Your guide to studying management

Find the information you need about studying for a Master in Management, including industry relevance, potential career opportunities and course options.

What is management?

Management involves the effective and efficient organisation of resources, including human, financial, and informational, to achieve organisational goals. Managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading business activities, making strategic decision-making and leadership essential skills.

As a field of study, management incorporates insights from psychology, sociology, and economics to develop key competencies such as project management, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. Management courses equip individuals with the skills needed to manage administrative functions, boost team productivity, and adapt to evolving business environments.

This subject is essential for anyone looking to excel in managerial and leadership roles or improve operational efficiency in their industry

Is management in demand?

Management skills are increasingly sought-after across a variety of industries. A 2023 study by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) mentions that business managers make up 1.4% of all employment within the EU. As organisations face challenges like digital transformation, economic fluctuations, and a need for inclusivity and empathy in leadership, the demand for skilled managers is growing. Much of this demand is also driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving business models.

Recent studies, including the 2023 Global Leadership Development Study by Harvard Business Publishing, highlight the importance of leadership capabilities such as digital adaptability, empathy, and emotional intelligence. These skills are critical as companies navigate the complexities of modern work arrangements and strive for growth amidst continuous change.

Moreover, as businesses confront pressing issues like digital disruption, economic downturns, and shifting team dynamics, the role of leaders is becoming more complex and tech-focused. There is a notable emphasis on developing leaders who are not only tech-savvy but also capable of fostering inclusive, engaging work cultures. In fact, 77% of companies cite tech-savviness and adaptability as one of the most in-demand skills for addressing business challenges.

The figures make it clear that interpersonal skills are also a growing necessity. 76% of companies mention ‘high emotional and social intelligence’, as well as ‘empathy in communication, feedback sharing, and listening’ among the top in-demand qualities. Additionally, the Harvard Top 4 Business Challenges 2023 study highlights a key demand for leaders who can effectively lead diverse teams in various working conditions, including remote and gig-based environments. With 48% of respondents citing this need, it can be considered a critical focus for future leadership development

The industry's shift towards these skills underscores the critical role that effective management plays in modern business. This reflects a broader trend where management skills are not just beneficial, but essential for navigating the future of work.

Is management a good career path?

As a career path, management includes a diverse range of roles and responsibilities across various industries. It also offers exciting career progression opportunities, and develops versatile, transferable skills. Individuals in management roles will have varying responsibilities. They may oversee operations, manage teams, strategise business growth, or ensure organisational effectiveness. Generally, the roles are split into four tiers:

entry-level management: These positions serve as an introduction to the responsibilities of overseeing staff and managing part of a business. Roles often include supervisory or assistant manager positions, where individuals gain experience in staff leadership and basic operational management
middle management: Middle managers oversee several teams or departments. They translate the strategic directives from upper management into operational plans that entry-level managers and employees execute. This role requires strong interpersonal and decision-making skills to manage larger teams and integrate various functional areas
upper management: This includes high-level executives who create policies, set long-term goals, and direct the business at a strategic level. Director-level roles are common in this tier, requiring leadership experience and a solid understanding of the industry and market
executive management: At the top are C-suite executives like Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These roles demand a broad vision, top-tier leadership skills, and the ability to make decisions that impact the entire organisation.

Some managers specialise in areas like project management, product management, or human resources. In these roles, they require specific skills and knowledge about those fields. But there’s a wide range of career paths you can pursue. Here are a few examples of the roles you could go in to:

Assistant Manager
Operations Manager
Project Manager
Sales Manager
Marketing Manager
HR and Industrial Relations Officer
Business and Financial Project Management Professional
Management Consultant
Business Analyst
Business Sales Executive

These jobs vary widely in responsibility, industry focus, and necessary expertise, but each offers a unique opportunity to shape your organisation’s direction.

What skills do I need to succeed in management?

digital adaptability: Essential for leading initiatives involving new technologies, as new and emerging technologies are increasingly common across all levels of business
emotional and social intelligence: Critical for managing teams effectively, especially in remote or hybrid work environments
empathetic communication: Important for maintaining positive team morale and human connection. This also encourages resilience, staff retention, and overall productivity
a focus on diversity and inclusivity: This focus is necessary to create inclusive work environments that harness the potential and talent of diverse teams

Is the Master in Management the right course for me?

The course is designed to be accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds and experience. If you have prior knowledge of business, some material may feel familiar, while other topics will likely be new. As a conversion course, a MiM typically does not require prior experience in business or management, making it approachable for those exploring these areas for the first time.

While the workload can be intensive, MiM programmes are structured to help you build your knowledge progressively. They usually begin with core foundational concepts, providing a solid base before moving into more advanced topics. This step-by-step approach helps you deepen your understanding, engage in research, and master key management principles over time.

What is a management conversion course?

A management conversion course offers a pathway into business and leadership for those from non-business backgrounds. You'll build a foundation in key areas such as leadership, ethics, sustainability, and consultancy, gaining skills that can be applied to real-world organisational challenges. With a focus on responsible and impactful management, this type of course equips you to navigate complex business environments, making it ideal if you’re aiming to transition into management or broaden your professional expertise with an emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices.