Two West Midland business schools have made the grade as world-class providers of MBA degrees.
Warwick and Birmingham business schools were ranked 52nd and 88th respectively in the Financial Times' top 100 global league table for full-time MBAs (Master of Business Administration).
Both climbed the rankings with Warwick up one place from 2004 and Birmingham rising from 93rd to 88th.
Between 2004 and 2005 Warwick Business School dropped 21 places in the MBA rankings from 32nd to 53rd. However, spokesman Simon Peatfield said the school had adopted a new strategy to improve its rating.
"We hope that this year is the start of a recovery," he said.
" The FT ranking is w eighted quite heavily towards alumni salary, but in the 12 areas related to the school itself our rankings have stayed the same or improved.
"Over the past two years we have put a lot of effort into improving the curriculum and focusing on the real needs of business.
"We have also reformed our careers service.
" I think this will be reflected in our ranking next year and the year after."
Mr Peatfield said Warwick was not intimidated by Birmingham's rise in the league table.
He said: "I'm please to see Birmingham Business School rising up the ranks - it's good for the region and for its students."
Both schools were recognised for their European s tanding with Warwick ranked 13th and Birmingham 23rd.
Professor Jonathan Michie, director of Birmingham Business School, praised staff for the achievement.
"We have an outstanding group of staff who continue to deliver innovative and challenging programmes," he said.
"It is gratifying to see their hard work and initiative recognised by being included again in the global top 100."
