In This Article
- What is business and management?
- Types of business and management courses
- Why study business and management courses?
- Core subject requirements for business and management students
- Top 3 reasons to study business and management
- Career opportunities
- Career pathways for business and management graduates
- Top 10 universities to study business and management courses
- How to choose the right business and management course
- FAQs
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What is business and management?
When you embark on a business and management course, you can expect to learn the ins and outs of the business world.
You will be guided through essential concepts like strategic management, marketing strategies, financial principles and the nuances of effective leadership.
Courses today aim to foster real-world-ready graduates by blending theoretical knowledge with real-world applications that prepare you for the complexities of entrepreneurship and business leadership.
Types of business and management courses
Like business, the landscape of business and management courses is diverse. Here are some common types of business and management courses:
- Finance
If you have a gift for numbers, finance may be right for you as it teaches you how to turn those numbers into actionable insights. You will also be exposed to the workings of fiscal strategies. - Marketing
This consumer-centric area of business focuses on the art of promotion and brand building and guides you on becoming a persuasive storyteller in the business world. - Entrepreneurship
If you have a potentially game-changing idea for a business, you’re already halfway there. The second half is what this type of course offers, which is knowledge and skills in budget planning, management and employment law. - Strategic management
Business is a lot like chess and this course aims to teach you how to make the right decisions that lead to triumph. You will also learn how to cultivate long-term planning and hone your adaptability skills. - Operations management
If you have a knack for organisation and enjoy leading projects or assignments, this course could be for you. Here, you will learn about business processes and how to streamline them for efficiency and results. - Human resources
Do you consider yourself a people person? If so, human resources might be your calling as it fosters people-centric leadership skills like human asset management and conflict resolution. In doing so, you will be empowered to manage a company’s workforce effectively. - International business
This course explores international policies and the analysis of international marketing, global financial markets, and international trade operations, among others. You will also learn how to apply marketing strategies to international markets and manage operations for multinational corporations (MNCs).
With so many types of business and management courses out there, you can imagine how many career prospects these courses can lead to.
Finance course graduates can find their niche in banking, investment or financial consultancy. Marketers may thrive in advertising, digital marketing and even public relations. Entrepreneurs may also flourish in a business consulting role besides starting their own business. Strategic management graduates have a wide breadth of choice, especially in corporate strategy, business analysis and business development.
Operations management graduates are well-prepped to grow in logistics, supply chain management or consultancy roles. Human resources professionals will find their place in just about any business or corporation as recruiters, employee relations officers or payroll specialists. As for international business, you could do well as an economist, a market research analyst or an operations manager.
Why study business and management courses?
- Versatility across industries
Business and management courses are a passport to versatility. Business principles are the backbone of every industry, and in learning them, you can navigate various sectors, from finance and technology to healthcare and beyond. It also gives you an extra layer of adaptability that makes you more indispensable in a rapidly evolving job market. - Develop critical decision-making skills
Business and management courses hone your decision-making prowess. A comprehensive programme will teach you to analyse, strategise and make impactful financial decisions that are crucial for a company’s success. This skill set also primes one for leadership roles across industries. - Acquire a global perspective
Many business principles are universal. In studying business and management, you will be able to expand your horizons and cultivate a global outlook. Having this perspective is an essential stepping stone to understanding cross-cultural dynamics, trade policies and global business strategies, enabling graduates to thrive in an interconnected world. - Foster ethical, people-oriented leadership
- Some may see business as a cold industry, but it is people-driven at its core. A business cannot be truly successful until one understands how to manage people, as well as the ethics that go into it. Business and management helps you grasp the impact of choices on stakeholders and society at large, which is vital for ethical leadership in any professional setting.
- Practical application through real-world experiences
Business and management courses often integrate real-world experiences through internships, seminars and lectures by industry practitioners, as well as practical assessments. All these allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings and provide invaluable insights and skills that open doors to future job opportunities.
Core subject requirements for business and management students
Although there are many branches of business and management, they are all connected via a common foundation and principles.
To understand these principles, all business and management courses usually have core subject requirements you must fulfil before diving deeper into your major.
- Business ethics: Helps you understand the moral compass of business decisions and cultivates ethical leadership
- International business: Teaches you how to navigate the complexities of global markets, trade and cross-cultural business strategies
- Financial management: Guides you to master the art of financial planning, analysis and decision-making
- Marketing management: Educates you on how to develop strategic marketing plans and hones your product promotion, as well as brand management skills
- Organisational behaviour: Explores the dynamics of human behaviour within organisations
Top 3 reasons to study business and management
- Versatility across industries
Business and management courses produce versatile graduates by exposing them to principles that are applicable across industries. This allows you to navigate different sectors and makes you more adaptable. - Develop critical decision-making skills
These courses sharpen decision-making by teaching you to analyse, strategise, and make impactful financial decisions. - Acquire a global perspective
An education in business and management provides a global outlook by imparting universal business principles. This perspective is vital in fostering an understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, trade policies, and global business strategies.
Career Opportunities
- Financial analyst
In this career path, you will assess financial data, trends and market conditions to guide investment decisions. This role directly influences how organisations make informed financial choices.
Recommended major: finance - Marketing specialist
Here, you will design and execute strategies to promote products or services and analyse market trends and consumer behaviour to enhance brand visibility and drive sales.
Recommended major: marketing - Entrepreneur
In establishing and managing your own competitive business, you will also have to navigate the challenges of the start-up ecosystem, from concept development to managing human resources.
Recommended major: entrepreneurship - Management consultant
As a management consultant, you will analyse organisational problems and develop strategies to improve on them. You will also be relied upon for advice on areas like efficiency, structure and profitability.
Recommended major: strategic management - Operations manager
Operations managers oversee the daily activities of a company to ensure efficient production, quality control and resource allocation. You will play a pivotal role in streamlining processes.
Recommended major: operations management - Human resources manager
You will focus on personnel management, recruitment, employee relations and talent development. Additionally, you are instrumental in cultivating and maintaining a positive, productive work environment, all while ensuring compliance with employment laws.
Recommended major: human resources - International business consultant
In this role, you will lend your expertise to MNCs on global market trends, cross-cultural dynamics and international trade regulations. You will play a vital role in companies that seek to expand their operations across borders.
Recommended major: international business
Career pathways for business and management graduates
Discipline | Career paths |
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Marketing |
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Finance |
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Human resources |
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Universities to study business and management courses
With so many universities to choose from, we have narrowed down the list and summarised what makes them unique to give you a starting point.
Sunway University | Sunway University’s Sunway Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This accreditation holds significant weight as less than 6% of business schools worldwide have earned it. Sunway Business School offers a wide array of bachelor’s degrees, which include majors in accounting and finance, sustainable development and global supply chain management. |
University of Malaya (UM) | Ranked #90 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for Business & Management Studies, there is no question that UM’s Faculty of Business and Economics is one of the best in KL and Malaysia. It currently offers bachelor’s courses in accounting, business administration, economics and more. Similar to Sunway University, it has AACSB accreditation. |
HELP University | HELP University’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting is the largest faculty at the institution. It was one of HELP University’s first faculties to be founded, having been formed in 1986 – the same year as the university’s inception. It benefits from an Industry Advisory Board (IAB) that ensures the faculty’s programmes remain relevant and meet industry standards. Courses offered include business analytics, business psychology and entrepreneurship. |
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | USM’s business and management courses have been recognised globally with a ranking of #151-200 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. They offer a host of bachelor’s programmes under its School of Management, where students can choose from Islamic finance, operations management, business analytics and more. |
UCSI University | UCSI University's business and management courses have received international recognition with a ranking of #151-200 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Its Faculty of Business and Management provides students with a leg up, with external assessors from countries like Australia, Singapore and the USA, and 29 international degree pathways to universities in Australia, the UK, New Zealand and more. |
National University of Malaysia (UKM) | Under its Faculty of Economics and Management, UKM offers bachelor’s courses in accounting, business administration, economics, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. It is extensively accredited, receiving recognition from AACSB, the Alliance on Business Education and Scholarship for Tomorrow (ABEST21), and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). |
University of Wollongong Malaysia (OUW) | UOW Malaysia offers a comprehensive route for business and management students, starting from the certificate level and going all the way up to the doctorate level. Due to its affiliation with the University of Wollongong Australia Global Network, you also have the option of completing your Bachelor of Business programme at the campus in Australia. Several of UOW Malaysia’s business courses are accredited by the UK Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). |
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Ranked #151-200 globally for their business and management courses by QS World University Rankings, UPM's courses in this field are offered under its School of Business and Economics. It bears the distinction of being the first school in Malaysia to be accredited by AACSB. Besides that, it is the first and only Malaysian university to receive accreditation from the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). |
Taylor's University | Taylor’s University is among the top 100 schools in the world for Business and Management Studies, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023, coming in at an impressive #91. Besides that, it is the top private university in Southeast Asia for Economics to Econometrics. Taylor’s also partners with the University of the West of England (UWE) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to offer dual-award degree programmes. |
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) | UUM’s business programmes are one of the most extensive on this list, with various schools united under its College of Business (COB). They are the School of Business Management (SBM), School of Economics, Finance & Banking (SEFB), Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy (TISSA), Islamic Business School (IBS), School of Technology Management & Logistics (STML) and National Golf Academy (UUMNGA). |
How to choose the right business and management course
- Think of your desired specialisation
With so many business and management courses out there, it’s important to consider which major is right for you. Whether it's finance, marketing or human resources, having a clear idea of your passion, strengths and career goals will greatly help you narrow down your choices. - Research the institution's quality and reputation
An institution’s reputation can determine how valuable your degree is. World university rankings like QS consider a spectrum of indicators like employment outcomes, employer reputation and academic reputation, making them a reliable barometer of your dream university’s credibility. A certificate from a well-known and qualified university can make all the difference in the eyes of future potential employers. - Evaluate the course syllabus and delivery
To get the best out of a course, look into its syllabus and how it is delivered. The right course for you should prime you for the job you want and be a good fit for your learning preferences. A well-structured curriculum should balance theoretical knowledge with practical applications, case studies, and real-world projects that can enhance your skills and prepare you for the challenges of the business world. - Assess opportunities for practical experience
Ideally, a course should provide opportunities for practical experience, such as internships, industry projects or business collaborations. Some courses may even offer access to industry mentors. All this will not only give your resume a boost but also prepare you for the real working environment. - Consider fees, associated costs and scholarship or financial aid options
Realistically, one’s dream university or course may sometimes be out of reach due to cost. A good education should not come at the expense of financial stability, so it is best to set a clear budget from the get-go and use it to curate a university shortlist. Use our search tool to compare over 200 business and management courses. Alternatively, you can look up the university’s scholarships and financial aid options, as they can help offset or absorb tuition fees.
FAQs
Yes, many universities offer online business and management courses, providing flexibility for students who prefer or require remote learning. Many of them have the same accreditations as their classroom-based counterparts, with similar, if not mirrored, modules.
Business and management courses equip you with a wide range of skills, including strategic thinking, decision-making, communication, leadership and problem-solving. Additionally, depending on your major, you will be well-versed in the areas of finance, marketing, human resources or operations management.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences. Business administration typically focuses on the administrative and operational aspects of running a business. On the other hand, business management is broader, encompassing strategic planning, leadership, decision-making and various business functions.
There is no one ‘best’ specialisation, only the best specialisation for you. Common areas of interest include finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, strategic management, operations management, human resources and international business. Each specialisation opens doors to unique jobs, so it's essential to choose one that aligns with your passions and career goals.
There is an overlap between business administration and business and management, as both fields cover fundamental business principles. Transitioning from one to the other may require additional coursework or qualifications, but it's possible with proper planning and alignment of skills. Before committing to either one, take a look at what the programme in question focuses on to ensure it fits your learning and career goals.
- Sources
- (QS) World University Rankings QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Business & Management Studies