UCL School of Management

MSc Management

Overview

Start date: September 2024
Duration: 12 months full-time only
Fees: UK/EU/Overseas - £38,300 (Full-Time)
Application deadline: Applications will open on 01 November 2023 and close as follows - Applicants who require a visa: applications close on 28 June 2024 at 17:00 UK time, Applicants who do not require a visa: applications close on 30 August 2024 at 17:00 UK time.
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

UCL’s MSc Management is a highly competitive international programme that aims to deliver graduates who can develop strategies and make informed decisions, preparing young professionals for managing business complexity and innovation in dynamic and complex environments. We do this by providing you with a solid understanding of practical managerial issues, as well as a strong foundation in current theoretical debates, based on cutting-edge research, equipping  students with 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 high-profile students who bring a vast range of business knowledge from across the globe.

Image showing the gender breakdown, age, number of nationalities and the current class and cohort sizes.

Please note, this data has been taken from the 2023-2024 cohort. 

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 specifically 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. Failure 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. 

Two male students shake hands in a lecture

Programme Diet for the Academic Year 2024-25

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 2024.

Please note that the list of optional modules is indicative and exact modules may vary from year to year.

Corporate Pathway:

Core Modules

MSIN0072 Business Strategy
MSIN0076 Markets and Customers
MSIN0113 Innovation Practices
MSIN0142 Organisational Behaviour
MSIN0145 Operations and Technology Management
MSIN0154 Statistics for Business Research
MSIN0159 Decision and Risk Analysis
MSIN0211 Financial Frameworks
MSIN0222 Managing Finance

MSIN0100 Business Research (30 credits)
MSIN0127 Career and Professional Development

Optional Modules (this list is indicative and exact modules may vary)

MSIN0069 Managing the Growing Firm
MSIN0081 Creativity and Critical Thinking
MSIN0088 Leading High Performance Teams
MSIN0091 Retail and Consumer Entrepreneurship
MSIN0098 Technology Entrepreneurship
MSIN0148 Influence and Negotiations
MSIN0151 Strategic Project Management 
MSIN0157 Ethical Issues in Global Business
MSIN0167 Data Visualisation
MSIN0226 Fintech
MSIN0236 Managing Diversity
MSIN0237 Technology and Collective Intelligence
MSIN0252 Issues in International Financial Reporting

Finance Pathway:

Core Modules

MSIN0001 Corporate Finance
MSIN0075 Business Economics 
MSIN0076 Markets and Customers
MSIN0080 Corporate Strategy
MSIN0082 Investment Management
MSIN0084 International Capital Markets
MSIN0154 Statistics for Business Research
MSIN0159 Decision and Risk Analysis
MSIN0211 Financial Frameworks

MSIN0100 Business Research (30 credit)
MSIN0127 Career and Professional Development

Optional Modules (this list is indicative and exact modules may vary)

MSIN0069 Managing the Growing Firm
MSIN0081 Creativity and Critical Thinking
MSIN0083 Project Management
MSIN0085 Mergers and IPOs 
MSIN0088 Leading High Performance Teams
MSIN0091 Retail and Consumer Entrepreneurship
MSIN0098 Technology Entrepreneurship
MSIN0148 Influence and Negotiations
MSIN0157 Ethical Issues in Global Business
MSIN0167 Data Visualisation
MSIN0226 Fintech
MSIN0236 Managing Diversity
MSIN0237 Technology and Collective Intelligence
MSIN0252 Issues in International Financial Reporting

 
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available. For questions about optional modules, please contact us at: mgmt-mm@ucl.ac.uk

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.   

Business Research and Business Plans

For the MSIN0100 Business Research module, you will write either a business research (short dissertation) 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.

As part of this 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. The consultancy project is optional and it is not for grade.

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 BelgiumTsinghua 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 grades 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.

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 

23 September 2024 to 22 September 2025

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.

Commuters walk through Reuters Plaza, Canary Wharf

Applications

Student profile

Who is this course designed for?

The MSc Management programme is designed to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in management. The programme looks for ambitious and talented students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, with a 'can-do' attitude who aim high, think critically and are encouraged by challenges. Students must be prepared to grow their analytical capabilities, lead and work in teams, and contribute to building a strong community of knowledge-holders.

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?

  • Developing knowledge and skills for occupying strategic positions in relevant organisations around the world, leading change in complex and uncertain environments.
  • Developing knowledge and skills for reaching high performance in management roles, including critical analytical competences for fast and successful decision making.
  • Developing capabilities to operate in multidisciplinary environments, understanding how innovation, technology, data analytics and entrepreneurship come together for enabling success and resilience in businesses.
  • Building strong professional networks with students from different academic backgrounds including business, international studies, engineering, sciences, economics, social sciences and arts.

Applying for Masters in Management

Applications for September 2024 entry open on 01 November 2023 and close as follows - Applicants who require a visa: applications close on 28 June 2024 at 17:00 UK time, Applicants who do not require a visa: applications close on 30 August 2024 at 17:00 UK time. You are advised to apply early due to competition for places. Applications are made using an online application form.

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) the motivation for studying management and (2) future career aspirations. Applicants benefit from showing 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.

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.

Additional documents: If an applicant would like any directly relevant work experience or short academic courses (outside of any formal degree qualification) to be taken into consideration as part of their application, they must provide verifiable evidence for each in the form of a confirmation letter from the provider as part of their initial application. This confirmation must be provided on business/institution letterhead, listing the name and email address of a supervisor who oversaw the placement.

A maximum of five confirmation letters per application will be considered and any placements/courses must have been undertaken no more than two years before the programme start date. If such letters are not provided or we are unable to verify the placements/courses, these will not be taken into consideration as part of the application or for the purpose of pathway allocation.

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 Bachelors degree with a minimum weighted average mark of 87% or 93%, depending on the institution. Further details can be found in the Graduate Prospectus.

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

Programme Tuition Fees for the 2024-25 academic year are £38,300 for UK and Overseas students.

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 £1,500 to £2,250 depending on the trip location, personal flight preferences and spending habits as well as the prevailing exchange rates. 

Further details will be provided to those selected to international study trips and summer school programmes.

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. 

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. Most 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, vigour, critical thinking and analytical skills.

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 2024.

UCL aims to complete stages 1-2 within 8 weeks. Stage 3 will begin from January 2024 onwards. Applicants who enter stage 4 may not receive a decision before August 2024.

Further Information

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.

For more information regarding Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) numbers for international students, please visit UCL’s international student visa pages.
 

Telephone: 020 3108 6055

UCL Scholarships

For central additional funding opportunities, please see scholarships and funding.

MSc Management Programme Director Magda Herchuei teaching a class

Careers

Career Opportunities

The MSc Management programme 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 UCL School of Management careers support for MSc Management students includes:

  • Individual career coaching sessions with Careers Consultants
  • 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 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. We also recently caught up with MSc Management alumna Ambika Luthra, who graduated from the programme in 2018 and launched her successful career in the digital marketing space. Currently the Brand Manager for Swisse Wellness at H&H Group, Ambika is pivotal to the formation and execution of the brand's strategy in India and recently conceptualised an online campaign starring Indian actress and model Sanjana Sanghi.

The Graduate Outcomes Survey (graduating classes 2018-2021) shows that 90% 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. The UCL Graduate Outcomes Survey showed on average (graduating classes 2018-2021) the top 15 companies graduates went on to secure roles in were:

  • Amazon 
  • Accenture plc 
  • China Merchants Bank 
  • Deloitte LLP 
  • Deliveroo 
  • EY 
  • Grant Thornton LLP 
  • HSBC Bank plc 
  • Huawei Technologies 
  • KPMG LLP 
  • PwC 
  • Siemens 
  • The German Stock Exchange 
  • UBS Investment Bank  
  • Unilever 

The Graduate Outcomes Survey (graduating classes 2018-2021) shows on average the top three job titles among Business Analytics graduates were; Management Consultants and Business Analysts, Finance and Investment Analysts and Advisers and Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers. 

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."

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!"

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."

"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

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

How can I apply?
You may apply online on the admissions website.
What is the GMAT or GRE recommended score for the MSc Management?
GMAT and GRE are not required. However, good GMAT scores are considered to be 600+, and good GRE scores are 310+.
What is the GMAT designated institution code for MSc in Management, UCL?
The GMAT designated institution code is 3344
What is the GRE designated institution code for MSc Management, UCL?
The GRE designated institution code is 3344
How can I submit my GMAT/GRE score?
You can upload your score report as an additional document to your application, or you send your GMAT or GRE score through the GMAT or GRE website.
Can I find out if I am a suitable candidate for the course before applying?
Unfortunately, we are not able to comment on a candidate's suitability for the course before we receive a completed application form. Our minimum entry requirements can be found above. We also cannot give you personalised advice on how to apply.
Will it improve my chances of being accepted if I apply for more than one MSc course?
No, in fact, if you apply for more than one MSc it will indicate that you are unfocused regarding your career ambitions and it is more likely to lead to you being rejected for both courses. We currently offer several other Masters including an MSc in Entrepreneurship, an MSc in Business Analytics and an MSc in Finance the career outcomes for these programmes are very different from MSc Management.
I am an international student, how can I find out what the degree equivalency is for my home institution?
International Students may ascertain qualification equivalents from the UCL international students website. UCL Admissions check qualification equivalencies before forwarding application forms to our School. We are unable to comment on international qualifications.
I am currently studying and do not yet have my final results, should I wait to receive my transcript before applying?
If your predicted final results meet our minimum entry requirements, you can apply before receiving your final degree results. You should include details of your predicted results on your application form, and an official transcript of your results so far. If we are able to make you an offer of study, it will be conditional and you will need to prove that you meet the condition before the beginning of the course.
My degree results are just under a 2.1, can I be considered anyway? 
No, unfortunately we are not able to consider any candidates below the minimum entry requirements. This includes applicants with a current average grade below a 2:1 or equivalent.
What documents are required for the application?
You will need to include a degree transcript, two references, a personal statement and if you wish to include them, your optional GMAT or GRE score. Overseas applicants should also supply evidence of their English language ability. Personal statements must include your preferred pathway.
When is the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) number issued? 
For more information regarding the issuing of Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) numbers, please visit UCL’s offer holders FAQ’s page and see the section titled ‘immigration’. 
I have studied in English; do I need to take a language test?
Candidates may be exempt if they can show evidence of substantial education (minimum of twelve months) conducted in English in a 'majority English speaking' country, leading to an awarding qualification and undertaken no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment. More information on our English language requirements can be found on the prospective students pages.
I am going to take an English test later in the year, can I still apply now?
You may apply now for a place on a programme without a current English test as long as you send your qualification as soon as you receive it. If you are offered a place, it will be conditional on your providing evidence of English language qualifications that meet the minimum entry requirements before the start of the programme. We recommend that applicants provide evidence of their English Language at the time of application, where possible.
My referees are not able to provide references electronically; can I provide hard copy reference letters? 
No, references must be submitted online by your referees.
What are the fees for the programme?
Information regarding fees and costs can be found on the UCL Graduate Taught prospectus website.
I want to start the course in January, is this possible? 
No, we only have one intake a year in September.
How long is the course and what are the term dates?
The course lasts for a full calendar year from September to September. Postgraduate Taught Masters students are required to be in continuous attendance as the standard University term dates do not apply to them. Teaching finishes partway through Term 3, allowing students to work on their final research project, though students are expected to remain in attendance at UCL until the programme end date in September. Term dates are available each year on the UCL website. As the programme is full-time and intensive, with a significant time commitment, students are strongly recommended not to undertake employment alongside the programme as their academic commitments are necessarily expected to take priority.
Can I obtain a scholarship or funding?
Information about financial assistance is available here.
What careers support is available to students studying on this course?
Please visit the careers website for information regarding our dedicated careers support.
May I schedule an appointment with the Programme Administrator or Course Director to discuss my qualifications and interest in the programme?
Due to the extremely high volume of applications received, it is not possible for staff to meet personally with applicants before they have been given an offer of study.
My application has been unsuccessful. Can I find out why and request to be reconsidered?
Unfortunately, we are not able to give details on why a particular application has been unsuccessful, and cannot reconsider the decision.

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

Last updated Monday, 18 March 2024