Business and Management

JANUARY 2025 START

Course overview

This dynamic and wide-ranging programme is suitable for graduates of all disciplines and is a fantastic platform to launch or progress your business career at a top business school.

You’ll benefit from a detailed insight into many areas of business, from strategy to operations and from marketing to accounting. You’ll also gain key leadership and management skills. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to go into a variety of roles for a range of organisations, including international companies and those operating in the voluntary and community sectors.

You will graduate with essential core business skills, enabling you to think critically about business strategy, understand the corporate skills of management, understand the key mechanisms behind the concepts of management, and gain an in-depth knowledge of vital areas of business, such as finance and marketing. Throughout the course you will be supported by lecturers who can translate their knowledge into the teaching experience, and help build your skills, getting you ready for the business world.

“The structure of the course is well designed to cover most business areas, and the module leaders and programme director are so kind and supportive. I also enjoyed running simulations and working in groups for various projects and assignments.”

Raj Navinkumar Thakkar

MSc Business and Management

Why Business and Management at Aston University?

Motivating excellence

97% of students agreed that their course had challenged them to produce their best work (Business and Management; PTES, 2023)

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Gain the advantage

Get ahead of the competition with the Aston Global Advantage professional development module

6th in the UK

We have been ranked 6th in the UK (General Management; Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings, 2024)

Top 100 in Europe

We've been ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools ranking 2024)

66th in the world

We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)

Tackling business strategy today

Dr Uche Ogwude discusses the challenges of business strategy in today’s environment and the best way to analyse them.

Gain a competitive edge

As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.

Course description

MSc Business and Management

Our MSc Business and Management course enables you to explore, test and apply your learning through various teaching methods, providing a deeper understanding of the subject throughout the course.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and constructive assessment. There are practical activities, including simulation exercises, reflective case studies, collaborative group work, thought-provoking class discussions as well as inspiring lectures and tutorials.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
The course will provide you with a clear understanding of modern business practices. It will develop your analytical and critical-thinking skills, allowing you to solve complex commercial problems and identify and deliver successful business strategies. This will enable you to hit the ground running in graduate roles.

Career prospects
This course provides the opportunity to tailor your studies to match your interests or career goals, offering advanced understanding in finance, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship. It is designed to set you on the right career path, aligning with your specific professional ambitions.

How you will learn

In addition to learning key theories and concepts, you'll engage in practical activities to deepen your understanding of the subject area. These include a variety of hands-on activities, such as case studies, business simulations and skills workshops, where you can apply what you've learnt to solve commercial problems. We also utilise technology, including gamification and augmented reality, to enhance student engagement. This applied approach not only improves your understanding but also enhances your employability.

Our online learning platform supports your studies with all the necessary digital resources, including lecture slides, access to e-books and online journals, and video recordings of teaching sessions. Additionally, your lecturers will be available for one-to-one support to help you with any challenging topics.

In the Aston Global Advantage module, you will enhance your employability and global citizenship through experiential learning and reflective practice. Dedicated employability support, skill-building workshops and diverse learning streams will prepare you for both academic and professional success.

At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.

The Aston Global Advantage

What you will learn

The course equips you with a thorough understanding of modern business practices, enhancing your analytical and critical-thinking skills. This prepares you for complex problem-solving and strategy development in graduate roles or for entrepreneurship if you choose to start your own business.
You'll learn to interpret financial statements, devise marketing and pricing strategies and grasp innovation processes. Additionally, you will develop insights into strategic processes and techniques to boost business performance.

In the taught stage, you'll delve into topics like marketing and operations management, sharpening your skills in these areas. You'll also expand your knowledge in business sustainability and accounting, essential for understanding the contemporary business landscape. This stage hones vital transferable skills, setting you up for a dynamic career in business and management, with strengths in teamwork, communication and leadership.

In the dissertation phase, you will undertake a research project on a chosen business and management topic, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.

This course offers an Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway, meaning you can spend an additional year at one of our international partner institutions. If successful, you will graduate with two masters degrees.

Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway

Piyushi Pawan MSc Business and Management

Bridging the gap

Piyushi transitioned from computer science to technology consulting, attributing her success to Aston University's comprehensive MSc Business and Management course.

Discover Piyushi's journey

Learn business, do business

Our classroom goes beyond traditional lectures, focusing instead on real-life projects and hands-on experiences.

Student experience

Course objectives

Provides a programme of study that meets the needs of local, national and international candidates, enabling you to learn by the exchange of experience as well as formal academic study.
Meets the needs of recent graduates, and those already in employment who wish to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in business and management in order that they may embark on or progress successfully in their chosen careers.
Provides you with an excellent learning experience that draws on the research and consultancy of Aston University academic staff, utilising the University’s links with business, professional and public sector organisations.
Provides you with opportunities to enhance your employability by developing life-long learning and personal development skills.
Produces well qualified graduates who are equipped for and aspire to senior positions.
Causes you to reflect upon and develop your own positions in relation to corporate responsibility, sustainability and ethics.
Develops awareness of the skills needed to work effectively in cross-cultural teams.
Develops your ability to apply the principles of evidence-based management.
Develops an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of such approaches.
Develops abilities to be critical users of research-based information.
Develops appreciation of the value of adopting multi-disciplinary approaches to the solution of business and management problems.
Develops your ability to apply a range of analytical approaches to practical problem solving.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Accounting for Non-Financial Managers This module will give you a good grasp of key finance and accounting concepts. You’ll be competent interpreting financial information such as company accounts and you will be able to communicate effectively using the terminology of finance and accounting. It will also enable you to use accounting to make informed management decisions.	15
People and World Organisations In this module we examine several fascinating topics in the area of organisational behaviour including employee motivation and the various approaches organisations take to try to understand and enhance relationships and performance levels within the work place. You’ll learn how to best work in teams, lead and influence people and how to adapt leadership behaviours in different contexts.	15
Marketing Management In this module you will gain a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of marketing management practices, underpinned by relevant theories and conceptual frameworks. These frameworks are applied to contemporary issues and organisational strategies within national and international contexts and culminating with the creation and the proposal of a professional marketing plan.	15
Strategic Management This module provides you with the knowledge on the tools and techniques needed to effectively analyse the external and internal environments of businesses in today’s world. Various contemporary frameworks will be taught around relevant business problems and the module will be assessed by one item of group work, an individual coursework and an oral exam.	15
Operations Management In this module you will gain a detailed understanding of how operations management contributes to business competitiveness. We examine the theories and approaches to effective planning and the organising of production and manufacturing processes, as well as those associated with the provision of services. With case studies and an innovative simulation challenge you’ll benefit from a highly applied learning experience.	15
The Aston Global Advantage The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year.	15
Ethics in Academic Practice This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments.	0
Total	90

You will choose two of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
International Business Strategy This module aims to broaden and deepen your knowledge of the key issues and activities involved in international business strategy. In addition this module aims to develop skills related to interpreting and analysing complex real-world issues using theoretical perspectives concepts and models. The emphasis will be on using theory to inform practice and addressing real-world complex problems.	15
International Marketing Management This module evaluates how organisations operate in the global marketing environment. The module critically explores theories/concepts relating to the global marketing environment international marketing activities and decisions. Implications for international marketing strategies and actions are also considered through a number of relevant case-studies and practical materials.	15
Digital Advertising You will produce a strategic understanding of the opportunities provided by digital advertising and the challenges of preparing and formulating successful digital strategies. This module evaluates the role of digital media in marketing strategy and how new technologies can be embraced for marketing purposes. It evaluates the impact of web-based innovations on marketing and consumer behaviour.	15
Learning and Talent Development For most organisations their biggest expense comes from their people. During this module you will learn differing views on how to best develop people and ensure they add value to an organisation. We also look at talent management and succession planning approaches for getting capable people into more senior positions.	15
Entrepreneurial Strategies	15
Employment Law	15
Strategic Business Sustainability This module looks at how sustainable development as a process can lead to a certain level of sustainability within an organisational context. It places sustainability within the strategic orientation of an organisation and as such as it takes a view of sustainability both in the short-term as well as in the long-term.	15
Corporate Governance Regulations & Compliance	15
Intellectual Property Strategy & Management This module will look at intellectual property strategy and management exploring intellectual property rights relevant to an innovative business. This will allow you to practice your understanding of the strategy and strategic management and valuation in commercialising these valuable rights.	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Applied Research This module provides the knowledge on the tools and techniques needed to effectively produce valid research studies from the analysis and exploration of contemporary academic and practical issues/problems in the world of modern business. You will learn various research techniques around relevant research topics in business management.	15
MSc Business and Management Research Project You will carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism.	45
Total	60

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major theories, principles and empirical works in Business and Management and their relevance in an organisational context.
Understand the needs of recent graduates, and those already in employment in order to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in business and management for embarking or progressing successfully in a chosen career.
Understand the value of adopting multi-disciplinary approaches to the solution of business and management problems and demonstrate the ability to apply a range of analytical approaches to practical and/or complex problem solving.
Demonstrate the ability to apply the principles of evidence-based management by providing an assessment and/or evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of such approaches.
Identify and apply appropriate theories and research methodologies in a business and management context to investigate a particular research problem and demonstrate ability to be a critical user of research-based information.
Demonstrate a high level of intellectual and analytical skills in your understanding of the business and management problems facing organisations within their environment (business, professional and public sector organisations).
Promote reflection and articulation of your own position in relation to corporate responsibility, sustainability and ethics.
Demonstrate a range of transferable skills that are necessary for a successful career in business and management and enhance your employability. These may include: digital literacy, presentation skills, self-confidence, leadership and decision making skills, awareness of the skills needed to work effectively in cross-cultural teams, practical knowledge about developing life-long learning and personal development skills.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)

Subject specific requirements

Applicants must also provide evidence of Mathematics - C/4 or above at GCSE (or equivalent)

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09:30-16:30)

Read our guide to applying

Meet your programme director

Dr Uche Ogwude
Programme Director, MSc Business and Management

If you have any questions about the course or modules you will be studying, you can get in touch via email and I will be happy to answer your queries.

Get in touch

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£12,000

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£23,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Fees and funding

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

We use a mix of assessment methods, including exams, coursework, presentations and group work. For our assessments, we use real or fictitious business scenarios. The practical assessments help you to develop the skills and competencies required for future job roles.

Career prospects

This course prepares you for a wide range of professional and management careers across business functions and sectors including accountancy, marketing, operations, HR and strategic management.

The transferable skills that our Business and Management programme provides mean our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

•   Digital marketing consultant
•   Corporate client manager
•   Senior quality control analyst
•   Strategic advisor
•   Regional benefits and value manager
•   Customer service manager
•   Business development executive
•   Transportation manager

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as: the Cabinet Office, Citizens UK, Deutsche Bank, HelloFresh, Highways England, NHS, Shell, Sterling Bank Plc and British American Tobacco.

Supported for success

Brenda Guimaraes chose to study both her undergraduate and postgraduate degree at Aston University, with ambitions to start her own business.

Discover Brenda's journey

Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Business and Management at Aston University?

At Aston University, the MSc Business and Management program immerses you in key business areas, enhancing your leadership and management skills for diverse roles in any sector. Innovative teaching methods, including simulations and case studies, deepen your understanding. You'll develop critical analytical skills, learn effective business strategies, and improve vital soft skills, making you a sought-after graduate in the job market.

What is the ‘Aston Global Advantage’?

Embedded in all our masters degrees, this assessed, year-long credit-bearing module aims to develop professional and personal transferrable skills relevant to any workplace and create a bridge between the degree and the world of work.

The Aston Global Advantage

Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?

There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.

Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

What will my timetable look like?

We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.

Full-time programmes

As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students in the College of Business and Social Sciences should expect to spend about 12-15 hours per week in lectures and on-campus seminars. This is in addition to independent study, and there may be additional guided learning activities during certain weeks. The exact distribution of these hours will vary depending on your course and module choices.

Part-time programmes

Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in.

Timetable availability

Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning.

As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.

Online/distance learning programmes

The above information also applies to students enrolled in online/distance learning programmes. Please note that both full-time and part-time distance learning students are still required to attend scheduled synchronous learning sessions.

MyAstonPortal

What can I get involved in at Aston Business School?

At Aston Business School, you will dive into a dynamic blend of innovative learning and hands-on experiences. With our acclaimed triple-crown accreditation, we offer you academic excellence and a track record of producing successful graduates.

Located in Birmingham, the UK's vibrant second city, Aston Business School provides you with a culturally rich environment and superb connectivity. You will benefit from real-world business engagements, international study opportunities and entrepreneur support programmes like BSEEN and Pitchfest.

You can also engage in practical consultancy at the Aston Business Clinic and collaborate with global peers in events such as the Maastricht Case Competition or the Universities Business Challenge. Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust, alongside a range of student clubs including TEDx and Enactus further enriches your learning experience.

Discover more