Management Degree Guide

A degree in Management offers students a practical and strategic understanding of how organisations operate,

grow, and adapt in an increasingly complex global environment. Whether your interests lie in entrepreneurship, marketing, operations, or leadership, a Management degree equips you with the tools to lead teams, solve real-world business problems and navigate change across a wide range of industries.

What Is Management?

Management is the study of how businesses and organisations are structured and run. It covers a broad range of subjects including:

• Organisational behaviour and leadership

• Marketing and consumer behaviour

• Strategic decision-making

• Financial management and accounting

• Human resources

• Operations and supply chain management

• Entrepreneurship and innovation

Most Management degrees also explore global business trends, ethics, technology, and sustainability—giving students a well-rounded foundation for future leadership roles.

Why Study Management?

A Management degree is highly practical and career-focused. It develops both soft and hard skills that are applicable across industries, including:

• Leadership and teamwork

• Communication and negotiation

• Data analysis and decision-making

• Financial literacy

• Strategic planning and project management

Because the subject is so adaptable, Management graduates are in demand in virtually every sector, from finance and retail to healthcare, tech, media, and government.

Studying Management in the UK

The UK is home to many prestigious business schools and universities that offer Management degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These include:

• University of Warwick (Warwick Business School)

• University of Bath

• University of Manchester (Alliance Manchester Business School)

• University of Exeter

• University of Leeds

• University of Nottingham

• London School of Economics (for management science and related programmes)

Courses may be offered as Business Management, Management, International Management, or more specialised titles such as Management with Marketing or Management with Finance. Most programmes offer flexibility to tailor your studies through optional modules and placement opportunities.

A Level Requirements

Entry requirements vary depending on the institution, but typically include:

• Grades of AAB to ABB for top universities

• No specific subject requirements, although Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies, or English are often helpful

• Some universities value applicants who can demonstrate quantitative and analytical ability, especially for more technical or finance-oriented programmes

In some cases, students may be asked to take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) or equivalent if applying to highly competitive courses with a strong analytical focus.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Admissions teams look for students who show:

• A clear interest in business and organisational challenges

• Experience of leadership or teamwork (in school projects, extracurricular activities, or part-time work)

• Commercial awareness and curiosity about how companies operate

• Good written communication skills and the ability to think critically

Applicants are encouraged to include relevant work experience, entrepreneurship, or involvement in student enterprise schemes where applicable.

Studying Management Internationally

Management is one of the most widely offered degrees around the world. Many universities abroad deliver programmes in English, providing students with the opportunity to gain a global perspective on business practices.

Europe
Top European business schools and universities in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Spain offer internationally recognised Management programmes. For example:

• Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (Netherlands)

• Bocconi University (Italy)

• ESCP Business School (France, Spain, Germany and others)

These degrees often include mandatory internships and multilingual teaching environments.

Australia and New Zealand
Universities such as the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and University of Auckland provide Management degrees with a focus on leadership in the Asia-Pacific context. Entry requirements are based on national qualifications or equivalent international grades, often requiring strong results in English and mathematics.

Canada
Canadian institutions like the University of British Columbia (UBC), McGill University, and University of Toronto offer Management, Commerce, or Business Administration degrees with a variety of specialisations. Canadian programmes often feature co-op options, which combine study with paid work placements.

United States
In the US, Management is typically offered as a Business Administration or Management major within a broader business school curriculum. Institutions such as the University of Michigan, NYU Stern School of Business, and University of Southern California offer world-class undergraduate business degrees. Admission is holistic, considering GPA, standardised test scores (SAT/ACT, where applicable), essays, and extracurricular involvement.

Career Opportunities for Management Graduates

Management graduates are equipped for a wide range of roles across private, public and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Consulting: Strategy, operations or HR consulting in firms like McKinsey, Deloitte or Accenture

• Finance and Banking: Roles in corporate finance, investment banking or retail banking

• Marketing and Brand Management: Planning and executing marketing campaigns, brand strategy or digital marketing

• Entrepreneurship: Starting a business or joining an early-stage venture

• Project and Operations Management: Coordinating teams and processes to deliver products and services

• Human Resources and Talent Management: Managing recruitment, training and organisational development

• Graduate Training Schemes: Many multinational companies offer competitive programmes for Management graduates in areas such as retail, media, tech and professional services

Postgraduate Study Options

Many Management students go on to pursue postgraduate qualifications such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration), MSc in Management, or specialised master's degrees in areas like marketing, finance, or supply chain management.

Is a Management Degree Right for You?

If you're interested in how organisations work, enjoy solving problems, and want a degree with broad career relevance, Management could be an excellent choice. It combines academic challenge with real-world application and opens the door to diverse industries and leadership opportunities.

Whether you aspire to run your own business, join a multinational company, or lead in the public or non-profit sector, a Management degree provides a solid foundation for success in the modern economy.