MScStrategic Management
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- 1 year full-time (May start)
- 1 year full-time
Why study a strategic management master's degree at Solent University
Learn to diagnose and analyse modern business challenges and develop innovative and value-adding strategies using themes of ethics, leadership, sustainability and innovation in a strategic context.
- 0thin the sector for graduate start-ups (HESA 2023)
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- Solent Business School was awarded Outstanding Higher Education Provider at the 2022 CMI Awards, recognising our positive impact supporting and developing students to be future leaders and managers.
- Learn from an experienced course team with a broad range of academic and industry knowledge and experience.
- The course offers a range of highly transferable, in-demand skills, including communication, leadership, presentation, research and analysis, teamwork and networking – essential for any industry or employer.
- Guided learning activities will widen your skills and expose you to real-world learning - essential for employment in the business and finance sector.
- Solent's Business School is one of only 62 business schools to hold the Small Business Charter.
- Free management career consultation for life. Our careers advice service, Solent Futures is available to all Solent students and graduates for life, helping you to progress in your current career or discuss options for a change in career.
- This course is eligible for the Postgraduate Master's student loan. This loan is from Student Finance England and can be used to cover costs (ie, accommodation, tuition fees) associated with postgraduate studies (it was up to £12,167 for 2023 entry).
Course overview
In the modern competitive and dynamic business world, successful organisations need to be innovative and agile. They also need to differentiate themselves from the competition by offering unique and best in class propositions.
This master's degree will prepare you for a career in business and management by developing business knowledge and skills, together with the self-awareness and personal development appropriate to postgraduate/management careers in business. This includes the development of positive and critical attitudes towards leadership, change, and enterprise to reflect the dynamism and vibrancy of the business and management environment.Â
The course will enable you to clarify the complexity and diversity of the management role and to develop and evidence the practical and professional skills required to succeed as an effective strategic manager. You'll develop an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the complex and diverse workings of the business organisation from a strategic perspective.
You'll also be supported to facilitate critical awareness of the wider changing environment of business in which managers must operate and respond effectively by applying creative judgements in dealing with systematic and complex issues. You'll also be encouraged to hone your skills of autonomous learning and original enquiry with academic knowledge and professional practice across a range of management disciplines to convey analytical and theoretical abilities, reasoning, results and conclusions.
Course features
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
January start available
This course has an option to start in January
May start available
This course has an option to start in May.
This course is for
This course is ideal for students who are seeking a master’s degree to help further their management career and those who wish to strengthen their experience by attaining an advanced degree in this area.
What this course leads to
Graduates of this course will be well prepared for roles such as:
- Operations manager
- Business analyst
- Office manager
- Marketing manager
Meet the team
Andrëa Faustino
Course Leader
Dr Whysnianti Basuki
Associate Professor
Audrey Emery
Senior Lecturer
Dr Richard Gibbs
Senior Lecturer
Pilar Garrido-Sanz
Senior Lecturer
Tim Jackson
Senior Lecturer
Michelle Merry
Lecturer
Akash Puranik
Senior Lecturer
Dr Richard Scullion
Associate Professor
Dr Graeme Smith
Senior Lecturer
Harjinder Virdee
Course Leader
Dr Ajab Khan
Senior Lecturer
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
Year one
Core modules
Academic Skills and Career Development
This module will allow you to build a strong foundation of academic, personal and professional development skills that will ensure success in the workplace. Throughout the module you'll develop a stronger reflective awareness of what your skills are, how they can be put into action to ensure your professional success, and where improvements can be made through a clear plan of action. You'll also develop a confident grasp of the study skills you need to succeed at master's level. This is a must-pass module.
Research Methods and Final Major Project
This module consists of two parts: Research Methods and Final Major Project. The Research Methods element will develop your skills of inquiry and management research required for your Final Major Project, resulting in a project proposal used as the basis for your Final Major Project. For your Final Major Project, you'll have the opportunity to apply your research and analytical skills to an area of your interest within the field of business/management, as defined in your project proposal.
Strategic Digital Marketing
This module will help you to identify opportunities for change in a digital marketing setting, engaging with tools and practices to plan and design strategies effectively. You'll explore the dynamic digital environment through a digital strategy simulation exercise, learning how to take a strategic approach in digital marketing planning.
Strategic Leadership and Change
Combining theory and practice, this module will help you develop and enhance your own strategic leadership qualities. You'll gain a clear understanding of contemporary issues of leadership and will be supported towards a career in business management enabling you to apply knowledge and understanding of business and management to complex, dynamic issues and situations that will arise in your working environment.
Strategic Operations Management
This module explores the role and purpose of strategic operations management within an organisation. You'll explore the major principles of operations management and critically analyse how these are applied in different organisations. You'll begin to develop an understanding of the challenges associated with the management of operations and will be equipped with the theoretical knowedge of key areas in strategic operations management, with the opportunity for practical application to examples from industry.
Optional modules
Developing the Project Professional
During this module you'll develop your knowledge and understanding of the exciting world of projects, with project management being a very fast-growing profession utilising a skillset much valued by employers. These project management skills are transferable to any job role which you aspire to, as well as directly for project management roles.
Enterprise and Innovation
In this module, you'll learn about the concepts of entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, business development, and the role of SMEs in economy - all with the aim of developing your confidence with being immersed in an ever-changing business environment and recognising opportunities, as well as equipping you with the skills and knowledge to start your own business. You'll gain theoretical knowledge of key areas in digital innovation and business transformation, as well as the ability to understand new innovations to offer opportunitites within businesses.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Assessment formats include presentations, written assignments, exams, reports, projects, vivas, and dissertations.
Learn transferable skills
You will be supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. This includes project management, problem-solving, analytical skills, technical writing, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Why choose a career in strategic management?
Strategic management is required in manay diversie industries such as as chemicals, utilities, retail, health, agriculture and construction - all requiring functional managers with a clear understanding of systems, efficiency and operational issues. Opportunities exist in management and analysis roles with employers in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
Solent Business School supports students to pursue specialist knowledge, equipping them for a fast-paced business landscape. The School and its students are an integral part of business innovation in Southampton with an extensive network of partnerships.
Solent Business School, winner of the Outstanding Higher Education Training Provider of the Year at the CMI Awards 2022, brings businesses to life - our students are entrepreneurial, creative, agile, and digital natives. The School is one of only 62 business schools to hold the Small Business Charter.
Graduates of this course will be well prepared for roles such as, operations manager, business analyst, office manager, or marketing manager.Â
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Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Research at SolentTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,675 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,065 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Discover Solent University Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Find out what Southampton has to offer Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any related discipline, or significant and relevant work experience in this area
Potential applicants who have significant and relevant work experience and do not have a degree may be considered - please contact the University.
It is essential that applicants demonstrate a clear passion and interest for business, management and/or enterprise. Work experience is desirable.
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher
If you do not have these qualifications or are unsure of your eligibility please contact the University.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher
If you do not have these qualifications or are unsure of your eligibility please contact the University.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
An honours degree at2:2 or higher
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, listening and speaking.
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Make your application
- 1 year full-time (May start)
- 1 year full-time
