News

The Irish Management Institute (IMI), Ireland’s leading executive education provider, with Cork University Business School (CUBS) is pleased to announce it has been ranked first in Ireland for academic rigour and practical relevance on Open-enrolment programmes in the prestigious Financial Times Executive Education Global Business School Rankings. 

This remarkable achievement also marks the 15th consecutive year that IMI has been ranked within the top 100 globally, reaffirming its position as a world-class provider of executive education and one of the top ten business schools for the entire UK and Ireland.  

IMI’s continued presence in the rankings reflects an unwavering commitment to delivering executive education that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant, empowering leaders to drive real-world impact in their organisations. 

The ranking of IMI/CUBS as first in Ireland for academic rigour and practical relevance for open enrolment is drawn from its performance in the teaching methods and materials category, which measures the extent to which programmes integrate contemporary, fit-for-purpose teaching approaches that blend scholarly insight with real-world application. 

This recognition directly reflects IMI’s associate faculty model, which brings together thought leaders and practitioners from across academia and industry. These experts combine deep academic knowledge with hands-on business experience, ensuring participants receive the best of both worlds: evidence-based learning and tools they can apply immediately in their professional context. 

“Our panel of associate faculty is composed of national and international experts, many of whom are leaders in both academia and industry,” says Dr Tara Ryan, Registrar and Director of Education Services and Quality. “They are peers in the classroom, and it is their expertise and engagement that adds real value for clients and participants. At IMI, we curate a programme experience to address the real needs of our clients, so this recognition of our academic rigour and practical relevance is evidence we are making a real difference.” 

It also reaffirms the strength of IMI’s High Impact Transformational (HIT) learning model, a signature approach to executive education that underpins the design and delivery of all IMI programmes. The IMI High Impact Transformation (HIT) teaching model delivers immersive, practical, and outcomes-driven learning experiences that foster real behavioural change and lasting results. 

“IMI’s mission is to shape and inspire leaders who can drive meaningful change and innovation in their diverse organisations,” says Dr Ryan. “The FT rankings serve as validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. They are a testament to the quality and impact of our programmes and reaffirm our position as a global leader in executive education.” 

IMI is proud to be recognised among the world’s top business schools and looks forward to continuing our journey of excellence in executive education.