Two new rankings have been published during February, both of which bring good news for Nottingham!

We have climbed to 7th place in the RateMyPlacement ‘Best Universities for Work Experience’ ranking for 2025, placing us 3rd among Russell Group institutions. This leap of five positions from last year underscores the university's commitment to providing exceptional support and resources to our students in securing valuable work experience opportunities.

Elsewhere, Nottingham University Business School has risen to 16th place in the world in the QS International Trade Rankings 2025 for its MSc in International Business – an increase of two places from 2024 in an increasingly competitive field that saw 33 new institutions included this year.

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Placement praise

The Nottingham University Business School placement year programme has seen remarkable growth. Led by Placement Year Manager Jack Kavanagh, the programme now boasts over 300 students gaining hands-on industry experience annually, giving students vital experience in the world of work that helps to inform their studies and prepare them for life after graduation.

We’re really proud of the strong partnerships we’ve built with businesses, and it’s always great to see how much both students and employers benefit from placements. For businesses, it’s a chance to bring in new ideas and fresh perspectives while helping students develop valuable workplace skills. We’re always looking for new people to partner with – especially alumni, so if you’re considering offering a placement, I’d be happy to discuss how we can make it work for your organisation.
Jack Kavanagh

If you are interested in taking on a placement student at your business, the benefits are substantial. The University of Nottingham is consistently ranked among the top 10 most targeted universities by employers, meaning you will have access to some of the brightest talent available.

Our students bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking into your workplace, offering new ideas that can help drive your business forward. Moreover, placement students work as real employees, applying their academic knowledge to real-world business challenges while developing essential skills that contribute to your organisation's success.

Collaborate with us

If you're interested in collaborating with us to offer placement opportunities, please get in touch with our Placement Year Manager, Jack Kavanagh.

International Business MSc on the rise

Created in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation, the prestigious QS rankings identify universities that excel in preparing graduates for successful careers in international trade.

Nottingham’s continued presence in the global top 20 – and its upward movement – reflects its ongoing commitment to academic excellence, industry collaboration, and innovative teaching. With a curriculum designed to develop practical expertise and career-ready skills, the MSc International Business programme equips graduates to thrive in an evolving global economy.

Our continued success in this ranking reflects the strength of our teaching and industry engagement on the MSc International Business course. Informed by world-leading research in international business, our curriculum integrates innovative teaching methods to develop the skills that employers seek. Through entrepreneurship initiatives and company-based challenges, our students gain hands-on experience, working alongside industry experts and the Business School’s Professors of Practice to prepare for today’s fast-paced corporate environment.
Dr Jinmin Wang, Programme Director.

Why choose Nottingham's MSc International Business?

  • Top 20 globally: Gain a world-class education ranked among the best for international trade.
  • Focus on careers: Develop the skills employers seek, with a curriculum that emphasises practical knowledge and industry engagement. Nottingham ranked 3rd among UK business schools on the assessment of Graduate Outcomes, which includes graduate employability.
  • Innovative teaching: Learn from academics who use pioneering methods and real-life examples. Among the UK business schools included in the ranking, Nottingham ranked 4th on the measure of Innovative Teaching.
  • Digital skills advantage: Enhance your CV with in-demand digital qualifications from Microsoft and SAP.
  • Global opportunities: Study on our UK or China campuses and connect with a diverse student body.

Explore the full programme details and application process: MSc International Business