MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management

Year of entry: 2025

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Science (MSc)
Duration
1 year
Entry requirements

We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent.

When assessing your academic record, we take into account your grade average, position in class and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online >>

Staged Admissions Deadlines

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc Y N N N

Course overview

This 12-month MSc in Business Analysis and Strategic Management equips you to diagnose and solve complex business challenges. In Semester 1, you will completefour core modules (15 credits each), building a strong foundation in organisational design, strategic capability development, and organisational analysis.

In Semester 2, you shape your learning withone core module andthree electives, including the option to take one module from another Alliance MBS MSc programme (subject to approval) to align with your career goals.

For your 60-credit capstone, choose between an academic dissertation or a supervised client consultancy project. The consultancy option includes a group report and individual reflective analysis, allowing you to apply theory to real-world strategic challenges—subject to your academic performance in Semester 1.

Throughout the programme, you will sharpen your digital literacy and master a range of digital tools, graduating with the analytical, technical, and communication skills top employers demand.

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Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £19,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £29,000

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

Refund Policy

Due to the competition for places and limited availability, our courses require a deposit of £1000 to cover non-recoverable costs and secure your place. The deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:

  • you fail to meet the conditions of your offer (see below for further information); and/or
  • you are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK (proof must be submitted)

If an offer has been made specifying an English Language condition which you do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken after the date of offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions for a refund to be approved. The English Language test certificate provided with your application documents will not be accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions as such a certificate will predate the offer.

If an offer has been made specifying an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require the official university documentation showing that you have not met this academic condition from the institution at which you have studied, as evidence for a refund to be approved.

The Admissions Team reserves the right to refuse to refund of any deposit that does not meet with the requirements outlined above.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Contact details

School/Faculty
Alliance Manchester Business School
Contact name
Master's Admissions Office
Email
Website
https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/msc-business-analysis-and-strategic-management/
School/Faculty
Alliance Manchester Business School was established in 1965 as one of the UK's first two business schools. Today, we are the UK's largest campus-based business and management school, and 'Original Thinking Applied' is at the heart of everything we do. Find out more .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent.

When assessing your academic record, we take into account your grade average, position in class and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

English language

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements see entry requirements for your country .

Application and selection

How to apply

Advice to applicants

Your statement of purpose should cover the areas outlined below: 

  • Tell us why you are interested in the MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management course at Alliance MBS and how the course will impact on your future.
  • Describe what makes you an outstanding applicant and describe your potential to contribute to all aspects of the course.

How your application is considered

We can only process applications with the following documents:

  • valid English language qualification
  • first and second year transcript (scanned copies are accepted at the time of application)
  • statement of purpose (this is included as part of your application form, you do not need to email your statement of purpose directly to the Admissions Team)

Deferrals

To defer your offer to the following year, you must contact your admission officer to get a copy of the deferral form. You can only defer your place for one year.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

The programme offers a balanced blend of knowledge-based learning, skill development, and practical training in analysis, implementation, and the application of conceptual frameworks for organisational research. Teaching methods are designed to build a strong foundation in relevant theories while encouraging their practical application to real-world business analysis.

  • Expose students to cutting-edge thinking in organisational design, as well as the development and management of strategic capabilities across diverse industries and global contexts.
  • Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to conduct interdisciplinary research—both theoretical and applied—on business organisations across diverse industries and global contexts.
  • Develop students’ ability to apply advanced research techniques to address management issues related to strategic capability development and management.
  • Enhance students’ ability to collaborate with senior managers and tackle real business challenges as internal or external consultants through supervised consultancy projects.
  • Offer optional modules that equip students with skills tailored to their career goals.

Special features

The consultancy project, eligible to those with an average grade of 65 or above from Semester 1, offers a valuable opportunity to apply your classroom learning to real business challenges. This unique, hands-on experience allows you to test, refine, and expand your knowledge and skills while building professional networks.

Running for up to three months over the summer, projects may involve supporting a start-up, identifying growth opportunities for a medium-sized firm, or enhancing operations within a large, blue-chip company. Opportunities span a wide range of sectors and industries, both in the North West and internationally, and include everything from SMEs to global corporations.

You will also benefit from the dedicated preparation and application support from the School's Careers Service.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment varies depending on the modules chosen. It may include a combination of coursework, group project assessment, presentations, assignments, report, individual essay and examinations.

Course unit details

During the course you will take 180 credits in total.

  • 8x taught units = 120 credits
  • Dissertation project = 60 credits

Compulsory units focus on key challenges in strategic management, multinational enterprise operations, comparative business analysis, and essential research skills. Optional courses let you tailor your studies by specialising in specific areas of strategic management and business analysis.

The dissertation project has two pathways.

  • Traditional academic dissertations (maximum 8,000 words)

Academic dissertation is a piece of original scholarship work written under the direction of a supervisor. Under the mentorship of leading experts, students will dive deep into a topic of their choice, applying rigorous methodologies to uncover fresh insights and advance their field. This unit is designed to sharpen their analytical, critical thinking, and independent research skills – while building a portfolio that sets them apart in both academic and professional arenas.

  • Consultancy projects (a group project report maximum 10,000 words; and an individual professional reflective report maximum 2,000 words)

During the summer period, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learnt during the first two semesters, enhance your skills while working with a major real-life client and work as part of a team. The result of this project is presented as a research report/dissertation. This part of the course is closely related to the Manchester Method that enables you to experience experiential learning and helps you to become a reflective practitioner or manager.

Examples of recent projects include:

  • Exploring the strategic expansion of the volunteer tourism industry into the academic market
  • An in-depth analysis of the wholesale market and changing trends towards online shopping
  • Strategic positioning in relation to the offshore wind turbine market in northern Europe
  • Identification of venture capitalist acquisition targets in the UK software industry

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Analysing Companies BMAN72201 15 Mandatory
Organisational Design & Strategy: International Contexts BMAN72231 15 Mandatory
Comparative and Global Management BMAN72631 15 Mandatory
Business Models: Theory and Practice BMAN72801 15 Mandatory
Professional Analytical Skills BMAN73652 15 Mandatory
The Political Economy of Global Business BMAN62012 15 Optional
International Business Finance BMAN71552 15 Optional
Innovation Management & Business Strategy BMAN71942 15 Optional
Institutions and Firms Internationalization Strategies BMAN73172 15 Optional
Responsible Business in a Global Environment BMAN73432 15 Optional
Configuration of Companies for Capability Building BMAN73642 15 Optional
Managing Organisations for Growth BMAN73662 15 Optional
Org Design & Value Creation BMAN73932 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 13 course units

Scholarships and bursaries

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

The course is aimed at graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in the area of business analysis and development, including business consulting, as well as candidates who seek a pathway to a research degree in the field of international management and comparative studies.

Recent recruiters

Accenture, AlixPartners, Bank of China, Co-operative Bank, Deloitte, Electricity and Water Authority, EY, Fujitsu, IBM, LATAM Airlines,National Trust, Sony Music, Shell, Standard Chartered Bank and The Nielsen Company.

Read more about graduate career destinations >>

Read about our Postgraduate Careers Service >>

Read the latest information on visa changes and opportunities in the UK for international students >>

Alumni insight: How my Masters helped me get into a career in business consultancy >>