PgCert/PgDip Management Studies

University of SunderlandSunderland, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee

GBP 5,666 / Per course

Start Date

Oct 13, 2026

Study Mode

On campus

Duration

7 months

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Program Details

Degree
Masters
Major
Business Administration | International Business | Management
Area of study
Business and Administration
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English

Intakes

Program start date
Oct 13, 2026
Oct 13, 2027

Program Overview

Management Studies PgCert/PgDip

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.


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.


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 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 .


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


Fees and finance

2025/26 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
  • £11,333 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.


Program Outline

Degree Overview:


PgCert/PgDip Management Studies

is a program designed to equip individuals with a critical understanding of strategic management and prepare them for further advancement in business and leadership roles, potentially leading to an MBA. The program allows for flexible study options, with full-time and part-time routes available. The key objectives of the program are:

  • Develop essential functional business elements
  • Foster an understanding of the cross-functional nature of organizations
  • Equip students with collaborative decision-making skills
  • Enhance leadership and management competencies through employer-led modules
  • Provide a pathway to an MBA for individuals seeking further academic and professional development
  • ## Outline: ### Program Structure: The program utilizes a varied learning approach, incorporating lectures, seminars, workshops, and corporate engagement activities to develop key competencies in management. Students' progress is assessed through diverse methods including individual and group assignments, reports, presentations, case study analysis, and project work. The program is divided into two stages:

Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits):

  • Strategic Leadership for a Sustainable Future (30 credits): Analyzes theoretical leadership approaches and applies them to strategic and sustainable business issues.
  • Provides opportunities to engage with business leaders and develop employability skills for the digital and global work environment. Focuses on reflective practice and personal leadership style development.
  • International Business in Context (30 credits): Explores the unique challenges and opportunities of conducting business in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world.
  • Develops innovative solutions and strategies for contemporary and emerging international business issues. Critically analyzes leadership and management approaches in a strategic international business context, promoting the development of stakeholder management acumen and digital business competencies.

Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits):

In addition to the modules covered in the Postgraduate Certificate, the Diploma includes:

  • Digital Enterprise and Innovation (30 credits): Provides insights into digital enterprises, the nature of sustainable innovation, and explores the unique challenges and opportunities they face.
  • Examines issues of culture, communication, and leadership within digital enterprises. Involves collaboration with local and national digital enterprises, applying theoretical concepts to authentic business challenges, and developing digital skills for future employability.
  • Corporate Governance and Financial Management (30 credits): Focuses on portfolio management, wealth planning, and risk diversification, emphasizing the creation of a sustainable investment portfolio through analysis of listed companies' financial data.
  • Examines various financial management concepts such as capital structure, investment appraisal techniques, and mergers and acquisitions through case studies. Develops transferable skills valuable in roles within financial institutions, stockbroking, investment and portfolio management, treasury, and corporate finance departments.

Master's Degree (180 credits):

The Master's stage builds upon the Diploma and includes a 60-credit dissertation. This independent research project allows students to explore a chosen area of business in greater depth, showcasing their analytical and research skills.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the module. They may include:

  • Individual and group assignments
  • Business reports and presentations
  • Case study analysis
  • Portfolios of work
  • Time-constrained activities
  • Project work
  • Final dissertation (for the Master's stage)
  • The grading criteria for each assessment will be provided in the individual module handbooks. ## Teaching: The program faculty comprises experienced professionals and academics with expertise in various management and business disciplines. They employ diverse teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and case studies, to create an engaging and interactive learning environment. The program also emphasizes practical application of theoretical knowledge through industry engagement and real-world case studies. This allows students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to the contemporary business landscape. ## Careers: The PgCert/PgDip Management Studies program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in diverse business and management sectors. Potential career paths include:
  • Management consultant
  • Project manager
  • Business analyst
  • Operations manager
  • Marketing manager
  • Human resource manager
  • Finance manager
  • Entrepreneur
  • The program also equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue further studies, including an MBA, for career advancement and leadership development. ## Other:
  • The program is offered at the Reg Vardy Centre on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus in St Peter's, providing access to modern facilities and resources.
  • The program offers flexible study options, allowing individuals to balance their academic pursuits with work and personal commitments.
  • The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers across various industries.
  • Please note that the information provided above is based on the given context and may not be exhaustive. For the most up-to-date and detailed information, please refer to the official website of the University of Sunderland or contact the program directly.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

PgDip £5,000 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled £11,000 if you are an international student PgCert £2,500 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled £5,500 if you are an international student

About University

University of Sunderland


Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.


Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

    Student Support:

    Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus housing options.

    Career Services:

    Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

    Student Life:

    A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Top-Quality Facilities:

    The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

    Inclusive Culture:

    The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

    Vibrant City:

    Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

    Strong Industry Links:

    The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Arts and Design:

    Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

    Sciences:

    Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

    Business and Law:

    Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

    Computing and Engineering:

    Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

    Education and Social Sciences:

    Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Top 1501Average ranking globally
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