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Consulting skills you need to transform your business leadership

Discover how consulting skills from GBS Malta’s MBA in Management Consulting redefine business leadership. 

Did you know 92% of Fortune 100 companies actively recruit MBA graduates for leadership roles? Or that management consulting roles are projected to grow by 14% globally by 2025 (GMAC, 2024)? The demand for professionals who combine strategic insight with cultural agility is not slowing down but is actually increasing. For international students eyeing a career in global business leadership, an MBA in Management Consulting is not just a qualification; it is a toolkit for reshaping industries.

GBS Malta offers a one-year, full-time MBA with a specialisation in management consulting, designed for international students aiming for a global career. This programme, accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), focuses on developing key consulting skills to transform business leadership, such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cross-cultural management. At GBS Malta, this programme goes beyond theory. It is designed to give you consulting skills that bridge gaps between data-driven strategy with human-centric leadership. Discover what it takes to lead in a world where adaptability defines success.

The art of asking questions (and listening to answers)

Great consultants do not just solve problems, they find the right problems to solve. This starts with curiosity. How do you identify bottlenecks in a multinational supply chain? Why do teams in Berlin and Tokyo approach deadlines differently?

Business leadership thrives on inquiry. At GBS Malta, the MBA in Management Consulting emphasises soft system methodology-frameworks that decodes complex organisational challenges. As a result, you will be able to:

  • Map stakeholder interests without bias.
  • Diagnose cultural misalignments in global teams.
  • Convert vague client concerns into actionable projects.

A 2023 McKinsey report found that 67% of consulting projects fail due to miscommunication. GBS Malta’s curriculum tackles this head-on with case studies simulating the ambiguity of the real-world.

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Strategy is not just a spreadsheet; it is a narrative.

Numbers matter, but narratives drive change. Think about it: Would a boardroom back your proposal because of a pie chart or because you connected the data to their long-term vision?

The MBA in Management Consulting at GBS Malta trains you to craft strategies that resonate. Modules like Behavioural Strategy and Cross-Cultural Management dissect how cultural codes influence decision-making.

No project manages itself 

Ever seen a 'quick fix' implode because nobody planned for risks? Mastering project lifecycle principles is essential for effective consulting. GBS Malta’s programme dedicates an entire module to consulting and project management, covering:

  • Scope of negotiation tactics.
  • Resource allocation under budget constraints.
  • Mitigating scope creep (the silent killer of deadlines).

A 2024 PwC survey revealed that 45% of consultants cited poor risk management as their biggest career obstacle. At GBS Malta, you will simulate crisis scenarios, such as salvaging a merger delayed by regulatory snags, to build resilience.

Marketing isn’t just about ads—It’s about alignment

Strategic marketing modules in the MBA in Management Consulting teach you to align brand messaging with organisational goals. Take Apple’s ‘Think Different' campaign: it was not just catchy – it mirrored its internal innovation culture.

You will analyse cases similar as:

  • How IKEA adapted its DIY model to markets seeking assembly services.
  • Why Starbucks failed in Australia (hint: cultural codes around café socialising).

This is not marketing 101. It is about ensuring every campaign reinforces the client’s strategic vision—a skill 78% of consulting firms prioritise in new hires (Forbes, 2024).

Leading diverse teams

Global business leadership means navigating accents, time zones and unspoken norms. GBS Malta’s cross-cultural management training prepares you for this reality. 

Key takeaways include:

  • Adapting feedback styles to cultural expectations.
  • Building trust in virtual teams.
  • Leveraging diversity for creative problem-solving.

The programme uses artificial intelligence (AI)-driven simulations to mimic scenarios such as negotiating a joint venture in Dubai.

GBS Malta MBA

GBS HE Malta’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a transformative one-year, full-time programme designed to shape visionary business leaders. It offers five distinct pathways, including an MBA in management consulting, catering to diverse ambitions. The programme is delivered on-campus in Malta, with intakes in February, May, and October, and is taught in English. It is accredited by MFHEA and is aligned with the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF)/European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7, ensuring global recognition.

The MBA comprises:

  • Core modules (10 ECTS each): Global strategies, managerial finance, leadership and organisational behaviour, and applied digital marketing.
  • Specialisation modules (10 ECTS each for management consulting): 
  1. Management and practice of consulting: Facts, theories and issues, and lifecycle (250 hours total, 50 contact hours, 175 self-study, 25 assessment hours, MQF/EQF Level 6). This module explores consultant-client relationships, covering the private and public sectors, and focuses on deconstructing projects, applying frameworks, and presenting results. It uses case studies to address business challenges, enhancing problem-solving and strategic thinking.
  2. Behavioural strategy and cross-cultural management (details not fully specified but focuses on global operations, cultural differences and leadership in multicultural environments, MQF/EQF Level 6).
  • Dissertation/project module (30 ECTS): A major project related to the management consulting pathway, emphasising management-related relevance, scoping, planning and evaluation using quantitative/qualitative research methodologies (250 hours total, 50 contact hours, 175 self-study, 25 assessment hours, MQF/EQF Level 6).

The programme’s structure, with 90 ECTS credits (180 UK Credits), ensures a rigorous, vocationally relevant study of business administration, enhancing participants’ critical understanding of management theory and practice in an international context.

Market demand and employment statistics

Recent statistics highlight the growing demand for management consultants, supporting GBS Malta’s MBA. The management consulting industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.27% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly $412.56 billion by 2030, according to Maximize Market Research. In 2024, top MBA programmes reported that up to 44% of graduates entered management consulting Clear Admit, reflecting high demand. A GMAC survey indicates 33% of global recruiters plan to hire more MBA graduates in 2024 compared to 2023 states Poets&Quants, underscoring a positive hiring forecast.

Additional statistics include:

  • A 10-year return of investment (ROI) of up to 325% for MBA alumni from top-ranked schools National University.
  • At McGill University, 41% of MBA graduates entered consulting with a mean base salary of $124,778 reported the McGill Desautels Faculty of Management, indicating strong financial returns.

These figures suggest that pursuing an MBA in Management Consulting can lead to lucrative and impactful careers, particularly for international students.

Benefits of studying at GBS Malta

GBS Malta offers several advantages for international students, enhancing its MBA programme appeal:

  • Accreditation and recognition: MFHEA approved and MQRIC recognised, ensuring global employability.
  • Financial support & educational ROI: Scholarships are available to ease the upfront investment. Furthermore, GBS Malta programmes are designed to maximize your return on educational investment, equipping you with skills and knowledge for a successful career.
  • International environment: Malta’s strategic location provides a multicultural learning environment ideal for networking and developing global perspectives, crucial for consulting careers.
  • Career opportunities: The programme’s practical focus and industry connections support job placements, with graduates benefiting from high ROI and salary increases, as evidenced by comparative data.
  • Campus life and student support: Offers vibrant campus activities and comprehensive support services, including academic advising and career guidance, ensuring student success.

The programme’s duration (one year full-time) and on-campus format facilitate immersive learning, with fees starting at €10,000 per year (scholarships available), making it accessible for international students.

Why GBS Malta’s MBA stands out

While consulting skills form the programme’s backbone, GBS Malta adds unique layers:

  • MFHEA accreditation: Internationally recognised, ensuring your degree meets EU standards.
  • Get Qualified scheme: Save 70% on tuition fees via Malta’s tax rebate.
    One-year intensity: Graduate faster without sacrificing depth; 90 ECTS credits packed into 12 months.
  • Scholarship opportunities: GBS Malta offers up to 25% scholarship for MBA students for October 2025 intake.
  • Post study work visa: International students can remain in Malta for up to one year after their studies to gain practical work experience. After joining a job, they can apply for a residence permit for work purposes.

Ready to lead beyond borders?

The MBA in Management Consulting programme at GBS HE Malta is not about memorising frameworks. It is about rewiring you thinking so you can walk into a Lagos boardroom or a Stockholm startup and lead with clarity.

With global consulting revenue expected to reach $400 billion by 2026 (Statista, 2024), the question is not 'Why get an MBA?', It is 'Why wait?’
Apply Now to join the next GBS Malta cohort. Your future as a global consultant starts here.

FAQs about GBS Malta’s MBA Programme

1 - Do I need prior consulting experience to enrol in this MBA programme?

No prior consulting experience is required. The MBA in Management Consulting at GBS Malta is designed for both career switchers and professionals aiming to formalise their business leadership skills. The curriculum starts with core principles like soft systems methodologies and project lifecycle management, then progresses to advanced topics like cross-cultural negotiation. Case studies and live client projects ensure you gain hands-on consulting skills, even if you’re new to the field.

2 - How does this MBA prepare me for global consulting roles?

The programme’s Behavioural Strategy and Cross-Cultural Management module tackles real-world complexity. You’ll dissect cultural codes (e.g., how hierarchy impacts decision-making in South Korea vs. Sweden) and use AI simulations to resolve conflicts in virtual teams. With Malta’s strategic location bridging Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, GBS Malta’s network also opens doors to internships and client projects with multinational firms.

3 - What makes GBS Malta’s MBA different from other programmes?

Three things: speed, practicality, and cost efficiency. The 1-year format delivers 90 ECTS credits without cutting corners—modules like Management and Practice of Consulting include live briefs from Maltese businesses. Plus, Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme reimburses 70% of tuition fees post-graduation. You’ll graduate with less debt and a globally recognised MFHEA-accredited degree.

4 - Can I balance this MBA with a full-time job?

The programme is full-time and on-campus, requiring dedicated engagement. However, the intense 12-month structure is built for efficiency. Classes focus on collaborative workshops over lectures, and projects often mirror real consulting timelines (e.g., 6-week sprints). Many students leverage Malta’s compact size to minimise commute times, freeing up hours for study.

5 - What career paths can I pursue after graduating?

Graduates land roles like management consultant, strategy analyst, or innovation lead. The consulting skills you’ll master—stakeholder mapping, risk mitigation, cross-cultural team leadership—are sought after in sectors from tech (e.g., optimising SaaS rollouts) to healthcare (e.g., streamlining patient data systems). The programme’s alumni work at firms like Deloitte, EY, and UNICEF, with 83% reporting promotions within two years.

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