Postgraduate MSc/PgDip/PgCert

Management

Salford Business School

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

Course

One year

Two year

Next enrolment

November 2023

Introduction

In a nutshell

For September 2024 and later intakes to this programme, please see MSc Management.

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 manager and leader. You will develop an understanding of leadership skills and behaviours that will enable you to motivate and lead your team and you will learn how to engage with key organisational stakeholders such as customers and suppliers. You will also develop confidence in making effective decisions that support you in achieving business objectives while evaluating and interpreting data to inform strategic decision making.

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:

  1. Practical teaching, informed by our industry partners and dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), so you develop the skills employers look for
  2. Real-world learning through the unique Industry Collaboration Project
  3. Multiple start dates to fit with your life priorities
  4. Beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
  5. Excellent industry links with the dynamic Greater Manchester business community
  6. 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

Course details

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 on a six-week module. In addition, you will attend the week-long taught element of the Industry Collaboration Project following the second module. During this time, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.

You will have the opportunity to select between a placement, internship, entrepreneurship project 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 source your own placement or internship; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School Employability Hub. You will be allocated a supervisor who will mentor you through the ICP.

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

Management Decision Making

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 reviewing professional standards and creating reflective journals
  • Assessment workshops

Assessments:

100% - Portfolio of work including reflective essay, leadership skills development plan and case study.

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:

100% individual written coursework on customer & supplier engagement

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:

100% individual written coursework on customer & supplier engagement

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 project report that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your placement. Your project report 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 project report

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 project report that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your internship.  Your project report 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 project report

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 15,000-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.

What will I be doing?

78%

Pass rates, 2020-21

69%

Merits

16%

Distinctions

TEACHING

The teaching on all our postgraduate programmes is based on the following principles:

  • Developing the leader/manager of the future
  • Professional competence
  • Global thinking
  • Ethical, responsible and sustainable practice.

We use a wide range of approaches to teaching to help you learn. Typically a module will include a mixture of activities: generally based around interactive lectures, dealing with a number of specific topics. The tutor introduces and explains key concepts and learning points, which are consolidated by class discussion and case study analysis to help your understanding and to prepare for assessment. You will be encouraged to offer examples from your own experience of work.

In addition, you will get an outline syllabus content and associated reading list at the start of the module which will be the basis for your self-directed study.

An important principle of the learning and teaching strategy is to develop you as a reflective practitioner able to understand your own motivations and abilities.

ASSESSMENT

The types of assessment used on the course may vary according to each module but you can expect to undertake a combination of the following during the course:

  • Individual written reports
  • Portfolio
  • Project report or dissertation

SUPPORT AND MENTORING

Taking the leap from undergraduate study? Returning after a study break? Joining us as an international student? Whatever your circumstance, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your studies. Find out more about our support for postgraduate students.

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 Rashed Khan

Dr Rashed is a lecturer in International Business and Marketing at the Salford Business School. Before joining Salford, he worked for Greater Manchester Business School, University of Bolton and Global Banking School, Manchester. 

Rashed's primary research interest lies within Culture and Leadership, Business Ethics and sustainability, Digital Marketing, and Development Economics. His PhD focuses on Ethical Labour Management in Readymade Garment Industries. Rashed’s teaching area covers international business management, strategies and marketing. 

He is a member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). He was a committee member of the CIPD Cumbria branch and held the "Student Liaison" role. Rashed also helps JobCentre Plus and CIPD Steps Ahead Mentoring team by mentoring young people aged between 18-30. 

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.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

Our graduates have gone on to achieve employment in a range of careers in various sectors (private, public) such as Deutsche Bank and the National Health Service (NHS) and in various types of organisations (family firms, start-ups, small-to-medium sized enterprises, national, multinational).

Find out more about the future of work, jobs and skills in this report from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills

A taste of what you could become

A business manager

A business analyst

A management consultant

A general manager

A risk manager

And more...

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.

Requirements

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 employability skills, such as critical analysis and problem solving, communication, leadership, time management and managing resources. These are highly sought after by employers across a wide range of organisations, making it ideal to support your progress into a career 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.

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 2024/25 £8,550.00per year
Full-time international 2024/25 £16,560.00per year
Part-time 2024/25 £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.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Still have some questions? Contact us:

By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545

Enrolment dates

November 2023

January 2024

March 2024

June 2024

September 2024

November 2024