA in the UK launched at Strathclyde

  • 1988

    International MBA Centres

    Launched our first Master of Business Administration centres abroad - in Singapore and Malaysia

  • 1989

    Hong Kong

    MBA Exec programme launched in Hong Kong with international partner

  • 1993

    Queen's Award for Export Achievement

    Offering the MBA at international centres from 1988 onwards, allowing local managers to study a UK MBA in their own country saw SBS win Queen's award for export achievement

  • 1995

    Bahrain

    MBA Exec programme launched in Bahrain with international partner

  • 1995

    UAE

    MBA Exec programme launched in Dubai with international partner. Strathclyde Business School became the first European business school to be given license to operate an MBA programme in the UAE. As part of the process carried out by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation, the license established SBS as an educational institution officially recognised by the UAE government

  • 1995

    Greece

    MBA exec programme launched in Greece with international partner

  • 1995

    Switzerland

    MBA exec programme launched in Switzerland with international partner

  • 2000

    Oman

    MBA Exec programme launched in Oman with international partner

  • 2000

    Shanghai

    MBA exec programme launched in Shanghai with international partner

  • 2004

    Abu Dhabi

    MBA exec programme launched in Abu Dhabi with international partner

  • 2004

    Scotland's First Triple Accredited School

    Strathclyde became the first business school in Scotland to achieve triple accreditation from the three main accreditation bodies - AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB

  • 2014

    Research Excellence Leader

    In the Research Excellence Framework, we rated in the top 10 in the UK for our research, number one in Scotland on grade point average (GPA), 3rd in the UK for the impact of our research and achieved the highest possible rating for our research environment

  • 2016

    Business School of the Year

    Awarded THE Business School of the Year in UK

  • 2019

    Business School of the Year. Again!

    The University of Strathclyde becomes the first university to win the coveted University of the Year title twice

  • 2020

    Strathclyde Business School in the UAE

    MBA UAE new campus opens. The programme maintains the same high standards as the UK campus while offering electives and networking opportunities globally

  • 2021

    January Fulltime Cohorts

    To meet growing demand and suit different markets, Strathclyde introduced a January-start cohort to the fulltime MBA (in addition to on-going September start programme)

  • 2021

    Research Excellence Framework

    Recognised in REF 2021 for world-leading research (GPA 3.26), ranking third in Scotland for overall quality (THE). Its research environment scored 75% "world-leading" and 25% "internationally excellent", the second-highest in Scotland. SBS ranks 16th in the UK and second in Scotland for Research Power (THE)

  • 2022

    Global Practitioner Initiative

    Strathclyde Business School launched a new initiative which saw 30 industry practitioners join the delivery team of the MBA programme emphasising our focus on practical expertise

  • 2024

    Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Strathclyde partners with Princess Nourah University to deliver the Strathclyde MBA in KSA