Management degrees to save the modern world

A management degree can be a powerful tool in today’s workforce. These programmes cover core business functions like finance, marketing, and operations, providing a well-rounded understanding of how organisations function. But more importantly, they hone critical leadership qualities. You develop strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities — all essential for dealing with increasingly complex situations and inspiring teams.

Look at Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. Her engineering degree provided a technical foundation, but it was her Master’s in Business Administration that enabled her to lead the company out of public relations crises. Similarly, Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, leveraged her Master’s in Public and Private Management degree to spearhead global expansion and strategic marketing initiatives that transformed the beverage giant.

But management degrees are not solely for aspiring CEOs. The skills honed in these programmes are valuable across all industries and can empower students to become leaders in their chosen fields and shape a better tomorrow. If that’s what you hope to achieve, consider one of these universities as your launchpad for success.

Swansea University’s School of Management is a leading UK provider of Management and Accounting and Finance education. Source: Swansea University

Swansea University

The School of Management at Swansea University will work closely with you to develop the skills and experience employers need from as early as your first week. As a leading provider of business education in the UK, the school has a history of producing successful graduates. It is ranked 298th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 37th in the Complete University Guide 2025. In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 86% of the university’s research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Situated in a new 22-million-pound building on the Bay Campus, the school offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, along with executive education courses.  These programmes are all underpinned by strong industry connections, and many hold valuable accreditations from professional bodies. Students can explore disciplines like Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Tourism and Human Resource Management. For those seeking an accelerated career boost, an MBA programme is also available.

One of the school’s most established programmes is the Business Management BSc (Hons). This programme consistently produces highly skilled graduates who secure positions with major companies like Shell UK, Marks & Spencer, Bloomberg, and Tata. You can take elective modules and gain practical know-how through a final-year group consulting project.

The Management MSc programme offers a comprehensive view of global business, including supply chains, business analytics, and core management functions like managing financial resources, operations management, human resource management and marketing management. Specialisation options are also available. Apply to the School of Management today.

The University of Stirling holds AACSB accreditation, recognising its excellence in business education. Source: University of Stirling/Facebook

University of Stirling

The University of Stirling’s Management School is ranked amongst the UK’s top 40 universities (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023) and has an AACSB accreditation, placing it among the elite 6% globally for business education excellence.

The school offers a range of innovative and practical programmes across various business and management disciplines. Whether you’re just starting your career or seeking to elevate your existing skills, they have options for you. From undergraduate degrees, such as BAcc (Hons) Accountancy and Finance, BA (Hons) Business Studies, BSc (Hons) Management, to full-time accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA), these programmes equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a real impact.

Take the BSc (Hons) Management programme, for instance. Designed to equip graduates for success in today’s dynamic business landscape, it provides the necessary skills to become an effective manager. Led by expert faculty with a proven track record, the programme stresses practical knowledge through analytical decision-making, organisational structure exploration, and the development of critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. 

Graduates are trained to turn ideas into action, following in the footsteps of alumni who now work at leading organisations like NatWest, Morgan Stanley, and Rolls Royce.

For those seeking a postgraduate qualification, the MSc Business and Management programme offers a comprehensive approach. Taught by internationally recognised experts, it combines management theory with practical skill development, empowering graduates to become inspiring, effective, and resilient managers.

The School for Business and Society at the University of York offers a diverse range of courses across management, finance, accounting, marketing, and more at all levels. Source: University of York/Facebook

University of York

A member of the Russell Group and ranked 147th globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024), the University of York is home to the School for Business & Society. This school tackles complex social and environmental issues by combining strengths in responsible business, public policy, social work, and public management. Their goal? To nurture the ethical leaders of tomorrow, ready to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

The school offers a wide range of programmes at various levels, including Accounting, Business Finance and Management (BSc), Accounting and Finance (BSc), Business and Management (BA), Management (MSc), Finance and Management (MSc), MBA, and more.

One of the school’s key features is merging cutting-edge research with teaching. This means you’ll benefit from lecturers with the latest real-world breakthroughs and insights to the classroom. You’ll learn how to balance financial, social, and environmental performance in tackling significant societal issues.

Every programme is designed to arm students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences for a great career outcome. You’ll have a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the programme, which will help you explain what you can offer employers.

“Immersing myself in diverse modules, I cherished the unique teaching styles that made learning enjoyable,” says an MSc Management graduate. “The variety of modules offered in my course was like a buffet of knowledge, enriching my academic journey.”

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International