Difference between MBA and MSc to Study Abroad
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If you are considering getting a postgraduate degree first block that comes in is for MBA vs. MSc to study abroad. For those inclined towards management from the UK or the US, the first course that pops up in your mind is the MBA. You might not be aware that an MSc degree would be available in business or management. But many business-specific Master of Science courses are offered these days, especially outside the US as “MBA” is essentially an American concept.
What is the difference between an MBA and MSc to study abroad? MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MSc (Master of Science) are both popular postgraduate degrees pursued by students seeking to advance their careers. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that can influence your decision on which one to pursue abroad. Hence, a few important questions here arise – Which degree is better? Which of the two degrees promises a fatter paycheck? Which is more advantageous and beneficial for a student?
Simply put, if you are interested in a general business education and aspiring to leadership roles, an MBA might be the right choice. If you have a specific field of interest and want to delve deeper into research or specialised roles, an MSc could be more suitable. To understand the differences, let us learn about each of these degrees in detail below.
Also Read: MBA in Abroad for Indian Students 2024-25
What is a Master of Business Administration (MBA)?
The MBA course is a business course designed for students with some work experience. MBA degrees help develop leadership skills. Most of the time there are a few prerequisites for enrolling in an MBA programme. Candidates must have work experience (usually around three years), and pass relevant MBA entrance examinations such as GMAT or even GRE. An MBA can be studied in a number of different formats full-time, part-time, and online.
MBA courses are also available in the specialized areas of your interest. MBA executive is specially designed for people already working in any industry. This program is highly industry and skill-oriented. The main purpose of this course is to equip the person will the skills and knowledge of things that are required to run a successful business. This degree provides crucial networking opportunities and connections within new industries.
Top Universities for MBA Abroad 2024-25
Following is a list of top MBA offering universities abroad as per QS Global MBA Rankings 2024:
| Top 10 MBA Universities in the World 2024-25 |
|
|---|---|
| MBA in Foreign Universities |
QS Global MBA Rankings 2024 |
| #1 |
|
| Penn (Wharton) | #2 |
| #3 |
|
| London Business School
|
#4 |
| #5 |
|
| #6 |
|
| Columbia Business School | #7 |
| #8 |
|
| Cambridge (Judge)
|
=9 |
| =9 |
|
MBAs at universities abroad keep evolving in order to keep up with the demands of modern business scenarios, and most courses focus on international business and global management challenges.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
What is a Master of Science (MSc) in Management?
These programs are postgraduate studies for people who are fresh out of undergraduate courses and want to enhance their knowledge on a theoretical level. The course is usually preferred by students who want to do research and want to have a deep theoretical knowledge of finance and management. Like any other Master in Science course, GRE is required not GMAT and work experience does not affect your admission prospect.
To pursue an MSc in a particular field, the student needs to have an undergraduate degree in that same field as MSc is a continuation on a more advanced level in that specific field. The subjects are less vocational than in the case of an MBA and students are not required to have any previous work experience. The course structure will look at the ‘theory of management’, and will focus on developing analytical and technical skills offered at abroad universities for MS.
Typically, MSc courses in management are taught over one year. The employment opportunities an MSc opens include becoming a scientist, teacher, researcher, or consultant.
Difference Between MBA and MSc Abroad
The following is an area-wise differentiation between both MBA and MS abroad for international students, however, some data may vary per country and university of choice:
| Difference between an MBA and MSc (or MS) Abroad | ||
|---|---|---|
| Factors | MBA | MS |
| Degree type | MBA (Master of Business Administration) | MS / MSc (Master of Science) |
| Degree Type | Full-time/part-time/online/executive | Full-time |
| Average Tuition | USD 72,040 Approx. | USD 52,750 Approx |
| Course Duration | 1-2 years | 1-1.5 year |
| Curriculum | Broad-based | In-depth and specialised |
| Research | Less emphasis on research | Stronger research component |
| Top Universities | ||
| Core Areas of Study | General business leadership, such as Leadership & management, managerial economics, business analysis, chain management, financial management, etc. | Specialised fields of study such as: Marketing, strategic business management & leadership, process management, global business, data, etc. |
| Specialisations Available |
|
|
| Career Goals | Leadership roles in business | Research, academia, or specialized roles |
How to Choose Between MBA and MSc to Study Abroad?
More details in terms of differences between an MBA in abroad and an MS in abroad are as follows:
- The MSc degree is offered only in a particular discipline, which means that it will only deal with one main subject or specialisation of business. So then, an MSc is the perfect choice if one wishes to pursue a career in a specialised field, such as finance.
- An MBA, on the other hand, is an all-encompassing degree. During the last semester, you can choose to deal with one specific aspect of a business, but throughout the rest of the course, you will still learn about various business fundamentals.
- While an MSc is extremely specific, an MBA is wide-reaching and goes into detail about how businesses function in general.
- Which degree you choose should also be based on what field you will choose to enter after finishing the course.
- If you want to enter into any type of business, then an MBA is the preferred option. There may come a time in the future when you want to branch out on your own and start your enterprise. An MSc, unfortunately, isn’t going to help you with this. If you plan to stick to one field throughout your career, then MSc is the better choice as you will be the expert in the field.
Thus, it is only up to the applicant to choose how he/she wants to pursue a course and with the kind of goals they have in mind.
Also read: MBA v/s MIM v/s MA in Management: Know the Difference
It is clear that apart from a few differences in prerequisites, there is not much difference between MBA and MSc. The UK and most European countries offer courses like MSc and PGDM, while the US offers more MBA courses, along with a few MA in management subjects. You might come across rankings of top colleges where there is no distinction made between MBA and MSc courses. MSc courses are of shorter duration and are more economical than an MBA. In the case of an MBA, teaching methods are more experience-based. There is not much of an effect on employment opportunities; both degrees will open opportunities to land you in high-paying jobs.
This was all about the differences between an MBA and MSc abroad. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
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Hi Shreya, please refer to the below URL and learn what is the difference between MIM and MBA and take your decision accordingly: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/mba-v-s-mim-v-s-ma-in-management-know-the-difference-articlepage-1847
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