Two undergraduate students, girls, have a coffee at the WBS cafe

Career-ready: The School's emphasis on employability skills is reaping dividends for undergraduates

Warwick Business School has risen to second in the UK for Business & Management Studies and Accounting & Finance in the Complete University Guide 2027 rankings.

The ranking also revealed that 87 per cent of WBS BSc Accounting & Finance graduates and 85 per cent of Business & Management degree holders were in ‘highly skilled employment’ following their studies.

WBS also ranks second in the UK for ‘research quality’ in both subjects according to the Complete University Guide.

Andy Lockett, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Dean of WBS, said: “The Complete University Guide rankings highlight the continued strength of our Undergraduate programmes in preparing students for the workplace.

“Our outstanding careers team are heavily integrated into the programmes, with modules and workshops helping students prepare their CVs, interview technique and job seeking skills.

“Our sustained focus on employability, industry engagement and real-world learning means our students are work-ready when they graduate.

“We design our courses in close collaboration with employers to ensure our students develop not just academic knowledge, but the skills, mindset and adaptability needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”

The School’s Undergraduate degrees – BSc Accounting & Finance, BSc Business & Management, BSc Business & Management with Marketing, and BSc International Business & Management – all have the option of a placement year to enhance students’ employability.

Students can spend a year with a company in the UK or abroad to gain valuable experience, and pay 15 per cent of the standard full‑time tuition rate, while earning a salary. There are opportunities available across a range of industries at the likes of financial services giant EY, cosmetics firm L’Oreal, fashion house Burberry and the Bank of England.

Even without a placement year WBS undergraduates can attend employer networking events with the likes of consultants Accenture, car firm Aston Martin, bank NatWest and US healthcare conglomerate Johnson & Johnson.

There are also one-to-one career coaching sessions, career planning workshops, and internships on offer.

Mark Johnson, Professor of Operations Management and Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programmes), said: “This latest ranking further demonstrates the School’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, career-focused education that enables students to thrive in competitive global job markets.

A career-focused approach to degrees

“Our priority is to ensure that every student leaves WBS not only with a degree, but with the skills and a clear pathway into a successful career.

“We integrate employability into every stage of the undergraduate journey. Our teaching is informed not just by the latest research, but by industry, with guest speakers and regular employer dialogue informing the curriculum.

 “This ensures our graduates are well prepared to make an immediate impact in the workplace.

“As a School for the Change Makers, we unlock potential and transform aspiration into action. And you can see this with our graduates going on to work at top firms like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and EY.”

Discover Warwick Business School's Change Makers.