Open University Business School

What Open University Business School does

The Open University Business School (OUBS) is the business school division of The Open University, a UK public university established by Royal Charter in 1969; OUBS itself was founded in 1980 to deliver flexible business and management education. Headquartered at Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, OUBS is one of fewer than 60 business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS — a credential shared by less than 1% of business schools globally. It currently serves 16,664 students across more than 90 countries and a 116,000+ alumni community spanning over 130 countries (including 28,500+ MBA graduates), supported by nearly 360 tutors and organised into five academic departments: Accounting and Finance; People and Organisations; Public Leadership and Social Enterprise (PuLSE); Strategy and Marketing; and one further department implied across the data.

The core product portfolio is led by the triple-accredited Global Online MBA (fees £20,090-£22,000 over 2-7 years with pay-as-you-go billing and two annual intakes), complemented by MSc Finance (CFA Institute University Recognition Programme), MSc Human Resource Management (CIPD-approved), undergraduate BA (Hons) degrees in Business Management and Marketing and Business Management, postgraduate research degrees (MPhil/PhD), continuing professional development short courses, and apprenticeships. Delivery is through the Open University's proprietary supported open-learning infrastructure, augmented by SCiLAB (a centre for pedagogical research and innovation), OpenLearn (a free public learning platform), and the Global Online MBA Virtual Community connecting students from 75+ countries; the school's research base is independently validated by REF 2021, where 75% of outputs were rated internationally excellent or world-leading.

OUBS operates as a direct-to-consumer online model within the parent's public, charity-governed structure (exempt charity in England & Wales, registered charity in Scotland). Revenue derives primarily from tuition across undergraduate and postgraduate modules, employer sponsorship (mediated by the MBA Business Case Builder tool), professional-body channel partnerships (IoD, CMI, CIPD, CFA Institute, CIM, CILT), licensing and validation agreements with international partners including XuetangX in China and the Arab Open University in the Middle East, and free-to-paid conversion via OpenLearn and FutureLearn. Marketing reaches global audiences through a 50+ year BBC co-production partnership, LinkedIn (with the Alumni Network group exceeding 353,000 followers), YouTube, X/Twitter, monthly e-news, webinars, and events, positioning OUBS as both a research-led institution and an export-grade British education brand.

Name

Open University Business School

Legal name

The Open University

Website

https://business-school.open.ac.uk

Company type

Public

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Open University Business School is a UK public university's triple-accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) distance-learning business school serving 16,664 students across 90+ countries with MBA, MSc, undergraduate, doctoral and CPD programmes delivered through supported open online learning and professional-body pathway partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education - Business and Management

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International Business & Global Management Schools (EDAHAHAJ)

Keywords

• Business education
• Distance learning
• Online MBA programs
• Management degrees
• Executive education

Headquarters

HQ city

Milton Keynes

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - Undergraduate Programs: Revenue from undergraduate business and management qualifications charged per module/course, with pay-as-you-go options available through Open University Student Budget Account
2. Tuition Fees - Postgraduate Programs: Revenue from postgraduate qualifications including MBA (£20,090-£22,000), MSc Finance, and MSc Human Resource Management
3. MBA Program Revenue: Global Online MBA generates revenue through tuition fees ranging from £20,090 to £22,000, with pay-as-you-go options
4. Employer Sponsorship and Corporate Partnerships: Corporate organisations sponsor employees through MBA Business Case Builder tool, supporting employer-funded education
5. Short Courses and CPD: Continuing professional development short courses in leadership, management, finance, strategy, and digital skills
6. Licensing and Validation Partnerships: Revenue from licensing MBA content to international partners such as XuetangX for delivery in China

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Open University Business School delivers triple-accredited business and management education primarily through supported online and distance learning. Its portfolio includes a flagship Global Online MBA, specialist MSc programmes (Finance, HRM), undergraduate business degrees, postgraduate research degrees, short courses and apprenticeships, serving working professionals and aspiring managers globally.

Product overview

The Open University Business School offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational products and services, primarily as a distance and online learning provider. The core offerings include the triple-accredited Global Online MBA, MSc in Finance, and MSc in Human Resource Management, alongside undergraduate qualifications (BA Business Management, BA Marketing and Business Management), postgraduate taught programmes, and postgraduate research degrees (MPhil/PhD). The school also provides short courses and CPD programmes, apprenticeships, and free learning through OpenLearn. All programmes are delivered through the university's supported open learning model, with the MBA serving as the flagship product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Global Online MBA Triple-accredited distance learning MBA qualification for practising senior and middle-level managers, emphasising strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills, creativity and innovation with global emphasis. Duration 2-7 years, fees £20,090-£22,000.
• MSc in Finance Postgraduate finance qualification accepted into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program, covering at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge and preparing students for CFA exams.
• MSc in Human Resource Management CIPD-approved postgraduate qualification in human resource management, enabling students to achieve CIPD membership after completing the diploma stage.
• Undergraduate Qualifications Undergraduate degree programmes including BA (Hons) Business Management and BA (Hons) Marketing and Business Management, delivered via distance learning.
• Postgraduate Qualifications Master's-level programmes including specialised business and management qualifications beyond the MBA.
• Postgraduate Research Degrees MPhil and PhD research programmes in business and management disciplines with over 65 PhD students investigating a wide range of research topics.
• Short Courses and CPD Continuing professional development short courses covering people, finance, strategy, creativity, communication, digital and organisational skills.
• Apprenticeships Apprenticeship programmes for professional development in business and management.
• OpenLearn Free Learning Free online courses and educational content drawing on original module materials and research, accessible to the public without enrollment, including business and management topics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ranked 5th globally in CEO Magazine Global Online MBA Rankings (2019), 1st for UK institutions
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and minor.

• BBCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026The Open University and BBC co-produce multiple programs annually to support courses and inform/entertain the public. Current collaborations include BBC One's Morning Live film series, The Bottom Line radio program on BBC Radio 4, and I Made It at Market BBC One series. OU academics serve as consultants providing expert insight and research-based contributions.
• CifaskeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026OUBS hosts guest lectures with Cifas CEO Mike Haley on fraud, data and emerging risks. Cifas is the UK's fraud prevention service, providing data-led overview of fraud types causing greatest harm to society.
• Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Active role as Communicating Signatory to PRME since 2011. United Nations-supported initiative to raise profile of sustainability in schools and equip students with understanding to deliver change.
• Arab Open UniversitykeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003In 2003 the Arab Open University achieved accreditation from The Open University's Centre for Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships, enabling thousands of students and teachers in the Arab world to access management education of the highest calibre.
• XuetangXkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2020, XuetangX and The Open University launched licensing and validation partnership. XuetangX delivers an MBA programme validated by The Open University, with content licensed from the triple-accredited MBA programme, adapted to meet local business context in China.
• Babson CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Open University became a member of Babson Collaborative, a global membership organisation for educational institutions focused on advancing entrepreneurship education and research, founded by Babson Academy.
• Global Business School Network (GBSN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of only eight UK business schools to be a member of GBSN - a network of over 140 business schools on six continents working to strengthen management education in the developing world.
• Institute of Directors (IoD) and Chartered Management Institute (CMI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOUBS alumni have opportunity to join these professional membership organisations and take advantage of special deals at discounted rates. Partnership provides pathways for professional qualification and recognition.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMSc in Human Resources Management is approved by CIPD, with students able to achieve membership after successfully completing the diploma stage of the qualification.
• CFA InstitutecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMSc in Finance has been accepted into CFA Institute University Recognition Program, demonstrating curriculum covers at least 70% of CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge and prepares students for CFA exams.
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance qualification offers exemptions from some CIMA professional examinations. Partnership ensures synergy between CIMA examinations and OUBS curriculum.
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarketing and Business Management course is accredited by CIM, providing exemptions and opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications at accelerated pace. Students have up to five years from graduating to complete CIM qualification.
• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)keyChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCILT recognises a supply chain and logistics pathway of the MBA on completion of two elective modules, with successful students gaining knowledge required for Chartered member status.
• True Potential LLPkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with financial services company True Potential LLP won Business Partnership category at Guardian University Awards 2017, recognising innovative partnership in business education.
• Certified Management & Business Educator (CMBE)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness School is a CMBE subscriber, recognising commitment to supporting staff development and teaching excellence.
• Be Slavery FreekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerOU is part of international team coordinating the Chocolate Scorecard, led by Be Slavery Free, ensuring research is rigorous, transparent and adheres to high ethical standards. Dr Cristiana Bernardi has been part of the team since 2022.
• NatWestkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpen University partnered with NatWest and Department for Work and Pensions to launch Open Business Creators Fund, a funding competition supporting women entrepreneurs at idea or early stages.
• Department for Work and PensionskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with NatWest and DWP to support Open Business Creators Fund for women entrepreneurs across the UK.
• Harrison FoundationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Harrison Foundation to launch free financial literacy resource for 15-17 year old secondary school students, supporting teachers delivering statutory financial education within PSHE.
• TIN VentureskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with TIN Ventures to create Business Export Exchange Programme (BEEP) supporting SMEs with international trade. BEEP offers Export Bootcamp, Global Co-Pilot Incubator (PG Cert in Business Administration), and Global Trade Accelerator (Global Online MBA Certification).
• Tin VentureskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew initiative supporting growth of diverse business founders across West Midlands. Collaboration designed to equip entrepreneurs with skills and connections to grow their businesses.
• PolicyWISEkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolicyWISE, based in the Business School, is collaborating on ESRC-funded Research Capability Hub, recognising divergent policy structures of UK and supporting improved policy engagement and impact.
• Institute of Educational TechnologykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating with Institute of Educational Technology on ESRC Research Capability Hub, leveraging OU's innovative technology infrastructure for transforming research skills training.
• OpenLearn CreatecoreTechnology or IntegrationInnovative open educational platform (Moodle-based) used for delivering Research Capability Hub training, with tools for collaboration, reuse and remixing of educational content.
• FutureLearncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with FutureLearn platform for delivering open online courses, reaching global audiences interested in business and management education.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Warwick Business School (WBS): UK triple-accredited business school with a strong distance-learning MBA and broad portfolio of online postgraduate programs. Directly comparable to OUBS in scale, UK/global student mix, and emphasis on supported online delivery.
• Lancaster University Management School: UK triple-accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) business school with substantial online MBA and executive education offerings. Highly comparable to OUBS in accreditation profile, UK base, and global online reach.
• Alliance Manchester Business School: UK triple-accredited business school offering both on-campus and significant online/distance learning programs. Comparable to OUBS in global brand, research intensity, and executive education portfolio.
• Cranfield School of Management: UK business school with AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB accreditations, strong executive and management development focus. Comparable to OUBS in targeting working professionals and emphasizing applied, work-based learning.
• Henley Business School: UK-based business school with AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB accreditations and a long-established flexible/distance MBA. One of the closest direct comparables to OUBS on flexible online MBA, executive education, and professional body accreditations.
• Durham University Business School: UK triple-accredited business school offering a portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and executive programs. Comparable to OUBS in UK research-led positioning and broad program mix including online offerings.
• Hult International Business School: Global business school with a strong one-year and online MBA focus, multiple international campuses, and an emphasis on practitioner-oriented learning. Comparable to OUBS in its global student base and distance/online MBA proposition.
• IE Business School: International business school with a leading Global Online MBA and a heavily international student body. Direct comparable to OUBS on online MBA scale, ranking profile, and employer recognition.

Emerging players

• Quantic School of Business: Mobile-first, AI-enabled online MBA provider targeting working professionals globally. A meaningful emerging competitor to OUBS's Global Online MBA on price point, UX, and tech-native delivery.

Others

• Open University (parent) — competitor reference: FutureLearn / Coursera / edX: Adjacent platform-level players in online business and management education delivery, used by OUBS (FutureLearn) for open courses. Relevant as ecosystem comparables for distribution and the broader online professional education category.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/oubschool
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC1I78rcrKn9bL1Jx1hqOxbQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/theopenuniversity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/edu/the-open-university-business-school-353000

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Open University Business School