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Overview
- Start date28 September 2020
- Duration13 months
- DeliveryTaught modules 60%, internship project report / thesis 40%
- QualificationMSc
- Study typeFull-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
- Graduates with a desire to develop their knowledge and skills in management before seeking their first professional role.
- Early career professionals with a passion for business and aspirations to take their career to the next level.
Rankings
This course is recognised in International Business Rankings, consistently ranking top 10 in the UK and top 40 in the world across them all. These include:
- 3rd in the UK and 30th in the world: The Economist Which MBA? Masters in Management (MiM) 2019 ranking
- 5th in the UK and 55th in the world: Financial Times Masters in Management 2018 ranking
- 6th in the UK and 28th in the world: QS World University Rankings: Management Masters Ranking 2020
Class profile 2019/20*
Gender: |
Male 50% - Female 50% |
Age Range: |
20 - 44 years |
Average Age: |
24 years |
Number of Nationalities: | 27 |
Nationality: | UK/EU: 28% - International: 72% |
Cohort Size: 116 | MiM 74 MENT 31 MCS 11 |
Average class size |
45 |
*The above data combines the 2019/20 class profiles for our three Master’s courses: Management MSc (MiM), Management and Entrepreneurship MSc (MEnt) and Management and Corporate Sustainability MSc (MCS).
Why this course?
- Our Management MSc is a top-ranked management master's course. It is ranked 3rd in the UK and 30th in the world by The Economist Which MBA? Masters in Management 2019 ranking.
- You will have the opportunity to undertake a three-month in-company internship placement within a business organisation. Many of our graduates have been offered positions within the companies they completed their internship with.
- You will be introduced to managerial economics which will enable you to use economic reasoning in managerial decision making, and understand how external environment and internal capabilities shape a firm’s competitive position.
- You will develop your management consultancy skills, and have the opportunity to apply them while role-playing a management consulting project working in a team on a genuine business issue, competing against other teams.
- You will gain an understanding of operations management and its contribution to organisational competitiveness, the ‘human factor’ element and how people behave within organisations, together with strategic marketing and management.
- The course features an elective module, Effective Cross-Cultural Management, which takes place in Granada, Spain. This gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Spanish culture while learning cross-cultural management.
- You will have the opportunity to study within a truly international environment, with students and academics coming from over 50 countries.
I was offered a full-time job at the company where I did my internship. The course really gave me the confidence by providing me with all the knowledge that I needed to push me forward.
The highlight of the course for me was the balance of theory that we learnt and being taught how that theory can be applied in the real world. Modules such as Management Consulting allowed us to use what we had learnt and we then had the opportunity to apply it to a real business challenge. So once you have learnt the theory, you have the opportunity to test and apply it.
I apply the knowledge and skills that I gained on the course every day at work. I was lucky enough to secure a position at K International, the company where I undertook my internship. The project that I am currently working on involves implementing some of my recommendations from my thesis project. Since completing my studies, I have been lucky enough to go along to the Key Account Management club at Cranfield, which has supported me in continuing my development.
Informed by Industry
An external advisory panel informs the design and development of the course, and comprises senior management practitioners, reinforcing its relevance to the modern business world. Many of our faculty have held senior positions in industry and continue to engage with industry through consultancy and teaching. They are also supported by a team of international visiting industry speakers and professors who bring the latest thinking and best practice into the classroom.
You will benefit from our close links with business through international case studies, a management consultancy simulation, visiting speakers providing an overview of the challenges they are facing and through the three-month internship project in the final term.
Course details
The course comprises ten core modules and three elective modules. This enables you to tailor the course to suit your personal career plan. The ‘Effective Cross-Cultural Management’ elective takes place in Granada, Spain, and provides the opportunity for you to fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture while obtaining theoretical knowledge around cross-cultural management. The culmination of the learning process is your opportunity to undertake an individual thesis project which is in-company or Cranfield led. The topics covered in this three-month internship project cover a broad range of areas.
Course delivery
Taught modules 60%, internship project report / thesis 40%
Internship
The final thesis element of the programme requires you to undertake a major research project in association with a three-month internship placement with a partner company.
The internship placement will provide you with the opportunity to gain invaluable practical experience and apply what you have learnt during the course in an organisational environment. You will deepen your management knowledge and gain the potential to build a network of contacts.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Economics for Managers
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To introduce the concepts and techniques associated with Managerial Economics, i.e. Microeconomics (e.g. market analysis, price theory, rationality) and Macroeconomics (e.g. inflation, exchange rates and interest rates). |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
By the end of this course, you should exhibit:
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Management Consulting
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This is an integrative module allowing you to develop management consulting skills and apply their learning in a practical manner. You will work in their consulting teams and will role-play as a management consulting team, competing against the other teams. All teams will address the same business challenge: a genuine business issue in a particular company. You will have a set of taught sessions on the ‘art and craft’ of management consulting. In parallel, they will work with their consulting teams to address the case company business challenge. They will have three weeks to understand the problem; gather the relevant data; use appropriate tools/frameworks and propose innovative, pragmatic and achievable solutions |
Syllabus |
This module comprises conceptual knowledge about the foundations of management consulting and practical knowledge developed through a real-life case exercise. The module includes teaching sessions focused on the following Consulting skills Consulting process |
Intended learning outcomes |
This module is intended to enable students to develop critical management consulting skills and apply them in the context of a real-life business problem. By the end of this module students should be able to:
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Leading Corporate Sustainability
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Global sustainability challenges are shaping the way business operates in the 21st century. Businesses are under increasing pressure from multiple stakeholders (for e.g. shareholders, customers, employees, society) to manage their positive and negative impacts with clear responsibility and strategic intent. Leading firms are choosing to respond to these challenges by generating sustainable value propositions to ultimately drive competitive advantage. For many this has meant re-engaging at the level of purpose and re-addressing their role in wider society and for human well-being. This module outlines the major sustainability challenges and explores the capabilities organisations require need to respond positively to them. It will engage students in gaining a better understanding of how corporate action can be best configured to promote responsible and sustainable business strategies. In doing so, it will demand management students (as future business managers and leaders) to reflect on the long-standing debate about whether or not ‘the business of business, is still business? Watch video: An introduction to the Leading Corporate Sustainability module |
Syllabus |
The content is organised around the sustainability management ‘compass’ below: The course content is structured as follows: Part 1: Setting the context Context setting The role of business Exploring possible futures Part 2: Developing the capabilities |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Managing Operations
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide the participant with an understanding of the Operations Management task and its contribution to organisational competitiveness. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Organisational Behaviour: Application
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Introduction: success in management, particularly at senior levels in organisations, depends on understanding organisations, the people in them and the relationship between the internal and external environments within which they exist; and in ensuring that they work effectively. Organisations are run by and for people, and the success or failure of an organisation depends on the people in that organisation. It is rarely an absence of planning that causes organisational difficulties; rather it is the failure of management in understanding and managing complex personal and interpersonal systems that can lead to significant problems. Similarly an acute and critical understanding of these dynamic relationships can lead to profound and enduring success and benefit for the individual, the team, the organisation and wider society. In this module students will be introduced to various aspects of people and organisations. This module combines models, theories and ideas from organisational behaviour, psychology, and sociology in order to provide students with a basic understanding in recognising, understanding and utilising what has been termed the "human factor" in organisations; including ways of conceptualising organisations and how people behave within them. We shall consider the impact of the external environment; and address notions of organisational change. This module is necessarily an introduction; further suggestions of reading and of consequent activities will be provided. It may also be that students will wish to undertake a project in this area; several of the faculty involved will be pleased to discuss this with you. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Marketing Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
A crucial competence for general managers is an understanding of marketing strategy: in simple terms, analysing how a marketplace of customers can be divided into segments, which of these segments are key targets for the firm, determining the firm’s optimal value proposition for each segment is, and what financial results can be expected over a planning period of typically 1-3 years. This module teaches Cranfield’s world-leading step-by-step process for developing such a marketing strategy and documenting it in a marketing plan. This process has been developed with hundreds of blue-chip companies worldwide over the last 30 years, informed by several Cranfield PhDs on the topic which have studied what works in practice. This planning process is documented in the world’s leading textbook on the topic, McDonald & Wilson’s Marketing Plans, which has sold over half a million copies. This book is used as the course text and students are strongly advised to acquire a copy from the library or through purchase to help bridge from the course to planning for real in their subsequent management roles. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Evidence-based Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module is primarily designed to provide students with an understanding of what is required to conduct research in business contexts considering that todays’ managers Therefore, understanding the process of producing evidence will ensure students to have the core skills to inform management decisions. |
Syllabus |
Introduction to evidence-based management Conducting research in management Using qualitative research methods Using quantitative research methods Presenting research evidence |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Strategic Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Strategic Management is concerned with the direction and scope of the organisation. This involves determining the purpose of the organisation, establishing objectives and formulating strategies to achieve the objectives. It predominantly explores how an organisation positions itself with regard to its changing environment, and in particular its competitors, in order to gain and sustain competitive advantage. This means that strategic management considers how an organisation’s internal resources and capabilities can be developed to meet the changing demands of customers, in such a way as to achieve the expectations and objectives of its stakeholders. |
Syllabus |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Accounting and Finance
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of the Accounting and Finance module is to introduce a number of traditional and contemporary accounting approaches that will increase the visibility of financial information and support management decision making. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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People Management and Leadership
Module Leader |
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Aim |
In essence this module is concerned with managing the organisation’s key resource – the people who work for it. It aims to help participants understand how effective people management and human resource management can contribute to develop and sustain organisations. The focus of the module will be concerned with helping participants understand the relationship between people management and organisational performance, including the crucial role of line managers. The module aims to develop an insight into the complexities of managing people in a changing environment. The module will provide an introduction to the main activities associated with resourcing, developing and day–to-day management of people in work organisations. It is not the intention of the module to develop human resource management specialist, but rather to provide a general introduction to the people management issues that concern all managers. Throughout, the sessions will be highly interactive in order to develop critical insight and core skills in the people management field. The module will draw on key academic contributions in the broad field of people management, including current research being carried out by faculty in the School of Management. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Entrepreneurship
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge and skills relevant for the management of new ventures across the entrepreneurial life cycle. The course will also act to prepare students who want to undertake an internship for a new venture as part of their thesis on the MSc in Management. Watch an introduction to the Entrepreneurship module. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Disruptive Innovation
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module introduces disruptive innovation and sets out why it is a distinctive form of innovation. The core theory underpinning the topic is introduced along with the rationale for adopting a contrasting approach to that used for managing incremental innovation. The module presents a range of practical tools to support organisations in building strategic competences that enable them to recognise, create or react to disruptive innovation. The module reviews how disruptive innovation applies, individually or in combination, to technology, processes, services and business models. A core element of the module will be a simulation of an innovation project. The project’s aim will be to develop an innovative product that has potential to be disruptive to the existing market. The simulation will involve team-based activities that equip you with practical tools and hands-on experience. The assessment requires a critical reflection on the experience of using various techniques for managing disruptive innovation within the simulation. During the module the knowledge and skills required for the simulation will be introduced through a combination of lectures, cases studies and other activities. These will introduce both theoretical elements of the module but also practical techniques that can then be applied within the simulation. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
This module will also develop a potential foundation for a dissertation. A dissertation could draw on the module content to inform the development of an innovation that has been proposed or is currently in development. A dissertation could focus on various aspects of a disruptive innovation, for example, to analyse and understand the relationship between organisational environment and innovation type (disruptive vs. incremental) or to evaluate a set of potential scenarios for development of an innovation. |
Mastering Project Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
In many organisations, projects are the units of work by which the organisation operates, and value is delivered. In organisations where functional departments dominate the organisational design, strategic and change projects are run across these functions. Currently, there is a heightened emphasis on delivery within both government and industry with a widespread expectation that the approach of managing through projects will provide assurance in such delivery. It is an interesting challenge that this expectation is often not matched by performance. This elective focusses on the following module aims: Watch an introduction to the Mastering Project Management module. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
The main objective of this elective is to demonstrate the basics of planning and execution in an environment characterised by uncertainty. Project managers need general management skills, along with a knack for problem solving. Project managers are there to plan and manage the work. You will slip in the role of a project manager - Be a Leader and a Manager, be a Problem Solver, be a Negotiator and Influencer, be an Excellent Communicator, be a Good Organiser, and be a Competent and Consistent Planner. |
Organisational Performance: Direction, Control and Measurement
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module is designed to give you a thorough understanding of what is meant by organisational performance and the theories of control, performance measurement and management. The module will encourage you to consider the applications of direction setting and management control systems, why organisations measure, how performance measure set direction and how performance is delivered. The aims of this module are twofold: |
Syllabus |
The module covers: Direction and Control Managing Performance Measuring Performance
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: Demonstrate a critical awareness of :
Critically assess:
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Supply Chain Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of the module is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge about: |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Effective Cross-Cultural Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Taking place each year in Granada, Spain, this module explores management and leadership issues arising from working with different cultures in a domestic or international context and enables students to more successfully manage a range of cross-cultural challenges. It does so using a blend of practical examples, research-based theories and experiential teaching methods. Watch video: An introduction to the Effective Cross-Cultural Management module |
Syllabus |
This module involves: Throughout, the interface between individuals and national/organisational culture will be explored. You will be encouraged to reflect personally on the adjustment required in order to develop effective supranational skills, knowledge, behaviours and social networks. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff. As a result, they may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed above the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Teaching team
Our faculty are committed to improving the practice of management. As leaders in their field with hands-on business experience, they understand the challenges of putting theory into practice. Their experience is reinforced by close links with organisations through consultancy projects, teaching on executive development programmes and sponsored research. This ensures that what you learn at Cranfield is always current and cutting edge.
Accreditation
The Cranfield Management MSc is a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) dual accreditation degree. This provides the opportunity to stand out from other management graduates by achieving the CMI’s professional management qualification alongside your Cranfield degree.
The CMI is the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence. It is the only organisation awarding Chartered Manager status, and has a 100,000+ membership.
Your career
95% of School of Management students were employed within 3 months of graduation*.
The Cranfield Career Development Service offers a comprehensive service to help you develop a set of career management skills that will remain with you throughout your career.
During your course you will receive support and guidance to help you plan an effective strategy for your personal and professional development, whether you are looking to secure your first management role, or wanting take your career to the next level.
Cranfield graduates are highly valued in the job market and aim for careers including consultancy, project management and business operations. Our Management MSc graduates have secured jobs with a diverse range of companies including Virgin Active Group, Whirlpool, BNP Paribas, IKEA, Skanska, Withers Worldwide, Grant Thornton, Vodaphone and Ericsson. Their roles have included Project Manager, Senior Business Analyst, Consultancy Analyst and Sales Trader.
*based on data we hold from our latest School of Management Employability Survey.
How to apply
Our students do not always fit traditional academic or career paths. We consider this to be a positive aspect of diversity, not a hurdle. We are looking for a body of professional learners who have a wide range of experiences to share. If you are unsure of your suitability for our Management MSc programme we are happy to review your details and give you feedback before you make a formal application.
To apply you will need to register to use our online system. Once you have set up an account you will be able to create, save and amend your application form before submitting it.
Application deadlines
There is a high demand for places on our courses and we recommend you submit your application as early as possible. The following application deadlines apply.
Entry for September 2020
- Applicants domiciled in mainland China must submit their applications by 28 February 2020
- Applications from all other international students requiring a visa to study in the UK must submit their application by 31 July 2020
- There is no application deadline for Home/EU applicants, but places are limited so we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.
Once your online application has been submitted together with your supporting documentation, it will be processed by our admissions team. You will then be advised by email if you are successful, unsuccessful, or whether the course director would like to interview you before a decision is made. Applicants based outside of the UK may be interviewed either by telephone or video conference.