Whether it’s called project management, change management, or plain old management consultancy, this career is all about helping businesses work smarter and grow faster. Curious? Read on to find out how to become a management consultant.
Updated: 30 Nov 2025
Management consultants advise companies on how to overcome challenges and run better. One day you might be chatting to staff to figure out what’s going wrong, the next you’re digging into data or pitching a plan to fix it. You could be streamlining deliveries for a retailer one week and upgrading tech for a bank the next.
It's a mix of academic know-how and people skills so think spreadsheets in the morning, client workshops in the afternoon. You'll need to be comfortable with numbers, tech, and talking to people.
To become a successful management consultant, you’ll need a mix of people skills and problem-solving power. Projects move fast and challenges pop up often, so staying cool under pressure is a big plus. In addition, you’ll need:
Clear communication and teamwork
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Flexibility and resilience
Initiative and good decision-making
Confidence with data, tech and software
Ability to think on your feet
There’s no must-have subject to become a management consultant, but you’ll typically need at least:
5 GCSEs, grades 4 or above, including English and Maths
2 to 3 A-levels or equivalent. Subjects like business, economics, maths or science are helpful as they build analytical and quantitative skills
Work experience can boost your application and show you’re motivated. You might demonstrate your interest in business by joining clubs like Young Enterprise, take on a leadership role in or outside of school or look for volunteering opportunities with a social enterprise.
Most management consultants start by completing a bachelor’s degree, usually in a business-related subject. Popular choices include:
BSc/BA Business and Management
BSc Accounting and Management
BSc Business Analytics
BSc Project Management
BSc Economics and Business Strategy
Combining management with a language could also prove useful especially if you want to work abroad.
Most undergraduate management courses ask for 96–159 UCAS points. This could include:
A-levels: AAA–CCC (including a pass in the practical element of science if taken at A-level)
BTECs: DDD–MMM
Scottish Highers: AAAAB–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–BBB)
International Baccalaureate: 38–26
NEXT: Check out management degree courses on Whatuni to compare your options.
Business or project management related courses cover things like strategy, finance data analytics and marketing. There might also be optional modules on things like human resource management, managing change, management and society and international business.
Many unis bring in guest speakers, or offer a placement year, so you’ll get a taste of what management is really like. You’ll also build soft skills like teamwork, presentations and problem-solving through group and individual project assignments.
Most business degrees last three years, or four with a placement or year abroad. By the end, you’ll have both knowledge and some proper experience under your belt.
Degree apprenticeships
Whilst university is the most common route, you might also consider an apprenticeship. For example, a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) is the same academic level as a BSc or BA degree. Big firms like Accenture, Deloitte, and KPMG sometimes offer degree apprenticeships in consulting. You apply to the company offering the opportunity rather than through UCAS. Competition can be tough, but it’s worth considering if you want to jump straight into the working world.
Vacancies can be found on Find an apprenticeship or directly on individual company websites.
Postgraduate options
If you’ve already done a degree in a non-business subject, you might consider a postgraduate conversion course or an MBA to pivot into management consulting. For example, a maths or engineering graduate might take a one-year masters in management to learn business basics.
NEXT: Use our postgraduate course search for more information.
Once you’ve got your degree, it’s time to land your first role usually as a junior consultant or analyst. You’ll join a team, dive into client projects, do some research, crunch numbers, and pitch ideas. With experience you could move into a more senior role particularly if you do further study or training. You might also consider specialising in an area of management. Alternatively you could use your experience to go freelance.
As you progress you might consider Chartered Management Consultant status which adds a nice boost to your CV. Whether you stick to general consulting or specialise in a niche like finance or tech, there’s loads of room to grow.
Starting salaries are around £25,000–£30,000, with potential to hit £40,000–£60,000 after a few years. The average is about £48,000, and top consultants (think partners or directors) can earn six figures.
Getting into university can be competitive, so it’s worth putting in the effort to stand out, whether you’re writing a personal statement or prepping for interviews. Here's our top tips to boost your application:
Show genuine interest in business or consulting and mention what inspired you
Highlight any relevant experience, maybe a part-time job, volunteering, team project, or Young Enterprise
Talk about what you’ve learned like teamwork, problem-solving or time management
Research the course and university and explain why it suits you
Practice case study interviews and have examples ready for common questions
Admissions tutors and employers want motivated, curious people with strong real-world skills, not just good grades. Show them you’re keen, capable and ready to get stuck in.
Nadin, a first-year student at University of Derby studying Business Management said: “The uni offers a supportive and welcoming environment with excellent facilities, approachable staff, and a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance the student experience. The university provides strong career services, including work experience opportunities.”
NEXT: You can read more Business Management student reviews to get a range of opinions here.
Do I need a business degree?
A business degree helps, but it’s not a must. Firms hire grads from loads of subjects like English, engineering, even history. If you’ve got sharp thinking and know how businesses work, you’re in with a shot.
Is it hard to get into management consulting?
It’s competitive, especially at big firms, but not impossible. A strong degree and some experience will help you progress.
Will I have to travel or work long hours?
Sometimes, yes. You might travel to client offices and work extra when deadlines loom. Work-life balance is improving, and not all firms expect constant travel.
Do I need a masters or MBA?
Most consultants start with an BA or BSc degree, but an MBA might help you move up later. Focus on your undergrad and get some great experience first.
Can I specialise later?
Definitely. You’ll start off as a generalist, but over time you can focus on sectors you like (tech, finance, healthcare – whatever). Many consultants build deep expertise or aim for Chartered Management Consultant status later.
Management consulting is a career that you can grow into. If you enjoy streamlining systems or supporting businesses through change, this could be for you.
NEXT: Explore management degrees on Whatuni and take your next step today.