Business School

Henley Business School

Thames, United Kingdom
Founded 1945
QS Ranking #57
Location Thames, United Kingdom
Known For Finance and Accounting, International Business and Strategy, Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour and Reputation, and Real Estate and Planning.

Overview

Henley Business School is one of the world's leading business schools, recognised for delivering high-quality business education, impactful research, and strong industry connections. Built on the philosophy of bringing business to life, Henley combines academic excellence with practical learning, preparing students to succeed in today's fast-changing global business environment. The school welcomes ambitious learners who are passionate about innovation, leadership, and creating meaningful change in business and society.

A defining feature of Henley Business School is its prestigious triple accreditation, held continuously for more than 20 years. This internationally respected recognition is awarded by the leading UK, European, and US accrediting bodies, placing Henley among an elite group of business schools worldwide. The school's global reputation is further reflected in its strong rankings, including 4th in the UK for the Executive MBA (Financial Times 2025), 6th in the UK for Executive Education Open Programmes (Financial Times 2026), and a place among the Top 200 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

Henley is a truly international business school with more than 7,000 students from over 100 countries and an influential alumni community of more than 107,000 graduates across 167 countries. Its international campuses, offices, and partnerships provide students with valuable global perspectives while creating opportunities to build professional networks that extend far beyond graduation.

The business school offers a comprehensive portfolio of programmes, including undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, MBA, corporate development, and apprenticeship courses. Students benefit from an applied learning approach that blends cutting-edge research with real-world business practice, ensuring graduates develop both academic knowledge and practical skills valued by employers. Teaching is enriched by current research, commercial expertise, and faculty members with extensive professional experience.

Henley's academic strengths span key business disciplines, including Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship; Finance and Accounting; International Business and Strategy; Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour and Reputation; and Real Estate and Planning. Research also plays a central role in the school's reputation.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 100% of Henley's research impact and research environment was assessed as either world-leading or internationally excellent, demonstrating the school's commitment to producing research that influences both academic knowledge and professional practice. By integrating research, teaching, and career development, Henley Business School equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and global outlook needed for long-term career success.

Services

Henley Business School is committed to helping international students succeed academically, professionally, and personally. From the moment students join the school, they have access to a wide range of support services designed to promote wellbeing, career development, entrepreneurship, and financial assistance. With a student-focused approach, Henley creates an environment where learners from around the world can confidently build their future while becoming part of a diverse global business community.

Student wellbeing is a central part of life at Henley Business School. The University offers comprehensive health and wellbeing support, ensuring students can easily access advice and assistance whenever they need it. Alongside professional support services, a wide range of wellbeing activities encourages students to maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal life, helping international students settle confidently into their new environment.

Supporting student success is a key priority at Henley. The Business School is dedicated to ensuring that talented students can pursue their education without unnecessary financial barriers. Through the support of its community, Henley provides funding opportunities for academically strong students from across the world and offers financial assistance to students who experience unexpected hardship during their studies. This commitment helps international students remain focused on their academic and professional goals.

Career development begins from the first day of study. Henley's Careers and Professional Development team works closely with students to help them understand their strengths, identify career opportunities, and develop long-term career plans. Experienced Careers Consultants provide personalised one-to-one guidance, helping students explore career options, prepare for interviews and assessment centres, improve CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and understand both the UK and international job markets. Career appointments are conveniently available by phone or video through the online My Jobs Online booking system, making support easily accessible throughout the student journey.

International students also benefit from a wide range of specialist career resources. These include Student Circus, which connects international students with UK employers offering Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship opportunities, CareerSet, an AI-powered platform that provides personalised feedback on CVs and cover letters, and Shortlist.Me, which helps students practise AI-based video interviews.

Students seeking international opportunities can use GoinGlobal for worldwide career planning and job listings, while Chinese students have access to mShare, offering guaranteed paid placements in China. Career learning resources are also available through Blackboard, Canvas, and Henley Live, allowing students to develop their employability skills at their own pace.

Henley Business School also provides outstanding support for aspiring entrepreneurs through the Henley Enterprise Lab (HELAB) and the Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship (HCfE). Students can participate in practical initiatives such as the Henley Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme, which provides funding to promising start-ups, the IDEAFEST Student Business Idea Competition, and the Henley Summer Start-Up Boot Camp, where students gain hands-on experience of building a business from the ground up. Weekly Business Idea and Start-Up Clinic sessions also allow students to receive expert advice on developing future business ventures.

Beyond careers and entrepreneurship, Henley strengthens students' professional networks through employer panels, industry insight events, finance and sector-specific sessions, and subject-focused networking opportunities. The Business School also maintains strong relationships with its global alumni community and local businesses, creating valuable opportunities for mentoring, investment, business collaboration, and professional connections.

Together, these comprehensive support services ensure that international students graduate with the confidence, practical experience, and career-ready skills needed to succeed in the global business world.

Ranking & Recognition

Henley Business School has earned a strong national and international reputation through consistently high rankings across undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialist business disciplines. Its achievements reflect the quality of teaching, student experience, career outcomes, and research excellence. As a triple-accredited business school, Henley is recognised globally for delivering programmes that prepare students for successful careers in business, finance, management, and real estate.

At the undergraduate level, Henley performs exceptionally well across several subject areas. It is ranked 1st in the UK for Land and Property Management in the Complete University Guide 2027, highlighting its long-standing leadership in real estate education.

The school also ranks 29th in the UK for Business and Management Studies and 30th in the UK for Accounting and Finance, demonstrating its strength across core business disciplines. The Guardian University Guide 2026 places Henley 1st in the UK for spend per student, reflecting the University's significant investment in delivering an outstanding student experience.

Graduate success is another major strength. Henley ranks 19th in the UK for Graduate Prospects in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. In Business and Management, it is 14th in the UK for Graduate Prospects according to the Guardian University Guide 2026, while the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 ranks it 2nd in the UK for graduates securing highly skilled jobs. The same guide also places Henley 1st in the UK for Business and Management, underlining the quality of its teaching and graduate outcomes.

Henley's Real Estate and Planning programmes continue to lead the sector. In addition to being 1st in the UK for Land and Property Management, the school is ranked 1st for Research Quality and 1st for Career Prospects in Construction, Surveying and Planning. It also achieves 3rd in the UK for Student Satisfaction, reflecting both academic excellence and a positive student experience.

The school's postgraduate programmes also receive outstanding international recognition. The Financial Times 2026 ranks Henley 7th in the UK and 46th in the world for its Masters in Finance. The programme is also 1st in the UK for International Course Experience and 1st in the UK for Carbon Footprint Credentials, while graduates achieve the 3rd highest salary percentage increase in the UK after completing the programme. In the QS Masters in Finance 2025, Henley is ranked 14th in the UK and 78th globally.

Henley's Masters in Management is equally respected, ranking 5th in the UK in the Financial Times 2024. The programme also places 8th in the UK for Careers Service, 9th for Graduate Career Progress, and 6th for Graduate Salary Percentage Increase three years after graduation, demonstrating its strong focus on employability and long-term career development.

The school's international reputation is further reinforced by the QS International Trade Rankings 2026, where Henley ranks 8th in the UK and 23rd in the world for International Trade (IB). Additionally, its Master's in Management is ranked 21st in the UK by QS Rankings 2026.

Student satisfaction remains exceptionally high, with the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025 reporting that overall satisfaction with course quality increased to 96.8%, highlighting Henley's commitment to delivering an outstanding learning experience for postgraduate students.

Courses

MSc Management

The MSc Management at Henley Business School is designed to develop management knowledge and practical skills for a range of business careers. Students can tailor their studies through elective modules in areas such as digital leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, international business and human resource management.

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Study Mode: Full-time
  • Start Date: September 2026
  • International Tuition Fee: £29,150 for 2026 entry
  • Entry Requirements: A good second-class degree or equivalent from an internationally recognised university. Applicants from any academic discipline may apply.
  • Official Course Page: MSc Management

MSc International Business and Digital Transformation

This double-degree programme is offered by Henley Business School and POLIMI Graduate School of Management. Students study in Reading, UK, and Milan, Italy, developing knowledge of international business and digital transformation. The final term focuses on a practical international business project.

  • Duration: 18 months
  • Study Mode: Full-time
  • Start Date: September 2026
  • International Tuition Fee: £21,800 for 2026 entry
  • Entry Requirements: A good first- or second-class UK honours degree, or an overseas equivalent. Relevant professional experience may also be considered.
  • Scholarship: Eligible candidates with, or on track for, a first-class honours degree may receive a £3,000 tuition fee reduction, subject to the university's assessment.
  • Official Course Page: MSc International Business and Digital Transformation

MSc International Business and Finance

The MSc International Business and Finance explores international business through economic and financial perspectives. Students examine how global firms use financial markets to pursue international opportunities and address the management challenges of operating across borders.

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Study Mode: Full-time
  • Start Date: September 2026
  • International Tuition Fee: £29,150 for 2026 entry
  • Entry Requirements: A good second-class honours degree or equivalent from an internationally recognised university. Professional experience may also be taken into account.
  • Official Course Page: MSc International Business and Finance

MSc International Business

The MSc International Business develops an understanding of international management and business operations. Students explore global business challenges and build the knowledge needed to work in organisations operating across international markets.

  • Duration: Check the official course page for the current programme duration.
  • Study Mode: Full-time
  • International Tuition Fee: £29,150 for 2026 entry
  • Entry Requirements: A good second-class degree or equivalent from an internationally recognised university. Applicants from any academic discipline may be considered.
  • English Language Requirement: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, as listed on the official course page.
  • Official Course Page: MSc International Business

MSc Real Estate

The MSc Real Estate is an industry-focused programme accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It prepares students for careers in the global real estate sector by developing knowledge relevant to property markets and real estate practice.

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Study Mode: Full-time
  • International Tuition Fee: £29,150 for 2026 entry
  • Entry Requirements: Applicants should check the official course page for the current academic and international qualification requirements.
  • Funding: Eligible postgraduate students may be considered for the Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) MSc Bursary, with awards of up to £10,000 for 2026/27.
  • Official Course Page: MSc Real Estate

Flexible Executive MBA

The Flexible Executive MBA is designed for experienced professionals who want to strengthen their leadership and management capabilities while continuing to work. Its blended learning approach combines campus-based workshops with independent study and practical business applications.

  • Duration: 27 months
  • Study Mode: Part-time
  • Start Date: September 2026
  • Programme Fee: £36,000 for 2026 entry; an early-bird fee of £30,600 was listed on the official page.
  • Entry Requirements: At least three years of management experience, a good degree or equivalent professional or international qualification, and evidence of English language competence.
  • Suitable For: Mid-level and senior executives, entrepreneurs, managers and aspiring leaders.
  • Official Course Page: Flexible Executive MBA

Executive MBA – Global

The Executive MBA – Global is designed for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and develop a global business perspective. The programme combines interactive workshops, personal development, practical business projects and international study experiences.

  • Duration: 24 months
  • Study Mode: Part-time
  • Start Date: October 2027
  • Programme Fee: £52,000 for 2027 entry
  • Entry Requirements: Normally, a good degree or equivalent qualification and at least three years of management experience. Applicants with substantial senior or strategic experience but no degree may be considered under the university's alternative criteria.
  • Suitable For: Senior executives, entrepreneurs, aspiring business leaders and professionals preparing for board-level positions.
  • Official Course Page: Executive MBA – Global

Important Note: Tuition fees, entry requirements, course availability and start dates can change by academic year. Please check the linked official course pages before publishing or applying. The programmes listed above are selected examples and not the complete course catalogue.

Scholarships

Henley Business School Excellence Scholarships

Women in Leadership MBA Scholarship

The Henley Executive MBA Scholarships

Business Ethics and Sustainability Executive MBA Scholarship

Flexible Executive MBA Bursaries

Executive MBA - Global Bursaries

Student Life

Student life at Henley Business School offers international students a rewarding balance of academic excellence, personal wellbeing, and an engaging social experience. As part of the University of Reading, Henley combines world-class business education with a welcoming campus community, modern learning facilities, and outstanding opportunities to connect with students from around the world.

With campuses in Reading and Henley-on-Thames, and a global presence across 14 countries, students become part of an international learning environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

The main Whiteknights campus provides an inspiring setting for study and everyday life. Situated within a beautiful 130-hectare country estate, the campus features conservation meadows, a large lake, rare trees, and abundant wildlife, creating a peaceful atmosphere for learning.

Historic landmarks, including the iconic Foxhill House, add character to a campus that successfully blends heritage with modern educational facilities. Students benefit from technology-enabled lecture theatres, interactive seminar rooms, a dedicated Business Library, and approachable academic and support staff who are readily available throughout their studies.

International students have access to excellent campus facilities designed to enhance both learning and daily life. The University's main library houses more than one million learning resources, while 24-hour computer access, campus-wide wireless internet, and advanced e-learning technologies provide flexible study opportunities. Award-winning catering facilities, modern social spaces, and the dedicated Business Library create an environment where students can comfortably study independently or collaborate with classmates.

Campus life extends far beyond the classroom. The lively Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) serves as the social hub of campus, offering cafés, shops, bars, events, and student services throughout the year. Students can also join more than 150 sports clubs and societies, making it easy to develop new interests, build friendships, and become part of a vibrant international community. The University's state-of-the-art sports centre, with excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, provides opportunities for students of all abilities to stay active.

Life in Reading further enriches the student experience. Home to over 230,000 residents, Reading offers an exciting mix of international restaurants, independent cafés, shopping, entertainment, theatres, live music, and one of the UK's best-known music festivals.

Students can explore riverside attractions, relax in parks and nature reserves, or enjoy outdoor activities along the River Thames. Excellent transport links, including rail services to London in around 25 minutes and direct connections to Heathrow and Gatwick airports, make travelling across the UK convenient.

For executive learners, the picturesque Greenlands campus on the banks of the River Thames provides a peaceful setting with modern teaching facilities and specialist business resources.

Together, Henley's outstanding campuses, supportive community, modern facilities, and vibrant local surroundings create an exceptional student experience for international students seeking both academic success and an enjoyable university life.

Accommodation

Henley Business School offers a wide range of accommodation options designed to provide international students with a comfortable, safe, and welcoming place to live while studying. As part of the University of Reading, students benefit from high-quality residences that cater to different budgets, lifestyles, and study needs. Whether you prefer a traditional hall of residence, an en-suite room, or a self-contained flat, there are accommodation choices to suit both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The University guarantees accommodation for new full-time undergraduate students who select Reading as their Firm UCAS choice, as well as new full-time postgraduate students who accept their offer and apply for accommodation within the required deadlines. This guarantee gives international students peace of mind before arriving in the UK and makes the transition to university life much smoother.

Located on the Whiteknights campus, the University provides more than 4,000 student rooms, creating a diverse residential community where students from different countries can live, study, and build lasting friendships. Accommodation is available in a variety of styles, allowing students to choose the option that best matches their preferences and budget. Some residences follow a traditional hall arrangement, while others are organised into self-catered flats with shared kitchens and dining areas. Selected halls also include meal plans, providing additional flexibility for students.

Room types include Standard Rooms, Upgraded Rooms, Premium Rooms, Townhouse Rooms, and En-suite Rooms, each offering comfortable and well-equipped living spaces. Students seeking greater independence can choose from self-contained flats, purpose-built studios, or accommodation designed for mature students, couples, and families. These options provide private kitchens and bathrooms, making them particularly suitable for postgraduate students or those who prefer additional privacy throughout their studies.

For students attending programmes at the Greenlands campus, Henley Business School also offers accommodation at the Henley Greenlands Hotel, situated within the school's 30-acre Oxfordshire estate. The hotel features 100 en-suite rooms, including accessible facilities, and provides modern comforts such as free Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee machines, and Molton Brown toiletries, creating a high-quality residential environment in peaceful countryside surroundings.

Living in University accommodation places students within easy reach of lecture theatres, libraries, study spaces, sports facilities, cafés, and the Students' Union, making daily life both convenient and enjoyable. The supportive residential environment also encourages students to become part of the University's multicultural community while balancing academic commitments with an active social life. With its wide choice of accommodation, guaranteed housing for eligible students, and excellent campus facilities, Henley Business School provides international students with a comfortable home and a strong foundation for a successful university experience.

FAQs

1. Why should international students choose Henley Business School?
Henley Business School is one of the world's leading triple-accredited business schools, recognised for its high-quality teaching, global reputation, and strong industry links. Students benefit from applied learning, internationally respected faculty, and a global alumni network spanning more than 107,000 members across 167 countries.
2. What is student life like at Henley Business School?
Student life combines academic excellence with a vibrant campus experience at the University of Reading. Students can join over 150 sports clubs and societies, enjoy modern campus facilities, and explore the cultural, shopping, and entertainment opportunities available in Reading.
3. What support services are available for international students?
Henley Business School provides comprehensive support throughout the student journey, including wellbeing services, financial assistance for eligible students, career guidance, and entrepreneurship support. International students also have access to specialist career resources, personalised career appointments, and employability workshops.
4. What accommodation options are available for students?
Students can choose from a variety of accommodation options, including standard, upgraded, premium, en-suite, townhouse rooms, and self-contained flats. Eligible new undergraduate and postgraduate students are guaranteed a place in University accommodation when they meet the required application conditions.
5. Does Henley Business School offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. International students may be eligible for several scholarships, including the Henley Business School Excellence Scholarships, Women in Leadership MBA Scholarship, and The Henley Executive MBA Scholarships. These awards recognise academic achievement, leadership potential, and professional excellence while helping to reduce the cost of study.
6. Which business courses are popular at Henley Business School?
Henley offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, MBA, apprenticeship, and executive education programmes. Popular academic areas include Finance and Accounting, International Business and Strategy, Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour and Reputation, and Real Estate and Planning.
7. How does Henley Business School support students' career development?
Career support begins from the first day of study through one-to-one appointments with experienced Careers Consultants, employer events, interview preparation, CV reviews, and career planning. Students also gain access to specialist platforms that support job searching, international careers, and professional development.
8. Does Henley Business School encourage entrepreneurship?
Yes. Henley strongly promotes entrepreneurship through the Henley Enterprise Lab and the Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship. Students can participate in business competitions, start-up funding schemes, practical boot camps, and mentoring opportunities that help transform innovative ideas into successful business ventures.
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