Management Science BSc (Hons)
2017 entry

The BSc (Hons) in Management Science will introduce you to a variety of organisations in all sectors and teach you to understand various techniques which draw from the management discipline including marketing, organisational behaviour, managing in diverse and challenging situations, and analysing financial data. In addition, you will receive advanced training in quantitative techniques that are relevant to the analysis of managerial problems.

In the School of Management, you will learn from a team of international scholars whose teaching and research are based on the concept of responsible enterprise, which entails an ethical approach to managing organisations and their social and environmental impacts.

The Management Science BSc is particularly suited for those who want to give most of their attention to Management, as they acquire the skills to apply mathematics to Management.

Applications for 2017 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

UCAS code

N204

Course type

Bachelor of Science (single Honours degree)

Course duration

Four years full time

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

AAAB (including at least two Highers from the following subjects:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science or equivalent
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.) 
GCE A-Levels AAA (including at least one A-Level from the following subjects:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science or equivalent
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.)
IB points 38

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.

Find out more about international entry requirements.

How to apply

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No previous knowledge of Management is required.

Faculty entry requirements

You must also meet the Faculty of Science minimum qualifications. These vary depending on which qualifications you hold.

Other qualifications

Passes in other examinations at equivalent levels and subjects may be accepted by the Dean of the Faculty.

Find out more about Faculty of Science entry requirements.

Course information

The BSc (Hons) in Management Science is a four-year course run by the School of Management.

In the first two years, you will learn about organisations and how they operate in society as well as the core functions of managers within these organisations. You will also take modules in mathematics which will teach you the skills and techniques needed to apply mathematics to Management.

During your third and fourth years, you will be able to explore a wide range of specialist subjects, which may include (but are not limited to):

  • scenario thinking
  • international banking
  • consumer behaviour
  • statistical modelling
  • advanced data analysis.

During your studies, you will obtain knowledge of international trends and develop interpersonal and transferable skills, as well as an orientation towards creativity and innovation.

Find out more about studying Management at St Andrews.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Management and Mathematics alongside modules in at least one other subject.

Typically, you will take one to two Management and Mathematics modules per semester during your first two years, and three to four modules per semester during your third and fourth year (known as Honours). Find out more about the modular Scottish degree system.

The modules listed are indicative of this course. If you would like to know more about the content of the modules for this programme, you can view the School of Management module guides for the current year of study.

Students will take the following compulsory first-year modules:

  • Organisations and Society: introduces students to three key aspects of management in the external and internal environment - understanding the business environment, people and organisations, and economic principles.
  • Organisations and Analysis: examines some of the main analytical approaches and techniques required by managers and provides an introduction to financial accounting concepts and techniques.
  • Mathematics: introduces students to the ideas, methods and techniques which they will need for applying mathematics and for taking the study of mathematics further.

Students will take the following compulsory second-year modules:

  • Management and Society: examines the conceptual frameworks and techniques of marketing and organisational behaviour.
  • Management and Analysis: examines some of the alternative perspectives on management and the changing policy and business environment for organisations, and engages with accounting from a broader sociological perspective.
  • Mathematics (second year): extends the knowledge and skills gained by students in first-year Mathematics, and in particular enhances skills in the theory and application of: differential and integral calculus of several real variables; limiting processes; linear mathematics.

If you decide to take Management Science in your third and fourth years, you will take three compulsory modules in Management alongside compulsory modules taught by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The compulsory Management modules from previous years have been the following:

  • Corporate Finance and Control
  • Organisation Studies
  • Contemporary Issues in Management

In addition, you will take optional modules chosen from a wide range which reflects the expertise of staff in the School of Management and the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Here is a sample of Honours modules which have been offered in previous years:

  • Scenario Thinking
  • Financial Markets and Investments
  • Mathematical Programming
  • Time Series Analysis
  • Leadership Development. 

In fourth year, you also have the option of undertaking a research project and submitting a dissertation.

The modules listed here are the compulsory modules that students must take in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. A full list of all modules currently available can be found in the module catalogue.

Teaching

Teaching format

Modules in Management are delivered through lectures with class sizes around 200 to 300 students at sub-honours level and 20 to 170 students at Honours level.

Lectures are often supplemented by small-group tutorials of around 15 students. These tutorials are structured around material that coordinates with lectures, and are small enough that tutors can give special attention to particular needs.

Mathematics modules are taught through lectures (100 to 250 students) supplemented by practical laboratory classes (25 to 60 students) and small group tutorials (8 to 12 students).

In addition to lectures and tutorials, students are expected to undertake substantial independent, but guided, work outside of the classroom. 

Assessment

Students’ progress is carefully monitored through a system of continuous assessment and tutorials.

All Management modules are assessed by at least 30% coursework, with a balance made up of either written examinations or more coursework. Mathematics modules are assessed by at least 50% written examination with the remainder made up of coursework.

Written examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand.

The School provides feedback on every assessment, with a view to improving your performance in future.

 

Fees

Tuition fees for 2017 entry

Scotland and EU £1,820
Rest of the UK £9,250
Overseas £20,570

For overseas students, tuition fees will be fixed at this level for the duration of your programme.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation in 2017.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Crowther Scholarship

The Julian and Ludmila Crowther Scholarship is available for students entering their final two years in the School of Management's single Honours undergraduate programmes. 

Find out more about undergraduate scholarships.

Joint Honours degrees

You can take Management Science as part of a joint Honours degree alongside one of the following subjects:

  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics

Your future

Careers

A degree in Management Science not only provides an excellent basis for a career in management, but it can also be used as a springboard into a wide variety of other careers. During your studies, you will gain presentation and group working skills, which provide vocational relevance for careers in commerce, finance, industry and public service.

Popular career areas for Management students include:

  • management consultancy
  • investment banking and investment management
  • human resources or recruitment
  • marketing and sales
  • accountancy
  • retail banking or personal finance
  • insurance
  • starting your own business.

Previous graduates have successfully found positions in a wide variety of organisations including:

  • KPMG
  • Accenture
  • Barclays
  • National Health Service
  • JP Morgan
  • Deloitte
  • Scottish Executive
  • Warner Music.

Some Management graduates continue their academic careers via a postgraduate training degree or doctoral study either in St Andrews or at another university. Other students have often progressed to postgraduate qualifications in teaching, law or accountancy.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Study abroad

The University is delighted to offer undergraduates a number of exciting opportunities to apply to spend a semester or year abroad as part of a St Andrews degree programme. St Andrews is partnered with large and small institutions, ancient and young, across the globe. What unites all of our programmes is the quality of the academic provision, ensuring that participation in a St Andrews Study abroad programme opens the door to a new and valuable academic experience at another world-class institution. Study Abroad for credit is permitted on existing University-approved programmes only.

Student life

From the outset, the University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students participate in a range of traditions, notably, the red academic gown and the academic family, where older students adopt first year students as ‘children’ and help guide them in a system of mentoring. These traditions and the choice of over 150 sports clubs and student societies to choose from ensures a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.

Students of Management Science may be interested in joining the following student societies:

  • Management Society organises an innovative programme of events offering valuable personal development and networking opportunities.
  • Entrepreneur Society promotes and nurtures entrepreneurship in the St Andrews community and beyond. The society hosts a wide variety of events including talks by fellow students who have started their own business alongside their studies.
  • Investment Society is for students who wish to develop their passion for financial markets and investing. The society even runs a global equities portfolio as an educational tool. 
  • Mathematics Society (SUMS) is dedicated to bringing people together who are interested in maths. They hold regular socials and informative talks from guest speakers. 

The School of Management is located in the Gateway building on the western edge of St Andrews. The Gateway has state-of-the-art lecture and seminar facilities as well as an extensive private study area for students. 

The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As the campus is located around town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings and areas of greenery and seaside which provide a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. If you want a change of scenery, St Andrews' position near surrounding towns and cities such as Anstruther, Dundee and Edinburgh make it ideal for getting to know more about Scotland. Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.

Contact

School of Management
University of St Andrews
The Gateway
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9RJ

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2800 (undergraduate Administrative Assistant)
Email: management.school@st-andrews.ac.uk

Management website