For globally connected future leaders
About the school
The School of Business Management and Creativity offers a unique and innovative approach to education. Our programmes are developed in collaboration with partner employers, thought leaders, and successful alumni from around the world, giving you the chance to apply proven leadership skills and creative techniques throughout your studies.
With professional recognition and accreditation from nine awarding bodies, many of our programmes boast triple accreditation. The school is also committed to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education, embedding the seven principles of integrity across all its courses.
Recognised as a Centre for Excellence in enterprise and entrepreneurship, the school also excels in creative design, providing undergraduate students full access to the Adobe Creative Suite.
Students can further specialise by choosing joint degrees that combine business management with law, computing, or psychology. For those already in employment, the school supports over 500 students through the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, earning their undergraduate degree and a royal charter while working, all under a ‘GOOD’ Ofsted rating.
Arden in numbers
£60,000
earning potential
Starting salaries for business and design graduates range from £18,000 to £60,000 – a great opportunity for career growth.
90%+
student satisfaction
Students rated teaching at 91%, learning opportunities at 90%, and assessment & feedback at 92%.
84%
career-ready
84% of students felt the school offered strong career development opportunities.
91%
employability
91% of students graduated with the skills to confidently enter the business management field.
Faculty staff
Welcome from the Head of the School of Business Management & Creativity
Hello, I’m Professor Alison Watson, Head of the School of Business Management & Creativity. I’ve been with Arden (RDI) for over 19 years, during which I’ve seen many students succeed. Along the way, I completed my PhD focusing on segmentation strategy and student recruitment, achieved Chartered status with the Chartered Management Institute and Chartered Institute of Marketing, and became a Principal Fellow at the Higher Education Academy.
My career began in retail, where I spent 13 years completing my Master's and qualifications in Higher Education. I transitioned to teaching, starting with distance learning and later moving to university-level education. For the past 18 years, I’ve enjoyed supporting students as they gain confidence and turn their dreams into reality.
I understand that the world of employment can be overwhelming, and I’m here to help you navigate it. My goal is to steer you in the right direction, build your confidence, and help you discover the path that’s right for you.
A warm welcome to the School of Business Management & Creativity – I wish you every success in the year ahead!
Professor Alison Watson
Head of School - Business Management and Creativity
Towella Ngambi
Head of Department - Business Management
Dr Shameem Shaffi
Head of Department Business Management Top-Ups
Paul Moses
Head of Department Business Management Pathways
Latest news
Accrediting bodies and industry partners
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. The institute aims to boost career development in the management sector and connect you with likeminded professionals.
Business Graduates Association (BGA)
Arden University’s Faculty of Business is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), an international quality assurance body of world-leading education providers who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) provides continuing professional development services, funds academic research, develops thought leadership, and monitors professional standards in the accountancy sector.
Tourism Management Institute (TMI)
The Tourism Management Institute (TMI) is the professional organisation for anyone working in tourism destination management, supporting professionals who promote and develop destinations worldwide.
Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM)
The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), part of the City & Guilds group, is a professional membership body for leaders and managers with a mission of inspiring great leadership everywhere.
Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)
The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) seeks to elevate professional standards in the travel industry and provides tourism organisations and professionals with support and guidance.
UNWTO
Arden University has joined an elite group of universities in the UK that are members of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). UNWTO has a current membership of 156 countries and is responsible for the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the world’s largest organisation for professional marketers and plays a key role in setting industry standards.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a powerful global presence within the accountancy profession, inspiring its members and students towards greater success and prosperity.
Digital Marketing Institute (DMI)
The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) is the global standard in digital marketing certification and works to support today’s marketers in achieving their full professional potential.
The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)
Arden University is an approved IOEE Centre of Excellence, highlighting our commitment to staying at the forefront of education and industry standards. We continuously update our services to meet market and student needs and offer IOEE membership to our staff, students, and learners.
United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative
Arden University is a signatory of the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative. Founded in 2007, the PRME initiative engages business and education providers to ensure graduates and future leaders develop the skills they’ll need to achieve economic development and business sustainability goals.
