Master`s is the New Bachelor`s Master`s or MBA

2016-2017 EDITION
GUIDE
Global Publication for Master’s Students
Master’s is the New Bachelor’s
Master’s or MBA
Home Is Where the Master’s Is
Beat the English Testing System
Theory of Relative Contempt
Mysterious Master
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T ab l e o f C o ntent S
Guide
Masters Overview
Master’s Is the New Bachelor’s
Wish Granted
Master’s or MBA: It’s not a Dilemma
Masters Selection
4
8
10
Home Is Where the Master’s Is
Continental Divide
12
14
Masters Admission
State Your Business
Beat the English Testing System
16
18
Masters Teaching
The Holy Seven
Theory of Relative Contempt
Masters Careers
Mysterious Master
A New Dawn
Management and Organisation
Marketing and Communications
Finance and Accounting
International Business and Strategy
24
28
29
30
31
32
Business Masters Features:
School Profiles & Interviews
33
Master’s Listings Tables of Top Masters Programmes
47
20
22
Chief Editor: Christophe Coutat
Editor: Anton Zhelev
Concept: Advent Group
Graphic Design: Mariya Stankova
Graphic Design Assistant: Anastasia Zhivaeva
Writers: Anton Zhelev
Dimitar Ganev
Elitsa Videnova
Evelina Ivanova
Iliana Bobova
Iva Doneva- Sirakova
Proofreading: Parisofia
Printer: Gunyfal
Disclaimer:
Advent Group accept no legal responsibility for the accuracy
or otherwise of individual submissions. The editorial team
has endeavoured to ensure that all contributions are
correct at the time of publication.
Copyright 2016-2017 The content of this publication is
protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be copied or reproduced, in any form or
by any means, without the prior consent of the publisher.
Publishing: Atendia
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
3
MASTER’S OVERVIEW
Master’s Is the
New Bachelor’s
The Master’s degree has replaced the
Bachelor’s as the new standard
for young job-seekers
M
ore than 8 years have
passed since the beginning
of the Global Financial
Crisis, and some would argue that
the worst is already behind us.
But even if this is true, the effects
of the biggest economic crisis to
have struck the globe since the
Great Depression of the 1930s
have left a permanent burn mark
on the socio-economic landscape
of the world. Years of financial
volatility and labour market
stagnation have taken a heavy
toll on the younger workforce,
the most noteworthy effect being
that a Bachelor’s degree is no
longer sufficient to maintain a
competitive edge in the battle
for jobs.
holders could not compete against the
experienced professionals who had been
expelled from the labour market in the
immediate aftermath of the Crisis.
In an avalanche effect of generational
proportions, many turned to postgraduate
education to plug the gap. The assumption
was that this one- or two-year period away
from job hunting would allow them entry
into the workforce, or at the very least buy
time for the economy to get better.
“Focusing on the education sector, it seems
that the demand for education increases
because individuals try to circumvent the
tight labour market”, a report by the Vienna
Institute of Demography (2010) from that
time claims.
The most enduring effect of the Crisis on
the labour market was not the immediate
contraction that saw employers freeze
salaries and cut jobs, but rather the
cumulative consequence of workforce
oversaturation.
Postgraduate numbers expanded
considerably, “with targets for recruitment
being surpassed”, states another report
from the same year by the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD). “This is particularly marked for
full-time taught MA and MSc degrees. In
some faculties, such as Business, there has
been a rise of 75% of overseas students in
comparison with the intake for 2008“, the
report says.
As the already shrinking labour market
began filling with professionals who
had lost their jobs, millions of young
college graduates around the world saw
themselves unable to find work because of
their lack of experience. Bachelor’s degree
But as students began pouring back into
universities, it became clear that the ones
left behind would have an even harder time
getting a job, while the ones who opted
for an extra degree would have to face
a new reality, in which the playing field
A most viciously sweet
circle
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
5
had once again become even. However,
“even” was not to be mistaken with easy, as
the Master’s degree has consequently and
inadvertently become the new Bachelor’s.
All’s well that ends well
As sombre as parts of this story may sound,
getting a Master’s degree is actually a pretty
solid investment idea, as demonstrated by
numerous reports and studies.
According to the latest ranking by the
Financial Times (FT) indicating employment
levels of Master’s in Finance (MiF) alumni
three months after graduation, 70% of
students who previously had no work
experience had managed to land a job in
this time period. Students with previous
work experience score even higher, with
four out of five people firmly employed
within three months of graduation. It is
worth noting that these statistics come
from universities themselves, and only
reflect alumni of whom the schools have
been able to keep track. This means that
6
the data only covers real individuals, and
not coalesced data.
Furthermore, the median salary for the top
100 schools in the FT rankings for Master’s
in Management (MiM) students is 58,000
USD per year. For Master’s in Finance
graduates without prior experience, that
number is even higher, at roughly 65,000
USD, and highest, at 94,000 USD, for MiF
students who entered the programme
having acquired some work experience
beforehand.
With all this in mind, it is safe to say that
these numbers paint a very conclusive
picture. They are a reflection of the ability
of the Master’s degree to deliver on its
main promise, that is, to be a persistent
cure to unemployment and an answer to
the workforce oversaturation quagmire
explained earlier.
What is more, a 2016 GMAC report on the
outlook of future alumni suggests that the
annual salary growth rate of Master’s in
Accounting (MiA) graduates is the highest
in a scale that includes MBA programmes
and other Specialised Master’s degrees,
sitting at 10.6%. The second highest
is another Master’s programme – the
Master’s in Finance, at 9.4%. The Master’s
in Management degree is in a respectable
fourth position, with a 7.6% growth rate. But
even more intriguingly, all three Master’s
programmes are able to completely pay off
the financial investment in less than two
years – just over a year and a half for MiF
graduates, 1 year for MiM graduates and
less than a year for MiA graduates. Finally,
the three Master’s degrees also provide
the biggest salary boost on record, with
an incredible 45,000 USD raw increase for
MiA graduates.
The path of the Master
But what does a Master’s degree actually
teach? And besides the positive statistics,
what does the Master’s actually offer to
students in order to justify these numbers?
If the Master’s is truly the new Bachelor’s,
banking and auditing & management
control”, as EDHEC Business School claims.
Simply put, a Master’s degree does exactly
what it says on the tin – it transforms
students into masters of the craft. It comes
as no surprise, then, that the Master’s is
the preferred choice for employers looking
to entrust their businesses to the hands of
young professionals. This is especially true
when employers are faced with the other
alternative – the Bachelor’s degree holder,
who has acquired a broader understanding
of the field, and not so many of the narrow
skills required in order to do a particular
job extremely well.
Finally, the diversity which students face,
particularly in international Master’s
programmes abroad, often proves to be a
cherished experience when they enter the
labour market, since it provides them with
an enriched outlook on the world.
“A Master’s degree
is designed to instil
specialised skills. The
focus is firmly on hard,
technical skills, which
allow the graduate to be
highly proficient in the
workplace.’’
what kind of skillsets do employers expect
to see from young job-seekers?
A Master’s degree is designed to instil
specialised skills. The focus is firmly on hard,
technical skills, which allow the graduate
to be highly proficient in the workplace.
A combination of theory and practice
leads to the acquisition of skills that are
both universal and highly applicable. In all
examples, universities partner with local
businesses in order to provide a real-world
environment for those skills to be tested,
while still on campus.
“Knowing theories is not enough; we need
to apply them creatively. We worked with
real companies on projects ranging from
a marketing campaign for a winery to our
consulting project and the Google Online
Marketing Challenge competition”, says
Marie Berriet, a student who graduated
from Hult International Business School
with a Master’s degree in International
Marketing.
In Marie’s case, as in all others, students
learn how to practise a profession. For
instance, a Master’s in Financial Economics
“can lead to careers in asset & risk
management, trading, corporate finance,
According to Graduateland, “it’s no
secret that international experience is
highly valued by employers in practically
all industries, regardless of whether
you’ve been working, studying or doing
an internship abroad. In an increasingly
interconnected world, the capability to
work effectively in a diverse workplace is
vital.”
“Employers will be impressed by the fact
that you have moved outside your comfort
zone, particularly if you have undertaken
paid or voluntary work or overcome any
challenges during your trip.”, The Guardian
suggests, in an article dedicated to the topic
of international exposure.
For many working professionals, this
international experience remains a
chimera, since it means that they would
have to take precious time away from work
to attain it.
However, for international students who
have the luxury of time, the Master’s offers
an all-in-one solution that readies them for
the requirements of the modern labour
market in ways that a year or two in an entry
position, devoid of real responsibilities and
opportunities, never could.
Therefore, as the economists would say,
a Master’s degree is the gold standard of
education for young aspiring professionals
around the world. □ A.Z.
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
7
MASTER’S OVERVIEW
Wish Granted
Study grants are a great way to finance your Master’s studies
I
n the modern academic climate,
gaining access to a prestigious
degree programme is often
only half the battle. The other
half is a question of funding. A
Master’s represents a significant
investment in your future, both
of time and money, and there
are multiple different routes one
might take to secure funding.
One option, which is probably the most
obvious, is that of a scholarship. These are
most commonly awarded by the university
which has offered you the place, and are
often clearly advertised to students by
the university itself. The forms of support
offered by a scholarship may vary, and can
come in the form of a tuition fee waiver
rather than a specific grant of money.
However, a popular alternative to
scholarships is study grants. These are
8
similar to scholarships in that they are a
form of non-repayable financial assistance,
but the key difference is the source of
funding. Study grants are not normally
affiliated to any particular university or
college, but are offered through a thirdparty source (e.g., a business, government
or charity initiative). Due to this lack of
affiliation, they will not normally take the
form of a tuition fee waiver, but of a direct
cash grant or monthly allowance.
The fact that these grants come from
third-party sources can make them a great
method of financing your Master’s. They
are not exclusive, enabling you to hold
multiple grants from different sources,
and they can be held at the same time as
any scholarships you have. Additionally,
many of them are not simply a question
of academic competition; they are often
awarded due to one’s social or financial
background, and some will specifically
target students who are disadvantaged in
a normal scholarship competition. Many of
them, particularly in the sciences, will be
specifically tailored to providing funding
for a particular field of work.
They do have one obvious drawback:
competition for them is fierce. When
applying for scholarships, you are in
competition with candidates from your
chosen university. When applying for
grants, however, you could well find
yourself up against national or even
international competition. Approximately
80% of grant applications are immediately
rejected and it is therefore important to
make sure that your application is as
competitive as possible.
Much like choosing a university for a
Master’s, successfully applying for a
grant is a question of doing the research
thoroughly. Grant opportunities are often
not immediately obvious, and they will
require you to do some independent
investigation. Your university or college
is a good place to start: they should have
links to at least the national grants, if not
the more specialised ones. There will be
specific grants related to your academic
field, so it is worth checking faculty notice
boards and mailing lists. Other good places
to start looking are educational charities,
particularly in your local area, and national
government websites. While applying, bear
in mind it is possible to hold more than one
grant simultaneously, and it is sensible to
apply for as many grants as you meet the
criteria for.
Again, however, finding the grants is
only the first step. Many grants will have
extremely specific requirements, and it is
important to make sure that you are an
exact fit for the grant specifications. Most
of the time, the awarding body’s website
will explain the details thoroughly, along
with designated contact details.
Different grants will have different
specifications as some will require a written
application, passing a test, or even an
interview. A strong academic track record
may not be as vital as it is for a scholarship,
but it is still a definite advantage. Some
grants will require proof of residency,
nationality or other details so it would be
useful to have them to hand.
Make sure that your application is unique,
you put in your best effort to fulfil the
requirements of obtaining a grant from
a third party, and you apply for all those
grants that cater specifically to your
particular circumstances.
“I always wanted to go for a Master’s
degree but my family’s circumstances and
limited means made it pretty much out of
the question. When I was awarded an HNU
grant, everything that was a dream became
reality,” said Tatianna Leghoretta, a student
at Holy Names University, California.
Browsing the wide array of grants available
to a student may seem daunting at first,
but provided you research the awarding
bodies well, and match your profile and
application to the criteria they demand,
they can be an extremely flexible and useful
way of funding your Master’s studies. □
US-based Grants
Fulbright Study/Research Grant
Google Scholarship Programme
Federal Pell Grant Programme
Margaret McNamara Memorial
Fund Grant
Churchill Foundation Scholarship
Harry Truman Scholarship
Foundation
Richard A. Freund International
Scholarship
UK-based Grants
Lawrence Atwell’s Charity
Sidney Perry Foundation
Gilchrist Trust
Stapley Educational Trust
The Humanitarian Trust
St. Clement Dane Educational
Foundation
Leathersellers’ Company
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9
MASTER’S OVERVIEW
Master’s or MBA:
It’s not a Dilemma
The choice between Master’s or MBA is a question of
where you stand at present
T
raditional Master’s or a Master
of Business Administration
(MBA) degrees add substantial
value in the eyes of employers.
They are not, however, your
golden ticket to success. Studying
at such a high level requires serious
commitment as the courses move
away from the more passive nature
of Bachelor’s degrees, where
lectures are generally the focus,
to collaborative studying where
success is measured by one’s own
will and motivation to learn and
contribute. This move allows for
a more hands-on approach to
learning through increased critical
discussion amongst peers and the
constructive criticism that this
brings about. It is the last stage
where communicative teaching
is of great prominence, since at
the PhD level, students’ studying
patterns become more insular and
research focused. So before you get
to that stage, which one, if either,
is right for you?
Experience
Ideally, a candidate for an MBA degree
should have sufficient experience in a
field that will provide them with a good
knowledge base which they can build
on. This is in part due to the format of
the MBA programme, which is generally
collaborative. Professors serve a more
supplementary role to the group activities
than in Master’s programmes where
they usually lecture students on the
specifics of a subject. For a candidate to
be considered for an MBA programme,
10
they must demonstrate that they have
the relevant experience managing others,
or the propensity to do so. This leads to
networking amongst MBA students, which
is essential for their development as they
require both qualitative and quantitative
relationships to prosper in business,
according to the Chief Executive of the
London School of Business, Professor
Maurits van Rooijen. This process allows
for quality relationships to flourish
amongst like-minded individuals with
similar backgrounds.
Master’s courses on the other hand do
not require any previous work experience,
just a graduate willing and able to develop
ideas and drive the field forward. If you are
looking to get into a career in business but
don’t have the relevant work experience,
then a Master’s degree in a subject such
as economics or finance (which often
includes many of the core modules of
the MBA programme) is an equally valid
alternative. The Master’s will also give you
a decisive edge over candidates holding
a BA or a BSc. Master’s degrees can be
viewed as an extension of the Bachelor’s
programme and, as such, require some
sort of academic background related to the
field of study. Practical experience is not a
must for most Master’s programmes even
though this can give candidates a better
chance of being chosen to partake in the
course. This is because it demonstrates a
keen interest in, and a reason for, the study
— two things that you will need to write
about in your motivation letter in any case.
In a traditional Master’s course, hard skills
are the main focus. In the MBA, students
are expected to have adequate hard skills,
so soft skills are instead the focus.
Age difference
Due to the experience needed to join an
MBA course, the average age of students
enrolled in MBA courses is 27-28 years
old. This puts the MBA midway between
the traditional Master’s degree and the
EMBA (Executive Master of Business
Administration) in terms of the age of
students on the course. The average work
experience of MBA graduates at Oxford
University last year was 5.5 years and
most of the applicants had achieved a
significant amount in their professional
life. The MBA requires a more mature,
autonomous approach to learning, aided
by the guidance of faculty staff. The
traditional Master’s degree programmes,
which incorporate students with a median
age of 24, still require students to learn
through autodidactic means such as
classroom discussion, but not to the same
extent as the MBA.
Career goals
The MBA focuses on furthering a student’s
aptitude for their previously established
practical abilities, as well as teaching
them how to adopt management and
leadership roles. MBAs are very useful
for driven business professionals who
want to take the next step up the
corporate ladder or who want to branch
out in a different direction. Tentatively
speaking, MBA students are restricted
in their progressive potential only by the
actual information pertaining to their
field, which is limited in comparison to
the Master’s equivalent of the subject
because of the assumption that an MBA
student already possesses the hard skills
and knowledge in their professional field.
Some executives such as Gary Garber, an
HR professional of a finance company in
Chicago, see this as a negative factor in
the MBA programme, emphasising the
importance of in-depth knowledge at
Master’s level. Others such as Mattan
Griffel, the founder of The Front Labs
technical marketing company, feel that
in-depth knowledge is unnecessary in a
Master’s programme revolving around
business studies, such as the MBA.
If however, you are seeking another route
to success, one that entails exceptional
hard skills and profound knowledge
of a subject area, then a traditional
Master’s degree could prove to be the
better choice. Although considered an
extension of the Bachelor’s degree, a
Master’s degree is in fact a standalone
programme, which aims to confer
specialised knowledge. Marketing is a
good example. Let’s say a student has
pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing
Communications. A classic Master’s route
would be to specialise in Branding, PR,
or Advertising, all of which are part of
Marketing Communications, but large
enough areas to be practised individually
for a lifetime. The Master’s degree
shatters huge areas of knowledge into
pieces and gifts students a lone shard in
order to transform them into exceptional
specialists. If the Master’s was a person,
it would be a profession coach, teaching
you all the tips and tricks of the trade, so
that upon entering the work force, you
can practise that profession as if you have
years of work experience behind you.
“Consider where you
stand in your personal
and professional
development, and where
you want to arrive with
the help of education,
and you will have a better
answer than any author,
book or coach can ever
give you.”
This dilemma represents the core
difference between the Master’s and
the MBA. Because of the existence of, or
lack of, previous work and management
experience, age discrepancy, and
different career starting points, the two
degrees cater to entirely different groups
of students. Candidates contemplating
which route to take must understand that
they are dealing with two options, rather
than a single choice between the two.
How to make the right decision? Consider
where you stand in your personal and
professional development, and where you
want to arrive with the help of education,
and you will have a better answer than
any author, book or coach can ever
give you. □
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
11
MASTER’S SELECTION
Home Is Where
the Master’s Is
An international Master’s at home is better
than no Master’s at all
L
et’s say you want a career in
an international environment
and you’ve already decided to
continue your higher education
with a postgraduate degree. You
are left wondering whether to
choose to study abroad or pick a
university in your home country.
Now, let’s say you’d rather stay
close to your family and friends
and live in a place where nostalgia
will be just another word in the
dictionary that you’ve never had
to use. There is indeed a solution
to both of your desires – an
International Master’s degree
in your home country taught in
English.
Studying in English
Nowadays, everybody knows some
English. But if you strive for a career in
an international organisation, either in
the business or non-profit sector, “some
English” is certainly not enough. You must
be proficient.
As part of an international Master’s class,
even if you stay in your home country, you’d
be required to communicate in English
with your teachers and peers. Studying
in English will also highly improve your
language skills, enrich your vocabulary,
help you better express your opinion
and ease your communication in any
international environment. Interacting and
engaging with the international students
in your class will not only improve your
12
English language skills, but will also give
you confidence in your ability to use the
language, whether in a test, socially, or in
a real business situation.
“English gives you transferable skills. You
learn to write and express yourself well and
learn communication skills,” says Eleanor
Spencer, an MA graduate from Durham
University in the UK. Expressing yourself
freely in English will improve your chances
of securing your desired job. And there is
no doubt about this fact.
A win-win situation
The jobs of the globalised future will
not only require English language ability,
but also the ability to communicate
effectively within an English-speaking work
environment. An International Master’s
class usually brings together students of
various nationalities, with their own cultural
specifics, and as part of such a class you’d
be exposed to a diverse blend of cultures.
Indeed, you would be part of a mixture
of so-called “home” and “international”
students - either citizens of your country
or students from abroad who have enlisted
in the same course. In fact, the situation
in which you’d find yourself would be the
same as if you’d decided to study abroad,
the difference being that there you would
belong to the “international” group,
instead of the “home” team. However,
the experience would remain largely the
same if you adopt a mindset of curiosity
and academic exploration. You might feel
more comfortable because you’d be at
home, but that would not make classes
and assignments any less challenging.
And that’s a good thing. The value of the
education that you would be getting would
still be the same.
Imagine a situation where you are a nonFrench student in a Parisian university. You
would have plenty of French classmates,
but you would still collaborate in English,
and that would be invaluable for all the
right reasons – professional expertise,
intercultural exposure, enhanced career
opportunities, etc. Theories and models
in management, finance, marketing, STEM
and a plethora of other disciplines would
be taught to you in English, the same way
as they are widely practised in the English
language around the world.
Now reverse that situation, and imagine
you are the Frenchman – wouldn’t all this
be as valuable to you as it would be for
the international students in the class?
It’s a win-win situation for either of the
two groups.
This is the premise of the International
Master’s – the ability to enhance your
personal and professional profile through
diverse cultural and academic learning.
Intercultural exposure
During the programme’s various courses,
classmates are often required to work
together as a team on a project, thesis or
research paper, through which, apart from
developing their ability to work together,
they develop a very valuable skill – their
intercultural competence.
Herein lies one of the biggest advantages
of any international Master’s course intercultural competence. The international
Master’s gives you the opportunity to
promote cultural understanding and,
through intercultural exposure, enrich
your personality.
“We have a lot of nationalities in the
programme, you have to get used to
working with people from different
counties, from different cultures, from
different rhythms, and this is something
that you need to learn if you want to work in
an international environment. International
management is about complexity, and to
manage complexity you have to really
see the big picture. If you don’t see the
big picture, you simply find the problems
and not the decisions, so it is all about
understanding how to manage complexity,”
says Marc Vilanova, Academic Director of
the Master’s in International Management
at Spain’s ESADE Business School. To put
things in perspective, ESADE’s MSc in
International Management Class of 20152016 comprises 180 participants from 28
nationalities, of which 90% are international
students. This means 10% of the students
have decided to pursue an International
Master’s in their home country.
Through giving you exposure to an extended
range of cultures other than your own, the
International Master’s arms you with the
tools necessary to optimise cross-cultural
interactions. It enhances your ability to
understand and communicate with people
from other countries, which is a way to gain
a competitive edge both in social life and
in the future job market. Communicating
with classmates from a foreign country will
help you better adapt to new people, new
situations and, subsequently, to new work
environments once you graduate and begin
your desired job.
Better career opportunities
Getting proficient in English, enriching your
personality by becoming interculturally
sensitive, and acquiring advanced
professional expertise are certainly big
advantages of an International Master’s
degree. But arguably, your vastly improved
career opportunities are your biggest
trump card.
The simple fact that you have gone for the
bigger challenge of studying a complex
programme in a language other than
your own already demonstrates to future
employers that you are willing to go the
extra mile in order to achieve more in the
end. It shows ambition and determination.
Many students don’t have much to show
in the way of work experience upon
graduation, and every little bit helps when
it comes to landing that first or second job.
Having studied an International Master’s in
your home country will position you one
step ahead of a candidate with a similar
profile who decided to opt for a degree in
their native tongue.
“I decided to choose the [Master’s in
European Business] MEB programme
when I was looking for an International
Master’s programme in business combined
with a strong practical approach. The MEB
was the most attractive opportunity in
terms of studying in a highly international
environment, combined with an excellent
reputation in order to set up the foundation
for an international career. […] I gained a
lot of insights into business and additionally
learned a lot about different cultures and
their particularities. This programme was
an important step forward for both my
future career and for my personality,” says
Ricardo Schaitanow (German), Master’s in
European Business (MEB) Class of 2014,
ESCP Europe. He studied in Moscow and
Berlin.
An international Master’s allows you see
a case, problem or situation from a global
perspective, which is invaluable for those
striving for a job that requires strategic
thinking. Seeing one case, problem or
situation from a global point of view and
seeing the same case, problem or situation
from a local point of view makes the analysis
of each of the cases completely different,
hence the approach to solve the problem
or make the best use of the situation.
This could be the final touch to cement
an already sound decision since, one day,
when you’re ready to lead, you will need
to be a strategist, rather than a tactician.
□ I.D-S.
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13
MASTER’S SELECTION
Continental Divide
Master’s programmes in Europe and America offer
different experiences
W
hen you are at the point of
completing your college
education, there are
several aspects that may seem
daunting to you. Many consider
going straight into a Master’s
programme. That means another
one or two years of school before
moving onto a fully fledged career.
If that is your chosen path, then
be ready for endless days spent
on the Internet surfing potential
universities, worrying about
expenses, discussing plans with
your friends, and attempting to
forecast how much you will earn
after you finish your Master’s.
Student mobility
One of the most demanding decisions
for a Master’s student, bent on studying
abroad, is where exactly to go. North
America and Europe are the two most
popular choices for international studies.
According to UNESCO, the US is the most
popular country for international students,
accounting for 19% of international student
mobility. Add Canada’s 3% to that, and
North America share of all international
students is 22%. Five of the remaining 8
countries in the top 10 list of international
destinations are in continental Europe. The
14
UK, France, Germany, Russia and Italy make
up a total of 26%, crowning Europe as the
most desirable continent for international
studies.
While both continents offer a very attractive
package and have their respective benefits
for a modern-day student, there are
differences in what Europe and America
offer, and it is necessary to decipher them
in order to make an informed decision.
world are American, such as Princeton,
Yale, and Harvard. However, this does not
suggest that a European Master’s is any
less worthwhile. For instance the three
top-ranked universities for Master’s in
Finance, according to FT, are HEC Paris
(France), ESADE (Spain) and ESCP Europe
(a joint project by France, the UK, Germany,
Spain and Italy). Of course, Europe boasts
its own “Ivy League” with universities such
as Oxford, Cambridge and the Sorbonne.
Overview
Curriculum
When it comes to the analysis of curricula
offered in universities in America and
Europe, there is a heated debate amongst
scholars and educational analysts. While
Europe has some of the oldest universities
in the world and is excelling in the provision
of innovative education, America is topping
the economic charts and is an expert
provider of education in various disciplines.
One of the major differences between
the European Master’s and the American
Master’s is that most European Master’s
programmes last only a year while
American Master’s programmes tend to
stretch over a year and a half to two years.
This is usually due to the fact that American
postgraduate education emphasises the
need for a mid-term internship, by often
making it compulsory. In Europe, students
are also encouraged to undertake a work
placement, but it is not always obligatory.
However, one-year and two-year degrees
can be found both in America and Europe.
Graduate’s hotline mentions that while a
Master’s in Europe is very well-recognised,
America is still the leader in the provision
of education in disciplines such as business,
medicine, engineering, and others. Upon
analysis of the educational rankings of The
Financial Times (FT) and The Economist,
it is found that, on agerage, nearly four
out of the top five universities in the
The curriculum of Master’s programmes in
both Europe and America is more or less
the same, as both offer Master’s degrees
in numerous fields. However, American
Master’s degrees may have evolved to
include new disciplines which are not
found in Europe, such as a Master’s in
Non-profit Administration and Master’s
of Music-Jazz Studies and Performance. The
Master’s programmes in both continents
are thorough and provide a fully fledged
educational experience for students.
However, teaching methods may slightly
vary between the American Master’s and
the European Master’s.
Admission
According to AmericanEducation.com,
American universities usually have a higher
entrance score requirement, and ask for
entry test scores based on the discipline
chosen, while European universities may not
be as demanding. However, both American
and European universities require results
for language proficiency tests such as IELTS
and TOEFL for non-native speakers, while a
few European universities may also require
entry test scores based on the discipline
chosen. Universities in Europe that have
some entry score requirements include
the European School of Management
and Technology, the German Institute
of Science and Technology, and Aachen
University amongst others. Academic exam
requirements for admission may vary from
programme to programme.
Finally, admission essays, references
from former employers or teachers, and
admission interviews make up the core of
the admissions effort, and are identical on
both continents.
Teaching methods
Although both European and American
universities use a combination of teaching
methods to ensure that students are able
to accumulate maximum knowledge and
experience, the American Master’s is
generally considered to be more practical,
while the European Master’s is considered
more theoretical.
Leisure
Student life definitely depends on where
you are in either America or Europe as they
both offer unique and exceptional leisure
activities. Many parts of America located
on the coast provide students with a superb
opportunity to enjoy their time, while in
Switzerland, Scotland, the Netherlands,
and Italy amongst others there are exciting
opportunities such as hiking, canoeing,
trekking, etc.
Regular concerts, night clubs, restaurants,
museums and plenty of opportunities to do
volunteer work may enhance the life of a
European student. Whether it is enjoying
spaghetti Bolognese in Italy, visiting the
famous Louvre in Paris, or mesmerising
trips to the Swiss Alps and the Scottish
Highlands, you will find it all in Europe.
“Whether you are looking for the best
cuisine or highly interesting leisure activities,
Europe has it all! I still have a lot more to
explore” says Mante Zelvyte, 26, a student
of Glasgow Caledonian University.
American students have the opportunity to
experience the same as European students,
as the USA is not void of rich history and
beautiful landscapes. However, student
life in the USA may also consist of outdoor
sports, eating fast food with friends inbetween classes, and taking a trip down to
Six Flags AstroWorld for some rollercoaster
thrills.
Intercultural experience
American universities are usually larger
than European universities, yet many
of them are filled with local students
having a ratio of approximately 7/3 of
international to local students in classes,
according to LifeHack. However, European
schools surpass this statistic as the class
intercultural percentage amounts to a
massive 90% or a 9/1 ratio, with most
students coming from abroad. While
American universities may provide you with
the ultimate contemporary experience,
European universities will let you peek into
other cultures.
Hence, if you want a more intercultural
experience, Europe is more likely to provide
this even though American universities
also open their doors to people from
all countries. However, with a higher
percentage of home students, America
can give you the opportunity to mingle
with the locals while also making a few
international friends.
All in all, America and Europe both offer
outstanding Master’s programmes and
it really depends on where you want to
go and what you want to gain from your
Master’s. If you want to spend a shorter
time studying, are on a smaller budget,
and appreciate meeting people of different
cultures, the European Master’s may be the
way for you to go. If you want a longer, more
rigorous and practical Master’s and can
afford the costs, head on over to America
to complete your studies.
While the decision may be tough, weigh the
factors and ensure you make the optimal
decision for yourself. However, success
comes with hard work and putting that
into your Master’s is essential, no matter
where you go. □
Nevertheless, both American and European
universities have added a major innovative
aspect to the provision of education and
use methods such as case studies, lectures,
class discussions, simulation games,
peer-to-peer teaching, company visits,
presentations, and team projects in order to
provide a complete educational experience
facilitated with experiential learning.
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15
MASTER’S ADMISSION
State Your Business
Learn how to write a brilliant statement of purpose
A
Statement of Purpose (SoP)
is arguably the single most
important element in your
application package to graduate
school. How to make the most of
this opportunity to impress the
admissions committee?
programmes and thus your reasons for
applying are different. There is nothing
worse than a standard SoP full of clichés
and general talk that is clearly a copy-paste
version for any school. Admissions officers
recognise these statements at first glance.
There are a myriad of eligible applicants
with competitive exam scores and diverse
resumes/CVs that schools can now choose
from for their prospective students. That
is why the Statement of Purpose is your
chance to show admissions committees
why you deserve to be accepted onto
the Master’s programme of your choice
and how you stand out in the pool of
applicants.
Different schools will give you different
clues as to what they want you to
communicate through your Statement of
Purpose. However, there are four main
pillars of information that admissions
committees want to see in your Statement
of Purpose:
Why is the Statement of
Purpose important?
This is a written statement presenting
your motivation to apply for admission
to the chosen programme. This is your
opportunity to convince the admissions
committee that you have selected this
programme carefully and that it fits your
academic background and career plans.
Conveying what you can contribute to the
class learning environment brings even
more value. Finally, the SoP should portray
your personal style and values.
“The Statement of Purpose should
convince readers – the faculty on the
selection committee – that you have
solid achievements behind you that show
promise for your success in graduate
study”, share graduate admissions experts
at Berkley University.
If you apply to more than one university,
you should write different SoPs. This is
simply because there are no two identical
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What to include?
• What subject/course/major do you want
to pursue at graduate school?
• Why have you chosen it?
• Do you have any former experience in
the field and how would it contribute to
your prospective studies?
• What are your post-graduation plans?
“A graduate school Statement of Purpose
should include new and different
information about you and your candidacy
for grad school. You will have the full
attention of the admissions committee
for a brief time and the best way to
take advantage of that opportunity is
to write a Statement of Purpose that
personalizes your application and makes
you memorable”, experts on application
essay writing advise.
What should your Statement
of Purpose look like?
When it comes to technical requirements,
different schools set different standards.
Some schools advise a 1,000-word essay,
others encourage 1,500-2,000 words.
Regardless of the length, you should make
sure to write a separate Statement of
Purpose for each programme you apply to.
Schools will know if you did your homework
and looked into some specifics about their
particular programme, so never submit the
same essay twice.
Another crucial element that many
candidates overlook is how their
Statement of Purpose is formatted. Don’t
pack 2,000 words into two pages with no
space to breathe or indentation. A good
rule of thumb is to write your essay in a
12-point font with 1.5 paragraph spacing.
Structuring your text in paragraphs with
visible subheads will make it easier to read
and will give a general idea of what your
main points of focus are.
What is the bottom line?
There is no fixed set of rules to lead you
to the ultimately successful Statement of
Purpose. But the bottom line rule is to take
your time. The Statement of Purpose is the
only part of your application that you can
fully control so make sure you dedicate
enough time and effort to produce a highquality, informative piece which presents a
full picture of who you are as a professional
and as a prospective student. So, it has to
present everything that is unique about you
and relevant to your application.
Some online sources advise against
including information about your hobbies
and extracurricular activities, but the
essence of some particular Master’s
programmes definitely calls for such
details.
What else is important?
Don’t forget that the main goal of the
Statement of Purpose is to enable the
admissions committee to put a face to
your application. Even though all other
elements of the application package are
crucial to your admittance, the Statement
of Purpose is the only one that will
showcase your personality. Admissions
committees want to see determination
and diligence; they want to admit
candidates who have clear career goals
and ambitions. Recruiters can always read
between the lines and spot insincerity or
lack of genuine desire in the applicant.
“Don’t forget that
the main goal of the
Statement of Purpose is
to enable the admissions
committee to put a face
to your application.”
So even though it is important to keep your
essay formal, concise and to the point, let
your passion about the programme show
through – it will be an excellent indicator
of how much getting into this programme
means to you as a professional, and this
is a good first sign of how dedicated and
focused you will be. □ I.B.
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17
MASTER’S ADMISSION
I
ELTS is one of the most popular
international English language
proficiency tests. If you plan
on studying a Master’s degree
programme taught in English you
should aim for a high score.
IELTS stands for International English
Language Testing System. The test is
available in over 130 countries at more
than 1,100 locations, including over 50
in the USA and there are 48 test dates
each year.
There are two types of IELTS tests.
Depending on the organisation you are
applying to, you can take IELTS Academic or
18
Beat the English
Testing System
Understanding the IELTS is half the victory,
preparation is the rest
IELTS General Training. Scores are accepted
by over 9,000 organisations worldwide. If
you want to study in a university, then you
should opt for the IELTS Academic test.
What skills do you need
for the IELTS?
IELTS tests all four language skills: listening,
reading, writing and speaking. You should
master all these skills equally well because
you will need them all during your Master’s
degree studies.
Let’s imagine your everyday routine. You
will be attending lectures and should be
able to understand what your professors
say. You will have to read long specialised
texts in a short time. You will be expected
to produce written assignments and
presentations. Participation in class
discussions and group projects are an
essential part of your learning experience
and have a lot of weight in your final score.
So, you should not struggle with either
speaking or listening comprehension.
Although IELTS is a British test, you are not
required to master the British accent or
spelling. IELTS accepts all major varieties
of native-speaker English, e.g. North
American, British, Australian, etc. In class,
your professors and peers will speak with
quite diverse accents.
reading comprehension, writing with good
grammar and a rich vocabulary, listening
comprehension and speaking, can you take
the next step, getting familiar with the IELTS
format.
The time taken to improve your overall
level of English will differ depending on
your starting level and intensity of study.
You should then take some time to become
familiar with the specific IELTS requirements
and accustomed to the exam format.
Here are some essential steps that will help
you achieve a high IELTS score:
“Before you start
preparing for the IELTS
exam, in order to
achieve a good score for
admission to a Master’s
degree programme you
should make sure that
you are fluent in English.”
What IELTS score is
required for a Master’s
programme?
The overall score on the IELTS ranges
between 1 and 9. The scale corresponds
to specified competences in English: 1 =
non user; 5 = modest user; 7 = good user;
9 = expert user. You should aim to achieve
a score of 6.5 or above for admissions to
a Master’s degree programme taught in
English. Universities and other programmes
have differing requirements.
IELTS structure
The total IELTS test lasts for 2 hours and
45 minutes. The Listening part consists of
40 questions that you have to complete in
30 minutes. The Academic Reading part
consists of 40 questions and you have
60 minutes. The Academic Writing part
requires that you complete two writing
tasks within 60 minutes. The Speaking
part takes between 11 and 14 minutes to
complete and has three parts. During the
speaking part you will have a face-to-face
conversation with an examiner.
How to obtain a high IELTS
score
Before you start preparing for the IELTS
exam, in order to achieve a good score
for admission to a Master’s degree
programme, you should make sure that
you are fluent in English.
Only after you have a good foundation,
a mastery of standard English grammar,
academic level vocabulary, fluency in
• Start your preparation early, be
consistent, and monitor your progress
frequently.
• Master standard English grammar in a
systematic way.
• Practise using your English skills in four
ways – listening, speaking, reading and
writing.
• Take every opportunity to communicate
in English, orally and in writing.
• Enrich your vocabulary. This doesn’t
happen overnight. Aim to learn at least
10 new words from different subject areas
every day.
• Read longer texts specialised in different
subject areas - management, finance,
culture, history, sciences, etc.
• Listen to the news and watch
documentaries on various topics in English
• Practise talking with other English
speakers about yourself – your hobbies,
interests, everyday life, family, job, dreams
and professional aspirations.
• When you have a solid foundation of
English language knowledge and skills, join
an IELTS course or work with a professional
IELTS tutor.
• If you are not sure whether you are ready
to start preparing for the IELTS exam, take
a diagnostic test and get feedback from a
professional instructor on your level and
next steps.
• Towards the end of your IELTS
preparation, start practising with fulllength tests under realistic conditions for
several weeks before the test date.
The aim of IELTS preparation is to make
sure you are really fluent in English and
ready for a Master’s programme taught in
English. Universities will expect that you
be equally good in all four skills. So it is not
simply about obtaining a high score. The
most important point is improving your
English language skills. □ I.B.
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19
MASTER’S TEACHING
The Holy Seven
The Master’s degree makes use of many curricular approaches
to attain effective learning, but when it comes to teaching
methods, there are seven that have become universal
S
ince most Мaster’s courses
are only one year in duration,
the academic experience can
be quite intensive compared to
an undergraduate degree. As a
Master’s student you will begin to
specialise in topics that interest
you or explore a particular area
of research which you may wish
to undertake for further study.
The more specialised nature of
a Master’s qualification provides
students with the precise academic
and theoretical framework to
tackle a specific area. Therefore,
unlike an MBA where having an
undergraduate or similar degree
in the same or similar field is not
required, in Master’s programmes
that is often obligatory, as studies
are based on the presumption of
previously acquired knowledge.
Curricular approaches
Teaching and learning methods at
postgraduate level can be quite different
from those at an undergraduate level.
How you are taught will largely depend
on your course content, level of study and
your academic tutor, although in all cases
you will be required to undertake a large
proportion of your study independently.
Studying at a Master’s level involves a
greater emphasis on self-directed study
than at an undergraduate level. You’ll be
expected to think and study independently,
conduct more extensive background
reading and bring your ideas to seminars
and tutorials for discussion and debate.
Independent study is a key element of
20
a Master’s learning process. You will be
expected to take responsibility for your
own learning and you will need to manage
your time effectively to fit this around
your academic timetable, and any other
activities that you are involved in.
Studying independently doesn’t necessarily
mean you will be studying on your own,
as there are plenty of opportunities to
study in groups, and many courses actively
promote peer mentoring and peer-assisted
study schemes.
Learning support
Faculty and staff, at any university, have
dedicated office hours when you can ask for
their help in transitioning into postgraduate
study. You can get help developing your
skills in academic writing or research, or
any other skills that are specific to your
degree programme. An essential advantage
of a good Master’s programme, that you
should actively look for, is that you can
build a lasting relationship with your
teaching and academic staff during your
time there. You should be able to approach
your professors and the university staff
with any questions you might have about
your course, your study or any aspect of
your work.
Peer support
Peer support schemes are support
structures led by students, for students.
They aim to give you a sense of belonging
and identity with the university and,
ultimately, to enhance your student
experience.
Many subject areas have dedicated
postgraduate drop-in sessions and there
are frequent opportunities for Master’s
students to network with their peers.
Your personal academic
account
Nowadays it has become a staple that all
universities have their own information
management systems where students
log in with their own accounts. There,
you will usually have access to your
schedule, workshops and online support
on academia, employability and well-being.
Such programmes can help you develop the
skills you’ll need to successfully complete
your degree programme, including how
to research, reference and write in an
academic style.
But how exactly is the Master’s taught?
What are the tools and methods used to
confer knowledge and skills? Here are the
“holy seven”:
1. Discussions: Students are encouraged to
discuss any theory that they have read in
class or independently, weighing its merits
or considering its implementation in the
professional world.
Discussions are an important part of the
overall Master’s experience giving you not
only access to other viewpoints on the
same subject matter, but also enabling
you to consider different rationale and to
become familiar with psychology and logic,
hugely important elements of professional
life after studies.
knowledge into practice. Trips can range
from one-day sessions to longer, more indepth expeditions, both domestically and
abroad, that allow you to explore specific
areas or learn particular techniques.
Each course differs but you may need to
pay extra for your field trips, so keep that
in mind when budgeting for the year.
4. Problem-based/Enquiry-based learning
(PBL/EBL): PBL or EBL groups are presented
with a real-life problem or scenario and you
will need to work as a team to investigate
potential solutions while identifying what
skills or knowledge you need to effectively
manage the situation.
5. Projects: You will be asked to complete
a final project. You will normally be able to
choose, within the confines of your project,
how much time to spend on it. In some
cases you may be asked to give a formal
presentation of your project’s results.
6. E-learning: Many courses include online
components, which can be an assessed part
of your degree.
Many schools now have a virtual learning
environment of some sort. This means you
might study online, using material created
by your lecturers, download papers and
take online tests, or access relevant audio
and video material.
In this technical age, many schools
around the world are creating technologyrich learning spaces across campuses,
including access to a wide range of digital
resources available only at postgraduate
study level.
7. Co-curricular activities: According to
the 2015 Global Management Education
Graduate Survey by the Management
Admission Council (GMAC), involvement
in co-curricular activies is another way
in which students can build upon the
knowledge, skills, and abilities they are
developing in their graduate management
programmes and further develop their
soft skills. Student, career and professional
clubs, internships, volunteer activities,
work projects, diversity and multicultural
events, and academic competitions are
the most common co-curriculur activities
in which students are involved. The survey
shows for example that a whopping 61%
of Master in Management students opt to
participate in internships, 40% in diversity
and multicultural events, 36% in studyabroad programmes, and 30% in student
career and professional clubs. □ E.V.
Classes sometimes include students
originating from more than 40 countries,
thus forming a group of multicultural
participants which makes exchanging and
working in groups all the more enriching.
2. Laboratory and practical learning:
Learning by doing is an essential part
of many courses, particularly if you are
studying for a science, engineering or
health-related degree. These sessions
aim to give you an insight into a working
environment, knowledge of experimental
methods and techniques and an
understanding of the academic material
taught on the course. You may be asked to
work independently, in pairs or as part of
a small team and for most courses, where
a practical element is incorporated, you
will be required to submit a piece of work
which will count towards your overall result.
3. Field trips: Fieldwork or field trips is
a compulsory element of some courses.
Similar to laboratory and practical work,
fieldwork can help you put your theoretical
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21
MASTER’S TEACHING
Theory of
Relative Contempt
The importance of theory in Master’s education
is often underestimated
T
he theoretical framework of
a subject is often overlooked
even at Master’s level, as the
focus is the subject matter and
that alone in some disciplines.
Other supplementary information
is considered to be an extra benefit
to a CV rather than a necessity. But
could this actually be more useful
than practical skills that can be
learnt through physically doing
something? Certainly some of the
more interesting information to be
learnt at Master’s level is theory
based, but sometimes theoretical
frameworks and models can
digress into pseudoscientific
postulations. There is a good basis,
then, for employers to choose
those who demonstrate sharp
business skills above those who
have a love for the subject. But
the case must also be made for the
relevance of subsidiary knowledge
and the role it plays in helping
businesses grow.
Of course, some background knowledge
is always required, but a concise
understanding of all things pertaining to
one broad subject, like business, would take
an entire lifetime of dedicated learning to
achieve. There is the distinct possibility that
a student will prefer to study the theoretical
aspects of a subject more than the practical
ones. However, if the course is based on a
practical subject such as Business Studies,
then its theoretical counterpart, Economics,
should be chosen if one would prefer to
discuss a broad range of less practical but
more in-depth subjects and analyse one
against the other. One of the advantages
to doing this is that it boosts creative
22
thinking, leading to novel solutions in an
entrepreneurial industry that is centred
on logic. This is a key feature employers
look for, according to Monster Worldwide
representatives. A broad knowledge of
economic theory is a good basis to build
on and use in business situations where it
may not ordinarily be used.
Consider the similarities and differences
between a man and a machine. Just as an
autonomous machine will search for all
available options in its hard drive to solve
a problem, and come up with the best
solution based on how far up it is on its
top-down procedure list, a human facing a
problem will search top-down through the
most obvious solutions first, and then the
less obvious ones. The difference between
the two is that the human understands the
concept of collateral damage, consequence
and longevity, whilst the robot does not.
Similarly, in the business world, if a business
professional chooses a more obvious
solution, with ramifications that damage
the company in the long or short term,
then s/he has failed to find a solution that
perhaps requires more work to achieve but
that catalyses the least amount of collateral
damage. Autonomous robots can reach
their parameters in the space of a second,
but they are limited in their understanding
of human behaviour and needs. Therefore,
the more theoretical knowledge of humans
that can be coded into the deliberation
systems in their hard-drives, the better
their solutions.
But there is only so much we know of our
own consciousness and only so much space
on a hard drive, so maybe robots won’t take
over all of our jobs just yet. Humans who
study theory may take longer to assess and
“The job prospects that
one can expect after
demonstrating a keen
interest in a particular
subject relevant to
a particular job are
numerous.”
explore all of the potential solutions to a
problem compared to a robot - sometimes
weeks, months, even years - but they may
be able to find the solution that minimises
loss and maximises profit by viewing a
problem peripherally.
In his microeconomic study on employee
start-ups in high-tech industries, Steven
Klepper mentions that this is often why
candidates who have studied theoretical
degree subjects are chosen for positions in
start-ups and departments in innovation. At
University College London, Master’s level
students are expected to have a ‘developed
interest’ in a subject. A postgraduate taught
or research degree will require the student
to know a great deal in an area relevant to
that particular degree, even if it is not in
exactly the same field. To some extent, it
is a case of enjoyment, since if one does
not enjoy a subject then it could be difficult
to invest so much time studying it. In any
case, it takes persistence and dedication,
as there will be parts of the course which
are not as interesting as others, or more
challenging. Researchers of pedagogy at
MIT have found that students learn from
other students almost to the same extent
that they learn from teachers, so it is
important in every postgraduate classroom
to have an eclectic mix of backgrounds so
that there are rounded arguments.
This may sometimes unduly produce
slightly skewed selection criteria, as an
abundance of similar qualities is often
not as desirable to universities as a
diverse range of opinions. This is in part
due to the percentage of learners who
prefer to learn through kinesthetic media
such as arguments. A pedagogical study
published by the University of Illinois found
that around 50% of students preferred
kinesthetic learning to visual and auditory,
contrary to the findings of older models of
education such as Emerson’s autodidactic
model.
Kinesthetic learning, and argumentation
specifically, require a lot of practical skill,
as debate is learnt by studying discursive
practice. This is most evident in the
techniques that politicians use in interviews
with journalists. The way that they hedge
and distance themselves from awkward
topics, because they don’t know the
answer or don’t want to give an answer,
is an example of the study of persuasion
and the theory of persuasive language. The
theory of the ‘manufacturing of consent’
is noticeable in positions of power, and
therefore needs to be taught to be used in
a manner that is conducive to prosperity,
rather than covertly masking negatives. If
political theory was taught in this manner
to political advisors, then we would perhaps
see a more honest democratic response to
media reporters.
The job prospects that one can expect
after demonstrating a keen interest in a
particular subject relevant to a particular
job are numerous. They are usually in high
positions as well, since employers look
to those who have the ability to make
difficult decisions when allocating roles
where knowledge and experience is valued
above leadership.
The director of the Education Department
at the University of Warwick, Ian Abbot,
observes that the Master’s is a ‘golden
ticket’ to all levels of employment. But
other employers such as Barclays have
changed their tune of late and require
more ‘emotional intelligence’ in their
employees, due to the amount of clientbased activity and interaction required
in most positions in banking. It may be
that a mixture of the two is the ideal for
all professional positions, as it is difficult
to imagine a situation in which a more
rounded knowledge of a subject is a bad
thing, and it is impossible to demonstrate
this knowledge without the skill to make
a cohesive argument. □
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
23
MASTER’S CAREERS
Mysterious Master
Emphasising the many advantages of your
International Master’s degree is your
career’s best start
A
Master’s degree is all about
expanding your academic
and professional horizons,
and this is even more the case
if you complete it abroad. The
advantages of doing your degree
abroad are obvious: the chance
to further your language skills,
experience in different working
environments and a range of
potential friends and contacts
to take with you into your new
career either in academia or the
professional world.
Alongside the academic benefits, an
international Master’s proves a range
of personal qualities to your potential
employer. It shows that you’re prepared
to think outside the box, you’re not afraid
of a challenge and you’re willing to expand
your horizons. A Master’s earned abroad
proves that you are flexible and have the
ability to flourish professionally in difficult
circumstances.
Gaining a competitive
edge
Having made the cultural exchange once,
however, many students find themselves
looking to return home. It makes a lot
of sense, giving you the opportunity to
enter the job market at a higher level than
you would do otherwise and combine
the knowledge of your home country
with your new-found experience gained
elsewhere. For those intending to further
their academic career, tackling the three-
year challenge of a PhD from familiar turf
might be an option.
Regardless of whether you want to
continue with your studies or enter the
professional world, a Master’s abroad is
a way to make sure that you stand out
from the crowd. This advantage can be
maximised by being selective in the jobs
you apply for. Research matters a great
deal here: you can maximise the potential
of your degree by making sure that you
apply to firms with connections in your
chosen area. These could be firms with
operational departments in the country of
your Master’s, but it is important, too, to
remember that your new-found linguistic
skills could be more useful than you think.
Many European countries have linguistic
links elsewhere in the world (for example,
French remains the most commonly
spoken language in most of Northern and
Western Africa). By entering a business
with interests in these areas, your new
language skills could make you invaluable
to a potential employer. According to
Consultancy UK, two thirds of UK employers
have complained that candidates for key
jobs lack language skills.
It isn’t just your linguistic skill that will be
appealing, though. Contacts are always of
vital importance in any modern business,
and being able to forge international
links will give you a leg-up not only in
applying for jobs, but also in terms of
internal promotions within the business
or establishment you join. Likewise, in
research and academia, maintaining
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
25
and developing strong contact links with
researchers across the world can have a
massive impact on your own work, and
connecting your course with world experts
you may have encountered abroad will be
a bonus for your entire faculty.
Embracing the differences
While a Master’s abroad has many
advantages, it is important to remember
that moving back to your home country
after studying abroad is no mean feat.
Entering any new workplace for the first
time and facing the job market after being
out of the country for a year can be a
daunting experience. However, there are
26
a number of things you can do to increase
your employability and adjust more easily
to your new environment when returning
home from your studies abroad. Just as
your qualification is a massive boon to you
in your attempt to get on the job ladder,
it’s important to understand the difficulties
you may experience. One of these is dealing
with the cultural shift experienced by
Master’s students returning home from
abroad. Accepting and understanding a
new working environment is all part of
the transition.
While a Master’s may bring an increased
understanding of working in a variety of
contexts, it is worth noting that, even within
a geographically homogeneous entity such
as the European Union, national business
practices can vary a great deal. This
difference carries over into academia: not
all Master’s degrees are created equal, and
you may struggle with perceptions of your
degree’s status, or even its content. Some
Master’s programmes (typically MPhils)
are based on hands-on research, but an
MA may have a much greater taught focus.
These differences will be even more striking
if you study abroad – at their extreme,
Master’s courses in the UK are typically
one year, two for an MPhil, but in China all
degree courses are at least three years long.
Moreover, after spending a considerable
amount of time, money and effort on their
Master’s degree, degree holders may be
expecting higher remuneration in their
home country. However, with competition
levels high and no work experience, foreign
degree holders sometimes have to begin at
the same level as domestic degree holders.
“Readjusting to life in your own country
after the completion of your Master’s
abroad can be difficult, especially when you
are expecting higher remuneration because
you put so much money and effort into
your studies”, says Neha Rai, 27, a former
student of Glasgow University.
Adjusting to the work
environment
Nevertheless, some are able to earn
more than they anticipated because of
their competitive expertise and their
international degree. Thus, the combination
of skills and a foreign Master’s often works
positively to impress recruiters.
“I am making 30% more than some of my
colleagues because of my Master’s from
the UK and that’s what keeps me going
and makes me want to stay in India”, says
Rydell Davie Pires, 27, a former student of
Southampton University.
Those who have completed Master’s
degrees on the continent, in places like
Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin, may find
that the workplace culture they have
been experiencing and exposed to is
remarkably different to that of their home
country. France, for example, operates
a 35-hour week, and has done so since
1998, with some companies beginning
to trial banning the use of work e-mails
after office hours. Swedish companies
have been experimenting with 6-hour
working days. Germany’s Volkswagen has
followed the French model on e-mails in
personal time and Daimler has created a
system whereby workers taking annual
leave have their e-mails redirected to other
staff members, all in order to reduce the
workload when they return. A year spent
abroad will expose you to a variety of
different working patterns and cultures, but
readjusting could be a challenge. Indeed,
in stark contrast to life on the continent,
the UK newspaper The Independent wrote
that 29% of professional workers in London
found themselves working outside office
hours, and thought their work-life balance
suffered as a result. Knowing the workplace
culture you will enter when you complete
your Master’s is a challenge in itself, but
a little advance work will go a long way.
Targeting applications to businesses
which are active in the country of your
Master’s will help ease the transition from
international Master’s to a successful career.
“A year spent abroad will
expose you to a variety
of different working
patterns and cultures,
but readjusting could
be a challenge.”
While returning with an international
Master’s has its challenges, it still
represents a considerable achievement
and is an advantage when returning home.
However, it is important to vigorously plan
your next move. It is also vital to make
sure your degree is valid for the research
area or job you want to go into. With this
in mind, and by tailoring your applications
for employment or further research to
the skills and contacts gained during your
degree, you have an excellent chance of
standing out from the crowd when you
return home. □
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
27
MASTER’S INTERVIEW
A New Dawn
The classic story of a Master’s student who has made
her career dream come true
instrumental to my career development.
We had this big book divided into different
sections. Alumni were listed in alphabetical
order, by year of graduation, by country of
current employment, and by sector. There
were a lot of people working in Singapore
and each month there was a cocktail party
just for the EDHEC alumni in Singapore.
How has the Master’s degree
helped you find employment?
The Master’s Degree from EDHEC is very
reputable in France so it was very beneficial
in finding a job. All the headhunters and
recruiters I’ve met were aware of the
school’s value and knew that I have been
well prepared for the labour market.
Also, the school had an emphasis on career
preparation. Companies were often visiting
and even recruiting at the campus. Many
of my friends at school found jobs with
companies even before they graduated.
The recruiters themselves were often
alumni of EDHEC, which was very helpful
indeed.
There were many career fairs and a strong
career centre, which made it easier for
all students to find employment. Other
tools that I made use of were workshops
focusing on CV-building and a huge network
of alumni ready to help anyone to find the
job or the internship of their dreams
Do you feel more confident
professionally and personally
in the wake of your studies?
Yes, definitely! First of all I am more aware
of my skills and strengths, of what I want to
do, to explore, but also what I don’t want
to do. I think this is equally important for
young professionals who sometimes might
feel a bit lost as they leave school to enter
the “real” world.
The Master’s offered me the theoretical
framework that I needed in order to do
my job well, and my internships offered me
the chance to implement what I had learnt
immediately. Being able to gain this kind
of work traction at this early age allowed
me to be very confident at my first job
interview.
28
Cécile de Verbigier
de Saint Paul
EDHEC Business School
Graduate, Class of 2014
Cecile did the Grande École
programme at EDHEC’s Lille
campus, graduating with a double
degree in Business Management
from EDHEC (MSc) and Marketing
from the University of Trier (MA).
She spent four years at university,
and did three internships, at
Le Public Systeme, Pepsi Co.
France and Danone. She joined
an international media company
in Sofia, Bulgaria as a project
manager straight out of her last
internship in Paris, and has been a
valuable employee ever since.
Do you feel satisfied with your
investment? What has the
Master’s given you career-wise?
My family was not able to support me when
I was studying, so we had to take a loan. I
also had to work to support myself, doing
several jobs over the period of my studies.
I’ll admit the degree was not cheap, but
what truly mattered to me was to be able
to add value to my career profile so that I
won’t struggle with student jobs anymore.
Personally, my biggest takeaway from
the Master’s programme was the access
to the vast alumni network, which was
What would your advice be to
future struggling students?
Should they follow in your
footsteps? Should they go for a
Master’s? Why?
Seize all the opportunities that each school
has to offer; you don’t only get a degree
but so many other tangible and intangible
things for your professional and personal
life. For instance, you get the opportunity
to join student associations and clubs which
have a real impact on your community. Why
is that important, you ask? Because that
is where you will be able to take on real
responsibilities and thus be better prepared
for the real world.
How did EDHEC help you get a
job once you graduated?
The Career Services centre was very good
at EDHEC. They often asked us at which
stage in our job search we were and offered
practical help and advice if needed.
Actually, they called us even after we
graduated, which was really sweet, and it
made me feel proud to tell them that I had
already begun my first job.
Even now, every year, I receive an invitation
to a business career fair in Paris where
hundreds of companies gather to offer
internships to current students and real
jobs to graduating students. It’s truly
amazing how they are able to do it year
after year, and to create so much value for
their students. □ A.Z.
T
he Master’s in Management
and Organisation provides
the key management knowhow for graduates to excel in
decision making as managers
and build adequate and more
sustainable organisations.
Management applicants
This stream enables students to understand
better the challenges associated with a
managerial position. The focus is on the
entire process of research, monitoring and
analysing an organisation’s performance.
A Master’s in Management is accessible
to candidates either with or without
work experience who are looking to gain
knowledge of the different management
styles and techniques to avoid the
operational and strategic decision-making
pitfalls of any management position.
Course content
Students confront the practical application
of management theory by learning and
developing the conceptual tools of
management. Leadership and management
styles are crucial to the Master’s in
Management’s curriculum. Understanding
the human resources strategies for financial
and organisational efficiency, acquiring the
ability to use the appropriate leadership
style and getting closer to the corporate
ethics dilemma – all are part of studying
Management.
In addition, management studies are
inherent to the business administration
practices and techniques where the
conceptual tools are used just as a
useful guideline for practical solutions. In
recent years, Information Technologies
and Innovation have been introduced
as an integral part of the curriculum.
Companies look to achieve better
competitiveness through innovative
solutions in management practices and a
better understanding of the influence that
technologies have over any type of business
or organisation. Moreover, innovative
thinking is now a requirement for all
managers. A Master’s in Management aims
MASTER’S CAREERS
Management
and Organisation
to provoke leadership potential; it teaches
critical thinking and develops analytical
abilities in order to stimulate sustainable
management practices among graduates.
Career opportunities
Upon graduation from the Management
programme, graduates are able to integrate
any type of organisation in the private or
the government sector. Managers are
highly valued at any level in the corporate
world. There are many multinational
bodies looking for young graduates with
management and business backgrounds.
They are highly appreciated for graduate
programmes, as this is the best way to
embark on a career for global players such
as IBM, Apple, Google, BP etc. Furthermore,
this programme enables graduates to
acquire skills that are useful for any start-up
organisation. The course provides adequate
know-how to manage personal business
ventures, as management skills are among
the top specialities for any entrepreneur.
Organisation applicants
The core audience of this programme is
composed of people who are looking to
understand organisational development
and organisational change better, aiming
to further their body of knowledge to
supplement any future managementoriented career.
Course content: Change management
is a sought-after subject within the
organisational change stream. Research
of the conceptual frameworks for
organisational behaviour is among the
main technical aspects, but organisational
change theories are mainly tested in
workshops. The ability of any organisation
to change over periods of time is studied
through the practical insight of business
mentality. Understanding an organisational
development programme requires a
thorough understanding of the different
elements of an organisation’s inner world.
The Organisational Change course is
an inherent part of any management
degree. The ability to apply management
practices and management styles to the
organisational development concepts
learned during this course is among the key
career goals to achieve upon graduation.
The programme is aimed at creating skilled
professionals with critical understanding
of organisational change in any type of
organisation.
Career options
The natural career choice for a graduate in
Organisation Management would be within
the field of Human Resources in companies
or government agencies. Working as a
consultant in companies specialising in
organisational change or recruitment is
another typical career path. Organisational
change management consultancy is a new
field of the consulting sector which is poised
to become increasingly valuable for SMEs
(small and medium enterprises) and the
start-up sector in a variety of industries.
Another path is that of industrial
organisational psychologist, which involves
working closely with the field of human
resources. An academic background that
incorporates the concepts of organisational
change and development is an influential
asset for people willing to embark on
their own entrepreneurial projects, or
playing a key role in small and fast-growing
businesses. □
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29
MASTER’S CAREERS
Marketing and
Communications
M
many opportunities. They open lines of
communication between companies and
the people to whom they are providing
services. Graduate communications schools
prepare students for in-demand careers in
any number of industries and professional
settings. The theories which are taught and
practised are not only based on the latest
communications theories, they also equip
graduates with the essential leadership
skills necessary for forming coalitions, as
well as handling and resolving crises.
aster’s in Marketing and
Communication prepare
graduates to participate in
strategic business expansion and
branding by analysing customers’
behaviour and expectations in
order to determine the most
effective way to reach them.
Marketing applicants
Graduate programmes in Marketing
teach students how to target a specific
population or group in order to sell
a product more effectively. Graduate
students will gain knowledge of specifics
about the sociology, consumer behaviour
and purchasing patterns of certain target
groups. Marketing at its highest level is
an extremely intellectual and abstract
profession, one whose applications and
results are firmly rooted in the world of the
practical consumer. Potential candidates for
graduate marketing programmes should be
productively creative and ambitious in their
approach to learning and to life in general.
Course content
While training focuses on some traditional
academic spheres such as sociology and
psychology, it is still very important for
those in the field of marketing to participate
actively with the world around them.
Additionally, as just about any product
or service is capable of being marketed,
you will find a few specific directions you
may choose to focus on, such as Businessto-Business Marketing, Developing New
Products and Services, Advertising, Public
Relations, Marketing Strategy, International
Marketing, Sales Management and Control
or Marketing Management.
Career options
The number of different careers and jobs
30
Course content
which fall under the umbrella of marketing
means that 30% of all workers worldwide
are estimated to be employed in marketing.
The avenues for marketing professionals
to pursue are seemingly infinite. Specific
areas include advertising and public
relations, brand management, businessto-business marketing, direct marketing,
distribution channel management, brand
management, consulting, marketing
research, non-profit marketing, product
management, international marketing,
new product planning, retail marketing,
marketing professor and sales promotion
management. According to the US Bureau
of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook,
jobs within the marketing sector will grow
at a higher rate than other jobs at a national
level.
Communications
Applicants: Students enrolled on graduate
communications programmes receive
an interdisciplinary education with
Students at graduate communications
schools can choose from journalism,
mass media, marketing and professional
writing graduate programmes. A Master’s
in Communications is not targeted only
at candidates with the gift of the gab, or
proficient writers; it caters for people who
have a flair for writing and communicating,
and who have good interpersonal skills.
Those who are interested in communications
management can opt for a graduate
communications management programme,
which involves analysing audiences,
organising ideas and choosing the right
medium in a multicultural environment;
or telecommunications management
and corporate communications, involving
the study of public opinion, marketing
communication and audience behaviour.
Other specific areas include: advertising
& public relations, journalism and mass
media, publishing, radio, TV and film.
Career options
Graduates with a Master’s degree in
Communication can become public
relations executives, human resources
executives, corporate media directors,
corporate communications consultants,
advertising executives and more. □
M
aster’s in Finance and
Accounting are designed to
give students the advanced
knowledge, skills and practical
education necessary to focus on
finance and accounting careers.
Finance applicants
With finance being one of the largest
sectors in the world economy, this stream
of Master’s has the widest variety of
professional courses. Those looking
to delve into the world of financial
analysis, corporate finance, investment
management and commercial finance
should be considering this core sector
of Master’s programmes. Most people
pursuing graduate degrees in finance
already have an undergraduate degree
in a related field or have an equivalent
background through their work experience.
Those wishing to switch careers may need
to take some introductory classes before
pursuing an advanced degree.
Course content
Graduate programmes in finance combine
a challenging range of subjects, which are
designed to help students understand the
financial forces in today’s modern business
climate and contribute meaningfully
to companies by helping them make
wise financial choices. Core topics of
the programme include the analysis of
global asset allocation and international
fund management, investment banking
and venture financing, the analysis of
trading systems and the ensuing market
microstructure, as well as the design and
operation of insurance and pension systems.
Career options
Jobs in finance are often highly paid but a
career in finance requires strong analytical
skills and even more initiative. According
to a survey conducted in 2007, finance
job holders in London are the highest paid
within the UK. Professionals in finance
become specialised in the following sectors/
roles: commercial banking, corporate
finance, financial analysts and personal
financial advisers, insurance, investment
banking, loan officers & counsellors,
money management, property, financial
analysis, business consulting, taxation, risk
management, funds management, stockbroking, merchant banking, investment
banking, underwriting, and insurance
services.
Accounting applicants
Master’s programmes in Accounting have
been designed for seasoned accountants
and those aspiring to enter the field. The
MSA prepares you for today’s complex
and competitive business environment
and acts as a prerequisite for entry into
public accounting. A Bachelor’s degree is
the minimum prerequisite for most careers
in the accounting industry. The industry
is growing and is expected to continue to
grow as laws and policies change and as
more companies have their finances closely
inspected.
Course content
The main job of an accountant or auditor
is to make sure that businesses maximise
production, pay taxes correctly, and keep
public records. Accountants review, draft,
and authenticate documents containing
MASTER’S CAREERS
Finance and Accounting
financial information for clients. In addition,
accountants are finding it increasingly
valuable to possess associated knowledge
in areas such as information technology,
law, budget analysis and investment
planning. Students considering a career in
accounting, or wanting to study accounting,
should obviously have a solid background
in mathematics. They should also have
good business acumen, an ability to pay
attention to detail and a desire to work
in an environment in which they will be
challenged more than they may have
imagined.
Accounting forms an important function of
any company as it relates to many aspects
such as listing of shares, analysing budgets or
forecasting company finances. Accounting
courses equip students with the skills they
need to prepare taxes, budgets, business
and retirement plans, and investment
portfolios. Some accounting courses may
include corporate tax, advanced financial
accounting theory, strategic management,
and auditing principles and procedures.
These courses are usually taken by people
with prior experience in the field and are
popular among accounting professionals
wanting to upgrade their skills and keep
abreast of the latest technology and
processes.
Career options
Graduates with a Master’s degree in
business accounting may become public
accountants, management accountants,
internal auditors, controllers, taxation
specialists, chief financial officers and
more. □
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
31
MASTER’S CAREERS
International
Business and Strategy
P
rogrammes dedicated to
equipping students with the
knowledge and perspective
required to become successful leaders of tomorrow’s diverse
and global business context.
International business
applicants
In a world where international competition
is increasing and the business environment
is becoming extremely globalised, the
demand for well-educated, practically
oriented managers who also possess the
soft skills to be culturally intelligent is quite
apparent. The Master’s in International
Business is dedicated to addressing the
complexity of contemporary markets faced
by businesses today. The programme
provides a mixture of management theory
and best practices in international business.
It emphasises participation through handson experience and brings life to otherwise
abstract theory.
Collaborative group work is embedded in
the very core of the learning experience
throughout the programme, thus providing
international exposure to all students.
The broader perspective brought by the
Master’s in International Business facilitates
the development of the skill-set necessary
for a successful career in a multinational
enterprise.
Course content
During the programme, students take
courses designed to build an in-depth
knowledge of the study subjects, understand
the theory behind essential topics, and
dedicate time to analysing and solving
real-world case studies. The courses
chosen for the curriculum of the Master’s
in International Business aim to provide
an understanding of important managerial
topics, while focusing on the problems
and issues related to the international
aspect of business. Furthermore, a focus
is put on the importance of corporate
entrepreneurial spirit, managing
change and the social responsibilities
32
of businesses, thus establishing a wellrounded understanding of the common
ground between the different aspects of
successful management.
Career options
Successful management of organisations
revolves around the integration of
theoretical knowledge and practical
experience with soft skills. A Master’s
degree in International Management
provides students with an excellent
opportunity to pursue a wide range of
international careers. Graduates will be
able to achieve employment in professional
fields such as management, finance,
international trade, business development,
marketing, human resources and research.
Common positions include business
developer, product manager, key account
manager and project leader. These are just
a few examples of possible career paths
for students graduating the Master’s in
International Management programme. Strategy applicants
The objective of a Master’s in Strategic
Management is to educate students
to become managers who will expand
existing businesses and seize new business
opportunities within their organisations.
The programme focuses on developing
critical thinking, as well as in-depth
awareness of business strategy and its
relevance to the organisation. It provides
an analytical approach to strategy while
continuously delivering examples from the
real world to facilitate the application of
theory.
The programme offers an opportunity for
personal and professional development
through enhancement of leadership skills
and sharpening of strategic thinking,
enabling graduates to become job-ready
and prepared to lead change in the
organisation. Special attention is devoted
to understanding organisational structure
in detail – a vital aspect in strategic decision
making and planning that employers find
highly applicable to the work place.
Course content
The programme offers both theory and
practice, in the form of an overview of key
business issues and practical knowledge
on how to solve them. This is usually
done through a combination of analytical
approach and contemporary case studies.
The curriculum includes subjects covering
the latest topics in management, strategy
and leadership, and provides understanding
of today’s business practices. By focusing
on instilling an understanding of the
impacts of strategic decision making, the
programme allows students to enrich and
broaden their perspective to include all
stakeholders when solving management
challenges.
The Master’s in Strategic Management
teaches how to evaluate the market
landscape; how to manage people, group
processes and organisational design; and
how to carry out organisational change. The
open outlook provided by the academic
subjects facilitates the ability to analyse
current organisational issues properly and
to solve them. Furthermore, by exploring
fundamental strategic management topics
in detail, it improves the decision-making
success of students, thus improving their
future leadership performance.
Career options
Strategic decision making is fundamental
to every organisation. As a result, there is a
range of interesting career opportunities to
choose from. Experiencing the interactions
between general management, strategy,
entrepreneurship and practice at
the academic level allows a Strategic
Management graduate to reap substantial
career benefit. Career options focus on
organisational development and change,
operations management, strategic
thinking and strategic leadership. HRrelated issues are also prominent, as
strategic change often involves companywide implementation. Depending on the
student’s background and interests, a
consultancy position in an organisation
within any industry is also possible. □
B-schools
MASTER’S
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Manchester Business School| Alliance MBS
Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
North America
Fordham University - Graduate School
of Business
Hult International Business School
UBC Sauder School of Business
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
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MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
Ashridge Master’s Education
UNITED KINGDOM
Student Body
Ashridge has been a place of executive
learning and development for over 50 years,
having been founded in 1959 by visionary
leaders from organisations including Shell,
Guinness and Unilever.
A World Class Business Reputation
Each year, Ashridge works with two thirds
of the FTSE 100 companies, over 850
corporate clients and 6,500 executives
across the globe. Ashridge holds triple
accreditation of EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB
– highly regarded hallmarks of quality and
standards in education worldwide.
Practical Approach
Ashridge adopts an interactive and practical
learning approach by having smaller classes.
There is a strong emphasis on group work
and discussions as opposed to traditional
lecture-style classes.
Learn from Real Business Leaders
Ashridge faculty includes high-achieving
business and academic professionals who
have a passion for developing leaders. We
are not traditional academics. Most of us
have extensive international experience,
meaning we are fully immersed in the
everyday issues and challenges you face.
Programme Presentation
Our executive programmes have been
chosen for over 50 years by business
executives for their relevance to strategic
business. The Ashridge management
programmes make an immediate impact,
giving you a deeper understanding of the
fundamentals of management and skills to
progress your career.
Ashridge is renowned globally for its work
and teaching in organisational change,
and has supported leaders to make a stepchange in their capability as enablers of
organisational change and organisation
development. Our coaching programmes
offer the opportunity to become an
accredited coach and have been developed
by experienced practitioners.
Our available programmes:
MSc in Management
Executive MBA for the Creative Industries
MSc in Sustainability and Responsibility
MSc in Organisational Change
Doctorate in Organisational Change
MSc in Executive Coaching
Type of Programme:
AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
We are ranked in the top 1% of business schools worldwide by the
Financial Times
MSc, MBA, Doctorate
Programme Format:
Part-time, blended learning and online
Content Strength or
Specialisation:
Management, Leadership, Finance, Marketing, Sustainability,
Entrepreneurship, Organisational Change, Coaching, Creative industries
Language Courses:
English
Application Deadlines:
Rolling
Starting Dates:
Rolling
Rankings:
34
Admission Requirements
University Degree: Bachelor’s degree
or equivalent (however experienced
applicants with professional experience
will also be considered)
GMAT: None, however participants may
have to sit an Ashridge Admissions Test
TOEFL: If English is not your first
language, you must provide evidence of
strong English skills via either IELTS or
other recognised proficiency tests
References: Two
Minimum Length of Work Experience:
Three years
Costs
Tuition Fees: 18,000 to 39,000 GBP +
VAT
Scholarships: Scholarships, financial
assistance and educational loans
available
Contacts
Programme Info:
Accreditations:
Male Female Ratio: 42/58%
Age Range: 23-60
Average Age: 45
International Students:
United Kingdom: 33%
Europe: 23%
North America: 21%
Central/South America: 6%
Latin America: 3%
Oceania and Asia: 7%
Africa: 7%
Name: Admissions Office
Email: admissions@ashridge.hult.edu
Telephone: +44 (0)1442 841120
Website: www.ashridge.org.uk
SHAPING TOMORROW’S
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
MSc Programmes
in Management
ESADE’s Masters in Science are
designed for talented young people
looking to embark on a successful
professional career, creating the basis
for great things to come in the future.
The combination of the prestige of
ESADE, the unparalleled experience
on our multicultural campus and in
the bustling Mediterranean business
city that is Barcelona, makes ESADE
the perfect atmosphere to develop
your potential.
Our MSc Programmes
Finance
Global Strategic Management
Why an ESADE MSc?
Among the World’s best
MSc in Finance and CEMS MIM ranked
2nd and 4th in the world respectively
(Financial Times 2015).
Diversity
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
49 nationalities represented across our
MSc programmes.
International Management
Hands-on learning
Marketing Management
Career-oriented
CEMS MIM
Test out all that you learn by doing.
94% of our MSc students secure job offers
within 3 months of graduation.
Barcelona
www.esade.edu/msc
One of the world’s most innovative
business cities.
MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
Hands-On Entrepreneurship
H ungary
Student Body
Education at CEU Business School, founded
by George Soros, represents a dynamic
balance between the latest theory and
practice. The CEU learning experience
involves case studies, application of the
latest technology, and opportunities for field
projects. Students are part of a diverse,
sophisticated and engaged community
drawing on fellow students as well as CEU
Business School faculty, top executives and
entrepreneurs. Employers consistently rank
it as the top business school in Central
Europe.
CEU Business School prides itself on making
its MSc programs available to any qualified
candidates while adhering to the highest
standards of excellence.
Programme Presentation
CEU Business School offers the following
full-time and part-time newly developed
Master’s programmes:
MSc in IT Management
This 12-month programme is designed
to help professionals with technical
backgrounds as well as those with broader
experience prepare for technology-related
leadership positions and even create
their own high-tech start-ups. This is not
a technical programme, but a business
programme aimed at participants with a
technical background. It links technical
expertise, business needs and opportunities
in every kind of business setting.
MSc in Finance
This programme confers a US Master of
Science degree and is available full-time
(12 months) or part-time (12/18 months),
including as a dual degree. It has a strong
practical focus with a capstone field
project, an expert speaker series, case
studies, simulations and company visits.
The programme’s Advisory Committee is a
working group of senior executives advising
on the curriculum, contributing content,
and helping with internships and careers.
Scholarships are available from NASDAQ and
London and Hong Kong-based investment
firms. Faculty have taught and earned
degrees at Chicago, Wharton, Princeton,
NYU, Yale, Indiana, Boston, Cambridge,
Oxford, the LSE, Imperial and INSEAD.
MSc in Business Analytics
This new 12-month interdisciplinary
programme offers a full spectrum of skills
and knowledge necessary for business
analysts to create value from big data and
other sources of quantitative information. It
also emphasises managerial and economic
factors related to creating value from data.
Our graduates can connect with highly
specialised software developers and
quantitative analysts and can present their
analyses and ideas in clear and effective
ways to management colleagues. They are
prepared for the next wave of business
opportunities.
Programme Info:
Type of Programme:
Consistently highly ranked in Europe by international and regional
employers
MSc in Finance; MSc in IT Management; MSc in Business Analytics
Programme Format:
Full-time/Part-time formats
Language Courses:
English
Starting Dates:
MSc in Finance: September/January; MSc in IT Management: January;
MSc in Business Analytics: September/February
Rankings:
36
Male/Female Ratio: IT Management:
78/22%, Finance: 76/24%, Business
Analytics: 88/12%
Age Range: IT Management: 25-43,
Finance: 24-52, Business Analytics: 26-48
Average Age: IT Management: 33,
Finance: 30, Business Analytics: 36
Degree Background: Computer
Science: 9%, Engineering: 9%, Financial
Management: 9%, International
Relations: 9%, Economics: 12%,
Business: 21%, Other: 31%
International Students:
Europe: 46%; North America: 8%;
Middle East: 8%; Asia: 38%
Admission Requirements
GMAT (minimum): Competitive (can
be replaced by CEU-administered
Mathematics test)
TOEFL: CBT 230; PBT: 570; IBT: 88
References: Two
Minimum Length of Work Experience:
MSc in Finance, IT Management,
Business Analytics: preferred but not
required
Costs
Application Fees: 40 EUR for full-time
programmes
Tuition Fees:
MSc in Finance: 10,000 EUR
MSc in IT Management: 8,600 EUR
MSc in Business Analytics: 12,000 EUR
Scholarships: Tuition reduction of 15%
granted to alumni of all CEU degree
programmes. NASDAQ-CEU Business
School Scholarship for MSc in Finance
+ Big Data Scholarship
Contacts
Name: Marketing, Recruitment &
Admission Office
Email: recruiting@business.ceu.edu
Telephone: +36 1 887 5014
Website: business.ceu.edu
MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
INSEEC
Worldwide Opportunities
France
Student Body
Founded in 1975 in Bordeaux, INSEEC
Business School has developed over
the past 40 years into a group of 12
brands, offering generalist and specialist
programmes in Management and
Communication, on 9 campuses in Europe,
the US and China.
Located in the heart of vibrant cities
such as Paris, London, San Francisco or
Shanghai; by the sea, as in Monaco or
Bordeaux; or close to the French Alps, as
in Lyons, Chambéry or Geneva, INSEEC
provides its 15,500 students with the
opportunity to study from Bachelor to
MSc, MA, MBA or DBA, setting itself as the
uncontested leader in the French private
higher education sector.
Programme Presentation
INSEEC offers high-level international
business and communication education to
its MSc and MA programme participants
wishing to acquire new skills in
international business, finance, marketing,
advertising or the arts. These programmes
deliver specialised business training in
various fields ranging from luxury brand
management to private banking.
INSEEC MSc and MA programmes are
available in major European cities such
as Paris, Bordeaux, Lyons or Chambéry,
as well as in London or San Francisco,
allowing students to enter an international
business network.
Male/Female Ratio: 45/55%
Age Range: 22-38
Average Age: 26
Ratio of applicants to places: 3/1
International Students: 34
Africa 2%
Asia 21%
Eastern Europe 5%
Middle East 5%
North America 22%
Oceania 1%
South America 8%
Western Europe 36%
Admission Requirements
University degree: 3 or 4-year degree
Proof of English or French proficiency
depending on the programme
References: Letter of Recommendation
Minimum Length of Work Experience:
Two years
Costs
Application Fees: none
Tuition Fees:
One-year programmes: 8,300 EUR to
12,450 EUR
Two-year programmes: 14,500 EUR to
18,950 EUR
Contacts
Programme Info:
Rankings:
Type of Programme:
Programme Format:
Wine Marketing & Management ranked 4th in France
Luxury Brand Management ranked 9th in France
Tourism Marketing & Management ranked 9th in France
One-year MSc/MA programmes
Two-year MSc/MA programmes
12 months, split equally between school and a company
Languages Courses:
Specialisations in Finance, Marketing & Communication, International
Business Management, Sport Business, Luxury Management, Fashion,
Wine & Spirits, Hospitality…
English and/or French
Application Deadlines:
Rolling
Starting Dates:
February/March, September/October
Content Strength or
Specialisation:
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Name: Marinella AMATO
Email: internationaladmissions@inseec.
com
Telephone: +33147205207
Website: www.inseec.com
16274-03/16
Crédits photo : easylifeprod.com
40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
IN HIGHER EDUCATION
MASTERS OF SCIENCE
Finance • Marketing • International Business
Brand Strategy • Luxury Management • Fashion Marketing
Real Estate • Sport Business • Wine & Spirits
Digital Media • Advertising & Public Relations • Art Direction
INSEEC.COM
MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
Master’s of Science
MONACO
Student Body
The International University of Monaco is
a private business school recognised and
certified by the Government of Monaco.
IUM offers students a thorough Business
education in English in a highly diverse
cultural environment. IUM proposes
graduate degrees in Business Administration,
Finance, Luxury Management, Marketing,
Sport Business Management and
International Management.
Programme Presentation
All our MSc programmes boast cutting-edge
curricula that combine theoretical business
studies and real-life professional experience.
Monaco Business School provides a unique
choice of specialisations which give
students an all-round, yet targeted business
education. During our MSc programmes,
students not only acquire deep knowledge
of the main business concepts, but also
develop specific skills in the key areas that
interest them.
Our Master of Science programmes last
16 months, with classes from September
through June followed by an extended
internship. January entry is also possible
under certain conditions.
Ratio of Applicants to Places: 1 place
for 3 applications
Male Female Ratio: 41/59%
Age Range: : 21-29
Average Age: 24
Degree Background: Bachelor’s degree
International Students: 100%
Europe: 73%
North America: 7%
Central/South America: 4%
Middle East: 1%
Oceania and Asia: 11%
Africa: 4%
Admission Requirements
University Degree: Bachelor’s degree
GMAT (minimum): not required
TOEFL: 79 minimum
References: One letter of reference
required
Minimum Length of Work Experience:
no experience required
Costs
Application Fees: 100 EUR
Tuition Fees:
MSc in Luxury Management:
21,200 EUR
MSc in Finance: 19,950 EUR
All other Master programmes:
19,450 EUR
Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships
available – up to 3,000 EUR
Contacts
Programme Info:
Accreditations:
Recognised and accredited by the state of Monaco
Type of Programme:
Master of Science (MSc) programmes
Programme Format:
16 months – 10 months in class and 6 months in an internship
Content Strength or
Specialisation:
Master of Science in Luxury Management, Finance, International
Management, Marketing, Sport Business Management and Sustainable
Peace through Sport
Programmes taught entirely in English
Languages Courses:
Application Deadlines:
Exchange Programme:
40
Starting Dates: September and January (available for all programmes
under certain conditions except for finance)
No
Name: Ms Audrey Valle
Email: admissions@monaco.edu
Telephone: +377.97.986.986
Website: www.monaco.edu
MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
Kedge Business School –
France – European Master’s
FRANCE & CHINA
Student Body
Bordeaux, Marseille, Paris, Toulon, Dakar,
Suzhou and Shanghai (China)
BEM and EUROMED MANAGEMENT merged
in July 2013, creating a global player in
Management Education: KEDGE Business
School. The aim is to be among the Top
15 Business Schools in Europe in the FT
rankings by 2017.
KEDGE Business School is committed to
creating new modes of teaching and
personal development, connecting and
strengthening its global community network
and promoting responsible management
practices. This approach is encapsulated by
our brand signature: CREATE SHARE & CARE
• Create: Develop creative talents thanks
to Innovative teaching methods, Research
and Entrepreneurship
• Share: Bring people together, whatever
their background
• Care: Train managers who will acquire
a social vision and a sense of Managerial
Responsibility
Programme Presentation
In order to train the creative, operational
and high-performing managers and business
leaders of tomorrow, KEDGE Business
School has developed a pedagogy focused
on action, project management and soft
skills. Be-U, our Personal and Professional
Development scheme, delivers 360° support
throughout the student’s learning path.
This unique and proven teaching approach
enables students to go on a journey of selfdiscovery, develop a wide range of skills and
build their professional project.
Subjects of Master’s Study: Management,
Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain,
Purchasing, International Business, Sport
and Event Management, Maritime, Design: a
range of programmes focused on maximising
employability.
More information available here:
www.kedgebs.com/en/programmes/
programmes-in-english
Rankings:
Type of Programme:
Admission Requirements
University Degree: Yes
GMAT: 500
TOEFL: TOEFL IBT (80), TOEFL (500)
Minimum Length of Work Experience:
No
Costs
Application Fees: 120 EUR
Tuition Fees: 9,000-16,500 EUR / year
depending on the Programme
Scholarships
Early Bird Waiver
Distinction Scholarship
Achievement Scholarship
Outstanding Student Trophy
Contacts
Programme Info:
Accreditations:
Male/Female Ratio: 50%
Age Range: 23-30
Average Age: 25
Degree Background: Bachelor’s degree
essential
International Students: 25%
Europe: 25%
North America: 5%
Latin America: 15%
Middle East: 5%
Oceania and Asia: 30%
Africa: 20%
AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS
MBA 23rd in the world FT ranking for Executive MBAs 2015, MS &
M.Sc. Global Supply Chain Management 2nd in the world EDUNIVERSAL
ranking
Master, Master of Science, Specialised Masters
Programme Format:
Content Strength or
Specialisation:
Languages Courses:
Full Time
Application Deadlines:
End of June
Starting Dates:
September
Exchange Programme:
Yes
Name: Laurence MARIET- SANCHEZ
Email: international@kedgebs.com
Telephone: +33 (0)491827746 or
+33 (0)491827321
Website: www.kedgebs.com/en
Management, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, Purchasing,
International Business, Sport and Event Management, Maritime, Design
English or French
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
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MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
Focusing on Today’s Key
Management Challenges
U nited K ingd o m
Student Body
Programme Presentation:
Alliance Manchester Business School was
jointly the first business school in the UK
and is the country’s largest campus-based
business and management school. We
became Alliance Manchester Business
School in September 2015 following a
landmark 15m GBP donation from Lord
Alliance of Manchester and his trustees.
The donation will be invested in the School’s
new building and to drive its research
agenda forward. Together this will enhance
the learning experience for all students. Plus,
we are 2nd in the UK for business research,
according to the latest Research Excellence
Framework (REF) 2014 results.
Choose from one of our 17 Master’s courses
to get the opportunity to learn in a forwardthinking, research-led environment working
with academics at the cutting edge of their
fields.
You can take advantage of our top ranked
careers service, voted No. 1 in the UK by
employers for the past eight years, and have
access to more than 4,500 UK and global
employers.
Finance & Accounting: MSc Accounting
and Finance (Full-time); MSc Finance (Fulltime); MSc Finance & Business Economics
(Full-time); MSc Quantitative Finance (Fulltime); MSc Accounting (Full-time - subject
to approval)
Marketing & Communication: MSc
Marketing / MSc Marketing (specialism)
(Full-time); MSc Corporate Communications
& Reputation Management (Full-time)
Business & Strategy: MSc International
Business and Management (Management
or Research pathways) (Full-time); MSc
Business Analysis and Strategic Management
(Full-Time); MSc Management (Full-time)
Management & Organisation: MSc Business
Analytics: Operational Research and Risk
Analysis (Full-time); MSc Operations, Project
and Supply Chain Management (Fulltime); MSc Innovation Management and
Entrepreneurship (Full-time or Part-time)
People Management: We offer a range of
other courses including those in human
resource management and industrial
relations, organisational psychology and
business psychology. See the website for
the full list of courses available: www.
alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/masters/
courses
Programme Info:
Accreditations:
AACSB International, AMBA and EQUIS
Length of Courses:
12 months full-time (some courses offered 24 months part-time)
Application Deadlines:
Rolling admission
Starting Dates:
September every year
International Exchanges:
Offered on MSc International Business and Management (Management)
Internships:
Offered on MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management
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Average Class Size Range: 20-118
Degree Background: Finance, Analytics
and Psychology related courses require
a relevant background, other courses
accept any discipline.
International Students: 81%
Admission Requirements
University degree: 2:1 Bachelor’s
UK honours degree or the overseas
equivalent
TOEFL: ib 100. See website for details
IELTS: 7 (with Speaking and Writing 6.5
and no element below 6)
References: Two academic required
Minimum Length of Work Experience:
None
Costs
Application Fees: 60 GBP required for
some courses. See website for details
Tuition Fees: See website for latest
information
Scholarships: See website for details
Contacts
Name: Alliance Manchester Business
School
Email: pg@mbs.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 161 306 1339
Website: www.alliancembs.manchester.
ac.uk/masters
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Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is the largest private university in Europe
with 12 Faculties and 4 campuses across Italy. Cattolica stands out for its winning formula that combines three elements essential for international students
nowadays: acknowledged academic excellence (10 out of 12 of our disciplines
feature in the top global rankings); strong industrial ties that facilitate networking
and internship opportunities; targeted services for international students: from
visa and accommodation assistance to dedicated orientation events. With over
100 nationalities in the University, classrooms are international but Italian at
heart.
Cattolica offers two types of graduate programs:
The Master of Science degree (“Laurea Magistrale”):
■ Awarded after two years of graduate studies for a total of 120 ECTS;
■ Aims to provide rigorous, advanced training in more highly specialized areas;
■ Enables access to a PhD at any Italian or international university.
The 1 year Specializing Master (“Master Universitario”):
■ Focuses on specific topics and aims at providing practical skills to develop
specific professional competences;
■ Upon completion awards minimum 60 ECTS;
■ All programs include consultancy work projects that may lead to internships/
job opportunities.
English-taught programs offered:
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees range between
EUR 5,000 and 12,000 a
year. We offer partial, meritbased scholarships consisting
of tuition fee reductions for
international students.
Entry requirements
IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL ibt 80 (unless
previous education was 100%
taught in English). For 2 year
M.Sc. degrees an academic
background in a similar field is
preferred.
Applications deadlines
Vary according to program.
UCSC International
Via Carducci 28,
Milan 20123
Italy
Tel: +39 02 72345108
2 year Master of Science degrees (September intake):
■ Economics (Milan campus)
■ Management (Milan campus)
■ Banking & Finance (Milan campus)
■ International Management, Legislation & Society (Piacenza-Cremona campus)
■ Agricultural and Food Economics (Piacenza-Cremona campus)
1 year Specializing Masters (September or January intake depending on program):
■ Corporate Communication (Milan campus)
■ International Business (Milan campus)
■ International Marketing Management (Milan campus)
■ International Screenwriting and Production (Milan campus)
■ Luxury Goods Management - EMLUX (Milan campus)
■ Arts Management (Milan campus)
■ International Cooperation & Development (Milan campus)
■ International Relations (Milan campus)
■ Middle Eastern Studies (Milan campus)
■ Strategic Management for Global Business (Milan campus)
■ Viticulture and Enology (Piacenza-Cremona campus)
■ (2nd level, Advanced) Economics & Finance (Milan campus)
Contact us for all details at international.inquiry@unicatt.it or visit www.ucscinternational.it
MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
Make Your Own Way with Fordham University
united states
Student Body
Business with a Purpose in the Heart of
New York City.
The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham
University educates students who possess
the knowledge, creativity, and skills to
have a defining and lasting impact. Gabelli
School students share a “business with
a purpose” approach that balances the
demands of profit with the interests of
their communities and the world; here,
they refine their business philosophy,
along with industry- and function-specific
knowledge, through a mix of practical and
theoretical learning experiences. Top firms
seek out Gabelli School graduates for their
analytical and strategic thinking, strong
communication and interpersonal skills,
principled leadership, sense of humility,
and commitment to collaboration and
community. Fordham produces graduates
whom people will hear about and admire
not in 15 or 20 years, but in one or two.
Programme Presentation
The mission of the Gabelli School of Business
is to develop business leaders who are
equipped for continuous growth in the
changing global environment. Located
in midtown Manhattan, the commercial
capital of the world, the Gabelli School
is uniquely positioned to offer students
the opportunity to participate in regional
and global economies. Its reputation is
built upon scholarship and excellence
in teaching; the faculty includes both
distinguished academics and working
professionals in leadership positions at
major corporations, government agencies,
and startups. Community is a hallmark of the
Gabelli School, where an open, supportive
environment proves that it is possible to
be both competitive and collaborative. At
the conclusion of their programme, our
Master of Science graduates become part
of the global network of 175,000 Fordham
University alumni, whose loyalty is second
to none.
MSc in Accounting, MSc in Applied Statistics
and Decision Making, MSc in Business
Analytics, MSc in Global Finance, MSc
in Information Systems, MS in Investor
Relations, MSc in Marketing Intelligence,
MSc in Management, MSc in Media
Management, MSc in Quantitative Finance,
MSc in Taxation.
Programme Info:
Accreditations:
Rankings:
Type of Programme:
Programme Format:
Content Strength or
Specialisation:
AACSB, Middle States
Ranked #21 in finance and #16 in marketing by U.S. News & World
Report
12 specialised Master’s degrees
12-20 months
Application Deadlines:
Finance, Accounting and Taxation, Marketing, Data Analytics, Media
Management, Information Systems, Management, Investor Relations
Please visit: http://www.fordham.edu/info/20484/graduate_admissions
Starting Dates:
Please visit: http://www.fordham.edu/info/20484/graduate_admissions
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Male/Female Ratio: 37/63%
Average Age: 25
International Students: 83%
Admission Requirements
University Degree: Bachelor’s
GMAT (minimum): 658
References: Two
Minimum Length of Work Experience:
Not required. Please visit:
http://www.fordham.edu/info/20484/
graduate_admissions for detailed
programme information.
Costs
Application Fees: 130 USD (as of
5/1/2016; the application fee for the
2016-2017 academic year has not been
set. Please visit:
www.fordham.edu/info/21259/
tuition_and_fees/5700/gabelli_school_
of_business for updated information
on fees.)
Tuition Fees: 1,352 USD per credit (as
of 5/1/2016; tuition for the 2016-2017
academic year has not been set. Please
visit:
www.fordham.edu/info/21259/
tuition_and_fees/5700/gabelli_
school_of_business for updated tuition
information.)
Scholarships: For specific information
related to merit-based scholarships and
financial awards, please visit
www.fordham.edu/info/20491/
financial_assistance.
Contacts
Name: Gabelli School of Business Graduate
Admissions Office
Email: admissionsgb@fordham.edu
Telephone: 1 (212) 636-6200
Website: www.fordham.edu/business
MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
The Global Business School
united states
Student Body
Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai,
Shanghai, New York and Ashridge Estate
(UK)
Hult is The Global Business School, located
in San Francisco, Boston, London, Dubai,
Shanghai, New York and Ashridge Estate
(UK). Our programmes enable you to study
in multiple locations as you learn from
internationally renowned faculty alongside
students from over 120 countries and join
a network of more than 16,000 alumni
working across the globe.
Global
Hult is not just a business school. It’s a
global network that educates, inspires and
connects some of the most forward-thinking
business talent from around the world. The
Hult experience is about becoming part of
an international academic and professional
community that fosters the boldness,
curiosity and resilience needed to become
a global business leader.
Innovative
Our innovative programmes are designed
to give students a global perspective on the
issues shaping today’s business world, and
enable them to move seamlessly between
our campus locations to gain first-hand
experience in some of the world’s most
influential markets. We have won awards for
our cutting-edge approach and are ranked in
the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
Practical
Bringing fundamental global business
concepts to life through real-world practice
is the cornerstone of all our programmes.
We believe people learn better by doing, so
we have developed academic curricula that
reflect this. All Master’s students compete
in our seven-month Business Challenge,
solving a real challenge set by a major
corporation, or getting a start-up ready to
bring to market.
Programme Presentation
Master of International Business
This programme is designed for recent
graduates who want to launch a global
business career. Study in any three of
our seven locations and specialise in your
chosen area.
Master of International Marketing
This programme is specifically designed
for recent graduates who want to launch
a global marketing career. Study in Boston
and take electives at any other two of our
seven other locations around the world.
Master of Finance
This programme is designed for recent
graduates who want to launch a finance
career in multinational corporations. Study
in Boston and take electives at any two of
our seven other locations around the world.
Programme Info:
Accreditations:
Rankings:
Programme Format:
Content Strength or
Specialisation:
AMBA, NEASC, BAC
We are ranked in the top 1% of business schools worldwide by The
Economist and Bloomberg Business
One-year Master’s programme
Male/Female Ratio: 51/49%
Average Age: 24
Degree Background: Diverse
International Students:
Europe: 38%
North America: 17%
Central/South America: 12%
Middle East and Africa: 6%
Oceania and Asia: 27%
Admission Requirements
University Degree: Bachelor’s degree or
equivalent
Evidence of English proficiency
GMAT (minimum): only required for
MFIN
References: Two
Costs
Application Fees: 150 USD
Tuition Fees:
43,250 USD (Boston Campus)
45,000 USD (San Francisco Campus)
31,200 GBP (London Campus)
158,500 AED (Dubai Campus)
Dual Degree Programme: + 27,000 USD
Scholarships: Scholarships, financial
assistance and educational loans
available
Contacts
Email:
Europe: info.europe@hult.edu
North America: info.northam@hult.edu
Latin America: info.latam@hult.edu
Middle East Africa: info.mea@hult.edu
Asia: info.asia@hult.edu
South Asia: info.india@hult.edu
Website: www.hult.edu
International Business, International Marketing, Finance
Application Deadlines:
Rolling
Starting Dates:
Exchange Programme:
September
Study at any three of our seven campus locations
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
45
MASTER’S SCHOOL PROFILE
Challenge Your Possibilities.
Change Your Position.
CANADA
Student Body
The Sauder School of Business is one of the
world’s leading academic business schools,
recognised globally for its contributions to
the transformation of business practices
through innovative research and teaching.
Sauder offers a wide range of Graduate
Programmes, including full-time MBA, parttime MBA, International MBA and Master of
Management (MM). The school has more
than 37,000 alumni in 77 countries around
the world.
Programme Presentation
The Master of Management is a full-time,
nine-month Master’s degree that provides
a general foundation in business. The
programme is the only one from a North
American school in the Global Master’s
in Management Financial Times Ranking.
The MM is designed for people with
undergraduate degrees in non-business
disciplines and limited work experience
who want to fast-track their career. You
will gain valuable business skills relevant
to a career in any industry or sector, build
on the investment you have made in your
undergraduate education, and increase your
career opportunities. Learn more about the
programme here:
http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/MM
Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited
institution with a B average or better
• Not appropriate for candidates who have
a major or minor in Business Administration,
Commerce or Management
• GMAT or GRE score (min 550 GMAT or
300 GRE score)
• Applicants cannot have more than 2 years
of full-time work experience gained after
graduation from the Bachelor’s degree
• Completion of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, MELAB,
where applicable (An English proficiency
exam is required for all candidates whose
degrees are from a university outside
Canada or the US in which English was not
the official language of instruction)
• Resume/CV and professional letters of
reference
• Admission interview (by invitation)
Programme Info:
Accreditations:
EQUIS, AACSB
Type of Programme:
Financial Times 2015 Master of Management Ranking
#1 in North America and #52 in the world
#1 in North America for international faculty (Financial Times 2016
Global MBA Ranking)
#24 in the world for international mobility
#27 in the world for job placement success
9 Months
Programme Format:
Full Time
Rankings:
Application Deadlines:
Starting Dates:
46
7 December, 2016
1 February, 2017
5 April, 2017
7 June, 2017
August/September
Male/Female Ratio: 48/52%
Age Range: 21-27
Average Age: 23
Degree Background: Science 35%,
Economics 19%, Engineering 15%,
Humanities 15%, Social Sciences 10%,
Other 6%
International Students: 50%
Costs
Application Fees: 125 CAD
Tuition Fees: Canadian Citizens
and Permanent Residents (Landed
Immigrants): 28,460 CAD*
International Students: 42,006 CAD*
*Subject to UBC Board of Governor’s
approval. The university may adjust fees at
any time with limited notice.
Scholarships: For more information,
please visit:
http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/MM-Admissions
Contacts
Robert H. Lee Graduate School
Email: mm@sauder.ubc.ca
Telephone: 604-822-8422
Toll Free (Canada & USA ): 1-888 9889895
Website: www.sauder.ubc.ca/MM
MASTER’S
2016-2017 LISTING
Tables of Some of the Top
Master’s Programmes in the World
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
47
48
Tulane University: Freeman
Universidad Adolfo Ibanez
Università Bocconi
University College Dublin: Smurfit
University of Arizona: Eller
University of Bath School of Management
University of Edinburgh Business School
University of Exeter Business School
University of Hong Kong
University of Oxford: Saïd
University of Rochester: Simon
University of St Gallen
University of Strathclyde Business School
Vlerick Business School
Warwick Business School
Washington University: Olin
37
49
9
36
49
47
30
43
45
14
30
10
28
26
15
27
Lund University School of Economics and Management
38
Tilburg University
Leeds University Business School
46
Stockholm School of Economics
Lancaster University Management School
40
44
Kozminski University
18
12
Imperial College Business School
11
Skema Business School
Illinois Institute of Technology: Stuart
33
6
IE Business School
4
Singapore Management University: Lee Kong Chian
Henley Business School
32
34
HEC Lausanne
HEC Paris
25
1
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
Grenoble Ecole de Management
12
Queen Mary, University of London
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
21
23
Essec Business School
6
39
ESCP Europe
3
Peking University: Guanghua
Esade Business School
2
16
Edhec Business School
8
Nova School of Business and Economics
Eada Business School Barcelona
24
19
US
Durham University Business School
35
MIT: Sloan
Cranfield School of Management
22
Nottingham University Business School
City University: Cass
20
5
Brandeis University International Business School
29
42
Sweden
Boston College: Carroll
17
Country
US
UK
Belgium
UK
Switzerland
US
UK
China
UK
UK
UK
US
Ireland
Italy
US
Chile
Netherlands
Sweden
France
Singapore
Netherlands
UK
China
Portugal
UK
UK
UK
Poland
UK
US
Spain
UK
Switzerland
France
France, UK, Singapore
Germany
France, Singapore
France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy
Spain
France
Spain
UK
UK
UK
US
US
UK
Aston Business School
UK
Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow
48
School name
41
Rank
MSc in Finance
MSc Finance
Masters in Financial Management
Strathclyde MSc in Finance
HSG MA in Banking and Finance
MSc in Finance
MSc in Financial Economics
Master of Finance
MSc in Financial Analysis and Fund Management
MSc in Finance and Investment
MSc in Accounting and Finance
MSc in Finance
MSc in Finance
MSc in Finance
Master of Finance
MSc in Finance
Master in Finance
MSc in Finance
MSc Financial Markets and Investments
MSc in Applied Finance
MSc Finance & Investments
MSc in Investment and Finance
Master of Finance
International Masters in Finance
MSc in Finance and Investment
MIT Sloan Masters in Finance
Master in Finance
MSc in Accounting and Finance
MSc in Finance
Master in Finance
MSc in Finance
MSc in Finance
MSc in Finance
Msc in International Finance
MSc in International Securities, Investment and
Banking
Master in Finance
MSc in Finance
Master of Finance
Advanced Master in Financial Techniques
Advanced Master in Finance
MSc in Finance
EDHEC MSc in Financial Markets
International Master in Finance
MSc in Finance
MSc in Finance and Management
MSc in Finance
MA in International Economics and Finance
Carroll MSc in Finance
MSc in Investment Analysis
MSc in International Finance
Programme name
45 Master’s in Finance Worldwide (Financial Times)
14
14
10
12
35
15
9
14
13
12
12
14
12
28
11
15
17
20
12
12
12
12
22
20
14
12
9
14
12
24
14
21
10
9
24
10
24
21
13
13
13
9
10
14
13
13
21
12
12
12
Course length
(months)
73,955
65,553
59,028
53,572
83,210
75,630
87,314
60,211
50,173
48,981
31,470
51,398
49,647
90,016
71,363
48,252
51,984
81,851
70,310
65,029
64,949
47,596
97,142
49,187
35,979
113,134
49,040
28,556
42,928
72,006
72,758
80,017
96,169
48,972
65,400
92,613
60,019
78,072
79,659
78,348
83,276
73,538
59,385
51,723
66,306
66,404
68,124
100,024
36,707
42,240
Salary today (USD)
40
32
11
19
1
46
21
38
49
43
46
34
18
19
40
21
10
5
17
27
5
33
5
21
45
25
3
46
40
8
34
37
15
38
2
3
29
25
15
13
11
8
27
29
21
29
43
13
50
36
Value for money
rank
36
8
22
42
9
41
39
48
21
35
46
50
47
18
23
16
34
19
29
49
26
6
14
45
37
10
27
20
43
17
33
32
7
30
40
15
24
4
11
13
5
25
3
44
2
28
31
1
38
12
Careers rank
91 (87)
93 (79)
98 (91)
95 (75)
93 (66)
82 (85)
82 (83)
96 (69)
100 (25)
75 (52)
93 (42)
100 (13)
72 (66)
100 (39)
39 (57)
72 (81)
63 (49)
96 (88)
100 (97)
71 (51)
74 (76)
80 (8)
100 (100)
92 (98)
80 (85)
81 (100)
78 (59)
81 (84)
84 (45)
94 (86)
89 (94)
68 (73)
96 (88)
87 (68)
89 (82)
100 (66)
94 (76)
98 (86)
95 (88)
95 (99)
91 (94)
91 (80)
86 (82)
83 (38)
95 (53)
61 (89)
60 (89)
38 (89)
80 (15)
33 (6)
Employed at three
months (%)
70
93
44
91
74
93
98
17
96
96
99
64
65
22
16
93
33
62
74
90
60
86
9
62
92
83
57
97
92
18
93
95
84
100
87
55
89
49
39
31
79
58
79
93
99
94
76
69
72
99
International
students (%)
27
15
33
23
21
31
12
49
43
30
45
34
25
7
47
48
41
24
8
2
11
38
50
20
36
17
19
40
26
46
14
22
5
37
29
3
6
44
4
10
1
9
13
35
32
18
28
39
16
42
International mobility rank
MASTER’S LISTINGS
ACCESS MASTERS GUIDE 2016-2017
49
ESCP Europe
Essca School of Management
Essec Business School
Grenoble Ecole de Management
Hanken School of Economics
7
51
3
20
67
Country
France
Poland
Kedge Business School
Kozminski University
La Rochelle Business School
45
42
48
France
Spain, Taiwan, US
India
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
IQS/FJU/USF
16
India
India
UK
France
Spain
France
France
Germany
France
Switzerland
Finland
France
France
France
France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy
France
Spain
France
France
France
Germany
Spain
UK
Hungary
Denmark
UK
France
Portugal
France
Norway
France
Belgium
UK
Denmark
Finland
58
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
ESC Clermont
77
26
Esade Business School
12
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
EMLyon Business School
30
15
EM Normandie
69
Imperial College Business School
Edhec Business School
18
19
EBS Business School
11
Iéseg School of Management
Eada Business School Barcelona
27
21
Durham University Business School
57
IE Business School
Corvinus University of Budapest
68
10
Copenhagen Business School
32
ICN Business School
City University: Cass
24
IAE Aix-en-Provence, Aix-Marseille University GSM
Cems
4
50
Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics
59
55
Burgundy School of Business
76
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
BI Norwegian Business School
73
17
Audencia Business School
28
HEC Paris
Antwerp Management School
34
HEC Lausanne
Alliance Manchester Business School
70
2
Aarhus BSS
21
Aalto University
79
School name
54
Rank
Master in Management
Master in Management
Master in Management
Master in Global Entrepreneurial Management
Post Graduate Programme in Management
Post Graduate Programme in Management
Post Graduate Programme in Management
MSc in Management
Msc in Management
Master in Management
Master in Management
MSc in Management
MSc in Management
HEC MSc in Management
MSc in Management
MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Master in International Business
MSc in Management
Essca Master in Management
ESCP Europe Master in Management
Master in Management
MSc in International Management
MSc in Management
Master in Management
Edhec Master in Management
Master in Management
Master in International Management
MSc in Management
MSc in Management and Leadership
MSc in General Management
MSc in Management
Masters in International Management
International MSc in Management
Master in Management
MSc in Business
MSc in Management-Engineering
Master of Global Management
MSc in International Business and Management
MSc in Finance and International Business
MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Programme name
70 Master’s in Management Worldwide (Financial Times)
29
24
30
12
22
21
22
13
24
10
33
24
24
18
24
26
24
21
22
18
24
13
24
28
24
20
12
14
21
32
12
12
18
30
23
16
10
15
29
24
Course length
(months)
43,825
66,690
47,330
60,600
93,122
92,565
99,049
58,310
49,644
70,644
48,612
47,566
90,776
86,354
63,464
48,840
59,210
82,150
49,013
69,472
44,985
65,029
57,962
41,937
57,183
85,066
60,086
52,401
40,802
61,474
59,596
68,486
40,256
43,114
55,733
57,776
50,120
42,430
54,456
55,293
Salary today (USD)
75
22
69
62
45
58
65
73
77
50
72
19
32
34
8
20
52
44
57
53
51
38
71
60
61
33
47
41
17
3
48
10
43
55
35
36
30
66
29
6
Value for money
rank
21
44
29
80
1
2
3
41
15
7
58
13
60
12
10
79
17
4
50
26
54
16
31
70
32
9
8
69
46
45
52
34
65
75
66
6
24
57
78
72
Careers rank
82 (83)
94 (88)
86 (86)
n/a
100 (98)
100 (100)
100 (97)
90 (96)
86 (92)
95 (88)
90 (61)
87 (82)
90 (89)
97 (68)
94 (83)
98 (89)
93 (73)
94 (80)
90 (86)
88 (63)
87 (79)
94 (95)
83 (54)
75 (59)
96 (87)
85 (86)
90 (82)
92 (71)
97 (41)
81 (97)
64 (92)
95 (65)
98 (99)
90 (81)
96 (90)
99 (100)
86 (93)
94 (52)
76 (35)
98 (93)
Employed at three
months (%)
14
14
36
84
0
0
0
86
24
65
20
20
18
44
56
11
90
33
39
76
13
79
46
20
37
42
86
88
3
62
91
94
36
24
18
15
64
93
10
20
International
students (%)
53
76
30
10
59
78
72
12
17
15
31
48
63
6
35
56
8
9
70
13
40
2
21
36
26
43
27
51
50
22
16
5
62
65
77
34
57
33
54
73
International mobility rank
50
Skema Business School
Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management
St Petersburg State University Graduate School of Management
Stockholm School of Economics
Sun Yat-sen Business School
Télécom Business School
Tias Business School
Tongji University School of Economics and Management
Toulouse Business School
Università Bocconi
University College Dublin: Smurfit
University of Bath School of Management
University of Bradford School of Management
University of British Columbia: Sauder
University of Cologne, Faculty of Management
University of Economics, Prague
University of Edinburgh Business School
University of Exeter Business School
University of St Gallen
University of Strathclyde Business School
25
38
46
44
47
33
65
52
36
9
56
71
61
52
66
72
62
80
1
49
Footnotes:
Country
1. Source: Financial Times Master`s Ranking 2015
2. Value for Money rank: Calculated using alumni series 3 years after graduation,
course costs and length of the course.
Austria
Poland
Belgium
Australia
UK
Switzerland
UK
UK
Czech Republic
Germany
Canada
UK
UK
Ireland
Italy
France
China
Netherlands
France
China
Sweden
Russia
Belgium
France, US, China, Brazil
China
WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University: Antai
36
Netherlands
13
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
5
Italy
Germany
Politecnico di Milano School of Management
78
Netherlands
WHU Beisheim
Nyenrode Business Universiteit
60
Portugal
8
Nova School of Business and Economics
31
Norway
UK
NHH
64
France
Warwick Business School
Neoma Business School
34
France
23
Montpellier Business School
41
Germany
Netherlands
Warsaw School of Economics
Mannheim Business School
14
75
Maastricht University School of Business and Economics
28
Belgium
University of Sydney Business School
Louvain School of Management
43
UK
Vlerick Business School
London Business School
6
UK
UK
39
Leeds University Business School
40
Lancaster University Management School
63
School name
74
Rank
Master of Management
15
24
20
14
23
10
64,793
98,123
55,556
41,104
60,999
56,266
49,875
89,600
39,172
42,944
37,401
66,943
47,927
45,555
37,274
55,958
70,193
51,744
49,819
49,820
52,389
55,288
58,231
50,090
55,352
52,040
64,547
80,114
43,470
56,894
46,736
57,880
51,694
46,134
82,094
60,296
53,173
78,814
39,925
39,392
Salary today (USD)
21
14
76
23
15
46
80
4
63
64
27
28
39
54
78
25
42
70
13
56
24
1
9
26
5
68
2
16
31
49
40
11
59
74
7
12
18
37
79
67
Value for money
rank
3. Career Program rank: Indicates the progress in career levels that alumni made 3 years after graduation.
4. International Mobility rank: A measure based on changes in the country of employment of alumni
between graduation and today.
Master in International Management
MSc in Management
Warwick Masters in Management
MSc in Management
Masters in General Management
12
25
Master of Arts in Strategy and International
Management
Strathclyde MBM
11
12
28
25
11
12
14
12
28
20
30
14
31
26
21
22
25
24
30
18
25
12
20
25
23
30
32
16
23
12
14
12
Course length
(months)
MSc in International Management
Msc in Management
Business Administration and Management
MSc in Business Administration
Master of Management
MSc in Management
MSc in Management
MSc in Business
MSc in International Management
Master in Management
Master in Management
International MSc in Business Administration
Master in Management
Master in Management
MSc in International Business
Master in Management
Master in Business Engineering
Global Master in Management
Master of Management Science and Engineering
MSc in International Management
MSc in Management Engineering
MSc in Management
International Masters in Management
MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Master in Management
Master in Management
Mannheim Master in Management
MSc in International Business
Master in Business Engineering
Masters in Management
MSc in International Business
MSc in Management
Programme name
95 (100)
95 (93)
96 (90)
96 (31)
97 (97)
78 (81)
90 (79)
100 (92)
91 (27)
84 (63)
93 (80)
60 (22)
73 (96)
89 (40)
98 (69)
58 (59)
93 (49)
91 (63)
99 (100)
92 (87)
88 (68)
99 (100)
93 (90)
87 (78)
95 (79)
88 (70)
100 (100)
87 (98)
97 (67)
70 (78)
87 (98)
79 (42)
91 (77)
99 (91)
96 (80)
97 (89)
97 (71)
97 (96)
87 (70)
76 (58)
Employed at three
months (%)
48
21
90
15
15
72
95
89
86
90
19
8
53
96
72
61
22
33
17
56
31
11
52
11
10
42
55
70
23
13
77
11
33
44
23
65
10
96
91
86
International
students (%)
14
46
39
74
60
11
32
7
69
41
58
67
24
25
71
19
4
38
75
42
37
80
45
29
49
18
79
1
20
64
28
68
52
47
66
23
44
3
61
55
International mobility rank
5. Number of additional languages acquired on graduation
6. Weighted Salary: The average salary 3 years after graduation adjusted for salary
variations between industry sectors.
43
20
14
40
30
47
5
23
63
61
56
27
67
55
62
77
19
25
11
76
48
35
68
33
36
28
38
22
59
49
73
71
18
39
42
53
37
64
51
74
Careers rank
MASTER’S LISTINGS
Guide
2016-2017