Management (Entrepreneurship)

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

Whether you’re looking to launch a business, build partnerships, develop new ideas or invest in new ventures, this innovative MSc explores ways to harness your flair for business and take it to the next level.

There is a strong practical element to the course and you will hear from guest speakers such as consultants, social marketers and analysts who have a wide experience of the topics covered in the modules you will study.

You will also be able to test your own entrepreneurial skills in the Blueprint Startup Challenge.

Opportunities for international learning are embedded into the course as they encourage you to think globally when it comes to applying your entrepreneurial skills. They comprise an international study tour, a summer school and the option to complete your dissertation abroad.

The Business School is one of an elite group of UK institutions that has been 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. It offers a vibrant, supportive and stimulating learning experience, delivered by academic staff who are experts in their field.

This one-year full-time course comprises core modules on strategy, organisational behaviour, introduction to entrepreneurship, new venture creation, business analytics, and thinking entrepreneurially. You can tailor the course to your own interests through a choice of optional modules and complete a dissertation or a business project.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

Strategy

seeks to explain the success of a business or the lack of it by studying its corporate plan of action in relation to both the external commercial environment and also the balance internally between the plan and its resources and capabilities.

Organisational Behaviour

covers key issues relating to the behaviour of individuals in an organisation and examines topics such as personal and mental ability, the management of attitudes and work motivation, decision-making, corporate and social responsibility, and addressing justice and equality within organisations.

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

provides an overview of the field of entrepreneurship, including the role it plays in modern economies and societies. You will understand the different tools and approaches to the concept of entrepreneurship as applied in various contexts.

Thinking Entrepreneurially

will cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset adaptable to both startups and established organisations. This module enhances your ability to confidently navigate the ever-changing business landscape, with entrepreneurship as the foundation. Throughout the course, a strong emphasis is placed on adapting, persisting, and learning from entrepreneurial challenges.

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. You will dive deep into the essential role of data within organizations, exploring the technical infrastructure, governance, and ethical practices that support effective data management.

New Venture Creation

provides you with an overall understanding of the process of creating a new business venture as well as giving you an insight into what is required to make it happen and how to meet the challenges of such ventures. You will also learn how best to manage customer and supplier relationships, finances, and operational issues in an ethical and responsible manner.

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
• Consulting
• Designing and Marketing Services
• Decision-Making and Business Option Modelling
• Digital Marketing
• Designing and Marketing Services
• East Asian Business and Management
• Employee Reward Strategy
• Financial Management
• Financial Planning and Control
• Global Business
• Global Sport Business
• International Study Tour
• Project Management
• Responsible Business
• 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

For further information see the course listing.