Admission to Master in Management programs (MIM) - iStock, 08-04-09 © nicolas hansen

 

Share

How to get in: Admission to Master in Management programs (MIM)

Not everyone can study Masters in Management programs (MiM). On the one side business schools have certain requirements, and ususally the higher their position in the Financial Times Ranking the more selective they are. On the other side you need certain skillsto manage a Master of Management program sucessfully.

1. Admission: First academic degree

Who wants to be admitted to a MiM-program already has to bring a few things with him. Most important of all is a first university degree – normally a Bachelor. But also everyone who already has a higher degree like a Diploma or a different Master can generally apply.

2. Admission: Work experience not required

Most Masters in Management (MIM) do not require professional experience. This is an important difference to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) that ususally requires a minimum of three years of professional experience. While most Management Masters do not require work experience, some do: for example, the MIT Sloan Master of Science in Management Studies. Just read carefully the eligibility section on the business school website of your interest.

3. Admission: Is a Bachelor in business or economics required?

While a first academic degree is required for studying a Master in Management two thirds of the MiM programs are open for graduates of all disciplines. These Masters are sometimes called "non-consecutive" Masters - in contrast to "consecutive" Masters that follow up to a Bachelor degree in the same subject. You can use our search engine filter "Entry requirements" to find Master programs open for graduates from all disciplines.

4. Admission: Language

Most of the time MiM programmes are being lectured in English. That’s why it is not unusual that universities often ask for a successfully completed TOEFL or IELTS for second language speakers – and these should carry quite high results. That way they want to make sure that all participants can follow the programme and are able to cope with group work with participants from many different countries.

  • Even more tests
    Some Business Schools also accept other verifications about foreign language skills such as the Cambridge Proficiency Examination (CPE) and the Cambridge Advanced Examination (CAE). Some Business Schools even have in-house tests. This can be an advantage for the applicant because he saves spending money on the TOEFL. The disadvantage obviously is that the test is only valid for the university in question. Those who want to apply for several universities will generally not be able to get around without the TOEFL.
  • Careful, date of expiry
    Applicants have to bear in mind, that the results of the official tests are only valid for a limited amount of time. The TOEFL for example expires after two years and you have to resit the test– or in an individual case try to negotiate with the Business School.
  • Alternative verifications
    Someone who has already studied in English for a certain period of time or can prove that he has spent a certain time in an English speaking country might be able to save the money and the effort of studying for language tests. In these cases some Business Schools only test the language proficiency of the applicant in an interview.

5. Admission: The GMAT

Some universities require a GMAT score of their applicants for the admission to a Master in Management degree course. There is no certain information about the score that has to be reached. Some Schools are content with a score of 500 whereas others require "600-800". Off the record many schools expect a minimum of 600 points. From 650 upwards you are top (and may also qualify for merit-based scholarships). Being below 600 does not mean that you will not get accepted - but you may need to show up with some additional "assets" to convince the school, for instance with above average grades in your undergraduate studies or an interesting CV also beyond academic achievements.

6. Admission: Financing your MSc in Management (MIM)

Master in Management programs (MIM) may easily cost you between 20,000 and 35,000 € depending where you do it and which lifestyle costs you have in addition to the tuition fees. Business schools ususally want to see from you a clear plan on how you intend to finance your studies. A well-used way for this is a mixed approach of savings, loans, and scholarships.

Further Articles

 
Top