Specialised Masters and MSc. Management courses in UK...

well, kinda late in the day for me to be joinin in but just wanted to get opinions on MSc Management degrees… I’ve applied to and got admission to the MSc. Management program at Bath. well, my choice was governed by the following factors. hop…

well, kinda late in the day for me to be joinin in but just wanted to get opinions on MSc Management degrees.... I've applied to and got admission to the MSc. Management program at Bath.
well, my choice was governed by the following factors. hope these help you n you can reciprocate with some fundas of your own
1. consistent undergrad ranking in times, guardian... amongst top 5- for pre-work ex courses lik Masters, undergrad rankings have value, if not as much, but equal to MBA rankings.
2.location-located around bristol(has a port... means available jobs), also, near a mid-size town lik bath. location near a city matters in industry linkages. therefore, places lik st. andrews lose out as do lancaster and to some extent warwick.
3. info/data provided on student placements- bath is very transparent on the employement scene with names of companies actively recruiting on campus listed on the website... unlike more highly rated counterparts like warwick
4.brand- it is a relatively new university in indian minds, hence, i would be competing not with other indian students but with chinese n other asian students with bad english language skills for the few available jobs for overseas students. places like warwick seem to have been saturated with people from DU.. i know atleast 5 from my own college going there for eco-finance n finance.(seems pretty easy to get in there for us people in india)
5. history of the course-my course at bath was started in 1996 in its present form. therefore, you know what to expect. newer courses lik the ones in imperial are basically crap.
6. MBA rankings- look for a consistent ranker
7. Overall university profile-going outside the top 10-15 universities in the overall league tables is akin to rejectin potential employers
8. focus on what is your objective regarding the course- for entry into the job market, an educational experience, fun trip, work ex, technical knowledge
9. never underestimate niche b-schools- places lik cass n ICMA at reading for investment banking, strathclyde n cranfield for marketing, imperial for entreprenuerial credentials(read family business), warwick for eco streams, aston for Org. Behav....
10. try and avoid big ticket ventures lik LSE, Kings, Imperial if possible... they are nothin more than buildings churnin out classes lik you're sittin in good old connaught place, doing some correspondence course. enjoy the experience of studyin abroad. it wont happen in london.
11. from all recent reports about the Fresh talent scheme for scotland, its just become another outlet for firms to get graduates on as low paid trainees, not to mention the lack of proper jobs in scotland, as opposed to plentiful part-time work.
lemme know if this was any help... i'm as always, keepin a keen eye out on the masters scene in the uk.
Ankur



3. info/data provided on student placements- bath is very transparent on the employement scene with names of companies actively recruiting on campus listed on the website... unlike more highly rated counterparts like warwick


I think Warwick is quite transparent. They're the part of the G5+1 or the G6(LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Warwick). So, if you are looking out for investment banking as a career, then seriously consider only the above 6 and Cass.

For the record, I was rejected by Warwick.


i would be competing not with other indian students but with chinese n other asian students with bad english language skills for the few available jobs for overseas students. places like warwick seem to have been saturated with people from DU..


That's like saying that one shouldn't go to the IIMs, because one will have to compete with IIT grads for jobs.

newer courses lik the ones in imperial are basically crap.


I think it depends upon the faculty. Imperial has a big reputation. Even though Tanaka rep isn't as big as Imperial's rep, none of its courses can be called crap. If you check the placements for that course, you'd see that most of the people joining the program get jobs in the UK.




9. never underestimate niche b-schools- places lik cass n ICMA at reading for investment banking


True. Though I would not recommend ICMA to anyone. But, yes, Cass is brilliant for its specialist masters programs. Programs like MTF are rated highly in the industry.

10. try and avoid big ticket ventures lik LSE, Kings, Imperial if possible... they are nothin more than buildings churnin out classes lik you're sittin in good old connaught place, doing some correspondence course. enjoy the experience of studyin abroad. it wont happen in london.


I would strongly disagree with that. LSE has its halls next to Trafalgar Square, British Museum, Tottenham court Road, Tate Modern, The thames etc. I'll be staying at a hall next to the British Museum, Senate House, School of African and Oriental studies, Tottenham Court Road, Birbeck College, University College London etc.

Even before I've been to the course, I've met 6-7 people who'll be doing similar courses. 2 are from IIT, 1 is from SRCC, 1 is from Italy, 1 is from Bahrain, 1 is from the UK. LSE has got a 6 floor library, with the highest number of books on social science in the world. So, it's not exactly like doing a correspondence course.

Though I would say that the new building of Cass is at the best location. Right in the middle of Canary Wharf, next to where one would want to work for the rest of his/her life.
I think Warwick is quite transparent. They're the part of the G5+1 or the G6(LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Warwick). So, if you are looking out for investment banking as a career, then seriously consider only the above 6 and Cass.

For the record, I was rejected by Warwick.

well, your observation about the above six is accepted. however, oxford cambridge have historically never had specialist masters. its the goodwill of their enormous reputation as universities that makes them appeal to potential employers. warwick, i dare say have a serious image problem at hand. they're considered to be top in research, but their increasing efforts at overseas or rather asian recruitment is seen as another example of Warwick PLC rather than the university of warwick at work. and i would have advised you to re-apply thru their india office as i have known a few who've done it n got in after being rejected.

That's like saying that one shouldn't go to the IIMs, because one will have to compete with IIT grads for jobs.
well i think its a totally wrong comparison. comparisons cant be done in environments with external restrictions. having more indians in your university can be good in a lot of ways but when you venture out for a job then it can prove to be a hindrance with ever decreasing graduate recruitment numbers of top consultancies n popular graduate employers.


I think it depends upon the faculty. Imperial has a big reputation. Even though Tanaka rep isn't as big as Imperial's rep, none of its courses can be called crap. If you check the placements for that course, you'd see that most of the people joining the program get jobs in the UK.

here i'm talking about their MSc. Management program. its course content can hardly be called comprehensive, or for that matter, rigourous. it emphasises too much on the business plan as part of the course, devoting a major part of the course time to it. not good enough for me as we in du i guess are quite efficient with business plans.




True. Though I would not recommend ICMA to anyone. But, yes, Cass is brilliant for its specialist masters programs. Programs like MTF are rated highly in the industry.



I would strongly disagree with that. LSE has its halls next to Trafalgar Square, British Museum, Tottenham court Road, Tate Modern, The thames etc. I'll be staying at a hall next to the British Museum, Senate House, School of African and Oriental studies, Tottenham Court Road, Birbeck College, University College London etc.

Even before I've been to the course, I've met 6-7 people who'll be doing similar courses. 2 are from IIT, 1 is from SRCC, 1 is from Italy, 1 is from Bahrain, 1 is from the UK. LSE has got a 6 floor library, with the highest number of books on social science in the world. So, it's not exactly like doing a correspondence course.

Though I would say that the new building of Cass is at the best location. Right in the middle of Canary Wharf, next to where one would want to work for the rest of his/her life.

you're point about canary wharf i very true. what i was emphasising about was that university life can best be experienced on campus only. living amongst university towns like oxford, st. andrews, cambridge, etc. life in london n the big cities like manchester is another experience, which for me, personally can wait till the time i start working. its not just about sight seeing. its a lot more than museums, theatres, castles. and i hope you're gettin my point.

Dear friends:

Nice thread. Although this website is primarily aimed at discussing MBA programs, there is a wide range of alternative (and equally attractive) degrees in management that are worthy of attention. In my case, I have found this amazing MSc at LSE. check it out at

MSc Management, Organisations and Governance - Taught programmes - Graduate Prospectus - Graduate Admissions - LSE

I will definitely apply to LSE. Thankfully, applicants are not required to submit freaking-useless GMAT scores (pls somebody tell me with well thought and convincing arguments what does that crappo measure...) though very high professional and academic standards are set by LSE for admission.

This course might not be an option for hardcore MBA seekers. However, those of you interested in public policy-business intersections will find challenging and exciting courses in this MSc. So I expect some Indian friends will consider giving LSE and this degree a shot. For me, its crystal clear. LSE.... wait for me in 2008!!!!

Cheers

PGuru

well i think its a totally wrong comparison. comparisons cant be done in environments with external restrictions. having more indians in your university can be good in a lot of ways but when you venture out for a job then it can prove to be a hindrance with ever decreasing graduate recruitment numbers of top consultancies n popular graduate employers.


Since there is no campus recruitment as such, employers wouldn't compare you with your fellow university mates. They'll compare you with a large pool of similar applicants from other universities. They don't have a particular quota for each university. So, it won't matter to employers if your university mates are from the same country. What they look at is you- the applicant, and you alone.

Edited the post

LSE will be amazing. I'll be going there in September, if I get 60% in my third year exams. 😃

I just can't wait to meet Professor Sudipto Bhattacharya. If I do fulfill LSE's conditions, then he'll be my corp. finance professor.


Dear Anand:

Congratulations on your admission to LSE!!! getting that 60% shouldnt be a problem knowing that the home of F. Von Hayek is expecting you with open arms. I am starting my app. paperwork now so I am able to submit it in early October. Ill apply for scholarships offered by the Inter-American Dev. and World Banks and am confident on being both admitted and funded. LSE, those three letters that will open doors everytime, everywhere! keep the hard work and best of luck at school.

PGuru

PS. I visited Mumbai in Feb. 2006. Was based at a backpackers place in Colaba sector, near Taj Hotel and India Gate. The crows flying around are fun to watch as well as the pretty girls I met at Insomnia disco. wow! Dancing "gasolina" reggaeton beats mixed with Aasheeq Banaya was quite an experience...

well its great guys that you've got places in lse. one thing for sure with lse is that they place a lot of importance on acads n that would always hold you in good stead. also, LSE with its unique social science perspective in management issues is a great place to be not just if you're looking for a job with the big consultancies but also if you're planning to pursue academic research. and do use lse's links as part of CEMS to utilise the exchanges with top ranking institutions like HEC Paris, ESADE in spain, n SDA Bocconi in italy. best of luck you guys... and keep the thread going!

Hi Guys
Well I am too coming for MSC IT & Business management.
I am a BCA graduate currently working with a Top IT company with over 2.5 yrs exp in S/w Quality Assurance & testing.
Collages on My list for MSC IT& management:
1. Manchester( prog structure is ok but name is big)
2. Lanchester( liked the prog structure)
3. Aston( again the prog str is good)
4. Warwic( Prog str is good)
Friends let me know if i there are any more good collages for MSC IT& management prog and also what should be the order of preference

Reason for Chosing Msc prog:

Well i am much inclined towards working in IT field and would like to grow towards Business Analyst /Consultant role post Msc.

Reason No 1: For me Msc seemed more feasible becoze i simply cannot afford an MBA prog not this year not next year as it goes well beyond 16lac to the least and even more in top collages, Msc prog comes well under 10 lac.

Reson No 2: I assume that MSC Prog from likes of Manchester , will surely give a boost to my career. I have realized that growth is directly proportional not only to the hard work but also to the degree u possess( I am a BCA and i have seen MSC/MCA/BE guys moving up the ladder much faster.)


So i have choice between a MSC prog from a very good univ like Manchester OR MBA from a lower valued B school like Abrdeen which costs some 9 lac.
I have decided for Msc, this way i can atleast have a reasonable chance to get into the IT field and move towards Biz Analysis /consulting , MSc will give me most needed masters degree, which i dont have and realized that its importance when it comes to growth.

Now Worst case scenario/s:
WCS-1:
I dont get the kind of profile I want post Msc in UK ( Biz Analyst/consultant) , but having 3 yrs exp in testing& QA in ERP/database, I can at least think of getting job in the same spectrum with better pay in UK. Now wont that be possible

WCS-2:
I dont get any JOB in UK , well Middle east is one place where i can try , especially Dubai which is a growing and has got plenty of jobs to offer in IT arena.

WCS-3:
I dont get job even in Middle east , so need to come back to India, well even than its not that bad after all, I mean with 3 yrs exp + a masters from lets say Manchester , I can expect to get a good job at least here , where IT industry is growing each coming day.

Now if I think I cant even get a descent job back home, I better jump off from the building right now..lol

Normally if one does an MBA IT here in India, it come easily to 7 lac for 2 yrs and in the likes of ICFIA it come to 9+ lac.
So doesnt it make more sense to do an MSC IT & B from UK top collages, that are world renowned, At least I am giving myself a fair chance to prove myself.

Huh! This is my story. Now I want critics to have their say! Guys please pour in your thoughts and lets see if we can refine this any further.

And yes No Msc can replace a charm of an MBA degree, I too would like to go for one but from the best in class, may be 5 yrs down the line!

Cheers,
a!

you could check out the ADMIS course at LSE. Thats MSc in Analysis Design and Management of Information Systems. Its a very interesting course.. see if it fits what your looking for.

generally.. yes .. an MBA is any day more glamorous than an MSc.. but an MSc is a specialisation not just a managerial course that touches on a lot of aspects like an MBA.. so rather than look at MSc as a cheaper alternative for an MBA.. look at it because you are particularly interested in an area.. say- IT management in your case...

even if you do an MSc in a general stream like say .. MSc management... see if that particular course offers somethign unique in nature.. like its courses or approach.. otherwise it just ends up as a cheaper alternative to an MBA which may not offer great prospects...

LSE...! great going!

whats your profile like? do you have a conditional admit from LSE?

whats your GMAT score...

Hey thanks dude yes the program looks good and but the Program cost is on the higher side ,however i will surely give it a try:)
So how would u rank collages offering MSC IT programs :
What should be the order of preference !
My take is this:
1. LSE
2. Manchester
3. lanchester
4. Warwic
5. Aston

regards,
a!

Hey thanks dude yes the program looks good and but the Program cost is on the higher side ,however i will surely give it a try:)
So how would u rank collages offering MSC IT programs :
What should be the order of preference !
My take is this:
1. LSE
2. Manchester
3. lanchester
4. Warwic
5. Aston

regards,
a!


I would say:

LSE(ADMIS?)
Warwick/Manchester
Lancaster
Aston

Dear Anand:

Congratulations on your admission to LSE!!! getting that 60% shouldnt be a problem knowing that the home of F. Von Hayek is expecting you with open arms. I am starting my app. paperwork now so I am able to submit it in early October. Ill apply for scholarships offered by the Inter-American Dev. and World Banks and am confident on being both admitted and funded. LSE, those three letters that will open doors everytime, everywhere! keep the hard work and best of luck at school.


Thanks mate 😃
ankursuri Says
well its great guys that you've got places in lse. one thing for sure with lse is that they place a lot of importance on acads n that would always hold you in good stead.


I agree with you on this. I chose LSE over Cass just because of its reputation. Otherwise, Cass' program was much more practical.
Hey thanks dude yes the program looks good and but the Program cost is on the higher side ,however i will surely give it a try:)
So how would u rank collages offering MSC IT programs :
What should be the order of preference !
My take is this:
1. LSE
2. Manchester
3. lanchester
4. Warwic
5. Aston

regards,
a!

well i'd say that the MSc ITMOC course at lancaster is a good bet with its tie-up with accenture. But on the flip side, lancaster university's said to be in the middle of nowhere so your job oppurtunities can get restricted although the accenture link might just help.
also, i'd suggest LSE anyday would be top of my list. Manchester should be a good option as it has its roots in a technical university which merged into the bigger university of manchester a few years back only.
but its overall rating has declined in recent years due to the sheer no. of students the city based university has to cope. but still, a big enough name n smack in the middle of manchester.
however, my choice would be A course in either imperial or lse. however, check out Imperial's MSc. computing for industry. its an interesting choice given your background. also, check out the MSc risk analysis and financial engineering course at tanaka bschool at imperial.
Hey thanks dude yes the program looks good and but the Program cost is on the higher side ,however i will surely give it a try:)
So how would u rank collages offering MSC IT programs :
What should be the order of preference !
My take is this:
1. LSE
2. Manchester
3. lanchester
4. Warwic
5. Aston

regards,
a!

well i'd say that the MSc ITMOC course at lancaster is a good bet with its tie-up with accenture. But on the flip side, lancaster university's said to be in the middle of nowhere so your job oppurtunities can get restricted although the accenture link might just help.
also, i'd suggest LSE anyday would be top of my list. Manchester should be a good option as it has its roots in a technical university which merged into the bigger university of manchester a few years back only.
but its overall rating has declined in recent years due to the sheer no. of students the city based university has to cope. but still, a big enough name n smack in the middle of manchester.
however, my choice would be A course in either imperial or lse. however, check out Imperial's MSc. computing for industry. its an interesting choice given your background. also, check out the MSc risk analysis and financial engineering course at tanaka bschool at imperial.

Hi Guys
Thanks for the suggestion!!!
So LSE tops the list followed by Manchester and than Lancaster.

All for MSC IT & business
LSE:
Prog Cost: 16500 Pounds ( around 14lac)
living Exp: 9000 to 10000 pounds ( around 8 lac)
Total: 22lac

Manchester:
Prog Cost: 12000Pounds ( around 10lac)
living Exp: 6000 pounds ( around 5 lac)
Total: 15 lac

lancaster:
Prog Cost: 11000Pounds ( around 9.2 lac)
living Exp: 6000 pounds ( around 5 lac)
Total: 14.2 lac

Now i have to know the following:

i. What is the max that one can earn bu doing a part time? Will that suffice to take care of your living exp?

ii. Some people have told that living in london is costly but it might not go as high as 10k for a year but around 7 to 8 k? What do u guys have to say.Can some one give me a nearabout realistic figures of 1 year expenditure in London?

iii. Apart from the scholarships that collages give , Can some one give me any info about scholarships that one can apply here in India?


Thanks once again everyone.
Eagerly looking forward to the information from u guys!

[quote

Now i have to know the following:

i. What is the max that one can earn bu doing a part time? Will that suffice to take care of your living exp?

ii. Some people have told that living in london is costly but it might not go as high as 10k for a year but around 7 to 8 k? What do u guys have to say.Can some one give me a nearabout realistic figures of 1 year expenditure in London?

iii. Apart from the scholarships that collages give , Can some one give me any info about scholarships that one can apply here in India?


Dear Adaha:

Great to know u have joined this thread. Straight to the points.

i. As a full time student u can`t expect working more than 10-15 hours per week. At most u will get 20 hours but, at this point, there is no doubt ur academic performance will be diminished. I dont know exactly how much a worker is paid in the UK but I guess the minimum hourly wage stands at 5.5 pounds. BY ANY MEANS RELY ON PART TIME WORK FOR LIVING EXPENSES. It will just be a nice extra income to lower financial pressures.

ii. London IS very expensive. Unless u enjoy a beggars lifestyle, less than 1K per month will not be enough. 1K at least! and believe me, it wont be a comfortable lifestyle.

iii. Check out this sources
JJWBGSP
JJ/WBGS Program

I guess the Asian Development Bank has a similar scholarship scheme for Asian students than that of the Inter-American Dev. Bank

http://www.iadb.org/int/jps/main.asp?lg=EN

I was right! just got this from the web

http://www.adb.org/jsp/

Other financial sources (loans) - there are more, just search the net.

International Student Loan Center: Student Loans for College Students
Welcome to IEFC
https://www.isloan.org/indexs.asp

Hope this helps, cheers

PGuru


ii. London IS very expensive. Unless u enjoy a beggars lifestyle, less than 1K per month will not be enough. 1K at least! and believe me, it wont be a comfortable lifestyle.


You'd love the LSE for this. 70 pounds a week with food for Passfield(triple sharing). It's next to the British Museum, UCL, SOAS, Birbeck College and 5 minutes from Tottenham Court Road.

62 pounds a week for Carr Saunders, which is located on Tottenham Court Road. 😃