The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements
Management
MSc
Key facts
Start dates
September 2022 / September 2023
Location
Course length
Full time: 1 year or 2 years in sandwich mode which includes one year's full-time paid supervised work experience (a work placement). Sandwich mode is only available for September entry.
Part time: MSc: 24 months for UK and EU students
Department
Accreditation(s)
Chartered Management Institute
Overview
The focus of this programme is the development of cross-cultural management skills in addition to providing a foundational understanding of how businesses operate. It is ideal for students seeking to pursue a range of managerial careers in either commercial or not-for-profit organisations, and it is suitable for graduates with a good first degree in any subject.
The programme aims to enable students to develop knowledge and skills in preparing for a management career in a range of contexts or to prepare for higher study. It will enable students to develop the self-awareness and competencies to lead and manage people within cross-cultural contexts. The programme has a focus on ‘soft skills’ in recognition of the increasing importance of these skills in today’s workplace, particularly in management roles.
Our graduates go on to successful international careers with a range of commercial and not-for-profit organisations, around the world.

How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2) in any academic discipline, or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional or other qualification.
Applicants who possess a diploma rather than a good degree may be eligible for entry provided they have compensatory work experience and can demonstrate career development.
This course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are welcome from those in work and seeking continuing professional development.
Entry will also be subject to two satisfactory references (one of these must be an academic reference).
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to satisfy the university's English language requirements:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking)
- if you have completed your undergraduate degree in the UK (at least one full year of study) you will automatically meet our English language requirements
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
The full-time fees quoted are for the taught Year 1. Fees will be charged for the placement year in Year 2 and are available on request from finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
We offer a non credit-bearing International Study Trip which is available to all postgraduate Business School students.
The International Study Trip modules allow you to experience ideas and practices of global business. During the trip you will have direct interaction with management executives and practices. You will attend presentations from local management executives and experts and go on site visits to major corporations and agencies. These study trips are voluntary and you will need to fund most of the costs associated with the trip. We have run study trips to Boston, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur and Budapest.
As an example of costs, the fees in 2020 varied between £350 - £1500 and included: accommodation for seven nights, insurance, company visits and group transportation for all activities. This fee did not include international airfare, visa application fee (if relevant), dinners and activities during your free time.
CMI Membership: If a student decides to become a student member of the CMI AND they successfully graduate with this MSc degree, they can get a CMI Level 7 (master's level) qualification as well. To become a student member of the CMI, students are required to pay a membership fee, which was £300 in 2021.
Learning and assessment
We have designed a highly flexible course for a wide range of interests in a variety of different subject areas/roles/sectors. This course is suitable for individuals:
- from a variety of educational backgrounds
- who may have no previous work experience
- who want to further their knowledge and understanding of business and management to support their career aspirations.
You will study a combination of compulsory and elective modules, and choose to complete either a dissertation, a client based research project, or a synoptic research project.
Our teaching staff come from a variety of academic and non-academic backgrounds. This gives you a comprehensive and diverse learning experience.
Our student cohorts are international. So you will benefit from working with staff and peers with varied experiences and perspectives.
Our assessment strategy offers a variety of assessment formats including individual assignments, group reports and presentations, reflections, oral and written examinations.

Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Most of the teaching on this course takes the form of interactive workshops and lectures from staff and visiting speakers.
You will strengthen your practical analysis and decision-making skills with:
- lectures
- discussions
- role-play exercises.
- These are linked with selected case studies and assessments.
Structured group assignments allow you to develop your skills in working as part of a team.
Our teaching staff have a combination of both academic and practitioner experience. They have in-depth practical insight into business and management issues.
You will also learn from visiting speakers from:
- business
- industries
- consultancies
- research bodies.
Field trips
The International Business in Practice Study Trip module allows you to experience ideas and practices of global business. During the trip you will have direct interaction with management executives and practices. You will: attend presentations from local management executives and experts go on site visits to major corporations and agencies. This study trip is voluntary and you will need to fund all costs associated with the trip. We have also run study trips to Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur and Budapest.
Research
Studying for your MSc Management degree at Oxford Brookes Business School also offers you opportunity to engage with our excellent research. Our academics investigate core challenges facing contemporary societies, ranging from refugee entrepreneurship and internationalisation to sustainable tourism, security and the changing world of work and organisations - including the impact of artificial intelligence.
We address questions such as:
- How can social media address well-being and social isolation?
- How can individuals be happier and how to navigate the increasingly complex world of work?
- How can technologies be used to map movements, reduce congestion and improve the quality of life?
and many others! Please visit our research pages to learn more: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/business/research/
Being a Masters student at OBBS offers plenty of opportunities to be a part of our research culture and to discuss your own research ideas with one of our academics.

After you graduate
Career prospects
On graduation from the MSc Management you will be able to pursue a range of different careers. Previous students have gained managerial positions in global organisations (commercial and not-for-profit), some have joined management consultancies and some are studying for a PhD and pursuing academic careers.
Examples of companies which have employed students from this course include:
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Oxfam
- Sainsbury's
- Nestlé
- Unilever.
Our Staff
Tom Elsworth
With his 35 years of experience, Tom has worked for multi-million-pound companies, acting as Head of Employee Relations, Head of Public Relations as well as Directorships of SMEs. Tom shares his knowledge as a senior lecturer in the Business School.
Read more about TomProgramme Changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.