MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management / Course details
Year of entry: 2025
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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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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 |
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Scholarships and bursaries
Read about available scholarships and funding .