Management – (M.A.)

In an increasingly competitive job market, a higher degree in management by research helps you to stand out to employers. For those who have already achieved a Diploma in Management and Leadership, the MA provides an opportunity to progress to master´s level. This is achieved by undertaking a major organisationally-based research project that results in the submission of not only a master´s dissertation, but also a practical piece of work that adds value for the organisational sponsor.

This programme is highly valued by employers and allows you to focus on an area of management that is of specific interest to you or your organisation. It enables you to develop specialist expertise that will enhance your career prospects by equipping you with the skills necessary to undertake research and the capacity to assess the claims of research findings made by others.

This part-time master´s programme consists of a single module that addresses research methods, critical issues in research and how to deliver a master´s dissertation. The dissertation comprises 20,000 words and, in addition, you produce a reflective practice essay that reviews your personal development arising from the workshop programme.

Teaching is delivered through a series of one-day workshops held approximately every second week during the first semester. Thereafter, during Semester 2, and over the summer period, you work with an experienced tutor to develop and complete your dissertation.

The programme is designed for those who hold a Diploma in Management and Leadership(DML) or a Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) as a top-up to master´s level. If you do not have a DML or a DMS but have held a senior position within an organisation that has provided you with sufficient experience at the right level, you may be eligible to join.

You are welcome to apply for the programme through the accreditation of prior experience. If you take this route, you must apply early because you will need to participate in an accreditation process.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Learning methods include workshops, action-centred learning, directed reading and research. The University´s virtual learning environment is utilised to facilitate additional student-to-student and student-lecturer contact, and to provide access to a wide range of internet-based resources.

Assessment takes the form of two formative assignments: the first requires participants to formulate and submit their research proposal; for the second, students submit a reflective essay that addresses the key personal development challenges they set themselves as a result of participating in the Research Methods module.