Business Management (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year - September start
- Mode: Full time
Conversion course
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path.
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Become an effective manager who can offer creative solutions to a variety of business challenges.
Professional Placement Year
Extend the programme with a year in industry and put theory into practice in a professional setting.
Bring your expertise
Develop a unique leadership style on a management programme designed for students from any disciplinary background.
Change business for good
Evaluate the social, economic and environmental impact of management in a range of sectoral and international business contexts.
Shape your professional network
Our career enhancer service gives you dedicated support from professional coaches and high profile guest speakers.
Managers are having to respond to an increasingly complex global business environment. Contemporary workplaces often span continents, online and offline, delivering diverse products and services in a period of economic austerity. Consequently, organisations are looking for managers who can do things differently, managers from different places and professions to lead a new movement in business.
The business of changing the world is ours.
Our MSc in Business Management starts with you. Whatever your background, we’ll bring you up to speed on the latest research and practice in business management, across core areas like marketing, strategy, finance, logistics, economics and human resources.
Our experts will help you explore key management skills so that you have the competitive edge to launch a successful management career. They’ll use internationally recognised research to share essential insights into the world of business and beyond. This research-led teaching will help you evaluate the social, economic and environmental implications of management decision making in a range of sectoral and international contexts.
If you have three years of relevant work experience, you may be interested in our MBA programme.
Accreditations
Our MSc in Business Management will equip you to navigate today’s global business landscape. You'll build confidence through essential management concepts, practical projects, and teamwork. The programme covers all key business areas while incorporating contemporary tools and practices from today’s industry, preparing you to address critical issues like sustainability and navigate ethical complexities. With a mix of class interaction, consultancy projects, and applied learning, you'll be ready to lead in dynamic business environments.
Where you'll study
Cardiff Business School
We’re an AACSB International and AMBA-accredited Business School with a clear mission: to make a positive impact in the communities of Wales and the world.
Admissions criteria
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references or an approved professional qualification.
If you have three years of professional experience and meet the criteria detailed above, you may be interested in our MBA programme.
Application deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The MSc Business Management is structured around six module blocks, plus a Consultancy Challenge. The first and last module blocks are scheduled on their own as introductory and capstone learning experiences. The four other modules are scheduled in pairs.
We recognise that you will be making a transition from one area of study to another, to a more advanced level of learning, and possibly to a different learning culture. Consequently, the block structure provides an enriched opportunity for extended learning activities, class interaction and review of learning to enhance understanding. It also enables us to offer extra support for individual students to build their confidence.
The introductory module sets the scene for the rest of the programme by considering the key features of the business environment and how this shapes organisations and their decisions. You will then examine core management concepts and practices associated within a range of functional areas.
The modules that follow will help you consider the latest research and practice in business management, including core areas such as marketing, strategy, finance, logistics, economics and human resources.
Your enhanced knowledge and skills will be integrated and applied in a capstone ‘Business in Action’ module. Here you will explore a series of large-scale and complex global issues that present significant dilemmas for the effective management of business.
Choice and specialisation is embedded within modules. For example, the ‘Business in Action’ module will provide you with the opportunity to focus on a contemporary debate or issue that has particular relevance for your future career.
The programme concludes with a Consultancy Project. Reflecting the team-based structure of contemporary organisations, you will work in a group to analyse, diagnose and recommend practical solutions for a business problem in a realistic and relevant business context that may include charities and not-for-profit enterprises.
You will develop and apply the key technical and soft skills required for effective business management in every module. You will see your confidence as a future manager build cumulatively across the programme as you are given multiple opportunities to respond to practical business management challenges.
All modules are underpinned by a concern to examine the contrasting political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal and environmental factors that inform management decision making in different international business contexts. Understanding these dynamics will help you to reflect on the multiple factors that offer opportunities and constraints on management decision-making.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Consultancy Challenge | BST720 | 60 credits |
| Understanding Organisations and the Business Environment | BST710 | 20 credits |
| Global Marketing | BST711 | 20 credits |
| Managing People | BST712 | 20 credits |
| Analysing Financial Performance | BST713 | 20 credits |
| Strategic and Operational Decision Making | BST714 | 20 credits |
| Business in Action | BST715 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
An active learning approach is embedded in the MSc Business Management. We believe that effective learning is founded on your involvement in diverse experiences, and the way you make sense of those experiences, both individually and with others. A team that includes academics from multiple disciplines, and practitioners representing a range of functions and sectors will facilitate the modules. This will reflect workplace practice and encourage the cross-fertilisation of different perspectives.
Each block of learning includes a variety of activities such as case studies, videos, mini team challenges, role-play, company visits, and industry speakers, all designed to introduce new ideas and develop your understanding.
We will help you to enhance the reflective skills you were introduced to during your first degree, including observation, analysis, and synthesis to ensure that you are able to develop comprehensive insight and clear conclusions about these experiences.
Sharing your understanding with others is also important for building new insights into the nature of business management in a variety of contexts. You will be encouraged to work collaboratively in diverse teams to consider a range of alternative understandings and practices.
Trying out new learning is important too. You will integrate and apply new understandings, together with new business management skills, in practical tasks embedded in each learning block, and in formal coursework activities.
How will I be assessed?
The block programme structure provides plenty of opportunities for you to reflect on your learning and development informally. Short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress and improve your approach to learning. This will build your confidence and enhance your approach to formal assessment tasks.
A variety of formal assessment tasks provide the opportunity to explore concepts and models in creative and practical ways. These include poster presentations, case studies, group presentations, reports and videos. You will work individually and as part of a team, just as you would in the workplace.
All formal assessments are completed within each module. This enables more in-depth consolidation and application required for successful performance in assessment tasks based on the complex functional level work undertaken by professional managers. It also reflects realistic workplace timescales for the completion of tasks. The capstone module focuses explicitly on the challenge of multi-functional working and multi-faceted problems.
How will I be supported?
The University offers a wealth of support for postgraduate students. These include:
Careers & Placement Support
Our dedicated Placements Manager offers advice on available work placements, internships, work experience and opportunities to enhance your CV and broaden your horizons. Support for job applications and interview techniques is also available from the Business School’s in-house Careers Consultant.
Learning Central
Learning Central is the University’s virtual learning environment. All programme and module materials are posted here for students to access before, during and after lectures.
Libraries
You will have access to libraries across campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books. You will also have access to more than 1.5 million online books, journals, resources and databases.
Personal Tutor System
Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor. This member of academic staff will maintain an overview of your learning and educational experiences. If you are experiencing difficulties, your Personal Tutor will be there to listen and where possible provide professional guidance or else direct you to the appropriate source of support.
The Student Advisory Service
A free, impartial, non-judgemental and confidential service is offered to students on a wide range of personal, financial and academic matters.
Disability & Dyslexia Service
Confidential advice and support is provided for students who are disabled or who have a specific learning difficulty (e.g., dyslexia) or long-term medical condition.
Counselling Service
The Cardiff University Counselling Service provides members of the university community with an opportunity to examine issues that prevent them from maximising their full potential and to explore options for change. The Counselling Service is confidential and free of charge. It has had international recognition as a Centre for Excellence for individual and group counselling.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Knowledge & Understanding:
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
- Draw on knowledge from relevant functional areas to design solutions to complex business management problems.
- Critically evaluate management frameworks, models, debates and evidence in a changing context.
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of different research approaches for understanding management problems.
- Debate relevant business management issues in the context of contrasting the political, economic, socio-cultural and legal factors.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the significance of an organisation’s economic and social contribution to society.
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
- Analyse methods for generating data relevant to specific contexts.
- Critically analyse and synthesise information.
- Evaluate the practical application of theory to practice.
- Develop and communicate evidence-based recommendations.
Professional Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
- Undertake research to address business problems.
- Utilise accounting techniques.
- Develop effective work relationships and team working skills.
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
- Solve problems.
- Communicate to diverse audiences through a range of media.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and undertake self-reflection.
- Work independently.
- Use digital technology.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £12,200 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £28,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is needed to study on this programme.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
At Cardiff Business School, you’ll receive a career-changing education from world-leading academics that have different points of view. They’ll challenge your thinking as you consider the world of business from a range of alternative perspectives.
On our MSc in Business Management, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our Career Enhancer Team. They’re ready and waiting to identify events and opportunities to help you achieve your future aspirations.
We’ve developed relationships that range from the largest multinationals to the smallest micro-businesses, and include a wide variety of social enterprises and cooperatives. We use these networks to deliver value for our students through:
- real-world case studies and insights
- collaboration with our Public Value Entrepreneurs in Residence
- guest lectures
- field trips and workshops.
With the opportunity to combine a dedicated Professional Placement Year with these learning opportunities, you’ll have a chance to absorb practical skills and professional confidence to secure a management position in the graduate employment market.
This programme will give you new opportunities for employment in business, supplementing the skills and knowledge you acquired in your first degree to build on what you learnt and the skills you acquired in your first degree with management insight, tools and techniques to give you an added advantage as you enter the workplace.
Placements
Next steps
Open Day visits
Register for information about our upcoming dates.Make an enquiry
Contact us for more information about this course.International
Learn more about our truly global university.Other course options
Discover more
Related searches: Business
HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
