Management Decision Making
Postgraduate
MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Management
Salford Business School
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Next enrolment
March 2023
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
This course, dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), is designed for graduates from a non-business discipline who want to develop their skills and knowledge in order to move into management. During your time with us, you will learn what it takes to become a successful leader, learning to manage both data and people. You will start your degree by assessing and developing your own style of management, looking at how this enables you to lead and motivate your team. Then you will learn about using evidence-based best practice to inform and improve your decision-making. At the same time, you will develop your personal skills and professional work practices.
The programme is highly industry-focussed and culminates in the Industry Collaboration Project. You will choose one of four options to look at a real industry problem and provide researched solutions, helping you put your learning into practice.
If you are already working as a manager, this well regarded management qualification will significantly enhance your capabilities and improve your career prospects.
Six great reasons to choose Salford Business School:
- Practical teaching, informed by our industry partners and dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), so you develop the skills employers look for
- Real-world learning through the unique Industry Collaboration Project
- Multiple start dates to fit with your life priorities
- Beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
- Excellent industry links with the dynamic Greater Manchester business community
- Focus on the digital, ethical and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century.
International students should apply for the MSc route.
Find out more, register for one of our Open Days, explore the Salford campus on our virtual tour or learn more about our Masters courses in business, finance and law.
You will:
- Develop essential managerial and leadership skills and knowledge
- Learn to make effective strategic and operational decisions
- Develop and apply the strategic leadership skills essential to become a successful people manager
- Look at the variety of challenges, decisions and solutions faced by management across key functional areas
- Practise your learning on the Industry Collaboration Project
Placement
options available
International
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You are looking to develop your career by moving into management
2.
You want to explore the concepts that underpin successful leadership
3.
You want to understand the challenges faced in different business functions
4.
You want to become a confident decision maker
5.
You are a a critical thinker and problem solver
6.
You enjoy putting theory into practice
All about the course
The course is delivered in four blocks of intensive study periods. For each block, you study a single module for a six-week period. Teaching is delivered for six hours each week (at present, this is made up of three hours face to face teaching + three hours online lectures). In addition, you will attend the taught element of the Industry Collaboration Project each Wednesday afternoon during the six-week blocks. During this time, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
The Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree. You will have the opportunity to select between a placement, internship or dissertation, all of which are designed to accommodate your career aspirations and enhance your professional experience. You can choose to work with your own or another organisation on a live brief.
You will be allocated a supervisor who will mentor you through the ICP. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the Student Hub and askUK. askUK can help with pre project/placement support for students and opportunities for those going on placement to participate in training workshops to ensure best practice. You are responsible for finding your internship, placement or live project but the Student Hub can help you.
Part time students study alternate modules (one module on, one module off) to complete their degree in two years.
Download our course brochure
Semester one
Making decisions is an integral part of the role of a manager. This module draws upon two key areas that support and inform good management decision making – management accounting and management information systems – to enable you to become confident in making effective decisions that support you in achieving business objectives. You will examine the role of management accounting within organisations and learn to interpret key accounting information in order to make strategic and operational managerial decisions in the contemporary business environment. You will also become critically aware of how Management Information Systems can support and transform organisations by aligning strategic and organisational goals to facilitate decision making.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars based on problem-based learning scenarios
- Assessment workshops
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
50 % Individual written coursework on management accounting
50% Individual written coursework on management information systems
Developing Strategic Leadership Skills
In addition to understanding how you may lead, manage and organise people, it is essential to acknowledge your own style of leadership and how this impacts a range of situations. On this module, you will develop self-awareness and understanding of leadership skills and behaviours. You will consider how you can motivate and engage employees - including those from different cultures - and secure their commitment in times of both stability and change. You will learn how to manage inter-personal conflict and how to create cohesive and effective teams for the benefit of both organisations and employees.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures
- Small group discussion seminars
- Activities such as case studies, review of CIPD Professional Behaviour Map and Standards and creating reflective journals
- Guest presentations from industry visitors
Assessments:
100 % Portfolio of work including in-class coaching exercise, personal skills development plan and scenario based essays
Semester two
Customer and Supplier Engagement
Customers and suppliers are key stakeholders for most organisations and the marketing and supply chain management functions are the external interfaces for companies to engage with these stakeholders. On this module, you will learn the fundamental concepts, current trends and practical challenges of customer and supplier engagement. You will develop a critical awareness of how Marketing and Sales decisions affect Supply Chain Management and of the importance of the relationship between these functions in creating exceptional customer value. You will also consider the ethical, social and sustainability concerns of these two functions.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Group working on problem-based learning scenarios
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
35% Group presentation
65% Group written report
International Strategic Management
In this era of globalisation it is essential for companies to understand the different international environments of the markets in which they may operate, and how these influence value-adding activities and decision-making. This module will develop your understanding of these different international environments in terms of the opportunities and threats that they may present to an organisation. You will also develop an understanding of the competitive and internal value-adding environments of an organisation and how these, combined with the international environments of markets, inform companies’ decisions with regards to international expansion.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars based on problem-based learning scenarios
- Assessment workshops
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, videos, podcasts and relevant articles
Assessments:
50% Individual written coursework on the macro-environment of international business
50% Individual written coursework on international expansion strategy
Semester three (Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) - choose from:)
Work Placement
This is a paid industry placement and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 6-month employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally.
You will source your own placement; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your placement, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work on an organisational issue, working with the client on a full-time basis.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your placement, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The ICP work placement will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your placement. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
Internship
This can be a paid or unpaid internship and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 3-month internship with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally.
You will source your own internship; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your internship, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue up to 20 hours per week.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your internship, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The ICP internship will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your internship. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
Applied Dissertation
A 3-month Applied Dissertation provides you with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to you and this should fit in with your programme of study. This is an advanced-level applied research pathway that can be based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The Applied Dissertation route provides you with the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge you have gained from the taught elements of your course to a current organisational issue. You will implement and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical self-reflection and methodical, systematic research. It is a very good option to choose if you are considering moving into academic research or PhD upon completion of your master’s programme.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your Applied Dissertation, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The Applied Dissertation will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
Entrepreneurship
A 3-month entrepreneurship dissertation involves analysing business opportunities and writing a business plan including critical reflection on opportunities, challenges and strategies. This will lead you on to establish a new business or incorporate your entrepreneurial thinking into the management of existing organisations. You should demonstrate an understanding through the development of an enterprise idea in a specific sector or industry, together with evidence of critical and analytical evaluation. You may find the entrepreneurship dissertation both challenging and rewarding, as it is a practical module in an area which you should have an interest in.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout the entrepreneurship dissertation route. They will assist you in developing your skills and reasoning to support entrepreneurial action while working on the development of your own innovative business idea. In doing this, you will prepare a proposal, ethical considerations for your data collection and field work to support the development of your business plan.
The Entrepreneurship route will be assessed in the form of an 8,500-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your entrepreneurial business idea. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 8,500 word dissertation
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Why Choose Salford Business School?
Salford Business School aims to foster the next generation of leaders and create a new vision of innovative and entrepreneurial leadership. We are integrated into the local business community as a hub for knowledge creation and exchange.
This means that our teaching is highly practical and your learning is informed by our industry partners. Every postgraduate course includes a work placement or work experience project in the UK or internationally so you can put your learning into practice before you graduate. We are proud that our industry collaborations and partnerships benefit students, businesses and the community.
With multiple start points for our degrees, you can choose when to start your studies so that they fit with your life priorities. We want you to succeed in your studies and in your profession so we provide the support you need to achieve your aims.
Our goal is to prepare you for a fulfilling life and professional career. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
Is Business a Science or an Art?
At Salford Business School, our postgraduate degree award is the Masters of Science (MSc) to reflect our approach to business knowledge. We believe that business decisions should be data-driven and evidence-based – even when the outputs are innovative and creative.
Where will I learn?
Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s beautiful Peel Park campus and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Teaching facilities include Lady Hale and Chapman buildings which offer stylish modern spaces with lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays. Small group learning (tutorials, seminars and workshops) is held in dedicated spaces within Maxwell, Peel and Chapman buildings. Throughout our campus, there is a choice of individual study areas as well as communal learning and breakout spaces for group working.
The University library isn’t just for reading books. The ‘library in the park’ is a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, bookable working rooms and café. It's open 24/7 everyday of the year (except Christmas Day!) so you can study when it suits you. It'll be an important place for you; in 2020, 100% of students asked agreed that the library resources have supported their learning (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data).
You will have access to a range of study skills sessions to help you get ready for postgraduate learning and be successful in your studies and in your work. These include academic writing, research and digital skills.
A dedicated Business School Employability team will help you with work placements and work skills. You can access our professional, on-campus employability services at any time – even after you graduate. We can help you to create the perfect CV and LinkedIn page, as well as practice interview techniques and offer career advice.
Interested in starting your own business? Launch@ Salford is the incubation centre for business start ups providing a reception area, hot desk office space, private meeting rooms – and a networking lounge where you can grab a coffee and make those business connections.
CMI dual accredited
Our MSc Management is dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence.
When you graduate, you will gain a CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, as well as your degree. This CMI award is for individuals wishing to develop strategic management and leadership practice in order to drive business activities in a senior, regional or specialist management and leadership role.
You will receive complimentary CMI student membership as you work towards your degree, which will enhance your learning experience and improve your employability in a number of ways. As part of your membership, you will benefit from:
- Access to CMI’s online portal, ManagementDirect – featuring thousands of resources to support your learning
- Access to the CMI Career Development Centre with online training, job search engine and CV services
- Access to other CMI members, providing the opportunity to network and make connections with management professionals
- Webinars and sessions on a wide range of management related topics such as the impact of Covid on supply chains
Programme Leader
Dr Adrian Monaghan
Adrian is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Corporate Social Responsibility and has been at Salford Business School since 2010. After completing his BA in French and MSc in Business, Adrian worked as a strategic buyer for a multinational firm before returning to university to study for a PhD. He has previously worked at UMIST, the University of Manchester and Brunel University and was also Manager of the Economic and Social Research Council’s Sustainable Technologies Programme.
Adrian teaches in the areas of international strategy, social innovation and cross-cultural issues in the context of creating shared value for business and society. His research and industry interests are diverse, ranging from the British funeral sector to smart bike-sharing in China to the sustainable development of Thailand’s rural economy. Adrian enjoys translating academic works for publication in English and is learning Mandarin Chinese and Thai in his spare time.
Getting Here
University of Salford is easy to get to with Salford Crescent train station right in the centre of our main campus. Whether by bus, rail, bike, car or plane, Peel Park campus is easily accessed from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond. For international students, Manchester airport is a short ride away and offers regular flights from London and many international airports.
Get more information about your options for commuting.
What about after uni?
Our graduates have gone on to achieve employment in a range of careers with employers such as Oracle, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and the National Health Service (NHS).
Find out more about the future of work, jobs and skills in this report from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills
Career Links
The University of Salford grew out of the institutes of the late 19th century that provided a talented, technically proficient and professional workforce to support the UK’s rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, this still holds strong. Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focused education is equally relevant today.
Our links with local industry partners give us their input into the curriculum so that our teaching reflects industry’s current and future needs and you develop the skills that employers want.
The Industry Collaboration Project or Industry Placement year, which form the final part of your study, are designed to give you real-world experience so you can apply the theory you have learned.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
If you’re looking to move into management or expand your existing management skills, this course offers excellent scope to improve your career development opportunities and employability. We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, both arts- and technical-based, and you do not need to have studied business before.
This course will also offer you the chance to develop your professional skills, such as communication, innovation, time management and team working. These are highly sought after by employers across a wide range of organisations, making it ideal to support your progress into a senior position in the public, private or third sectors.
The MSc is the only route available for international students. Find out more about the dedicated support for international applicants.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate.
A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.
Where a student has gained a recognised honours degree but does not meet the normal entry qualification requirement, they may still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate relevant work experience of a minimum two years duration post study and acceptable level of responsibility.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation Of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2022/23 | £8,280per year |
| Full-time international | 2022/23 | £15,300per year |
| Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,550per year |
| Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,750per year |
| Part-time | 2023/24 | £1,425 per 30 credit module |
Fees for PgDip (4 x 30 credit modules) and PgCert (2 x 30 credit modules) are based on the fee shown above for part-time per 30 credit module.
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Contact us:
By email (UK applicants): enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By email (international applicants): international@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0) 161 295 4545