ObjectivesThe Two-Year MSc Pathway programme aims to provide the necessary background for entry onto the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc programmes in the School of Management. It is intended for students who will benefit from an extended period of study and has a particular emphasis on providing a firm foundation of knowledge and understanding to equip students with the necessary skills for MSc study. This programme is particularly suitable for those who have not achieved the equivalent of a good honours degree and/or may not have gained the required scores in English language, but are keen to gain an award-bearing qualification that may lead to entry onto a Postgraduate Diploma/MSc programme. Those with professional qualifications and experience are particularly welcome to apply. Specifically the programme aims to develop study skills, English language skills, research expertise and a foundation knowledge in management that will enhance the probability of success in the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc programme. The programme will also seek to develop transferable skills of communication, presentation, report and essay writing, interactive and group skills. Students studying this programme have the opportunity to gain the award of Graduate Diploma in Management Studies after their first year of full-time study. Students who successfully acquire this award will be offered a place to study on one of the School's MSc programmes. If a student wished to study their chosen MSc programme full-time, this would comprise their second year of study.
Entry requirementsTypical entry requirements Applicants for the Two-Year MSc Pathway should usually have the equivalent of a UK Third class or ordinary degree, or equivalent qualification, from a recognised British/overseas university. Every applicant is assessed individually on their own merit. Relevant work experience could be an additional benefit where applicants have not reached the standard entry requirements, although it is not an admissions requirement for this particular degree programme. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will normally be required to have taken an English language test and achieved a score of either TOEFL 500 or above, IELTS 5.5 or above, or Cambridge First Certificate in English Grade B or above. This test must have been taken within two years prior to the start of the programme you are applying for.
Academic titleMSc Management
Course descriptionTwo-Year MSc Pathway in Management Module overview
This programme consists of seven compulsory modules and an individual project.
English 1 and 2
The aim of these modules is to enable students to write well-organised, coherent and grammatically accurate essays by transferring the principles of essay writing and language items presented in the module to students' own programme assignments and examinations.
Finance and Economics
An understanding of finance and economics is central to an understanding of the ways in which firms and businesses operate. It is also central to understanding business decision taking and the role of governments in business activity. This module is designed to introduce students to financial and economic issues and thinking. It examines and explains basic economic principles relevant to the firm, the industry and the economy.
Introduction to Research
The ability to use systematic research methods enhances management capability in order to describe, explain, understand, criticise, analyse and address business problems and increase knowledge. They are also vital skills in higher academic studies. This module is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop and practise these skills in preparation for later study and for subsequent careers.
Management Principles 1
This module focuses on the importance of understanding the theory and practice of management, including leadership, planning, problem solving, communication and decision making, which are fundamental to understanding a manager's role within an organisation. The module is designed to provide students with knowledge of the scope of management in small and large organisations as well as identifying and developing a range of appropriate leadership styles.
Management Principles 2
In order to assist students to choose the programme they wish to pursue at MSc level, this module provides examples of management in different industries. It builds on the material presented in semester one and demonstrates how these concepts are applied in a range of settings.
Marketing
Marketing makes an important contribution to the ways in which businesses operate in the modern world. For this reason it is important that students develop a good grounding in marketing in their Foundation Year as preparation for entry to the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc programme.
Project
Study at a postgraduate level demands a high level of skills and ability in writing and presentation, as well as an ability to integrate and synthesise from a range of different sources and from a number of parts of the programme. This module therefore provides an opportunity for students to develop their skills in these areas.
Programme length
24 months full-time (12 months Foundation Year and, with successful completion, a further 12 months MSc study. Full details of each MSc programme entry requirements are shown online.)