The global business landscape has been undergoing a rapid transformation. Global innovations in artificial intelligence, automation, and the rise of big data have driven the world’s leading companies, across all industries, to depend on data-driven decision making to maintain their competitive edge. However, there remains a critical shortage of professionals who possess both strong managerial acumen and advanced data science expertise, able to thrive in complex, innovation-intensive, data-driven environments.    

Unlike any other undergraduate degree in the UK, the Management Science BSc/MSci programme provides you with a rigorous, practical foundation in these critical, highly sought-after skills, leaving you well-equipped to harness the power of data science, while also excelling in leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning.  

This programme will cultivate you into a leader capable of navigating and solving intricate, interdisciplinary business challenges in a systematic approach, relying on principles from mathematics, statistics, behavioural and computer science, economics, and engineering. 

Taught by the School of Management, UCL’s Business School and centre for business and management research (ranked 2nd in the UK, REF 2021), this programme wholly embodies the School’s commitment to preparing the next generation of creative and influential leaders, capable of applying the latest technological developments as a strategic asset within any organisation of the future. 

Our School’s focus on how technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and analytics are changing management practices in the world’s best organisations places us uniquely amongst business schools. Through outstanding teaching by leading academics in their field, the programme’s DNA combines UCL’s multidisciplinary approach to education, practical application, and a truly global perspective.   

Adept at both strategic thinking and data analysis, you’ll be able to make data-backed decisions that drive innovation and growth across a range of areas and industries, including high-growth companies, management consulting firms, or the finance sector.  

Possessing a profound understanding of how companies operate, the tools needed to uncover new business opportunities, and the capacity for diverse thinking approaches to tackling management challenges, you’ll become an instrumental asset to companies looking to maintain their innovative edge on the global stage.    

The Management Science BSc/MSci programmes provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of management science, the multifaceted nature of management, and how it can be applied in practice.

Using highly advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, supported by the latest analytical software, you’ll learn to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to key interdisciplinary management challenges, such as scale, growth, uncertainty, risk, and disruptive technologies. The technical aspects of the programme are complemented by a deep scientific understanding of workplace behaviour and people management, training you to work effectively with and to lead successful teams.     

The programme offers Engineering Sciences Minors in Years Two and Three, allowing you to collaborate with peers from various departments and gain expertise in specific technological or application areas.

The programme’s structure is designed to ensure you develop a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, economics, and behavioural science, while also gaining hands-on experience with computational tools and data visualisation techniques.    

In Year One, you will take eight modules that will provide you with a rigorous foundation in key concepts and tools that underpin the practice of management.  In The Art and Science of Management, you will learn how organisations create, deliver and capture value, and explore the range of interdisciplinary problems faced by managers operating in complex, innovation-intensive, data-driven environments. You’ll take two mathematics modules covering calculus, dynamic modelling and linear algebra, and two modules on Business Economics examining economic principles and their application to business decision-making. The module on Critical Analytical Thinking will provide you with the concepts and tools required to analyse complex issues and develop powerful, well-grounded arguments. Data Analytics I will introduce you to the statistical methods and data mining techniques essential for analysing and interpreting business data. The Behavioural Science module will cover the key concepts and principles underlying the systematic investigation and analysis of human behaviour.    

In Years One and Two, you’ll also undertake four compulsory Scenario Weeks each year. During a Scenario Week you will be given a real interdisciplinary management problem that you will work on in teams. The assignment will be in relation to a specific module covered on the programme and your objective is to develop a creative, but practical, solution using the knowledge and tools you’ve acquired. Hosted at the School of Management’s Canary Wharf campus, the Scenario Weeks bridge academic insight and real-world business challenges, and are regularly supported by organisations within the School’s global network such as Tata Consultancy Services, AWS, and most recently DHL.    

The four-year programme offers students an extra year over the Management Science BSc to extend their knowledge and skills in specialist areas. In Year Four, take five core modules, one of which will be a group consultancy project. You will also take two optional modules, which are selected as “2-Module Concentrations” in specialist areas such as:

• Business Analytics  
• Finance  
• Marketing and Analytics  
• Operations and Technology  
• Organisations and Innovation   
• Strategy and Entrepreneurship  

Please note that the Module Concentrations change yearly.

The MSci Group Consultancy Project provides an opportunity to work as part of a small team tackling an important business issue facing an external organisation. 

Module list

Modules are examined through assessed coursework and written examinations. There is also a 10,000-word dissertation component in Year Three. You produce your dissertation on a cutting-edge, real-world business problem with support from your supervisor. 

Teaching and learning is conducted through lectures, seminars and scenario-based challenges which are supported by a developing digital campus. Extensive background reading and literature research are required throughout the programme. You will attend special sessions and guest lectures and complete a variety of activities including individual and group projects, timed examinations, quizzes and presentations. 

Across the programme, typical contact hours average around 12 hours per week, depending on the year of study and module choice. 

Please note the typical contact hours and self-directed study will vary depending on the year of study, the weekly activities being undertaken, optional module choices, and individual dissertation requirements. 

For example, in Years One and Two, each compulsory module will typically have four contact hours per week split into two-hour lectures and two-hour seminars over eight weeks. You are also required to participate in four compulsory and assessed Scenario Week challenges each year. In Year Three, core modules typically have three contact hours per week. You also undertake a supervised dissertation this year, increasing your hours spent on independent study.  

In the final year of the MSci programme (Year Four), on each of the compulsory modules, there are three contact hours per week over 10 weeks. You will also spend approximately five-eight hours a week on the group consultancy project over Terms One and Two. 

In addition, in all your years of study, you will spend approximately four-six hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars. On average, independent study should equate to approximately 16 hours a week. 

For over ten years, UCL has ranked in the top 10 universities globally (QS World University Rankings, 2025) currently ranked 9th globally in 2025, and is proud to hold the title of University of the Year 2024 title, judged by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 who also rank UCL in 6th place in the UK in 2024.  

The UCL School of Management takes full advantage of being part of a world-leading university through its multidisciplinary collaboration with many other UCL departments. The School has also confirmed itself in the top 2% of Business Schools globally after receiving the AMBA accreditation.  

Located in London, the best student city voted by QS for four years in a row, we attract staff and students from all over the world. The cultural fluency and global perspectives our students develop because of our diversity are prized by employers.   

Specialising in the study of how technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and analytics are changing management practices in the world’s top organisations, the research undertaken at the UCL School of Management has been rated as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF), placing us 2nd in the UK for Business and Management.  

Our academic staff are not only teaching, but are strongly research-focused. They collaborate with global companies to research and implement best-practice approaches to business and management which they then use to inform their teaching, ensuring their programmes and modules are innovative and reflect the latest leading research in their fields. 

UCL School of Management officially launches three brand new Business Speaker Series  

UCL Centre for Sustainable Business named in the Financial Times Responsible Business Education awards 

The Management Science degree programmes: 

In particular, the Management Science programmes help you develop: 

On graduation, you will have strong leadership and communication skills and the ability to work flexibly, creatively and internationally in a range of areas, including high-growth companies, management consulting firms and the finance sector. 

If you are someone who is passionate about using advanced quantitative skills to solve problems, effectively manage teams and make difficult decisions in the face of risks, then this programme is for you. 

Our students are, and always have been, selected on the basis of their talent and potential, whatever their personal, social or national background. UCL was the first English university to admit students regardless of race, class or religion, and the first to admit female students on equal terms with men. 

UCL degree programmes require our students to think critically and creatively, to tackle ambitious projects and to develop the leadership and entrepreneurial skills that will stand them in excellent stead for their future lives and careers.  

We are looking for individuals with strong mathematical or quantitative skills, as well as an interest in what motivates people and how they behave. A strong interest in business and wider societal, cultural, and global issues should be well-evidenced. We would like applicants to demonstrate their ability and willingness to think critically and creatively, present their views coherently, tackle ambitious projects and develop the leadership and entrepreneurial skills that will stand them in excellent stead for their future lives and careers.  

The programme offers a high-performance, high-trust environment for exceptional individuals to develop deep technological expertise and advanced interpersonal skills. If successful, you will join an international cohort of students drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds, so we want to see that you can work well with people and are well-prepared to undertake a rigorous and intellectually demanding programme.

There may be opportunities to study abroad or undertake a year in industry. Please note that students who wish to undertake a study abroad or year in industry are likely to incur additional costs. Studying abroad may cost between £200–£1,000 per month, depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website. 

This programme may also include opportunities for students to undertake optional international study trips. The costs of such trips will be covered by students although grants may be available, depending on the destination, organisational and support responsibilities. On average, costs would be around £1,000 to £1,750 depending on the trip location, personal flight preferences and spending habits, as well as the prevailing exchange rates. Places on optional field trips are subject to approval and availability. 

This programme does not have any other additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying. Indicative prices for printing can be found here and UCL poster printing prices can be found here. 

As a Management Science student, you will have access to a bespoke Careers and Employer Engagement programme and a dedicated careers team who will help you present yourself to leading graduate employers with confidence. Experience the world of business while you study and benefit from access to graduate recruiters and serious start-up support. 

Our portfolio of careers support for Management Science students includes: 

For further information on the Careers provision for UCL School of Management, please see our Careers page. 

We believe that practical experience alongside theoretical study will give you a unique perspective and a competitive edge in the global labour market. This programme offers all our students the opportunity to undertake a summer internship and you will receive dedicated support from our Employer Engagement Officer. You are encouraged to engage with the internship programme so that advice and opportunities can be tailored to the cohort. By undertaking a summer internship, your academic studies will be enriched with new perspectives, experiences and enhanced skills. 

Students can gain experience in a variety of sectors such as Banking, Finance, Management Consulting, Technology and Start-Ups. Previous students have undertaken internships at a range of companies, large and small, both in the UK and overseas.  

As part of the dedicated employer engagement programme, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to: 

The UCL School of Management’s commitment to blending cutting-edge theory with practical experiences produces graduates with a unique skill set that is highly sought after by global employers across a wide variety of sectors. All of these activities provide an essential complement to our academic programmes, enabling us to best prepare our students for their future careers and support them to identify and achieve their goals. 

The programme prepares you for a wide range of careers*, ranging from Finance and Investment Analysts to Management Consultants and Project Management Professionals. Graduates of the programme go on to work at world-leading companies, including top management consulting firms, global investment banks, and cutting-edge technology companies. The top employers of our graduates* include EY, Wavestone, Amazon, Accenture plc, London Stock Exchange plc, Deutsche Bank, Deloitte LLP, and Blackrock Group Ltd. 

81.3% of graduates* were either in highly-skilled work or postgraduate study. Highly skilled work includes managerial, professional, and associate professional occupations. 

Embarking on the Management Science BSc/MSci at the UCL School of Management will help you to develop the deep interdisciplinary skills needed to identify and solve complex management problems. And with regular opportunities to enhance problem-solving and consulting skills, you'll be well-equipped to create value and deliver results in whatever career you choose.