Studying management online

Find the information you need about studying for a Master in Management online, including industry relevance, potential career opportunities and course options.

What is management?

Management involves the effective and efficient organisation of resources, including human, financial, and informational, to achieve organisational goals. Managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading business activities, making strategic decision-making and leadership essential skills.

As a field of study, management incorporates insights from psychology, sociology, and economics to develop key competencies such as project management, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. Management courses equip individuals with the skills needed to manage administrative functions, boost team productivity, and adapt to evolving business environments.

This subject is essential for anyone looking to excel in managerial and leadership roles or improve operational efficiency in their industry.

Is management in demand?

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1.4% of EU employment in management

As organisations tackle digital transformation and economic shifts, skilled managers are increasingly sought after. Rapid technological advancements further fuel this demand.

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP)

77% of companies seek tech-savvy leaders

Businesses are seeking leadership that balances technological expertise with inclusive workplace cultures.

Harvard Global Leadership Development Study, 2023

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76% value emotional intelligence in leadership

Companies highlight emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong communication as top leadership qualities. These skills are crucial for managing diverse teams and modern work environments.

Harvard Global Leadership Development Study, 2023

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48% of businesses say they need leaders who can manage diverse teams

Companies recognise the need for leaders who can manage diverse teams, including remote and gig-based workers, in dynamic environments.

Harvard Top 4 Business Challenges, 2023

Is management a good career path?

As a career path, management includes a diverse range of roles and responsibilities across various industries. It also offers exciting career progression opportunities, and develops versatile, transferable skills. Individuals in management roles will have varying responsibilities. They may oversee operations, manage teams, strategise business growth, or ensure organisational effectiveness. Generally, the roles are split into four tiers:

Entry-level management

These positions serve as an introduction to the responsibilities of overseeing staff and managing part of a business. Roles often include supervisory or assistant manager positions, where individuals gain experience in staff leadership and basic operational management.

Middle management

Middle managers oversee several teams or departments. They translate the strategic directives from upper management into operational plans that entry-level managers and employees execute. This role requires strong interpersonal and decision-making skills to manage larger teams and integrate various functional areas.

Upper management

This includes high-level executives who create policies, set long-term goals, and direct the business at a strategic level. Director-level roles are common in this tier, requiring leadership experience and a solid understanding of the industry and market.

Executive management

At the top are C-suite executives like Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These roles demand a broad vision, top-tier leadership skills, and the ability to make decisions that impact the entire organisation.

Some managers specialise in areas like project management, product management, or human resources. In these roles, they require specific skills and knowledge about those fields. But there’s a wide range of career paths you can pursue. Here are a few examples of the roles you could go in to:

Assistant Manager
Operations Manager
Project Manager
Sales Manager
Marketing Manager
HR and Industrial Relations Officer
Business and Financial Project Management Professional
Management Consultant
Business Analyst
Business Sales Executive

These jobs vary widely in responsibility, industry focus, and necessary expertise, but each offers a unique opportunity to shape your organisation’s direction.

What skills do I need to succeed in management?

digital adaptability: Essential for leading initiatives involving new technologies, as new and emerging technologies are increasingly common across all levels of business
emotional and social intelligence: Critical for managing teams effectively, especially in remote or hybrid work environments

empathetic communication: Important for maintaining positive team morale and human connection. This also encourages resilience, staff retention, and overall productivity
a focus on diversity and inclusivity: This focus is necessary to create inclusive work environments that harness the potential and talent of diverse teams

What is a management conversion course?

A management conversion course offers a pathway into business and leadership for those from non-business backgrounds. You'll build a foundation in key areas such as leadership, ethics, sustainability, and consultancy, gaining skills that can be applied to real-world organisational challenges. With a focus on responsible and impactful management, this type of course equips you to navigate complex business environments, making it ideal if you’re aiming to transition into management or broaden your professional expertise with an emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices.

Explore our range of MiM conversion courses

Rocchina Covucci, the Programme Leader for the online Master in Management courses at the University of Southampton, introduces a suite of courses designed for aspiring leaders and professionals transitioning into management.

Read the video transcript

Hello - I am Rocchina Covucci, Programme Leader for the suite of online MiM Master in Management programmes at the University of Southampton. The MiM Management courses are a comprehensive cluster of programmes grounded in core principles of leadership, strategy, and innovation.

Whether you are an aspiring leader, a professional transitioning into management, or someone looking to specialise in sustainability or logistics, we offer tailored pathways to suit your ambition. Let me take you through the structure of our three programmes. As conversion programmes, they have been designed for anyone, regardless of your professional or academic background, making them accessible to a diverse range of learners.

All students complete seven core modules that lay the foundation for advanced management skills. These include Academic and Professional Skills for Managers, Accounting for Management, Managing People and Organisations, Strategic Management, Strategic Operations Management, Contemporary Marketing Practice, Quantitative and Qualitative Research, and the Dissertation modules.

From these modules, you will learn to navigate complex organisational challenges, apply ethical decision making, and drive sustainable growth. What sets our programmes apart is the ability to tailor your studies through one of our specialised pathways.

Our general management pathway focuses on responsible leadership and innovation. This pathway includes the modules Responsible Leadership and Leading Sustainability, Innovation, and Change. You will develop the skills to lead diverse teams and drive organisational change, preparing you for senior roles across industries.

For those passionate about tackling sustainability challenges in management roles, the Business Sustainability Pathway dives deep into topics like circular economy and sustainability reporting. This pathway includes the modules Sustainability Accounting and Reporting and Sustainable Business Operations. It equips you with the tools to embed environmental, social, and governance principles into business strategy.

And for those intrigued by global supply chains, the Logistics pathway provides expertise in integrated and international logistics. This pathway includes the modules Integrated Logistics and International Logistics. It offers insights into sustainable operations and data driven decision making.

Our online delivery method allows you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments, accessing world class education from anywhere in the world.

Moreover, our modules align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring you are prepared to address the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape. You will learn not only from our expert faculty, but also through collaboration with a diverse cohort of peers, bringing real world perspectives into every discussion.

So if you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a truly global network of future leaders, explore the MiM Master in Management programmes at the University of Southampton online. Visit our website for more information. We look forward to welcoming you.

Is the Master in Management the right course for me?

The course is designed to be accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds and experience. If you have prior knowledge of business, some material may feel familiar, while other topics will likely be new. As a conversion course, a MiM typically does not require prior experience in business or management, making it approachable for those exploring these areas for the first time.

While the workload can be intensive, MiM programmes are structured to help you build your knowledge progressively. They usually begin with core foundational concepts, providing a solid base before moving into more advanced topics. This step-by-step approach helps you deepen your understanding, engage in research, and master key management principles over time.