Are you considering applying for a master's course? We've provided answers to some of the most common questions about becoming a master's student.
What qualities are you looking for?
First and foremost we are interested in your bachelor degree grade – a first or upper-second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK university or the overseas equivalent. We need to know you are a good student as these are intense master's courses and we want you to succeed!
7 tips to help you submit a successful master’s application >>
Can I apply for any scholarships?
We have a number of partial scholarships available to all applicants across all our business master's courses. You will automatically be considered for one of our Alliance MBS scholarships, though the awards are competitive, and exceptional grades are generally required.
Read more about scholarships and funding >>
Do I need to have any work experience?
Work experience is not essential for any of our master’s courses, but you are welcome to mention any work experience that you feel will support your application in the statement of purpose.
How much should I budget for the cost of living?
It is crucial to budget sensibly while you are a student to ensure that you have enough money to live on and to complete your studies. The table below gives a breakdown of the essential living costs of an average Manchester student for one academic year.
| Estimated living costs 2020/21 * | Per year | Weekly cost (based on 52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (self-catered) | £7,155 | 137.60 |
| Meals (excluding meals out) | £2,025 | £38.94 |
| Clothes (including the provision of warm clothing and footwear) | £520 | |
| Local transport | £535 | £8 (weekly bus pass) |
| Other expenses (e.g. mobile phone bill, socialising, laundry, photocopying, printing, etc.) | £2,600 | £50 |
| Total | £12,835 |
*The estimates are based on the average annual expenditure of a postgraduate single student on a full-time course
What careers support is available?
At Alliance Manchester Business School, we have a dedicated Postgraduate Careers Service for students. The team works closely with the University’s Careers team to provide a bespoke service for you, including tailored workshops, career skills sessions and one-to-one support. There are also opportunities for you to meet leading graduate employers on campus.
“The Postgraduate Careers Service is very helpful, so please take advantage of that. Network and take advantage of the high quality of students at Manchester!”
Naman Jain, MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship Class of 2018
Read more about our Postgraduate Careers Service >>
How much time will I spend in classes?
The time commitment for a full-time master's course is 35 hours per week. You will typically spend 12-15 hours in classes each week, usually over 3-4 days. You are expected to spend the remainder of the time on independent reading, assignments and group projects.
What accommodation options are there?
There are a number of options as a postgraduate student – either in University-owned or private accommodation – and it’s one of the reasons that make Manchester a great place to study. If you’re coming from outside the EU, an offer of residence in University accommodation is guaranteed for the duration of your studies.
Read more about student accommodation >>
What opportunities are there to meet other master's students?
There are lots of opportunities to meet fellow master's students! You can choose to join a number of business-related clubs and societies run via the Student’s Union. You may also choose to join a society focused on your other interests and hobbies – there’s a huge variety of religious, cultural, political, academic, arts, media, performance, sports and recreational societies (more than 400 in total!), so there's something for everyone at Manchester.
Read more about the Students’ Union >>
What do other Masters students say about life in Manchester?
Maria Camila Acuña Moreno, who came from Colombia to study MSc International Business and Management in 2017, said:
“The best thing about Manchester is that it is a student-friendly city. There’s always a new place to go and you’ll never stop exploring and discovering new places with your friends. The weather isn’t always great but you are guaranteed good times with different activities around the city or in nearby cities that are easy to visit by train.”