How to choose the right postgraduate business degree
Picking a postgraduate degree is a big decision. Among your many options are two common master's degrees: an MBA and an MSc. But what's the difference, and which one should you choose?
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) helps you step up into a leadership role, while an MSc helps you sharpen up on more specialised subject and business skills. Both have their merits but are suited to different people at varying career stages.
Follow our guide to learn the differences between an MBA and MSc and make an informed choice about your future studies.
What are the key differences between an MBA and MSc?
MBAs and MScs are popular choices for postgraduate degrees. Aspiring business leaders and professionals can benefit from both, but your choice will ultimately depend on what you want to achieve in your career.
Let's now explore the benefits and best matches of each degree.
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
An MBA is a broad business qualification that can prepare you well for future leadership positions.
When you join an MBA programme, you'll quickly develop strategic thinking and managerial skills in multiple areas – from finance and marketing to operations and business analytics.
This is why MBA courses are so often chosen by people looking to change careers or launch their own business ventures. They also help experienced professionals make that leap to management and become savvy business leaders.
MSc (Master of Science)
While an MBA degree will cover more general business grounds, you can get more specific on individual business topics when you study for an MSc.
There is more of a technical and academic focus on MSc programmes, which helps you gain specific knowledge to help you make strides in your preferred business field.
Essentially, the main difference between the two types of degrees is that an MBA is geared more towards building your leadership qualities across multiple areas, whereas an MSc is all about honing deeper skills that focus on one main topic.
Why you should study for an MBA
MBAs are designed for future leaders to develop the expertise and management skills needed to flourish in business.
Want to be in a position to lead teams? To easily switch between industries? Or to climb up to the next rung of the corporate ladder? Having an MBA to your name can help get you there.
By providing an overview of business fundamentals, MBA graduates can strengthen their decision-making abilities and gain a wide understanding and appreciation of how various departments in a company work together.
Although MBAs cover a lot of ground, some programmes allow you to specialise in certain key areas. For example, an MBA in Finance or Artificial Intelligence can help you drill down into those specific areas with a strategic focus.
The practical and case-based nature of an MBA degree will ensure you're best placed to apply your knowledge in your future business roles.
Study for your MBA at Walbrook
At Walbrook, we have six MBA programmes to choose from that are purpose-built for online learners to gain their postgraduate degrees on a full-time or part-time schedule:
Our courses are structured in 8-week modules that focus on the skills MBA students need to succeed in their business careers – from leadership and strategy to innovation and finances.
Find out more about our online MBA programmesWhy you should study for an MSc
If you want to build a deep and focused understanding of a chosen business area, then an MSc is exactly what you're looking for. They can be especially beneficial when starting your career or switching to something new, offering a way to gain specialist knowledge in a specific field.
From mental health and wellbeing to risk, compliance, finance or organisational behaviour, an MSc helps you explore the subjects that interest you most. You’ll gain research and analytical skills that can be applied in both academic and professional settings.
As MSc programmes have a bit more of a specialised focus than MBAs, you'll be able to get involved with interesting project work that will give you a taste of what you can expect in your future career.
Study for your MSc at Walbrook
Our MSc postgraduate degrees are designed to guide you through what you need to know to succeed in your chosen subject area, with a choice to specialise in multiple areas:
Psychology degrees
Banking and finance degrees
As with our MBAs, you can complete our online master's courses part-time or full-time, building a timetable that suits your schedule and fits your current work commitments and home life.
Comparing an MBA vs MSc programme
If you're still torn between studying for an MBA or an MSc, here's an example of how qualifications can compare across each type of degree.
MSc vs. MBA | MBA (e.g. in Banking and Finance) | MSc (e.g. in Banking and Finance) |
|---|---|---|
Best suited for | Experienced professionals looking for management positions or strategy roles in finance or banking. | Graduates and early-career professionals who want to gain in-depth technical expertise. |
Focus | Banking operations, strategic financial leadership, financial innovation, and decision-making. | Deep knowledge of risk management, banking systems and regulations, and financial markets. |
Potential roles | Finance Director, Head of Banking Operations, Senior Risk Manager, Head of FinTech. | Risk Analyst, Compliance Officer, Financial Analyst, Investment Associate. |
Approach to learning | Practical and applied, with a strategic view of business functions. | Analytical and technical, with more research-based learning and use of quantitative tools. |
Required work experience | At least two years of relevant professional experience (or an undergraduate degree and two years of professional experience). | Suitable for graduates with or without work experience (entry requirements can differ by programme and provider). |
Summary | Provides strategic leadership skills for the world of finance. | Provides specialist tools and knowledge for career opportunities in the financial sector. |
Which advanced degree is the best for your career goals?
To help you decide whether an MBA or an MSc is the best choice for what you want to achieve in business, there are a few questions that you can ask yourself to point you in the right direction.
Do I want to lead or specialise? MBAs prepare you for leadership roles, whereas an MSc will take you deep into one specific area.
Am I just starting my career, or am I already experienced? You'll typically need some experience behind you for an MBA, whereas you don't need it for an MSc.
Do I want a career change or to build on what I've already done? An MBA is ideal if you want to switch paths, while an MSc will help you build on your existing strengths.
Would I prefer to learn technical depth or gain a broader understanding of international business? For broader skills and business management qualities, it's an MBA. For depth and expertise in a particular topic, it's an MSc.
Your answers to these questions should clarify whether an MBA degree or a master's degree is the right one for you, allowing you to take the next step and propel your business career forward.
Enter your details, including a valid phone number, and we’ll call to tell you more about the programme you’re interested in.
Study for your MBA or MSc at Walbrook
MBA and MSc programmes both offer many advantages and can prepare you for wherever you want to go in your career – it's all about choosing the one that best reflects your professional goals.
If you want to develop a wide-ranging understanding of business and gain vital leadership qualities, then our MBA courses are the ones for you.
If you'd prefer to specialise in a particular area and gain deeper knowledge in a certain field of psychology or business and finance, then you'll be a perfect fit for our MSc programme.
Find your perfect qualification
