MSc Management Degree

Overview & facilities

MSc Management is ideal for students wanting to develop a career in general management but with an emphasis on management analysis. The course will be of interest to all those who want to develop an understanding of management techniques, tools for decision-making, and concepts in management practice. The course provides a quantitative and systematic approach to management suitable for students who have an analytic background. You will learn how to apply a variety of specialised decision-making and problem solving techniques, whilst being supported to build organisational capability, monitor developments and achieve business results. You will explore the emerging issues and developments in contemporary management practice from leading academics at the forefront of management theory. At seminars and workshops you will be challenged to demonstrate the development of your advanced skills in management practice.

The course starts in October. Full-time students usually attend three or four days a week and part-time students one or two days a week.

You will learn how to apply a variety of specialised decision-making and/or problem-solving techniques used in management contexts

• The course supports you to increase organisational capability, monitor developments and successfully achieve results which will lead to business progress
• Theories, both quantitative and qualitative, are taught in a management context and are backed up with real life case-studies and worked examples throughout the programme
• We organise a guest lecture series where prominent industry leaders are invited to discuss key issues in business strategy
• Training in software programmes used in the workplace, e.g. SPSS and Microsoft Project.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Business and Management Concepts: Theory and Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module builds students knowledge of business functions, business practices, and management challenges, as well as developing their skills in putting that knowledge into practice. It provides sufficient knowledge of organisational activities and processes to enable students to formulate and execute high level plans in organisations, having full regard for the impact of these on stakeholders, as well as taking account of the dynamics of the external environment. In particular, it aims to: explore the complexity and integrated nature of organisational functions, management activity, and external forces as these affect business strategy and performance; evaluate the application of tools and techniques of management, including resource allocation, performance management, and concepts of behaviour, to enhance organisational effectiveness and to investigate emerging issues and contemporary trends in management.

  Dissertation MSc Management (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module gives students an opportunity to synthesise and reflect on knowledge and skills developed during the programme as a whole and apply them to the formulation, design and execution of an original, independent research project addressing a substantive management problem. Emphasis is placed for the MSc dissertation on a research problem identified in such a way that it lends itself to a quantitative methodological orientation versus qualitative or a Systematic Literature Review. In particular the module aims to extend the knowledge and skills developed during the programme with extra training on research methods and methodology suited to an advanced-level, original piece of scholarship or professional research; to facilitate students understanding of the design and conduct of applied research; to support students individual synthesis and application of their knowledge to a selected management topic, reflected in formulation and design of a substantive research investigation.

  Managing Projects (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module helps students from a variety of backgrounds and with different career ambitions to understand how project management techniques can be used across a range of sectors to enhance strategic corporate objectives. In particular, the module aims to offer a comprehensive account of project management, programme management and project portfolios, based on a combination of scholarly work and code professional practice; to develop students understanding of strategic project management and systems design processes; to outline and develop skills in professional techniques used in project closure and evaluation; to introduce and evaluate Critical Success Factors for projects.

  Models in Management Science (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module is concerned with identifying appropriate management science and operational research decision models to tackle identified quantitative problems in a business or other organisational context, and in using such models and interpreting the results. In addition attention is focused on resolving conflict through getting a greater clarification and understanding of the problems themselves.

  Quantitative Analysis for Managers (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The principal aim of this module is to enable students to work productively in a dual mode: firstly, as an analyst who is able a to isolate and categorise a quantitative problem, b formulate an appropriate decision model and then c use that model to generate output to aid decision making; and secondly, as a user who commissions a study or uses results arising from one. In order to achieve this overall goal, it aims in particular to: - develop quantitative and analytical skills - provide a business perspective on decision making - explore different concepts involved in quantitative analysis - place an emphasis on the interpretation and validity of results obtained from different methods

  Statistical Methods for Quality and Forecasting (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module is concerned with statistical approaches to two problems of management, quality improvement and forecasting. The main aim is to show how statistics can make fundamental contributions to these problems, and to provide an appreciation of the role of statistical methods in a management context. More specifically, the aims are to provide an understanding of the methods of statistical process control; to introduce methods of experimental design and analysis within the context of quality improvement; to explain the role of forecasting in business and management and the contribution that statistical methods can make; and to provide tools for the development of a forecasting system.

  Strategic Modelling (30 Credits) - Optional

  Producing a good strategy requires management to go much beyond formulation. It needs to anticipate the critical issues that arise during execution of the organization s chosen strategies. This involves taking into account potential developments outside the organization that may have a significant impact on the path being traversed. It also includes integration of the dynamics arising from the process design of the tasks to be executed and the policies formulated and implemented to get these tasks completed. Such integration must span diverse functional areas such as operations, marketing, finance etc. Whilst this module will build on and integrate learning from other modules, a central aim of this module is to introduce the student to different modelling techniques and tools that will allow students to address the level of complexity and uncertainty facing organizations. The intention is that students, applying their knowledge of modelling complexity and uncertainty, will be able to provide realistic answers to relevant what-if questions, taking into account an appropriate degree of the real world. Specifically, students should be able to: recognize the nature of complexity and uncertainty in the real world; break down a complex task or objective into simpler components for analysis; analyse the potential nature of interaction and interdependencies that may be found within or across a set of components; convey to management the implications of such mechanisms over time Develop appropriate representations of such mechanisms in qualitative and quantitative ways Produce simple models that simulate the combined effect of such mechanisms, in order to develop appropriate policy recommendations and actions.

  Supply Chain Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module seeks to broaden students knowledge of specialised areas of supply chain management, and focuses on strategic and operational processes in the entire network of business that transform inputs e.g. raw materials and information into value-added finished products and services for end customers. In particular the module aims: to examine current developments in the fields of purchasing, logistics and demand-supply balancing of local and global multi-echelon supply chains; to familiarise students with key techniques for tackling related issues, leading into critical discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of those techniques.

The core modules introduce students to the theories and practices of business and management and cover a broad area including finance and statistical methods. In addition students study strategic modelling. Students may choose to specialise in either statistical methods used in forecasting or in management science techniques used to model decision making processes. It is expected that those on the Masters course will use these techniques learnt to analyse and study a significant business or management problem for their dissertation.

A variety of assessment methods are used including essays and reports, putting together a portfolio, oral presentations, analysing case studies and a dissertation.

Entry & applying

Standard entry requirements

For the MSc Management we welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MSc Management for the academic year 2012/2013 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £9,000

Part-time students: £75 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £11,700

Part-time students: £100 per taught credit

Careers & placements

Graduates have entered a range of very well-paid careers including modelling and forecasting in financial markets, derivative instruments and securities, hedging and financial risk management, asset allocation and investment management, quantitative trading and arbitrage, and computer and information technology in the financial services industry.

What can you do with a degree in business and management?
A business or management degree opens the door to a range of careers - usually commanding good salaries.

Our MSc Management graduates have highly sought-after employment skills as well as those specifically associated with planning, organisation and control.

Where do our graduates go?
Based on data from respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating:

• 87% of Middlesex graduates were in employment
• 13% were assumed to be unemployed or doing something else, such as travelling

Middlesex graduates have been successful at gaining employment in the following roles:

Junior Business Project Mgr, Merchandiser, Facilities Mgr, Assistant Mgr, Business Owner

for the following companies:

Credit Suisse, Comet, C Hoare, Market Probe, Walsingham, Own business

Salary
The average part-time salary for Management graduates included in the survey was £35,000.

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few examples of the types of careers that you could pursue after graduating with us: 

Administrative Manager - The work of an administrative manager involves the application of specialised technical or professional principles, practices and skills or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems. This include planning, developing, analysing, evaluating, advising, and improving various management control systems, programmes and policies, work methods and procedure for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of programmes and operations.

Advertising Manager - An advertising manager develops, implements, and manages a company's advertising strategy, both from a business, sales and technical perspective. It is their job to initiate and manage discussion and sales with sponsors and agencies. They spend time negotiating agreements with outside sales representatives and managing the development of sales materials, including media kits. They are generally responsible for managing a group of advertising sales representatives.

Retail Area Manager - A retail area manager is responsible for the management and overall profitability of a group of stores. They promote the generation of sales and form an important link in the management communication chain, by liaising with store managers as well as with key departments at head-office.

Branch Manager - A branch manager is responsible for the management of specialty or department stores. Their responsibilities include the profits of the store, the costs, stock, security and administration of the store, as well as the selection, interviewing and training of staff.

Business Consultant -  A business consultant has many different roles including working as a speaker, trainer, and writer as well as providing risk analysis and responding to questions and concerns posed by clients. They  works very closely with the management team, board of directors or business owner to research current information as required and to prepare and present findings in a meaningful way. A Business Consultant may be brought in to deal with one specific topic or issue or may be hired to help upgrade or update all the policies and procedures within the organisation.

Business Economist - A business economist identifies areas that can be profitable to an organisation, to develop them further and to identify problem areas and transform them into opportunities and challenges that can benefit the company. They work in manufacturing, mining, transportation, communications, banking, insurance, retailing, investment, and other types of organisations.