our history

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Impacting the City and beyond

Leeds Business School has a rich history with roots dating back to 1898. Over the years we have evolved with and impacted on the city of Leeds, helping to establish and support a rich business landscape in the region.

We offer courses across six subject areas with expertise in the school spanning a wide range of specialisms, and we have partnered with education providers across the globe.

We have a lot to be proud of and we'll continue to build and support a vibrant learning community of colleagues and students.

  • 1898
    Where it all began...

    Reorganisation of commercial education in Leeds. The Commercial Evening School becomes part of the Leeds Institute of Science, Art and Literature.

  • 1926
    The establishment is founded

    School of Commerce awarded rank of 'college' by Board of Education becoming Leeds College of Commerce.


  • 1934
    Part of something bigger

    College of Commerce moves to former United Methodist Chapel in Woodhouse Lane.


  • 1970
    An academic institution

    Incorporation of Leeds College and Faculty of Business and Social Sciences into Leeds Polytechnic.


  • 1989
    Where business begins

    Leeds Business School inaugurated.

  • 1990
    A breakthrough in business

    Pioneered one of the first Public Relations courses in the country. First MBA programme offered.

    Public Relations and Journalism courses
  • 1990
    An official opening

    On February 23, 1990, Leeds Business School opened by Sir Leon Brittain Q.C., Vice President of the European Communities.

  • 1992
    Constant development

    First one-year student placement offered. First delivery for the Institute of Directors (IoD).

    Institute of Directors programme
  • 1999
    International courses introduced

    First delivery of business courses in Hong Kong.

    Leeds Beckett degrees in Hong Kong
  • 2008
    Masters programmes overseas

    First delivery of Masters programmes in Africa and with Zhejiang University of Technology, China.

  • 2009
    Our new home

    The Rose Bowl opens it's doors as Leeds Business School's new home.

    Take the tour 360°
  • 2016
    State of the art

    Leeds Business School launches new facilities in The Rose Bowl and Portland including a Media Suite and Professional Practice Suite incorporating a Trading Floor and Hydra Suite.

    Explore our facilities
  • 2016
    Recognition through the Small Business Charter (SBC)

    Leeds Business School receives prestigious SBC Award. The SBC celebrates business schools that play an effective role in supporting small businesses, local economies and student entrepreneurship.

    Small Business Charter
  • 2021
    #WECAN (Women Empowered through Coaching and Networking) project launched

    The three-year #WECAN project was launched to enhance the resilience and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by building the leadership skills, capabilities and opportunities of women in the Leeds City Region.

    Partly funded by the European Union Social Fund.

    #WECAN
  • 1926
    The establishment is founded

    School of Commerce awarded rank of 'college' by Board of Education becoming Leeds College of Commerce.


  • 1970
    An academic institution

    Incorporation of Leeds College and Faculty of Business and Social Sciences into Leeds Polytechnic.


  • 1990
    A breakthrough in business

    Pioneered one of the first Public Relations courses in the country. First MBA programme offered.

    Public Relations and Journalism courses
  • 1992
    Constant development

    First one-year student placement offered. First delivery for the Institute of Directors (IoD).

    Institute of Directors programme
  • 2008
    Masters programmes overseas

    First delivery of Masters programmes in Africa and with Zhejiang University of Technology, China.

  • 2016
    State of the art

    Leeds Business School launches new facilities in The Rose Bowl and Portland including a Media Suite and Professional Practice Suite incorporating a Trading Floor and Hydra Suite.

    Explore our facilities
  • 2021
    #WECAN (Women Empowered through Coaching and Networking) project launched

    The three-year #WECAN project was launched to enhance the resilience and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by building the leadership skills, capabilities and opportunities of women in the Leeds City Region.

    Partly funded by the European Union Social Fund.

    #WECAN
  • 1898
    Where it all began...

    Reorganisation of commercial education in Leeds. The Commercial Evening School becomes part of the Leeds Institute of Science, Art and Literature.

  • 1934
    Part of something bigger

    College of Commerce moves to former United Methodist Chapel in Woodhouse Lane.


  • 1989
    Where business begins

    Leeds Business School inaugurated.

  • 1990
    An official opening

    On February 23, 1990, Leeds Business School opened by Sir Leon Brittain Q.C., Vice President of the European Communities.

  • 1999
    International courses introduced

    First delivery of business courses in Hong Kong.

    Leeds Beckett degrees in Hong Kong
  • 2009
    Our new home

    The Rose Bowl opens it's doors as Leeds Business School's new home.

    Take the tour 360°
  • 2016
    Recognition through the Small Business Charter (SBC)

    Leeds Business School receives prestigious SBC Award. The SBC celebrates business schools that play an effective role in supporting small businesses, local economies and student entrepreneurship.

    Small Business Charter
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