Keele University

What you'll study

This top-up Integrated Masters builds on prior undergraduate study in business, management or a related discipline by delivering advanced, masters-level modules alongside a substantial independent research or consultancy project. Teaching balances core topics in strategic management and research methods with optional modules that allow you to specialise in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, entrepreneurship, human resource management and digital business.

• Advanced Strategic Management: frameworks for strategic analysis, corporate-level decisions and implementation in complex organisational contexts.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods: techniques for designing, conducting and analysing research that underpin the capstone project.
• Leadership, Ethics and Governance: contemporary leadership theories, organisational behaviour and ethical decision-making.
• Specialist Option Modules: examples include strategic marketing, international finance, supply chain and operations management, entrepreneurship and innovation, people management and digital transformation.
• Major Project (Dissertation or Consultancy Project): an independent piece of work where you apply theory and methods to a real-world problem or an original research question, supervised by academic staff.

Teaching methods typically include seminars, workshops, case studies, group work and supervision for the major project. Assessment is by a mix of assignments, presentations, exams and the capstone project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in business, management or a closely related subject. Keele commonly admits students with a minimum of a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above), but a higher classification may be required for competitive entry or particular pathways.

• Applicants with non-business degrees who can demonstrate relevant work experience or prior study in business modules are considered.
• Candidates with alternative qualifications such as HNDs, foundation degrees or international equivalents may be eligible; selection is based on the profile of prior learning and experience.
• International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English to meet the School’s requirements.

Applicants are assessed on academic transcripts, references and any personal statement or interview where required. The programme is intended as a top-up for those who have already completed substantial undergraduate study in a related area.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Integrated Masters in Business and Management enhance their prospects for roles with greater responsibility and analytical demand across the private, public and third sectors. Typical career paths include management trainee and graduate management schemes, business analyst, management consultant, project manager, marketing manager, operations manager and roles in finance, human resources or entrepreneurship.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for further academic study, including professional qualifications and doctoral research, and is valued by employers for the blend of strategic insight, research capability and practical problem-solving skills it develops.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a supportive campus environment with small-group teaching and accessible academic staff, allowing for close supervision of your masters-level project. The Business School combines research-informed teaching with an applied focus, emphasising employability, professional development and real-world business challenges.

• Strong employability and careers support, including workshops, employer engagement and opportunities to build professional networks.
• Interactive teaching methods and assessment designed to develop critical thinking, leadership and consultancy skills.
• Access to interdisciplinary resources across Keele’s campus, which can enrich project work and foster collaboration with students and staff from other disciplines.

Overall, Keele’s Integrated Masters top-up is aimed at graduates who want to convert previous undergraduate study into a master’s-level qualification while gaining practical, strategic and research skills valued by employers and postgraduate programmes.