Management

Entry requirements

The equivalent of a UK first or upper second class honours degree.

Masters in Management programmes are intended for graduates in any subject or discipline; no previous study in business or management is necessary. For example, in the past we have had graduates from a diverse range of degrees such as Music, Anthropology, Medicine and Geography. Business and Management undergraduate students may find some content overlaps with their first degree.

This programme is intended for graduates in any subject or discipline; no previous study in management is necessary. Please note, however, management undergraduate students or students who have completed a professional management qualification may find some content on this programme overlaps with their prior learning.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc in Management is designed to equip you with the latest tools, techniques and knowledge, as well as the skills and confidence that are essential to becoming a successful manager in the changing and often complex world of business.

The course is taught over one year full-time and consists of core and optional modules which are delivered in a supportive learning environment by subject specialists who will challenge you to achieve your best.

We are in an elite group of UK institutions accredited by all three major business accreditation bodies, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Association of MBAs and the European Quality Improvement System, which reflects our reputation for the high academic quality of teaching in the Business School.

As well as learning in the formal teaching framework, you will also be able to take part in business related events such as the Durham Speaker Series, providing the opportunity to network with senior business leaders, staff and alumni and the Blueprint competition which will encourage you to create ideas for new businesses and to pitch for investment.

Core modules include topics such as business strategy, business analytics, organisational behaviour, supply chain management, and marketing. You also choose a number of further modules from a wide range of options so whether your interests lie in ethical leadership or heritage management, employee relations or decision making you will find something to meet your needs. Finally, you can choose between a research-based dissertation or a practical business project on a subject of particular interest to you.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

Strategy

aims to explain business success or lack of success by looking at a firm’s resources and capabilities in relation to the commercial opportunities that arise. This module considers both the relationship between a firm’s strategy and the external environment and with its own internal set-up.

Business Analytics

will develop critical insights into the decision-making processes essential for contemporary business and management. This module is designed to develop your capabilities in data analytics, covering descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive methods, and provides hands-on experience with real-world business challenges.

Organisational Behaviour

focuses on key issues concerning the behaviour of individuals in organisations and will include subjects such as personal and mental ability, management of attitudes and work motivation, leading others and corporate social responsibility.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

explains the complexities of managing operations and supply chains with an emphasis on critically evaluating the principal processes which add value, primarily in manufacturing but also in service sectors.

Strategic Marketing Management

offers a full introduction to strategic management, marketing planning and professional marketing practice and will give you the skills needed to develop a professional strategic marketing plan.

Research Methods and Dissertation (General Management or International or Business Project route)

provides the necessary training to undertake advanced-level research. You will investigate a relevant topic, and, using material from core and optional modules, complete a dissertation or business project. Dissertation can be undertaken here at Durham or abroad at a partner university.

You have the option to choose between a traditional dissertation format or a business project. The business project involves working with an external organization to carry out a business issue-led investigation, addressing specific management challenges across a range of organizations. This practical approach allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, gaining invaluable experience and insights.

This module will introduce you to a variety of research methods in the social sciences, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. You will learn to review research studies, understand their theoretical principles, and evaluate their methods and findings, equipping you with the skills necessary for conducting rigorous academic or applied research.

Optional modules:

In recent years, optional modules have included:

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
• Competitive Strategies and Organisational Fitness
• Consulting
• Decision Making and Business Option Modelling
• Designing and Marketing Services
• Digital Marketing
• East Asian Business and Management
• Employee Relations
• Employee Reward Strategy
• Financial Management
• Global Business
• Global Sport Business
• Global Supply Chain Leadership
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management
• Human Resource Development
• International Study Tour
• Leading and Managing Change
• New Venture Creation
• Project Management
• Responsible Business
• Retail Marketing Management
• The Science of Leadership
• Thinking Entrepreneurially
• Work and Society
• A language module such as those offered by the University’s Centre for Foreign Language Study

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