Management Studies PgCert/PgDip

Study employer-led modules. Focus on your personal development in key areas of management and leadership. Progress onto an MBA.

Scholarships available

Overview

The Certificate and Diploma in Management Studies has been developed to provide you with a critical understanding of strategic management and provide a pathway to achievement of an MBA. Study at your own pace and choose the full-time or part-time route.

You will study essential functional business elements and you will develop an understanding of the cross-functional nature of organisations and the collaborative nature of organisational decision making.

Why us?

Modules have been developed in consultation with employers and focus on personal development of the key managerial and leadership competencies demanded in today’s business environment

The course provides a pathway to the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) should you wish to take this route

Course structure

You will develop key competencies in management through a varied programme of lectures and applied learning through seminars, workshops and corporate engagement.

Your progress will be assessed through a range of methods which include individual and group assignments, business reports, presentations, case study analysis, portfolios of work, time-constrained activities and project work

As you will study modules offered on the first two stages of the MBA course, the Certificate and Diploma qualifications provide a pathway to the MBA, should you wish to progress and achieve the Masters in Business Administration following completion of the Diploma level.

To achieve the Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies, you will study 60 credits.

To achieve the Postgraduate Diploma Management Studies, you will study 120 credits.

Achievement of the MBA is 180 credits. This will culminate in a major piece of independent work such as a work-based project or dissertation.

All modules are at postgraduate level (level 7 in the UK’s national scheme).

Course modules

Students studying for the Postgraduate Certificate take 60 credits. Students studying for the Postgraduate Diploma take 120 credits. The exact modules you take will depend on when you start your programme.

Modules include:

Strategic Leadership for a Sustainable Future (30 credits)

Analyse theoretical approaches to leadership before applying these to strategic and sustainable business issues. Engage with business leaders to identify and develop the employability skills sought after in the digital and global work environments of the future. Conduct reflective practice throughout the module, working to develop a deeper understanding of your own leadership style and identify areas for future development as sustainable business leaders.

International Business in Context (30 credits)

Explore the unique opportunities and challenges of conducting business internationally as globalisation and the digital revolution have increased global connectedness in business. Develop innovative and sustainable solutions and strategies for current and emerging international business issues. Critically analyse approaches to leadership and management in a strategic, international business context to develop diverse stakeholder management acumen and digital business competencies.

Digital Enterprise and Innovation (30 credits)

Gain an insight into digital enterprises and the nature of sustainable innovation. Explore issues of culture, communication and leadership within digital enterprises considering the unique opportunities and challenges they face. Work in conjunction with local and national digital enterprises, and apply your understanding of the underlying theoretical concepts learned to authentic business challenges and develop your digital competencies for future employability.

Corporate Governance and Financial Management (30 credits)

Engage in the exploration of portfolio management and wealth planning, as well as risk diversification, by focusing on creating a sustainable investment portfolio through examination and analysis of financial data of listed companies. Examine various financial management concepts such as capital structure, investment appraisal techniques and mergers and takeovers through real-life case studies. Develop transferable skills needed for roles within financial institutions, stock broking, investment and portfolio management, treasury, and corporate finance departments of companies.

MSc (180 credits)

You will study the same modules as the Postgraduate Diploma plus:

MBA Dissertation (60 credits)

Facilities

You’ll be based at The Reg Vardy Centre, on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. The Reg Vardy Centre is a modern building with views of the river, and just a short walk from both the coast and Sunderland town centre.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

We welcome applications from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. Please contact us to ensure that your qualifications and experience meet the entry requirements.

The Postgraduate Certificate can be studied over seven months part-time or four months full-time.

The Postgraduate Diploma can be studied over 16 months part-time or seven months full-time.

If you are an employer and interested in a bespoke delivery of this course for your employees, please contact CaPE on 0191 515 3361.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

Fees are:

PgCert

£2,833 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled
£5,666 if you are an international student

PgDip

£5,666 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled
£12,000 if you are an international student

Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000
student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

Page last updated: 12 November 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.