Overview
Start date: September 2023
Duration: 12 months full-time only
Fees: UK/EU/Overseas - £38,300
Application deadline: Applications will open on 01 November 2022 and close on 31 March 2023 (this is subject to change if the programme is filled before this date).
Entry: A good undergraduate degree from a recognised university – a minimum of UK Second Class Honours (Upper Division - 2:1) or the international equivalent. International students, please note that UCL’s English language requirement for this programme is a ‘Level 2’ - further details regarding this can be found at the UCL English Language Requirements page.
Programme
Organisations need people who can motivate others and develop strategies in a dynamic and competitive environment.
UCL’s MSc Management is a highly competitive international programme that aims to deliver graduates who can meet those needs, preparing young professionals for managing business complexity and innovation. We do this by providing you with a solid understanding of practical managerial issues, as well as a strong foundation in current theoretical debates, equipping ambitious students like you with the knowledge and skills to work for leading organisations around the world.
Throughout your journey at UCL, one of the Top 10 Global Universities (QS 2023), you will be learning from academics who are at the forefront of their fields, as well as being a part of London’s Global University, working closely with a diverse and vibrant group of like-minded students who bring a vast range of business knowledge from across the globe.
The programme offers two pathways, each tailored towards the needs of our students to ensure they get the most out of their studies:
- The Corporate pathway is designed for students who may or may not have previously studied business and management, particularly those who have not studied Finance and Accounting in depth.
- The Finance pathway is for candidates who already have an undergraduate degree in business and management, having studied Finance and Accounting. Having a degree in business and management is not enough for this pathway if you have not studied Finance and Accounting in sufficient depth.
There may be exceptions to these guidelines. Students who have a strong educational background in Finance and Accounting, even if they have not studied other disciplines related to business and management, may be allocated to the Finance pathway. Other factors will be considered for the pathway allocation, such as evidence of quantitative skills. We expect all applicants to state their preferred pathway in their personal statement. Faillure to do so implies the candidate does not have a preference and reallocation requests may not be accommodated
At the discretion of the Programme Director, applicants may be invited to do an online test to measure previous knowledge of Finance and/or Accounting. The result of this test will be used to support the pathway allocation decision.
Pathways are allocated solely at the discretion of the Programme Director, with consideration of the entire educational background of each applicant. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and the guidance above is just indicative of the whole process.
Programme Diet for the Academic Year 2023-24
The modules, consultancy projects, and research activities are held throughout the academic year.
A detailed timetable will be made available to students during Induction Week in September 2023.
Please note that the list of optional modules is indicative and exact modules may vary from year to year.
Corporate Pathway:
Finance Pathway:
Teaching and Learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and class discussions based on case studies and other activities. Student performance is assessed through simulations, presentations, coursework, group projects, class participation, and examinations.
Students typically study 5 compulsory modules in Term 1 and up to 5 modules in Term 2, of which 1 is selected from the optional module list. Students on the Finance pathway may study their optional module in Term 2 or Term 3. Students on the Corporate pathway study their optional module in Term 2. In Term 3 all students undertake a Business Research module.
Each taught module is delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. Some optional modules in Term 3 are delivered intensively with 10 x 3-hour sessions over a period of 1 to 5 weeks. The Business Research module requires students to watch videos, in addition to lectures, exercises and workshops in classes.
In addition, students spend approximately 10 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars.
The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.
Consultancy Projects, Dissertations, and Business Plans
As part of the Business Research module, you have the opportunity to develop a consultancy project with a company of your choice. This work is done in small groups, with the supervision of the company and of UCL School of Management professionals. This consultancy project aims to train you to solve actual business problems and to help you to better understand business in the United Kingdom. It also provides a good opportunity for broadening professional networks.
For the same BR module, you will write either a dissertation based on a piece of business research or a business plan for a new business or an existing business that wants to expand operations. You can choose your topics in accordance with your career plans. You will also receive expert support for choosing topics and designing projects which will help you in your long-term career plans, improving their chances of success in corporations, banks, consultancies and in your own businesses.
You are also offered training in consultancy services, business research, and business planning, in accordance with your preference.
International Summer Schools
You will have the opportunity to apply to spend two weeks attending workshops and seminars in a university abroad. Partner schools include HEC Paris, KU Leuven in Belgium, Tsinghua University in Beijing, Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay, University of Chile in Santiago, and Externado University in Bogotá. This option depends upon approval from the Programme Director, taking into consideration your experience and career objectives, as well as the number of available places.
Students selected by the Programme Director may undergo an additional, independent application and selection process by the partner school, which reserves the right to make the final decision on whether or not to accept a student’s application.
The UCL School of Management will support a summer school student’s visa application (if applicable) to enter the relevant country of the partner school. Nevertheless, the decision to grant a visa to a summer school student is solely that of the host country’s government.
Language Classes
All our students are allowed and encouraged to take language classes in the evening, either at the UCL Language Centre or at the UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies. UCL offers many different languages at all levels. These language classes are self-funded by students and not subsidised by the UCL School of Management.
Masterclasses
In addition to academic subjects, you have the opportunity to attend a series of innovative and interactive workshops aimed at improving their management and leadership skills. The classes available vary from year to year. Some of the past classes have included:
Innovation
- Appropriating Innovation: Managing Intellectual Property Rights
- Customer-Focused Innovation: Designing New Value Propositions
- Digital Marketing: Customer Acquisition
- Innovation Engine: Designing and Testing Business Models
Leadership
- Crisis Leadership
- Developing Leadership Skills through Theatre Techniques
- Great Leaders: How You Can Become One
Communication Skills
- Developing Dynamic Public Speaking Skills
- Effective Presentation Skills
- Essay Writing Skills for Non-Native Speakers of English
- Essentials of Executive Presence
- Social Media for Professionals
Student Activities
During their year at UCL, you will have the opportunity to participate in various student activities on the Bloomsbury campus including clubs, societies, cultural events, sports, etc. Moreover, the MSc Management students have organised their own activities including a football team, a China network society, a Women in Management society, final-term parties and celebrations, etc.
Course Dates
Full-time
25 September 2023 to 24 September 2024
Location
The vast majority of lectures take place at our location, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, in London’s global business district. All facilities at the Bloomsbury campus, located in the heart of central London, will also be open to students.
Applications
Student profile
Who is this course designed for?
Are you ambitious? Do you have a ‘can-do’ attitude? Employers tell us that they look for people who aim high and are encouraged by challenges, not daunted by them.
Are you keen to know more about business and management?
The MSc Management programme is designed to produce graduates with the knowledge and contacts to pursue a career in management.
Do you want support in developing your career?
Regular career workshops and one-to-one advice ensure that every graduating student is able to advance their career plans.
Why choose the MSc Management?
- Organisations need people who can motivate others and develop strategies in a dynamic and competitive environment.
- The MSc Management programme is designed to equip ambitious students with the knowledge and skills to work for leading organisations around the world. Students on both the Corporate and Finance pathways will develop a broad range of knowledge and skills, including a substantial level of quantitative content which is fundamental for high performance in managerial roles.
- Because of its managerial focus, the course is not suitable for those wishing to continue their studies at doctoral level.
- Our students come from different academic backgrounds including business, international studies, engineering, sciences, economics, social sciences and the arts.
Applying for Masters in Management
Applications for September 2023 entry open on 01 November 2023 until 31 March 2023. You are advised to apply early due to competition for places. Applications are made using an online application form.
We look for students with drive, talent, intelligence, and vigour.
Entry Requirements
Academic profile: A good undergraduate degree from a recognised university – a minimum of UK Second Class Honours (Upper Division - 2:1) or the international equivalent. International Students may ascertain qualification equivalents from the UCL international students website. UCL Admissions check qualification equivalencies before forwarding application forms to our School. The UCL School of Management is unable to comment on international qualifications.
Career Aspirations: A personal statement outlining (1) their motivation for studying management and (2) future career aspirations. Applicants should also show that they have actively taken steps to meet their career goals through activities such as work experience, internships, and/or volunteering. Details should be included on the application form and a CV should also be attached.
International profile: Applicants should highlight any international experience they have had, including international exchanges, trips, internships, fluency in other languages and/or interest in other cultures.
English Language skills: An English Language Level 2 qualification is required
- English as native language or
- A Level 2 of English in any English language qualification or test recognised by UCL.
- Applicants are encouraged to include evidence of their English language qualification at the time they apply.
More information about the English language criteria can be found here.
Equivalency Requirements for Chinese Applicants. International students are required to have the equivalent of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree to apply for the MSc in Management. For applicants from China, this is usually a minimum of a Bachelors degree with a final overall grade of B+, 85%, or a CGPA or 3.45/4.0.
GMAT/GRE: This programme does not require results from a GMAT, GRE or equivalent standardised test. Applicants who have taken a test are encouraged to submit their results if they feel their score will strengthen their application.
Fees
The latest fee information is available online.
For funding information, please take a look at the UCL fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
This programme may include opportunities for students to undertake optional international study trips and summer school programmes. The costs of such trips are usually covered by students although some elements may be subsidised depending on the destination, organisational and support responsibilities. On average, costs would be around £1,000 to £1,750 depending on the trip location, personal flight preferences and spending habits as well as the prevailing exchange rates.
Further details will be provided by the Programme Director after enrolment.
Application process
Qualifications are assessed only once an application has been submitted. The equivalency of overseas qualifications cannot be assessed unless a full application with all supporting documentation such as degree transcripts, references, etc. has already been submitted to UCL. This programme does not require results from a GMAT, GRE or equivalent standardised test. Applicants who have taken a test are encouraged to submit their results if they feel their score will strengthen their application.
Applications for MSc Management are assessed in 4 stages:
Stage 1 - Initial assessment |
Once we have received your application and references from both of your nominated referees we will check to ensure that you meet the minimum academic requirements for the programme. Unfortunately, due to the competition for places, we are unable to progress applicants to stage 2 unless they have met the minimum requirement for the programme. A list of the standard entry requirements and their international equivalents can be found in the Key Information section of the MSc Management Graduate Prospectus page. Please note, that UCL uses weighted averages to measure applicants’ current academic level. |
Stage 2 - Completion of an interview | If you meet the minimum requirement for this programme your application will move to stage 2. During stage 2 your application will be considered further. Some candidates with profiles of interest may be emailed an interview invitation. You will have 7 days to complete the online interview. Failure to do so will lead to your application being unsuccessful. |
Stage 3 - Post interview selection |
After completion of the interview, your interview and application will be considered further. During this stage, we will rate applications on their interview responses, academic profile, career aspirations and international profile. We are looking for students with drive, talent, intelligence, and vigour. If your application is at the lower end of the ranked applications, your application will be deemed unsuccessful and you will be informed of this on the application portal. If your application is at the high end an offer recommendation will be forwarded to the Graduate Admissions Office for processing. Alternatively, if your application is ranked in the middle range, your application will be moved to stage 4. |
Stage 4 - Holding |
During this stage applications are held and regularly reviewed. When they are reviewed the Programme Director will consider all applications currently at stage 4 and recommend offers to the strongest candidates until all places are filled. Please note that those who enter stage 4 may not receive a decision before August 2023. |
UCL aims to complete stages 1-2 within 8 weeks. Stage 3 will begin from January 2023 onwards. Applicants who enter stage 4 may not receive a decision before August 2023.
If you have any other questions regarding the admission process please see the UCL Postgraduate Admissions Webpage. For any other queries regarding the programme that are not addressed on our web pages please check the Frequently Asked Questions or email us.
Telephone: 020 3108 6055
Open Days
Join us on Tuesday 24 January 2023 for our virtual information session with Programme Director, Magda Hercheui. During the session, you will have the opportunity to get an insight into the programme and out your questions to the Programme Director and current students to give you an overview of the programme and what it’s like to study with us.
UCL Scholarships
For central additional funding opportunities, please see scholarships and funding.
Careers
Career Opportunities
As London’s Global University, we at UCL are better qualified than most to realise that any organisation is only as strong as the individuals who work for it. This, allied to the innovation and flexibility needed in today’s organisations, means that recruiting the right person has never been more important.
The MSc Management course enables you to make an early and substantial contribution to your future employer. You will prepare for your future through career workshops, one-to-one advice, exclusive employer events and access to our alumni community. Whatever your nationality, experience or background, you will leave UCL equipped with the tools to become a high achiever in your chosen field.
As an MSc Management student, you will benefit from a bespoke Careers and Employer Engagement programme and a dedicated careers team who will help you present yourself to leading graduate employers with confidence.
Our portfolio of careers support for MSc Management students includes:
- Individual career coaching sessions with Careers Consultants dedicated to the School of Management
- Weekly careers and professional development workshops on topics including marketing yourself as a candidate, interviews, assessment centres and planning your next steps
- Exclusive industry insight sessions and employer-led events accessible only by School of Management students to inform your career choices
- Access to UCL School of Management alumni keen to support you with your career
For further information on the Careers provision for UCL School of Management, please see our Careers page.
In addition to the bespoke activities within the School of Management, you also have access to the central UCL Careers provision. Every year over 1000 employers/organisations attend events arranged by UCL Careers, including careers fairs, employer presentations and sector ‘themed weeks’, which may include employer forums, networking events, talks on how to get into the sector and one-to-one advice sessions.
Our students go on to careers in a range of sectors; the most common destinations for our students are consulting, banking and finance, management trainee programmes, marketing, and technology. The 2018-2019 Graduate Outcomes Survey shows that 94.2% of those surveyed (and who are eligible to work or study) secured highly-skilled work, or HE-level study within 15 months of graduating from the MSc Management programme. The graduates have found jobs in a variety of high-profile companies including
- Accenture plc
- Amazon
- Barclays
- Bayer
- BCG
- Bloomberg
- Capco
- CharityWorks
- Citi
- Credit Suisse
- Deloitte
- Deutsche Bank
- Dyson Ltd
- Goldman Sachs
- GSK
- IBM
- JP Morgan
- Kantar World Panel
- KPMG
- Lego
- L’Oreal
- LVMH
- McKinsey and Company
- Nomura
- Oliver Wyman
- PA Consulting
- PwC
- Rothschild
- Sotheby’s
- TK Maxx
- Unilever
- United Nations
- … as well as a range of small-medium sized companies and start-ups
Why choose UCL
Our Strengths:
World-class reputation: UCL consistently ranks among the top universities in the world.
International focus: Our MSc Management has been carefully designed to develop your international management and leadership skills.
High quality teaching: We invest in the selection and developing of our faculty to provide you with the best possible education during your studies at UCL.
Tailored careers support: A series of workshops and employer-led activities are offered throughout the year to develop your global career management skills.
Global professional network: Our international cohorts and close relations with alumni allow you to develop your global professional network.
Accredited programme: This programme at the UCL School of Management is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), one of the world’s leading authorities on postgraduate business education. The accreditation demonstrates the high standard of teaching, curriculum design, career development and innovation on the programme. AMBA limits the number of accredited schools to 300 institutions globally and currently accredits 2% of business schools in over 75 countries highlighting the School’s continuing commitment to excellence in management education.
What Our Students Say…
About studying and living in London
“London is so multicultural, and that’s even reflected in what you can have for lunch – we’re spoilt for choice!”
“There’s not only the activities laid on by UCL, but by a whole city of 11 million people – so you can always find something to do and someone to do it with.”
“Transport in the UK and London is so good. You can be in Scotland in four hours and Paris in three. It’s like a gateway for European travel.”
“London has so much history – you won’t be able to see it all.”
About UCL
“It’s one of the world’s best universities and it’s based in the world’s best city – a winning combination.”
“There are so many clubs and societies, the list is endless. If you are really into a certain type of activity, no matter how specialist – I guarantee there is a society for you!”
“Great facilities.”
About the teaching staff
“The teaching staff are really approachable, knowledgeable and the lectures are always well planned and thought out.”
“Down to earth and friendly – and very good at their job!”
“21st Century teaching.”
About the cost of living
“Don’t let preconceived ideas fool you, yes London can be expensive but there are plenty of ways to see all that the city has to offer at student prices. I went to the V&A with the UCL Arts Society for £2 last month.”
“Now the credit crunch is upon us, all Londoners are looking for cheap treats – not just students – so a lot of cinemas, clubs, pubs, and theatres all have amazing discounts. You just need to know where to look.”
“Don’t be put off by rumours, you don’t need to be rich to live like a king or queen in London.”
Chat to our students
Don’t just take our word for it.
We’ve teamed up with Unibuddy to enable you to chat with our MSc Management students and alumni so that you can ask those who have studied the programme the questions that are most important to you.
Whether you want to know about studying in Canary Wharf, which modules are the best, or how to adjust to life living in London, they are on hand to help.
Video Library
Register for more information
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the MSc in Management
Recommended GRE: A score of around 310+
Further Information
If you have any other questions regarding the programme that are not addressed on our web pages please email us.
Email: mgmt-mm@ucl.ac.uk
Telephone: (+44) 020 3108 6055