Business and management degrees are extremely popular because they open many professional doors. Additionally, they provide students with great professional tools spanning from finance to negotiation and communication practices.
In this article, you will discover what type of qualifications business schools ask for, what subjects you will study and what jobs graduates typically get.
What are business and management studies?
It is the study of management practices and business fields such as finance, human resources and marketing. Therefore, degrees in business and management often combine theory with practice. Nowadays, these programmes also delve into topics such as innovation, globalisation and sustainability.
By following such a degree, you will learn to analyse and understand how an organisation or company operates. You will get academic knowledge about running and managing companies.
What qualifications do you need to do a business degree?
At a bachelor’s level, universities tend to accept any high school diploma. However, some institutions require a minimum level in mathematics, which is usually assessed by asking for GMAT scores. The GMAT is a test that assesses your mathematics skills in the context of business studies; it is used by thousands of business schools around the world.
Learn how to prepare for the GMAT here.
At a master’s level, the requirements can drastically change from one institution to another. Whilst some schools require applicants to have already completed a certain amount of business credits, others are open to any undergraduate students. However, in the latter case you are often required to follow bridging courses a few weeks before the degree starts. GMAT scores must also often be provided.
There can also be other requirements such as language or internship requirements. Business schools clearly indicate the requirements on their websites. If in doubt, you should never hesitate to reach out to them, explain your situation, and see if you are eligible for the programme. Yet, do this before starting your application so that you do not waste time in case you are not eligible.
What are the subjects in business and management degrees?
Business and management students must understand the numerous areas of a business. The vast majority of programmes will include courses in the following areas:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Economics
- Statistics and math
- Human Resources
- Organisational behaviour
- Business Law
- Strategy
Next to these courses, you will have the opportunity to follow electives such as innovation management, technology management, ethics, investing, accounting, entrepreneurship, and many more.
What can you become if you study business management?
As a business management graduate, you will be equipped to work in any business-related industry. The area of business in which you will work will depend on your interests, your work experience (such as internships), and if you have done any specific modules during your academic programme. For example, someone who has only followed finance electives will be more fit to become a financial analyst than a student who has followed electives in ethics, CSR and strategy.
Your extracurricular activities also matter. Business Schools have student clubs that you can join, such as a young entrepreneurs club, an HR club, etc. These activities enable students to deepen their knowledge, learn about best practices, and meet leaders in the field.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most popular jobs for people with a business management degree:
- Consultant
- Business analyst
- Marketing manager
- Sales manager
- Stockbroker
- Data scientist
- Supply chain management
- Project management
- Investment banking
- CEO
In conclusion, what qualifications will you get?
Through business and management studies, you will always get foundation knowledge in fields such as finance, marketing, strategy, human resources and economics. The rest will depend on the programme and electives you choose, as well as the professional experience you acquire through internships, jobs and extracurricular activities.
Take a look at our blog and read about the best European business schools for undergraduate studies, the best master’s in international management in Europe, and many more business management topics.
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