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.

This programme is available with a January or September start.

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
    • STO7006: Operations and Project Management
    • HRL7006: Managing People and Finance 
    • MKT7001: Marketing and Strategy
    • PBS7000J: Capstone Project 

    Elective modules
    • ACF7003: International Finance 
    • MKT7004: Social Media Theory and Practice
    • STO7003: International Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage
    • MAR7005: International Procurement Management 
    • STO7009: Business Analytics 

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 Prog Spec Sep22 FINAL 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 2022-2023 2023-2024
Home £10,200 £11,000
International £15,700 £17,500
Part time (Home) £550 £610
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 services
If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services.
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

Join us in September 2023

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications, we have temporarily closed applications for a January 2023 start. We continue to accept applications for September 2023 entry onwards.

Discover MSc Business and Management

Conversion course Conversion course
 Students with a background in any discipline can seamlessly enter into business management.

Study abroad Study abroad
 Opportunities to study abroad with our European partner Fontys.

Flexibility Flexibility
 Our programme offers you the flexibility to pursue a choice of award titles. Start your studies in September or January.

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

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