20 May 2026
Earlier this spring, students on our MBA course(opens in new tab) visited the Bank of England Museum with programme manager, Tawfiq Elahi.
Two students, San Rai and Chaitanya Narla, share their experience:
Our visit to the museum was inspiring. It provided us with an overview of how the Bank of England was established in the 1600s, and how it developed into the major global financial institution it is today.
Learning how the Bank of England was established
The exhibits explored a range of topics, from the evolution of currency over centuries to the impact of digitisation on banking.
The museum also had a section on the history of gold reserves and the bank’s collection of around 400,000 gold bars, some of which date back to Roman times. We had the opportunity to lift one of the solid gold bars (and it was, unsurprisingly, incredibly heavy!).
The Bank’s approach to sustainability
One key takeaway from the day was learning about the Bank of England’s approach to reducing its environmental impact.
It’s a subject that we’re both passionate about – San is currently writing his dissertation on business sustainability and organisational legitimacy.
"It encouraged us to consider how the theories we’ve learnt throughout our course apply to real-world monetary policies."
MBA Students, San Rai and Chaitanya Narla
The display on the Royal Mint’s recycling efforts was particularly interesting. Gold that was previously used in telephone sets and circuit boards is now being repurposed into new items, and the Bank of England has collaborated with the Royal Mint to reduce its own e-waste.
The trip was an enjoyable and informative experience. It encouraged us to consider how the theories we’ve learnt throughout our course apply to real-world monetary policies. It also enhanced our understanding of both a renowned financial institution, and the broader history of the financial sector.
Our MBA courses(opens in new tab) provide students with a deeper understanding of contemporary business concepts, preparing them for work in management roles across a broad range of sectors.