Plymouth Business School

MSc Business and Management

Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available

Location Plymouth

This programme enables graduates from any discipline to engage with current business processes and techniques, while teaching you how to implement this knowledge within contemporary organisations. You learn key management, strategy and analytical skills, with the opportunity to specialise in a specific subject area relevant to your current or future career, which helps you to stand out from the crowd.

Business and Management

Careers with this subject

Graduate with a wealth of experience. 
Our graduates have gone on to work in human resource and talent management, operations and global supply chain management, financial management, project management, marketing and strategic management. Graduates have been successful in securing management level jobs with Ernst and Young GmbH, DHL International Ltd., Deloitte LLP, Novell Worldwide, and HP Enterprise Services. 

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

This course is a conversion course, allowing students from outside of a degree in business to seamlessly enter into business management, whilst offering business students the opportunity to delve deeper into specialities.
The MSc Business and Management offers you the flexibility and choice at masters level. You can choose to pursue the following award titles:
  • MSc Business and Management
  • MSc Business and Management (International Business)
  • MSc Business and Management (Finance)
  • MSc Business and Management (Marketing)
  • MSc Business and Management (Operations and Global Supply Chains)

Course details

  • Year 1

  • For students entering the MBM in September, during the first semester you will attend lectures and tutorials for core modules that have been selected to provide you with a fundamental underpinning in the subject area of Business and Management. Core modules studied in semester one are: Managing People and Finance, and Marketing and Strategy. 
    The second semester of the programme commences with an intensive introduction to the 60 credit Capstone Project, and associated research methods training. You will also pursue your choice of elective module, and complete the remaining 30 credits of the Business and Management ‘core’: Operations and Project Management. 
    During the summer term, you will work independently to carry out your research project. You will receive guidance from a member of academic staff, appointed as your supervisor.
    If you are joining the MBM in January then you will start with the semester two modules of the September starts, also work independently (but with supervisor support) to carry out your research project during the summer term, and complete your programme by doing the remaining modules in semester one of the next September intake.
    The design of our postgraduate programmes focuses on four taught modules and a capstone project. We believe that simplicity in programme design provides you with a better learning experience. The dynamic and challenging nature of contemporary business does not isolate concepts into small packages – and neither do our programmes. This approach links concepts together as they are in the real world, and enables you to focus in on what really matters. 

    Core modules

    • Marketing and Strategy (MKT7001)

      In this module, you will develop an understanding of the role of marketing and strategy in a range of contemporary organisations, examining the major themes within the marketing arena to enable you to evaluate and recommend appropriate actions to fulfil objectives. The module introduces key concepts and frameworks of strategy which will develop your ability to apply appropriate analytical techniques used in strategic decision-making. You will explore the relationships between marketing and strategy and other business functions, using case studies to provide an integrative perspective on aspects of marketing and strategy within organisations.

    • Capstone Project (PBS7000)

      In this capstone project, you will synthesise and apply learning from the taught element of the programme to a project of your choosing. There is scope for you to undertake a broad range of project types, including consultancy, business analysis, business development or academic study.

    • Operations and Project Management (STO7006)

      This module will focus on the key challenges facing Operations and Project Managers. It will examine key topics such as the management of processes, quality improvement, capacity and demand management, project planning, resource scheduling and risk management, along with communication, organisation and leadership. The module provides insights and practical knowledge through the acquisition and application of tools to enable students to lead successful operations and projects.

    • Managing People and Finance (HRL7006)

      This module will provide an introduction to the complexities of leading, managing and developing people in the workplace. It is one of the core areas in the field of both Human Resource Management and Management, and through an exploration of both relevant theory and practice, it seeks to develop a critical understanding of the complexities and contested nature of leadership and management and the opportunities for leading and developing people, groups and organisations. Additionally, the module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of accounting and finance for managers.

    Optional modules

    • International Finance (ACF7003)

      This module will provide you with a wide perspective on international finance and how this relates to foreign exchange markets, derivatives markets and international parity theories. You will also undertake a thorough examination of managing currency risks with modern instruments of hedging.

    • International Procurement Management (MAR7005)

      This module provides an in-depth understanding of the management context and environment relevant to international procurement and performance indicators.

    • Social Media Theory and Practice (MKT7004)

      This module exposes students to key concepts and theories relating to online communities and social networking. The module will provide the academic and conceptual basis for the development of effective social media engagement strategies such as, social media user behaviour, online community and personalisation.

    • Delivering Change in a Contemporary Workplace (HRL7004)

      This module explores change management by considering how trends that affect organisational performance necessitate change and how people management practices can be designed and applied in a systematic, integrated manner to create change. Students will be encouraged to consider the impact that change has on individuals and organisations and develop the collaborative, influencing and communication skills needed to deliver change within an organisational context.

    • Business Analytics (STO7009)

      This module provides insight into business data analytical processes and how they can direct informed decision making in Finance and Business Applications. The module provides students with the ability to make good decisions based on business data. It introduces data sources and methods of analysis that can be applied to solve complex business decisions and guide business strategy.

    • International Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage (STO7012)

      Using case studies, you will focus on some of the strategies that have been most successful in achieving international competitive advantage.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Business and Management programme specification_1433

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements

Normal minimum entry requirements are a 2:2 honours degree in any discipline, or an equivalent professional qualification. Candidates who do not possess a first degree or who have been awarded a third class honours or pass degree may be considered for the programme on the basis of previous work experience or relevant training.
If English is not your first language, you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element in IELTS or equivalent exams. English language requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £11,000 £11,600
International £17,500 £18,400
Part time (Home) £610 £640
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply

When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.
Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance. 
Disability Inclusion Services
If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides.
International students
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page). 
What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeksof us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. 
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Ben Rhodes, MSc Business and Management graduate 

Ben Rhodes has spent the past five years as Chief Executive of Devon and Cornwall Business Council working as an advocate regional business building partnerships and driving the organisation forward. 
Find out more about Ben in our video.

Fitzroy Building

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus. 
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like. 

Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite

Using cutting edge up-to-the-minute data to tap directly into the pace and excitement of financial markets.
Plymouth Business School’s ‘Bloomberg Lab’ brings real-world experience into the classroom, providing access to the same information used by leading banks, corporations and government agencies – deeply enhancing your academic studies. Bloomberg connects students to multiple disciplines in the world’s leading platform for business and finance news, data, analytics and research. With Bloomberg, your analytical skills move forward and you gain the competitive edge in today’s market, enhancing your employability and preparing you for a successful and proactive career.
Bloomberg Interactive Suite

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