Great Degrees for Management Consultants: How to Get Started

The management consulting job market offers a wealth of career opportunities with competitive salaries. Industry professionals will focus on strategy implementation and maximising growth, helping organisations across industries improve performance and value.

A bachelor's degree is the ideal first step. A degree equips you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to launch a successful career.

At LIS, we help students become management consultants through our interdisciplinary degree programmes. Our approach ensures students gain critical quantitative and qualitative expertise while exposing them to real-world problems.

This guide explores excellent degree pathways for management consultants, the job outlook, and the top skills you will need. 

Table of Contents

• Why a Degree is Important for Management Consultants
• What Does a Management Consultant Do?
• Great Degree Programmes for Aspiring Management Consultants
• Do Management Consultants Need Certifications?
• How to Plan Your Management Consultant Career
• How to Choose the Right Degree
• Study with LIS and Become a Management Consultant Today

A degree is necessary for those who want to break into management consulting. With a bachelor's degree, management consultants will find it easier to find jobs, stand out in interviews, and prove their passion for the industry.

Besides obtaining a management consulting specialisation, achieving a bachelor's degree in any of these disciplines could help you break into the management consulting field and progress your career:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resources
• International Strategy

Management consultants work with organisations to solve operational issues, maximise growth opportunities, improve business performance, and create value. 

These professionals work across diverse industries, including manufacturing, media and corporate, and operate in various areas, including business development, employee productivity, supply chain management, and business strategy.

While the exact responsibilities of a management consultant vary, these are typical duties:

• Evaluating business challenges and undertaking strategy consulting
• Review and optimise company policies, data, and financial strategy to improve performance and compliance
• Communicate with employees across various levels to implement strategies
• Implement staff training on new processes, technologies, and systems
• Prepare business presentations and proposals
• Monitor outcomes and guide strategies to success

Finding the right management consulting degree can be challenging with so many options available. 

We’ve compiled some amazing degree pathways to help you get started, including financial aid options, tuition costs, and the key topics each curriculum covers. 

Arts and Sciences: Interdisciplinary Problems and Methods (BASc) – The London Interdisciplinary School 

The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) offers a three-year bachelor's degree programme that equips students with critical interdisciplinary skills. Unlike traditional degrees, this pathway helps students break into management consulting through a wide range of core multidisciplinary expertise they can transfer to various fields. 

Students will work alongside diverse industry experts, from journalists to epidemiologists and philosophers, to solve real-world problems. They will learn how to become successful leaders, develop communication skills, create data-driven strategies, and implement technology solutions to help organisations grow.

LIS also brokers summer internships for eligible students. Students can complete internships for at least five weeks every year and establish industry connections, making it easier to progress into the workforce after graduation. 

Key Curriculum:

• Qualitative Methods 1A: Focus on language and communication through thematic analysis, close reading, and participant observation
• Quantitative Methods 1B: Learn to use data to think through ideas of probability and uncertainty in evidence
• Problems 2A: Uncover technology ethics, legal and political theory, data studies, and critical technological innovation
• Capstone Project: Throughout the third year, initiate and conduct interdisciplinary research in an independent project

Fees:

• £9,000 / a year for home students
• £15,000 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Income from internships: If qualifying learners join an internship paying at least the London Living Wage, they can apply for financial aid
• Financial support bursary: Eligible students can apply for financial support between £1,000 and £7,000 annually
• Hardship grants: On a case-by-case basis, LIS helps students who experience unexpected financial hardship

Key Takeaways:

• Completing an interdisciplinary degree makes it easier for students to progress into various career paths in the future
• The capstone project allows students to apply their skills and show potential employers how they can add value to their organisations
• Qualifying students can apply to complete an internship and gain real-world experience

BSc Management – London School of Economics and Political Science

The BSc in Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a three-year full-time course. Students can opt to study in the UK or overseas. This programme aims to equip students with critical management consulting skills for careers in professional services, technology, finance, and banking.

The course specialises in practical expertise and teaches students the consulting process. You'll learn how to create professional presentations, work in a team, write and communicate clearly, and conduct quantitative analysis. 

Curriculum:

• Finance
• Macroeconomics
• Operations Management
• Managerial Economics

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £34,000 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• LSE Bursary: Undergraduate students can apply for financial aid depending on their household incomes
• Golden Scholarship: One of these scholarships is awarded to eligible female students who are the first in their families to attend LSE University
• Grace Jackson Scholarship: LSE awards one scholarship every year worth £9,250 per year for three years of undergraduate study
• LSE Accommodation Bursary: These bursaries are available to UK students from lower-income households to help them fund the costs of halls of residence

Key Takeaways:

• There is a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries available
• Students have an opportunity to study abroad through LSE's partner universities
• There is a significant emphasis on practical training

Business Management BSc (Hons) – Bayes Business School

The Bayes Business School offers the Business Management BSc to give students a broader understanding of management. Aspiring industry professionals will study for three years full-time or four years with a work placement. After developing theoretical knowledge of management consultants, students can apply these skills to real-world problems.

As a result of this programme, students will develop expert analytical and problem-solving techniques and work in constantly evolving environments. 

Curriculum:

• Introduction to management
• Technology and innovation management
• Research methods and data analysis
• Business in society

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £27,000 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Undergraduate scholarships for Black British students: Ten scholarships are available to Black UK-domiciled undergraduates from low-income households. 
• Bayes Business School International Scholarship: This scholarship reduces the first year's tuition fees by 25% for eligible international students
• The Sekforde Scholarships: Qualifying students must demonstrate outstanding academic ability, financial need, or a desire to make the world more sustainable
• President's International Scholarship: International students can apply for a 50% scholarship

Key Takeaways:

• This programme offers students a work placement year to gain practical skills and establish industry connections
• Many scholarships and financial aid solutions exist for home-fee paying and international students
• The tuition costs for international students are affordable compared to similar degree pathways

BSc Business and Management – University of Reading

The BSc Business and Management degree at the University of Reading allows students to gain critical consulting skills. It requires three years of full-time study, and students will cover fundamental theories in marketing, operations, data analytics, and accounting. This programme focuses on HR, entrepreneurship, international strategy, and organisational behaviour.

Although there is yet to be an opportunity to work abroad or complete a placement with a real-world company, this pathway does expose students to practical skills. 

Curriculum:

• Management Debates: Ways of thinking about Business
• Business in Practice: Accounting for Managers
• Building Competitive Advantage: Business Strategy and Operations
• Project Management

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £25,250 / a year for international students

Financial Aid: 

• Vice Chancellor Global Scholarships: 100 scholarships of £4000 each are available for qualifying international undergraduate students
• IFP Ambassador Scholarships: Non-sponsored international students can apply for financial aid under this programme
• University of Reading Sanctuary Scholarships: This university provides opportunities for financial support for students with proven academic excellence regardless of their background

Key Takeaways:

• There are limited scholarships available for home-fee-paying students
• Students don't have the option to study abroad
• The comprehensive programme equips students with diverse skills for management consulting across many departments and industries

Business and Management BA (Hons) – Cardiff Metropolitan University

Aspiring professionals can study the Business and Management - BA (Hons) Degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University for critical management consulting skills. Students can study full-time for three or four years with a placement year, foundation year, or combination of both. 

This programme provides specialisations in entrepreneurship, finance, HR, international supply chain and logistics management, and marketing.

In addition, students can gain real-world skills through an experiential work or volunteering module in their second year. This gives learners opportunities to solve real-world problems and establish professional networks. 

Curriculum:

• Analytical Tools for Competitive Advantage
• Business Transformation
• Operationalizing Strategy
• Leadership in Practice

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £25,250 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Carers Bursary: Eligible home-fee-paying undergraduate students who provide care to a family or friend can apply for up to £1000
• ​Study Life Award: Home undergraduate students within specific higher education neighbourhoods with low participation and household incomes lower than £30,000 can apply for up to £950 per year
• Care Leavers and Estranged Student's Bursary: Qualifying home-based students with a care background can apply for up to £1000 per year
• ​Cardiff Met Sanctuary Award: International students with irregular immigration status can apply for funding for their undergraduate studies

Key Takeaways:

• Students can specialise in a specific discipline, which may be a better option based on their career goals
• There is a wide range of financial aid solutions available for home-fee-paying students
• Students can develop real-world experience through a volunteering module or experiential work

Once students complete their undergraduate degrees, they don't necessarily need certifications for management consultant positions. 

However, completing management consulting courses will give you a further competitive edge in the job market and broaden your practical skills and understanding of this field. 

Professionals don't have to opt for specialised management consulting courses – they can take any online course at LIS and develop expertise in critical skill areas. 

You can complete one or all of these LIS courses:

• Systems Thinking for Sustainability: Learn how systems thinking transforms sustainability. Gain resources and tools to help organisations make ecologically sound decisions. 
• Risk and Reputation: Gain an in-depth understanding of leadership through interdisciplinary methods. Find out how online communities are pivotal in today's media-driven world. 
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Professionals will learn valuable leadership skills and how to solve complex problems and manage various departments. 

Planning your career as a management consultant takes careful consideration and planning.

Here are the essential skills needed for this career, the average annual salary, and the job outlook

Critical Skills Needed for Management Consulting

Students must have the essential skills employers seek to enter the consulting industry. 

Including this expertise on your resume is a surefire way to increase your chances of landing a job after graduation. Here are the soft and technical skills management consultants need:

• Business Administration: Consulting firms rely on management consultants to organise their resources, time, and staff, making business administration an imperative skill. 
• Strategic Thinking: Professionals often use critical thinking to solve unexpected problems. They must think on their feet and apply qualitative and quantitative solutions. 
• Team Collaboration: Management consultants will work with various levels of staff across many departments. Professionals should be able to align teams and guide them toward common goals. 
• Communication Skills: Alongside collaboration, communication is crucial for management consultants. Professionals need a high level of presentation skills so they can convey information clearly and effectively, whether it be to stakeholders, clients, or staff. 
• Research: Conducting in-depth research and data analysis is a significant aspect of a consultant's day-to-day responsibilities. Thorough research informs their strategies and validates their plans. 
• Project Management: Consultants often oversee multiple projects simultaneously. They must manage deadlines, strategies, and expectations to achieve successful outcomes.  

What is the Average Management Consultant Salary?

On average, management consultants earn £73,797 per year. Entry-level professionals have an earning potential of £67,509, while more experienced consultants can earn a salary of £81,867. The more qualifications and experience you have, the better your chances of landing a lucrative job. 

For example, management consulting firms are more likely to pay you a higher salary if you have practical experience, a bachelor's degree, and have completed management consulting courses. 

Is the Management Consulting Industry Growing?

Between 2018 and 2023, management consulting jobs in the UK grew by 66%. These jobs will continue to grow as clients from various sectors increasingly need consultants' expertise. 

The UK's consulting industry is the go-to solution for global businesses and government agencies, credited to the AI revolution in these consulting firms.  

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the right degree pathway for your management consulting career. 

Decide if You Prefer a Specialisation

Many traditional management consultant degree pathways provide specialisations in critical areas, such as marketing, HR, finance, international strategy, etc. Depending on the type of strategy consultant you want to become, you may opt for one of these pathways. 

If you want to gain flexible interdisciplinary skills that prepare you for a career in this industry while allowing you to make a career change, LIS's bachelor's degree may be the better choice. 

Evaluate the Tuition Costs

Students must evaluate the tuition costs before choosing the right degree to learn the necessary skills needed for management consulting. 

International students can expect higher tuition fees, but it's imperative for home-fee-paying students to also choose according to their budgets.

Consider the Financial Aid Solutions

Completing a degree for a career in strategy consulting, like any other field, is expensive. While you may be able to afford your tuition fees now, it's imperative to opt for a school that offers financial aid in case your circumstances change. 

In addition, you may be part of an underrepresented group or have an excellent academic record, making it more likely that you will find a scholarship to fund your education. 

Prioritise Practical Experience

Students must consider degree pathways focusing on practical experience. Some programmes allow students to complete independent projects, showcasing the quantitative and qualitative skills they've learned. 

Other degree pathways provide more significant opportunities for practical experience through work placements and internships. 

Landing a career in management consulting requires hard work, dedication, and, at the very least, a bachelor's degree. 

Choosing the right management consulting degree can be tricky. Students must decide if they want a specialised degree, evaluate tuition costs, consider financial aid solutions, and prioritise practical, real-world experience.

At LIS, we provide aspiring management consultants with all the resources, skills, and workplace exposure they need to launch successful careers. Our students gain fundamental knowledge in core disciplines, giving them diverse skills to prepare for various industries. 

Ready to become a management consultant? Contact us today.