Executive Education from the University of St Andrews Business School

Founded in the early 15th century, St Andrews is Scotland’s first University and the third oldest in the English-speaking world.

St Andrews is a unique and captivating place, and the University is a vital part of its charm. Seven centuries of history and academic excellence link the students with the town, leading to the ancient and yet modern institution apparent today.

Recognised as the number one university in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2024 and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, St Andrews boasts a rich tradition of social consciousness and a small, collegiate community with a vibrant global outlook.

The most recent UK-wide benchmark of research excellence, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, ranked the University of St Andrews amongst the highest quality in the country, with more than 88% of its research classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

In August 2023, the University's School of Management and School of Economics and Finance merged to create the University of St Andrews Business School.

The Business School and its three departments – Management, Economics, and Finance – build on the strengths of the former School of Management and School of Economics and Finance, both ranked in the top five of their subject areas in the UK, and are uniquely St Andrews – world-leading, diverse, digital, sustainable, and entrepreneurial.

Executive Education at the University of St Andrews Business School is where tradition meets innovation, leveraging our renowned management, economics, and finance expertise, cutting-edge research, strong ethos of academic rigour, and global perspective to inspire transformative thinking and leadership and equip professionals to innovate and excel in their respective fields.

Register your interestEmail us

Markus Lukas presenting in a lecture

Welcome from University of St Andrews Business School Academic Director of Executive Education

"I am honoured to lead Executive Education programmes aligned with the University’s strategic objectives to be world-leading, diverse, digital, sustainable and entrepreneurial.

Our Executive Education programme exemplifies diversity and inclusivity, preparing professionals to excel in a rapidly evolving business landscape. We offer a world-leading educational experience, embedded in the University of St Andrews' seven-century legacy of academic excellence. We prioritise the richness of diverse thoughts and cultures and welcome participants from various professional backgrounds to join our vibrant and dynamic learning community.

We prepare our participants to be pioneers in a digitally transformed world and to create the sustainable business models essential in today's environmentally conscious market.

Our inherently entrepreneurial programmes encourage participants to think creatively, challenge norms, and develop innovative business solutions. This entrepreneurial spirit is fundamental to our teaching methodology, from classroom discussions to practical business engagements.

University of St Andrews Business School Executive Education is an immersive experience that will prepare you to be an influential leader in the modern business world. Join us on this transformative journey to gain knowledge and skills and a new perspective on business leadership and innovation."

Marcel Lukas
Marcel Lukas, PhD.

Senior Lecturer

Why choose University of St Andrews Business School Executive Education?

Students sit on a lawn in front of old University buildings

World-class academic excellence

Engage with an institution renowned for its academic rigour and excellence. The University's long-standing tradition of scholarship ensures a superior educational experience.

Two Management students sitting in front of the Gateway

Unique and reflective learning environment

Benefit from the unique setting of St Andrews, providing a serene and historic backdrop for critical reflection and strategic thinking about contemporary challenges in various organisations.

Students walking on the pier

Diverse and inclusive learning community

Experience an enriching education in a diverse and inclusive environment, fostering global perspectives and broadening your understanding across cultures and industries.

West sands view of St Andrews

Commitment to sustainable and responsible leadership

Immerse yourself in a programme that emphasises sustainable practices and responsible leadership, preparing you to make impactful decisions in an evolving business landscape.

Register your interest

To register your interest in any of our Executive Education programmes, please complete the form. If you have any questions, please contact us at execed@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

Although there is no set criteria for our Executive Education programmes, we will ask that a recent CV and personal statement is supplied to support your application.


Who attends our Executive Education programmes?

  • non-technical mid-level managers
  • business development professionals
  • project and product managers
  • human resources professionals in finance
  • financial analysts and advisors
  • marketing and customer experience managers
  • regulatory and policy professionals
  • educators and academic professionals

A typical day at a St Andrews Executive Education programme (including social excursions)

This programme is the first of its kind for University of St Andrews Business School, and we have developed an itinerary to give an insight into what a typical day participating on one of our programmes would look like:

9am to 12noon
Block 1
12noon to 1pm
Lunch
1pm to 4.30pm
Block 2
6pm onwards
Social activities

Activities have been planned to provide you with a taste of what St Andrews and its surrounding areas have to offer. The specifics will be available to you on confirmation of your attendance on the programme. Examples of the planned offerings include:

  • Excursions to whisky distilleries, allowing you to both tour and taste a variety of local examples of Scotland’s national drink.
  • A private gala dinner for networking opportunities, open to all programme participants.
  • Optional private golf lessons.