Our Heritage

Delivering business education for 100 years, Trinity Business School was founded in 1925 with just 17 students. At a time when business education was not yet widely recognised within universities, it began at Trinity on the margins, shaped more by demand from Dublin’s business community than by academic tradition.

In its early years, the School of Commerce, as it was then known, operated on the periphery of university life, defined by a practical, industry-focused approach. Yet even then, it showed signs of a more progressive outlook, with women among its first graduates in 1928.

Growth and Transformation

As Ireland’s economy opened to the world, the School evolved alongside it, growing in ambition, scale and international outlook. In 1962, the School of Commerce was restructured as part of the School of Business and Social Studies, marking an important step in establishing business as a recognised academic discipline within Trinity.

A defining moment came in 1964 with the launch of Ireland’s first MBA, placing Trinity among the early pioneers of modern business education in Europe. In the decades that followed, the School strengthened its academic foundations, expanded its programmes and deepened its engagement with business, policy and society.

The early 21st century marked a turning point. Following the global financial crisis, Trinity Business School entered a period of significant growth, expanding its faculty, programmes and global reach. This transformation culminated in the opening of a new €80 million building in 2019 and the achievement of triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), placing the School among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.

Today, Trinity Business School is driven by its strategy to Transform Business for Good, delivering business education and research that promote ethical, impactful and sustainable leadership.