Master of Science Business and Management, University of Plymouth, UK

The broad aim of the Master of Science Business and Management programme is to develop students’ management potential by developing their knowledge and understanding of the functional areas of business with a strategic management perspective, and an enterprising approach to leading and managing organisations in a complex and changing environment.

The programmes aim to develop graduates who will have:
 

1. Detailed knowledge and understanding of organisations, the dynamic external environments in which they operate, and their management, and leadership;
2. The ability to apply knowledge and understanding of business and management to complex situations to enhance decision making and management practice in general;
3. Critical awareness of current trends and issues in business and management, which is informed by contemporary research and practice;
4. The ability to learn and work autonomously in the pursuit of creative strategies and business solutions;
5. A range of transferable skills relevant to a career in business and management including leadership, analytical, critical thinking, research and communications skills.

Target Student Group

• Bachelor degree holders who wish to enhance their knowledge in business and management.

Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and understanding
On successful completion graduates should have developed:

1. The diverse nature and purpose of organisations together with their internal aspects, functions, characteristics, culture, and processes.
2. The complexities of the external environments that affect organisations at different levels in terms of their strategies, behaviours, management and sustainability.
3. The various processes, procedures and practices that influence effective management and leadership of organisations.
4. The key disciplines and functional areas of business and management.

 
B. Cognitive and intellectual skills
On successful completion graduates should have developed an ability to:

5. Undertake a sustained business research project.
6. Undertake research using appropriate methods and techniques to investigate business and management scenarios and propose recommendations in a various organisational contexts.
7. Develop an awareness of key contemporary trends and issues and their impact on the future of organisations.
8. Critically evaluate and apply business and management theory to specific situations leading to new and enhanced approaches to management practice.
9. Think critically and be creative through a process of analysis and synthesis of evidence, ideas, theory and concepts to facilitate the solution of complex problems.
10. Analyse and synthesise acquired knowledge and understanding of business and management to enable effective decision making within different organisational settings.

 
C. Key and transferable skills
On successful completion graduates should have developed:

11. Effective management of their own time, and demonstrate the motivation and initiative needed to work independently in an ethical and responsible way.
12. Personal managerial capabilities in preparation for employment in a management role.
13. Familiarity with academic and practitioner literature sources as resources for effective management.
14. Effective professional communication skills.

 
D. Employment related skills
On successful completion graduates should have developed:

15. The ability to be adaptable and demonstrate originality, insight and critical and reflective skills so as to make informed decisions in complex and unpredictable situations.
16. Recognition of the need to keep developing their knowledge and skills through continued professional development, leading to a high level of personal effectiveness, critical self-awareness, and the ability to learn through reflection on practice.
17. Awareness of the need for change and the ability to manage it.

 
E. Practical skills
On successful completion graduates should have developed:

18. Competence in writing reports for both practitioner and academic audiences.
19. Independent research, project and time management skills.
20. Effectiveness in the utilisation of listening, negotiation and persuasion skills, and professional communication skills in general.
21. An ability to make effective use of communication and information technology.
21. Creativity in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to interpret knowledge in digital and social media marketing.
21. Conceptual understanding which enables the evaluation of published research to determine both its validity and relevance to new situations, and to extrapolate from it to inform and develop new theories and practices.
21. Conduct research into branding and marketing issues using appropriate sources and methodologies.

 
 

Overview

The programme focuses on an in-depth study of important business management principles and consists of 3 core modules, 1 elective and a capstone project.

Programme Duration and Teaching Mode

The minimum time needed to complete the MSc B&M is 1.5 year and the maximum duration is 5 years.

For the programme, Modules 1-4 are taught by Plymouth-endorsed HKU SPACE teachers. For the Module Capstone Project, 30 lecture hours and 12-hour project supervision will be conducted by the teaching faculty from the University of Plymouth while HKU SPACE will be responsible for 6 lecture hours of local workshop training.

Core Modules

1) Managing People and Finance 

The module aims to critically explore the practice of management through leadership, HRD, HRM frameworks, to identify cultural, economic and contextual impacts on the practice of leadership, HRM and HRD; to develop critical responses to existing theoretical discourses on the impact of leadership practice, HRM and HRD on employee engagement, commitment and motivation;  to flexibly and critically apply knowledge on leadership, HRM and HRD frameworks in relation to organisational change and performance; and to introduce students to the fundamental principles of accounting and corporate finance for managers. 

2) Marketing and Strategy  

The modules aims to develop essential critical knowledge and understanding of the role and implementation of marketing and strategy within organisations, to apply appropriate theories and models to the analysis of marketing and strategy related scenarios within organisations and propose appropriate actions, to recognise the significance of internal and external factors in determining marketing and strategy decisions within organisations and to develop in-depth understanding of the cross-disciplinary, integrative nature of marketing and strategy that enables value creation for competitive advantage and the fulfilment of organisational objectives. 

3) Operations and Project Management   

The modules aims to develop comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of the tools, techniques and practice of operations and how they can be applied in different organisations, to develop a systematic understanding of projects and the major tools, techniques and themes of project management, to gain practical experience in applying and using appropriate tools and techniques to enable effective management decision making and to analyse the cross-disciplinary, integrative nature of the operations and project management and propose solutions to complex problems. 

5) Capstone Project 

The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to apply and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of their subject area within the context of a significant project, to plan and design a project using relevant methodological approaches related to their area of study, to develop students as reflective practitioners by enabling the critical review of theory and practice, to appraise current research, deploy specialist techniques and critically appraise results in order to advance knowledge through presenting findings in a project and to contextualise the process for ethical approval and GDPR compliance. 

Elective Modules

* In any given year, only certain electives will be offered. For 2024 and 2025, the electives 4c International Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage”  and 4d “Social Theory and Practice” will be offered​.

4a) Business Analytics 

The module aims to provide an understanding of the key challenges of advanced data management and analysis in a financial and business management context, to offer an appreciation of state-of-the-art business analytics and technologies that can support efficient and effective management decisions to complex problems in financial and business applications, to discuss current developments in data-driven business and to model and demonstrate solutions for decision-making problems in different business settings. 

4b) International Finance  

The module aims to provide an understanding of key issues and concepts of foreign exchange markets, derivatives markets and international parity conditions, to provide tools to deal with the foreign exchange market and to manage the currency exchange risk, to familiarise participants with modern instruments of hedging and financing and to provide an understanding of the impact of some specialised topics in the area of international finance on firms or industries, e.g. exchange rate and interest rate risk hedging.

4c) International Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage 

The module aims to provide through case studies, a range of competitive strategies that international businesses have employed to attain competitive advantage, an appreciation of China and the emerging markets as the provider of competitive advantage and an emphasis of foreign direct investment as a tool of competitive advantage. 

4d) Social Media Theory and Practice 

The module aims to facilitate knowledge and understanding of the full scope, complexity and application of social media in the workplace, to critique the relevant social media marketing concepts and theories in the context of consumers and users and to reflect on the value of core concepts and theories of social media by organisations and businesses.

4e) Delivering Change in a Contemporary Workplace  

The module aims to equip students with skills that enhance their tolerance towards and active participation in organisational change events by enabling them to collaborate, communicate and influence effectively across organisational boundaries; to provide students with a critical understanding of how trends that affect organisational performance drive change and how people management practices can be used as levers to deliver change; and to enable students to apply theory to practical change management situations and develop systematic, integrated solutions taking into account the effects that change can have on individuals and organisations. 

Assessment

	Module Titles	Assessment components	Weighting
1	Managing People and Finance	Open book test - Questions based on a Pre-seen Case Study	50%
		Group Presentation	20%
		Individual Report	30%
2	Marketing and Strategy	Group Poster and Abstract	30%
		Marketing report	40%
		International business report	30%
3	Operations and Project Management	Individual project plan	50%
		Individual report	50%
4a	Business Analytics	Presentation	50%
		Individual Report	50%
4b	International Finance	In Class Test	40%
		Essay	60%
4c	International Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage	Group Assignment	30%
		Individual Report	70%
4d	Social Media Theory and Practice	Group Project	50%
		Individual Report	50%
4e	Delivering Change in a Contemporary Workplace	Group Role Play	40%
		Individual Case Study	60%
5	Capstone Project	Research Proposal	10%
		Project Report	90%

Award

On successful completion and passing of all 5 modules totalling 180 credits, students will be awarded the Master of Science Business and Management, conferred by the University of Plymouth.

Students who withdraw from the programmes, either in the event of academic failure or voluntary withdrawal, will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Management if they have completed 60 credits from Modules 1-3, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Management if they have completed 120 credits from Modules 1-4. Students cannot enrol directly to study for the Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. Granting of these intermediate awards is based on the discretion and policy of University of Plymouth.

Venue

Admiralty Learning Centre/ United Learning Centre/ Fortress Tower Learning Centre/ Island East Campus

FAQs

1.	What is the ranking of The University of Plymouth?
	The University of Plymouth is ranked #69 of UK universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024, #84 under the subject area of Business, Management and Marketing in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and between 401 to 500 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. UoP was awarded a triple gold rating under the Teaching Excellence Framework.
2.	Will there be face-to-face classes?
	All modules, except for the Capstone Project, are taught by Plymouth-endorsed HKU SPACE teachers. The teaching of these modules will be conducted in face-to-face mode or via virtual teaching if travelling is not feasible due to uncontrollable circumstances such as the pandemic.
3.	Are there any module exemptions for graduates of HKU SPACE Postgraduate Diploma Programmes?
	HKU SPACE Postgraduate Diploma Programmes with the granted exemptions Exempted Modules   Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management 3 modules: Marketing and Strategy Operations and Project Management Managing People and Finance   Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management for Digital Transformation 2 modules: Marketing and Strategy Business Analytics (elective module) 1 module: Marketing and Strategy Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Branding and Event Management 1 module: Marketing and Strategy Postgraduate Diploma in Digital and Social Media Marketing 1 module: Marketing and Strategy   Postgraduate Diploma in Luxury Services and Brand Management 1 module: Marketing and Strategy   Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Marketing and Management 1 module: Marketing and Strategy   Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Data Analytics 1 module: Business Analytics (elective module)
4.	What is the normal period of time to complete the MSc B&M programme?
	The normal period of time is 18 months and the maximum duration is 5 years.
5.	Is there a separate exam for each module?
	There is no examination. Only one in-class test in one of the elective module: Module 4b International Finance
6.	What is the required length of the capstone project?
	The research proposal is about 4,000 words, and the project report is about 15,000 words.

Master of Science Business and Management		-
Application Code	2250-MS162A

Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance

The School intends to apply for exemption under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which these courses may lead.

Core Modules		Plymouth/ SPACE Equ. Credits
1	Managing People and Finance	30
2	Marketing and Strategy	30
3	Operations and Project Management	30
5	Capstone Project	60
Elective Modules
	Elective Module	Plymouth/ SPACE Equ. Credits
4a	Business Analytics	30
4b	International Finance	30
4c	International Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage	30
4d	Social Media Theory and Practice	30
4e	Delivering Change in a Contemporary Workplace	30
Total		180

Application Fee

HK$200 (non-refundable) as initial handling fee

Course Fee

• Course Fee
  Total fees: HK$118,000, paid in 5 instalments.
  Instalment 1: HK$21,720
  Instalment 2: HK$21,720
  Instalment 3: HK$21,720
  Instalment 4: HK$21,720
  Instalment 5: HK$31,120

Applicants should have:

(a)        a bachelor’s degree, awarded by a recognised institution, of at least second-class honours;

OR

(b)       a professional qualification recognised as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

If the degree or equivalent qualification is from an institution where the language of teaching and assessment is not English, applicants shall provide evidence of English proficiency, such as:

i.          an overall band of 6.5 or above in the IELTS (with minimum component scores of 5.5 in all four components: listening, reading, speaking and writing); or

ii.         an overall score of 90 or above in the TOEFL iBT; or

iii.        HKDSE Examination English Language at Level 4 or above; or

iv.        HKALE Use of English at Grade C or above; or

v.         equivalent qualifications.

Applicants of other qualifications and relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method

Applicants are required to complete and return the application form with a non-refundable application fee of HK$200 to any of our enrolment centres. Applicants should bring along the following documents:

1. Original and photocopy of your Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID);
2. One set of certified true colour copy* of certificates and transcripts;
3. Testimonials or other documentary proof of the applicant’s working experience;

* Original certificates and transcripts together with the copies are required to be presented to any HKU SPACE Learning Centre for verification.

Payment Method

• Application fee can be paid by cash / EPS / VISA / MASTER / Cheque in any of HKU SPACE enrolment centres.
• For the payment method of other administrative fees, such as Delivery fee for hardcopy of course text, Examination fee and Exemption fee, please contact the programme team at granville.zhu@hkuspace.hku.hk. 

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

The University of Plymouth (UoP) is a long-time Strategic International Partner of HKU SPACE. It is renowned for high quality, internationally-leading education, research and innovation. It is one of the UK's most prominent and dynamic universities with an educational history dating back to 1862. Their vision is to be “a broad-based, research-intensive university, open to all who can benefit from the University of Plymouth education, and delivering excellent interdisciplinary research, experiential education and civic engagement.”

The University of Plymouth is ranked #69 of UK universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024, #84 under the subject area of Business, Management and Marketing in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and between 401 to 500 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. UoP was awarded a triple gold rating under the Teaching Excellence Framework.