At a Crossroads: Should You Pursue an M.Sc or MBA?

Two popular postgraduate options for individuals seeking to make their mark on the world of business are the Master of Science (M.Sc) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes. If you are one of these aspiring moguls and entrepreneurs, wondering which of these degrees might be right for you, we’ve got you covered. By asking just a handful of questions, this article aims to help you pinpoint your career goals and ascertain which degree will help you reach them.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected — from advancements in AI to the remote work revolution — choosing a career path becomes more and more overwhelming for young people. Because of the impact of these events on business management and operations, standards have increased for those aspiring to build a career in fields such as Hospitality or Global Business Management; they must be prepared to enter these rapidly shifting fields.
The relevance of an MSc or MBA in today's landscape largely depends on an individual's career goals and the specific demands of the industry.

Are you passionate about specialised research, or is your goal to develop practical leadership and managerial skills?

If you’re looking for a role in research, academia, or a highly specialised position in the business world, the M.Sc is the right choice for you. This degree is more academically oriented and is designed for professionals seeking in-depth understanding and proficiency in specific areas. The M.Sc equips students with a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the field and provides a strong foundation for contributing to scholarly pursuits.

If, however, you’re interested in a more practical leadership position, the more holistic and practical approach of the MBA degree might be better aligned with your objectives. MBA programmes aim to develop well-rounded business leaders capable of managing the complexities of the global-interconnected marketplace. The modules are a blend of business topics, leadership skills, and real-world applications, making the degree suitable for professionals aspiring to managerial and executive roles.

Do you need a lot of work experience under your belt already?

While your career goals are an important thing to consider as you determine which programme is best suited to you, your background and experience must also be taken into consideration.

A big difference between the MBA and the M.Sc is the amount of practical experience required by each. If you’ve just finished your BA and have little to no work experience, but envision yourself heading up a team in a particular specialised area, the M.Sc would be perfect for you.

If you’ve just finished your BA and have little to no work experience, but envision yourself heading up a team in a particular specialised area, the M.Sc would be perfect for you.

The MBA, on the other hand,  is designed for people who already have experience in the industry. B.H.M.S. requires you to have at least 2 years of full-time work experience, so if you meet this requirement and want to elevate your leadership skills and managerial knowledge, this is the degree for you.

What is the industry looking for?

The key to making the right choice lies in aligning your personal and professional objectives with the ever-evolving demands of the industry. So, what are these demands and how might each of these degrees help you reach them?

In today’s business complex world, companies ask for agile and visionary leaders. The MBA’s emphasis on practical skills, strategic thinking, and leadership development will enable you to meet those demands, providing you with the necessary tools to navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and make strategic decisions that impact the bottom line.

In today’s business complex world, companies ask for agile and visionary leaders. The MBA’s emphasis on practical skills, strategic thinking, and leadership development will enable you to meet those demands.

At the same time, specialists in any given field are invaluable: by choosing an area to focus your research and development skills, the M.Sc can provide you with the knowledge required to lead a team and head up research in that domain.

Could a combined MSc and MBA be the right choice for you?

Businesses demand more complementary skills every day. Therefore, combining the MBA’s emphasis on practical skills, strategic thinking, and leadership development with the in-depth understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the business industry offered by the MSc is a sure-fire way to stand out. This can be done through our MSc+MBA top-up option and will provide you with skills that encompass specialised knowledge and broad-based business approaches.

If you’re looking for a way to set yourself apart from other candidates, interested in discovering how the practical skills and research might complement one another, or just passionate about learning more about the field, combining your MBA and M.Sc is a fantastic option. In just 18 months, earn 4 degrees (both our MSc and MBA degrees are also awarded by our university partners in the UK, Robert Gordon University and York St. John University, and gain valuable industry experience through paid internships.

Curious to discover more? Read more about our MBA Dual Degree,  our M.Sc in International Hospitality Business Management, and our M.Sc in Global Business Management and find out how to apply!