University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The Management MSc combines core management theory with practical, skills-based learning. Core topics typically include organisational behaviour, strategic management, managerial economics, operations and project management, and quantitative methods for decision-making. Teaching blends lectures, seminars, case studies, group projects and applied workshops to build both subject knowledge and transferable skills.

Students usually complete a major independent piece of work at the end of the programme, which may take the form of a research dissertation, an applied consultancy project with an external client, or a business plan.

• Core modules — topics such as strategy and competitive advantage, leadership and organisational design, research methods and managerial decision-making.
• Optional modules — a range that allows specialisation in areas such as entrepreneurship, international business, marketing management, human resource management, supply chain and operations, corporate finance or analytics.
• Skills development — workshops in professional communication, negotiation, data analysis using industry-standard tools, and team-based problem solving.
• Final project — dissertation, applied consulting project or equivalent, supervised by academic staff and often linked to employer or industry problems.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree. A first or upper-second class honours degree is typically preferred, but applicants with a lower-class degree plus relevant professional experience may also be considered. Candidates from a wide range of academic backgrounds are welcome, provided they can demonstrate the aptitude to study management at master’s level.

International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements; an approved test of English or an equivalent qualification is usually required. The programme may also consider applicants with professional qualifications or relevant managerial experience in place of a traditional degree where appropriate. Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide a personal statement outlining their motivation and suitability for the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Management MSc go on to a wide variety of roles across sectors including consulting, finance, public sector management, non-profit leadership, manufacturing and technology. Common job titles include management consultant, business analyst, project manager, operations manager, marketing manager and HR specialist. The programme is also used as a stepping stone into graduate management schemes and further study such as professional qualifications or research degrees.

Students develop employability through practical projects, team-based work, and access to the University’s careers service and employer events. The programme emphasises analytical capability, strategic thinking and leadership — skills that are transferable across organisational contexts and geographic markets.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham offers research-led teaching and a broad international community, with strong links to employers and an active careers service that supports internships, recruitment events and employer projects. The Business School’s faculty research informs teaching and brings contemporary management challenges into the classroom. Students benefit from campus facilities, professional development workshops, and a global alumni network that can support career progression across sectors and locations.

In addition, the programme encourages practical engagement with business through consultancy projects, guest lectures from industry practitioners and optional modules that mirror current employer needs, helping graduates move quickly into management roles or to progress existing careers.