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

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.

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.