Business Administration (online)

Entry requirements

• A minimum of three (preferably five) years relevant work experience since graduation of a managerial nature.
• An Upper Second Class Bachelor Degree or international equivalent.

Months of entry

April

Course content

Flexibility is at the heart of the Durham Online MBA programme as you can personalise your programme to meet your career goals. You can study fully online, complete some of your learning at Durham, and undertake relevant optional modules.

The global spread of students, alumni and faculty will give you the ability to network virtually with people from across the world, and from a wide range of business sectors.

Online MBA in detail

Structured around a two-year study calendar, you can choose to undertake the programme 100% online or take a blended approach where you combine your online learning with residential modules. Whichever way you choose, our comprehensive induction will equip you with an essential toolkit of study skills to help you prepare for your MBA.

DUO is our virtual learning environment and will be at the heart of your Online MBA experience. Through this, you’ll have 24/7 access to your learning materials including videos, industry insights and articles and will participate in a range of online activities that will help to immerse you in the subjects that you choose to study.

Connecting with other students is a key part of your learning experience and you will also benefit from joining live webinar sessions and taking part in tutor-facilitated group discussions via our online forum.

You will be expected to devote around 15 hours per week to study. Online modules are delivered over a 12 week period, including assessments.

Optional residential modules are offered in Durham at points throughout the year, bringing together students from around the world to provide support and inspiration to drive you forward. A study plan is provided for each cohort, and a programme team is available to help with module choices.

Course structure

You will complete:

• Five core modules
• Two optional modules
• Strategic Case Analysis

Five core modules:

These are the foundation of your programme – establishing the management knowledge, understanding and research skills every leader needs.

• Accounting, Finance and Economics
• Leading and Managing People
• Marketing
• Operations and Technology
• Strategic Management

Examples of optional modules:

Depending on your career aspirations, you can either choose to study two optional modules that you find particularly interesting and most relevant to your future career.

Or alternatively, you can choose to study two modules within a structured pathway focusing on the area of entrepreneurship, consultancy or technology.

Modules on offer are dependent on demand, but in previous years have included:

• Entrepreneurship
• New Venture Creation
• Management Consultancy
• Project Management
• Business Analytics
• Technology Innovation
• International Business in Context*

*if you decide to take this module, there will be additional cost to you.

Covid-19: As the health and well-being of our students is our main priority opportunities to travel to international locations may not be able to happen. If further or continued government restrictions necessitate, we will deliver these important global learning experiences virtually.

Pathways

• Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, or

• Consultancy: Management Consultancy and Project Management, or

• Technology: Business Analytics and Technology Innovation

Strategic Case Analysis

The Strategic Case Analysis replaces the traditional university dissertation. It is an in-depth study of key organisational issues, which is more in keeping with the needs of business and management today. It is an opportunity to apply the knowledge you have acquired through core and optional modules to a project that is of relevance to you, for example in your own organisation, a supplier, a competitor or another organisation in the private, public or voluntary sector.

The Residential

The Durham Online MBA Residential brings together students from across the globe to provide support and inspiration to drive you forward in your studies. These optional sessions give you the opportunity to attend modules at our world-class business school facilities in Durham, where you will have access to the very latest IT and library services. The Residential also includes speaker events, a variety of social events, and a truly unique opportunity to enjoy the Durham experience.

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.