Two Foundation Year students chatting in the Warwick Business School cafe

Learning curve: Warwick Business School has been nominated for two prizes at the QS Reimagine Education Awards

Warwick Business School has been shortlisted for two prestigious accolades at the upcoming QS Reimagine Education Awards. 

The School’s Foundation Year programme is a finalist for the Access, Diversity & Inclusion Award, while its immersive Business in Practice module used across several Master's courses has been nominated in the Innovation in Business Education category. 

The winners of the awards will be presented at the QS Reimagine Education Conference in December at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London. The QS Reimagine Education Awards span 18 categories, recognising excellence in areas such as AI in education, sustainability, and blended learning.  

Andy Lockett, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Dean of WBS, said: “As a School with a long history of innovation to have two nominations at the QS Reimagine Education awards is fitting and testament to the culture and hard work of everyone at WBS. 

“The Foundation Year continues to be a tremendous success and an engine for change. It has allowed many youngsters who would not have had the chance otherwise to gain the experience of an education at a world-class business school. 

“The Business In Practice module has been a truly pioneering module, offering students the valuable experience of putting their Master’s into practice and learning how to work as a team. 

“These innovations once again show why WBS is for the Change Makers.” 

The Foundation Year programme, now in its 11th year, was designed to widen participation by offering a pathway for students from under-recognised backgrounds into higher education.  

A Foundation Year with 100 per cent scholarship

WBS is the only Russell Group business school that sees all Foundation Year students gain a 100 per cent scholarship to cover the £5,760 fee and offer guaranteed progression to one of the School’s top Undergraduate programmes for those who pass. 

“The Foundation Year is an important part of WBS and is a prime example of our core values to be open and inclusive,” said Tamara Friedrich, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Course Director for the Foundation Year. 

“It opens doors for students who might not otherwise have access to a university like Warwick, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and support to succeed. We are deeply proud of what our students have accomplished, and the positive ripple effect this programme continues to have across our wider community.”  

The programme has enrolled 232 students since its inception, with 40 per cent coming from the UK’s most disadvantaged areas.  

Meanwhile, the Business in Practice module challenges students to apply their academic learning in a simulated business environment. Over three weeks, students work in teams to manage a virtual company, making strategic decisions across finance, operations, marketing, and HR. 

“The real-world business simulation has proved to be a powerful learning experience,” said Natasha Mwila, Associate Professor of Organisation and co-lead of the module. “Provided with state-of-the art computer modelling, students can look at issues such as market trends, regulation, operations, and finance. They must collaborate, communicate, and deliver results under pressure - just like in the real world. It builds not only technical skills but also emotional intelligence and resilience. 

“Being shortlisted for these awards highlights how WBS continues to innovate and push boundaries to improve students’ educational experience.” 

Discover Warwick Business School's Change Makers.