Direct answer
Cardiff University’s MSc Business Management is a conversion course open to graduates of any subject. You must supply your degree certificate, transcripts and IELTS certificate. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close earlier if all places are filled.
What the MSc Business Management is
The MSc Business Management is a conversion course. The official page confirms that no prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required. This means graduates from any discipline – humanities, science, engineering or social science – can apply, provided they meet the academic and English language thresholds.
Chinese degree requirement
For postgraduate taught courses, Cardiff University requires Chinese applicants to hold a relevant four‑year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. The university states that grades of approximately 80% or above are required. The official evidence does not break this down by awarding institution tier or province; it gives a single broad equivalence. Entry onto courses depends on the qualifications awarded in China and English language ability.
UK degree classification baseline
Applicants must hold a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. The China‑specific page translates this into the four‑year bachelor’s degree with approximately 80% described above. The official pages do not list a separate percentage for a 2:1 equivalent, so the stated 80% benchmark is the only verified figure.
English language requirement
You must provide an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. The official page names IELTS explicitly and refers to accepted equivalents, but it does not enumerate which alternative tests are accepted for this course. You must supply a copy of your IELTS certificate or the equivalent evidence with your application.
Documents you must submit
Cardiff University’s official entry requirements list two mandatory documents:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate or accepted equivalent.
The page does not mention a personal statement, reference letters or a CV for this course, but it does not state that those are not required. Confirm the full document checklist on the course application portal before you submit.
Application deadline and capacity
Applications normally close at the end of August. However, the university warns that the course may close sooner if all places are filled. The official page does not publish a live counter or a guaranteed final date, so the end‑of‑August window is a guide, not a fixed promise.
What the official pages do not cover
Several points are absent from the current official evidence:
- A specific 2026/27 academic year label – the pages are assumed to be current but do not carry that year stamp.
- A detailed breakdown of accepted English language equivalents beyond IELTS.
- Any mention of a deposit amount, payment deadline or CAS issuance timeline.
- A list of recognised Chinese institutions – the page says “recognised institution” without publishing a list.
- Whether the 80% benchmark applies uniformly to all degree classifications or only to certain grading scales.
These items require live rechecking on the official Cardiff University course page and the China country page before you finalise an application.
FAQ
Is the MSc Business Management open to students without a business background?
Yes. The course is a conversion programme, so no prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.
What percentage do Chinese applicants need in their bachelor’s degree?
The official requirement is approximately 80% or above in a relevant four‑year bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.
Can I use an English test other than IELTS?
The official page states you need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent. It does not list which equivalents are accepted, so you must check the university’s English language equivalency table directly.
When is the application deadline?
Applications normally close at the end of August, but the course may close sooner if all places are filled.
What documents must I submit with my application?
You must provide a copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, and a copy of your IELTS certificate or accepted equivalent.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn exclusively from the current official Cardiff University pages:
- Cardiff University MSc Business Management course page
- Cardiff University China country entry requirements page
For related guidance on UK institutions and application context, see our Royal Holloway University London 2026 guide, the University of Glasgow 2026 guide, and the 2026 UK education agent rankings. If you are comparing support options while studying abroad, you may also find our article on Related guide 1 useful.