Top Universities for Master's in Management Degrees

The QS Business Master's Rankings 2024: Management includes 201 of the world’s best management schools for master’s in management degrees. 

The management rankings are based on a methodology which assesses each institution’s employability, alumni outcomes, value for money, thought leadership and diversity, with data collected from a global survey of employers and other sources.  

Read on to discover the 10 highest-ranked management schools for master’s in management degrees or click here to view the full table. 

10. WU Vienna

Ranked 10th and retaining its position for another consecutive year, is WU Vienna of Austria. The school scores particularly highly for thought leadership reflecting its commitment to intellectual contributions within the academic community.  

The two-year full-time programme’s flexible structure encourages you to broaden your horizons by going on an exchange semester or completing a double degree abroad. Additionally, the programme performs admirably in the employability indicator, ensuring that its graduates receive a chance to pursue their intended career paths. 

9. Copenhagen Business School 

Denmark’s only entrant in the top 10, Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is ranked ninth this year. Its MSc in Economics and Business Administration has achieved a near-perfect score for alumni outcomes, showcasing the robustness of its alumni network. Only three schools globally perform better than CBS for this indicator. 

The MSc in Economics and Business Administration is divided into four semesters over two years of full-time study. The first and second semester consist of compulsory courses, the third semester elective courses, and the fourth semester finishes off the programme with a master’s thesis. 

8. ESADE Business School

Barcelona’s ESADE Business School is ranked eighth in this year’s rankings for Master’s in Management degrees. The institution scores particularly highly for value for money, depicting the significant return on investment that students can anticipate.  

Additionally, ESADE is globally ranked fifth for thought leadership and sixth for employability, solidifying its position among the top master’s in management programmes worldwide.  

ESADE is known for its international connections, and the 10-month programme gives students the option to complete an internship at a company overseas to put their knowledge into practice. 

7. ESADE/UVA McIntire/Lingnan 

Climbing up by two places to be ranked seventh in this year’s rankings is a joint programme offered by the McIntire School of Commerce of University of Virginia alongside ESADE and Lingnan (University) College in China. Its MSc in Global Strategic Management has scored excellently for the thought leadership indicator while also being ranked second globally for the same.  

The programme encompasses a 40-credit-hour curriculum, requiring students to engage in a comprehensive selection of coursework across the three schools. Its goal is to foster active learning and collaboration while developing skills needed to navigate cross-cultural teams successfully. 

6. ESCP Business School

Rising two spots to sixth place this year, ESCP Business School has achieved its highest score for the class and faculty diversity indicator. Its second-highest score is for employability, for which it has secured the fifth position globally. 

ESCP's multi-accredited programme offers an extensive curriculum with 67 specialisations, over 40 dual degree partnerships, and campuses in six vibrant European cities. This two-to-three-year programme not only provides the chance to study abroad but also equips students with the skills needed for a successful international career. 

5. INSEAD

Maintaining its rank from the previous year, INSEAD’s Master in Management programme stands firm at fifth place this year. The highest score attained is for the value for money indicator, which is closely followed by employability and thought leadership, for both of which the institution is ranked fourth globally.  

Spanning 14-16 months, the programme adopts an innovative learning approach centred around applied problem-solving. The curriculum is formed in a way to develop in-demand skills among students, and it provides them with access to top employers and a robust alumni network. 

4.IE Business School 

Madrid’s IE Business School has improved by two places to be ranked fourth this year and it’s the highest-ranked university for a master’s in management in Spain. The programme scores highly across all indicators, particularly for value for money for which it’s ranked sixth in the world.  

Students can choose to learn in either English or Spanish or both. The 10-month programme is made up of two periods of core business modules and a third period of specialisation in a topic such as international business, sales & marketing, digital business, and many more options. 

3. London Business School

Ranked third globally and holding the top position in the UK for a master’s in management degree is London Business School. LBS has achieved a perfect score for alumni outcomes, and earned the second-highest score globally for employability. 

The school’s Master’s in Management programme has been developed in partnership with top international recruiters to equip students with practical skills, an adaptive mindset and the critical business knowledge needed to carve out a successful career in business. 94 percent of graduates accept an offer of employment within three months of graduation. 

2. ESSEC Business School

Moving up by one place to be ranked second in this year’s rankings is ESSEC Business School. The institution has earned a perfect score for the value for money indicator. It has also achieved a near-perfect score for alumni outcomes which is the institution’s second highest score. 

The MSc in Strategy & Management of International Business is an internationally focused programme. It offers the students the opportunity to learn a foreign language, choose a specialised track, and take part in an in-company project anywhere in the world. 

1. HEC Paris

Once again, securing the top position in this year's rankings is the outstanding MSc in Strategic Management at HEC Paris. HEC Paris is jointly ranked first for value for money and alumni outcomes indicators, and it holds the first rank for employability and thought leadership. 

Established in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HEC Paris has been nicknamed the “Harvard of Europe” by Forbes. HEC’s MSc in Strategic Management is an intensive specialised master’s programme, taught entirely in English, which takes 10 months to complete. 

FAQs 

What does a master’s in management do? 

A master's in management programme provides comprehensive business knowledge, leadership skills and a strategic mindset to its students. Covering finance, marketing, operations, and human resources, it fosters critical thinking and decision-making.  

With real-world projects and internships, it prepares graduates for leadership roles, emphasising practical application. The programme also facilitates networking opportunities, enhancing students' professional connections for future success. 

Is there any entrance exam for MiM? 

Yes, many Master's in Management (MiM) programmes require applicants to take entrance exams. Common exams include the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Some programmes may also have their specific entrance exams.  

The purpose of these exams is to assess the applicant's analytical, quantitative, verbal, and writing skills. However, not all MiM programmes require standardised test scores, and some may consider other criteria such as academic performance, work experience, and interviews. It's essential to check the specific admission requirements of the programme you are interested in. 

What jobs do I get after a MiM?  

After a MiM, graduates can secure roles such as business analyst, project manager, or marketing manager. The programme equips them with a versatile skill-set suitable for various industries, including finance, operations, and consulting.  

The emphasis on leadership and strategic thinking prepares graduates for decision-making and management positions. Career paths may differ based on individual preferences, specialisation, and prior experience.