Master of Management vs MBA: Key Differences Explained
Navigating Your Postgraduate Path
Deciding what to pursue can be challenging, especially when it comes to postgraduate studies.
If you find yourself at a crossroads between a Master of Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), it is worth noting that both are solid postgraduate degrees that can enhance your personal and professional growth in different ways.
While they may seem similar, it is important to consider their differences in focus, learning outcomes, and target demographics before you commit to either programme.
Read on to learn how these programmes differ from each other and find out how to determine which fits your career goals best.
Master of Management vs MBA: What’s the Difference?
Master of Management
Master of Management, a relatively new programme compared to MBA, focuses on the fundamentals of management and leadership, from theories to practices. Its curriculum usually covers subject areas such as organisational behaviour, strategic management, and project management, preparing graduates to handle various managerial roles across industries.
In Malaysia, there is a high demand for management talent. According to the Institute of Labour Market Information and Analysis (Q2 2023), Management and Administration is one of the top 5 most-requested fields of study in Malaysia – indicating strong employer demand for graduates with management skills.
The same goes for employers around the world: a 2023 survey by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) reported that 78% of companies surveyed anticipated hiring Master of Management graduates, with technology being the sector with most demand. The survey also revealed that Master in Management graduates were hired more than other business master’s candidates globally in 2022, particularly by employers in Africa, East and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe.
Master of Business Administration
An MBA offers an in-depth understanding of business operations, strategy, and management. In addition, it offers students the opportunity to build specialised knowledge in a particular field, such as business analytics or accounting. Subject areas commonly covered in an MBA curriculum include business strategy, finance management, and marketing and operations.
As it is arguably the most well-known business postgraduate degree, the MBA continues to be highly in demand and valued in business. In the same GMAC survey, it was reported that 91% of companies surveyed anticipated hiring MBA graduates.
Additionally, having an MBA is associated with more attractive salary opportunities, thus boosting its appeal. According to the Average Salary Survey website, MBA holders in Malaysia earn an average of almost RM247,000 per annum, and can go as high as RM307,000 for those working in Kuala Lumpur as of July 2023.
Master of Management vs MBA: Which Should I Choose?
Master of Management vs MBA: Which Should I Choose? Student Profiles
Master of Management
- Popular among early to mid-career professionals, fresh graduates, and entrepreneurs
- Students usually have less than 1 year of full-time corporate work experience
- Appeals to individuals aiming to transition from a technical to a managerial role, or preparing to enter the management track
Master of Business Administration
- Generally pursued by mid- to senior-level professionals with notable experience in business
- Appeals to individuals who may already hold a leadership role and wish to advance into upper management
- Candidates usually have at least 3 to 5 years of work experience in a business environment
Bear in mind that these are general profiles, and potential students do not necessarily have to check every box to pursue their programme of choice. Ultimately, your decision should be informed by your personal career goals and aspirations, since each programme has its own learning outcomes and potential career paths.
Master of Management or MBA: What Will You Study?
Master of Management
A Master of Management is focused on management and leadership fundamentals, which includes the understanding of organisational behaviour, project management, and management strategy. The programme may provide more theoretical knowledge and can even be research-oriented.
These learning outcomes are reflected in Sunway University Online’s Master of Management curriculum, which has subjects like People and Organisations, Strategic Management and Analysis, and Project Management Process and Quality.
Upon completion, a Master of Management graduate should be able to efficiently oversee both people and projects, understand complex organisational dynamics, and implement effective strategies to achieve company goals, regardless of industry or sector.
These skills are crucial to progress to roles that require a blend of leadership, strategic thinking, and project oversight, such as General Manager, HR Manager, and Business Consultant.
Master of Business Administration
As MBA candidates usually have at least a few years of working experience in business, the programme tends to focus on more advanced subject areas such as business strategy, financial management, and operations management. Some MBA programmes also offer specialisations like accounting, business analytics, and value chain management.
Additionally, the delivery of an MBA may differ from a Master of Management by having more integrated teamwork and case studies, making it more hands-on.
In terms of learning outcomes, graduates will possess advanced business skills, strategic thinking abilities, financial management, and leadership skills. These will prepare them for positions such as CEO, COO, Finance Manager, and Marketing Director.
In line with the more advanced nature of MBA curricula, Sunway University Online’s MBA delves into subjects like Strategy Frameworks and Sustainability, Finance and Accounting for Business Decisions, and Managing People, Analytics, and Change.
Master of Management vs MBA: Salary and Careers
In general, salaries can vary widely based on location, industry, and the size of the organisation.
With that being said, master's degree holders generally have a higher salary compared to bachelor’s degree graduates. The Average Salary Survey website puts the average pay per annum of a master’s degree holder at RM193,417, which is over 40% higher than that of a bachelor’s degree graduate.
However, when it comes to Master of Management versus MBA graduates, it is unwise to make a direct comparison since candidates for the latter typically have more years of working experience.
Here are some examples of the roles you can land with a Master of Management and MBA, respectively, and their average gross salaries per annum, according to Michael Page’s 2024 Salary Guide.
Master of Management
- Digital Project Manager: RM146,000
- Human Resources Manager: RM158,000
- Marketing Manager (FMCG): RM228,000
Master of Business Administration
- Marketing Director: RM480,000
- CFO: RM500,000
- CEO: RM720,000
In short, Master of Management graduates are poised to progress more quickly in their careers as compared to peers without similar expertise, leading to greater increments in salary.
With an MBA, graduates are primed to access plum positions in upper management such as the C-Suite, which can come with outstanding paydays.
7 Top Careers for Master of Management and MBA Graduates
Study Master of Management & MBA at Sunway University Online
Sunway University Online offers both Master of Management and MBA fully online and part-time, enabling modern professionals to upskill and take the next step in their professional journey without having to pause their career.
Eager to take your career forward in management or business with Sunway University Online's Master of Management or MBA? Schedule a call with our Education Counsellors today to get a free, no-obligation eligibility check and learn more about how the right master’s degree can propel your career.
