Caroline's top 3 tips on applying for your MSc business degree

As Masters applications are now open for 2023 entry at WBS, I wanted to detail the process I went through when applying for my place. I studied MSc Business with Marketing, but these tips apply certainly to all business courses, but also to WBS Masters courses across the board. Here are my top tips:

1. Research early

Research is key, and the earlier the better. It can be a daunting prospect to manage your Masters applications on top of your final-year undergraduate studies, which probably account for the majority of your entire degree.

It was for this reason that I started planning at the end of my first year of my undergraduate course. Not only did I research online, but I also attended multiple university fairs and even visited the university in-person, whether there was an open day on or not! I luckily got the chance to join the Asia Forum organised by the Warwick HKPASS, and was in awe of both the intellectually stimulating topics presented by the students there, as well as the beautifully picturesque campus that I had been longing for. It immediately became my first choice for Masters study.

2. Tailor your module combination

Once you have figured out that you want to study a business degree at Masters level, make sure at least some of your undergraduate modules are business-related, so that you can tell an engaging story in your personal statement. Depending on your university’s policies, it could already be too late to change your modules by the time you have reached your second year.

As a law graduate myself, I chose advertising along with both commercial and corporate law in my second and third years, which did help paint the picture of that I was interested in both law and business together.

3. Get varied work experience

Finally, getting work experience, paid or not, is a great way to showcase your desire to join the world of business. Apart from the corporate opportunities that you may already be aware of, leave your comfort zone and explore alternatives. The United Nations, for instance, has a volunteering website, where you can share your skills with local or international non-governmental organisations. In my second year, I became an online ambassador for the UN World Food Programme and launched a five-day Facebook photo challenge with my friends to help spread the message of fighting against hunger. This was just one example in which I put my skills in digital marketing and communications into the real world, thanks to the power of social media.

I was also a student ambassador at my undergraduate university, which was a paid part-time role to promote various occasions, from campus tours to education exhibitions. Those ten months proved invaluable experience, as I got to work closely with the international recruitment team.

Taking opportunities like this can really help your application to stand out, and illuminate your passion and desire to enter the real business world. Good luck!

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