We are delighted to announce that the MSc in Management and Leadership at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Pécs, Hungary and the Bachelor in Management at the School of Management, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, Peru, have received EFMD Programme Accreditation for three years.

In their assessment, the peer review teams noted several positive aspects of their management programmes, underscoring their commitment to academic excellence, internationalisation, and practical relevance.

Barbara Sporn, EFMD Programme Accreditation Director, commented:

“We extend our warmest congratulations to the University of Pécs and Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú for this remarkable achievement. Both programmes have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and preparing students for success in an ever-changing global environment. This accreditation is a testament to their dedication to excellence and their role as leaders in management education.”

Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Pécs

The University of Pécs, established in 1367, is one of Hungary’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, situated in the culturally rich city of Pécs. The Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE), founded in 1970, is renowned for its high-quality education and innovative approach to business studies.

It offers a diverse array of programs, including Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Management, Master’s degrees in Management and Leadership, and PhD programs in Business Administration and Regional Development. Its BSc in Business Administration and Management programme has been accredited by EFMD since 2020. With a commitment to practical learning, students benefit from internships and real-world business connections.

The faculty prides itself on experienced educators who provide valuable insights into contemporary business practices, preparing graduates for successful careers globally. The vibrant student life in Pécs further enriches the educational experience, making it an attractive choice for both local and international students.

MSc in Management and Leadership

The MSc in Management and Leadership at Pécs demonstrates several commendable strengths, as highlighted in the EFMD Programme Accreditation review. The programme boasts an impressive international profile, with students hailing from more than 30 countries and international enrolment reaching as high as 80% in some years.

This diversity not only enriches classroom discussions but also fosters dynamic group interactions that are highly valued by corporate partners. Strong ties with local businesses further enhance the learning experience, as students benefit from guest speakers, real-world projects, and active participation from practitioners, particularly appreciated by international students.

The programme is delivered by 26 dedicated faculty members who operate within a collaborative, trust-based organisational culture. This supportive environment enables agile decision-making and responsiveness to both market needs and internal feedback.

Recent curriculum updates, including the introduction of specialisations in Circular Economy, Data-Driven Leadership, and Strategic HRM, have further strengthened the programme’s market appeal and its ability to address emerging industry demands. These innovations reflect a proactive and forward-looking approach to programme management.

Financial stability is another cornerstone of the programme’s success, with the Faculty of Business and Economics reporting a robust 24% profit margin in 2023. This financial health allows for continuous investments in programme development and special initiatives, such as international accreditation efforts. The programme is also supported by a comprehensive quality assurance framework that incorporates regular reviews and stakeholder feedback, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with market expectations.

The MSc in Management and Leadership has earned significant recognition, including a ranking among the top 200 management master’s programmes globally in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2024. Graduates are noted for their strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which prepare them well for roles in multinational environments or advanced academic pursuits.

Additionally, the programme’s limited hierarchy and small size enable swift decision-making and an adaptable approach to challenges, reinforcing its capacity for continuous improvement.

Dr. András Takács, Professor and Dean, University of Pécs, Faculty of Business and Economics, commented:

“This is a great success, but we do not stop here. We are confident that after each such achievement, we will become a better and better institution, and that we will be able to offer our Hungarian and international students more and more: in theoretical preparation, methodology and, last but not least, in practical knowledge. This is what we are working for. To do this, we have an excellent teaching staff and an innovative and development-oriented approach, as highlighted by the EFMD committee.”

School of Management, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP)

The School of Management at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) is a leading institution in Latin America dedicated to developing skilled leaders in business, social and public administration. Founded in 2005, the School offers an innovative programme that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students to address contemporary challenges in diverse organisational contexts.

Students benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that emphasises strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to social responsibility. The curriculum is designed to foster essential competencies such as teamwork, effective communication, creativity, and innovation. Graduates emerge as proactive professionals equipped to drive sustainable development across various sectors, including private companies, public sector entities and civil society organisations.

With a focus on fostering entrepreneurial spirit and leadership capabilities, PUCP’s School of Management plays a crucial role in shaping the future of management education in Peru and beyond.

Bachelor in Management

The EFMD Programme Accreditation review for the Bachelor in Management highlighted several positive aspects. The faculty’s development was particularly commendable, with the percentage of doctoral degree holders rising from 27.6% in 2022 to 49% in 2024, supported by initiatives like reduced teaching loads and financial grants for PhD research.

Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability (ERS) are well integrated into the curriculum through both mandatory and elective courses, reflecting a strong commitment to global challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda. Internationalisation efforts have also been notable, with the School implementing International Weeks, COIL courses, and hosting global speakers, resulting in 80% of core faculty gaining international experience by 2024.

Students benefit from a highly personalised learning experience facilitated by small class sizes and active mentoring, which they praised as a key strength. The programme maintains robust connections to the professional world through internships, industry-linked projects, and advisory board input, ensuring practical relevance for graduates.

Alumni have demonstrated broad career adaptability, with many pursuing advanced degrees abroad and thriving in diverse professional roles. The University’s eco-friendly campus, equipped with modern facilities such as libraries, Bloomberg terminals, and digital learning tools, fosters a collaborative and academically enriching environment.

Furthermore, the programme benefits from rigorous quality assurance processes, including regular student evaluations, faculty monitoring, and systematic curriculum updates, ensuring its alignment with high standards.

Neride Sotomarino Maturo, former dean of the School of Management, commented :

“Achieving the EFMD Programme Accreditation is a significant milestone for the Bachelor of Management programme at PUCP. As the first undergraduate management programme in Peru to receive this prestigious recognition, it highlights our commitment to academic excellence, adherence to global standards, and the continuous improvement of our educational offering. This achievement underscores our dedication to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in an increasingly globalised world.”

During the same Accreditation Board meeting, the following institutions were granted EFMD re-accreditation for their programmes:

• Salford Business School, University of Salford, United Kingdom: MSc International Business and MSc Accounting and Finance
• School of Management, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia: Bachelor in International Business Administration

About EFMD Programme Accreditation

EFMD Programme Accreditation (EFMD Accredited) is a globally recognised quality assurance process that evaluates and benchmarks business and management education programmes. This accreditation signifies a commitment to excellence in curriculum design, teaching methods, student assessment, and quality assurance processes.

It provides institutions with a comprehensive external validation of their programmes, fostering continuous improvement and adherence to international standards. Programmes undergoing the process benefit from enhanced visibility and competitiveness in the global education landscape.

The accreditation system serves as a hallmark of academic quality, attesting to an institution’s dedication to delivering impactful and innovative business education, thereby attracting top talent and facilitating meaningful partnerships with industry stakeholders.

EFMD Accredited emphasises academic rigour, practical relevance, internationalisation, ethics and sustainability. EFMD Programme Accreditation helps schools strive for excellence in an ongoing improvement process following each accreditation or re-accreditation visit.

Discover the latest guidelines for EFMD Programme Accreditation.

Currently, there are 144 EFMD Accredited programmes from 112 institutions in 42 countries.

Explore further insights regarding the EFMD Programme Accreditation by delving into the Frequently Asked Questions.

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives about EFMD Programme Accreditation, visit the conversation here.