Programme structure

A postgraduate programme is about strengthening the foundations that will help a graduate to get a good job and to continue learning and adapting throughout their career. Durham University Business School's programmes are designed to help students explore the world from new perspectives, to challenge accepted wisdom and to make a difference.

Learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, it is about developing attitudes and abilities. Durham University Business School seeks to equip the senior managers of the future by helping its students to

• Put theory into practice
• Continually build their leadership capabilities
• Develop an attitude of scholarly enquiry
• And most importantly, to learn how to learn - a distinguishing factor in successful leaders.

Programme content

A Durham Masters requires successful completion of:

• core and elective modules
• dissertation or business project

Core and elective modules

Core modules provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding.

Elective modules provide an opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills in areas of particular interest or of relevance to your chosen career. You can tailor your degree towards a particular specialism.

The core and elective modules you take depend upon which programme you study.

Select your chosen programme from the list to the left

Assessment

Formative - Tutor assessed assignment. These provide feedback on a piece of work but do not count towards the module mark.

Summative - Either by Examined Coursework Assignments (ECA) only, or by both ECA and examination.

Dissertation with Research Methods

The Masters programme culminates in a 12,000-word dissertation on a business topic chosen by you, and overseen by a faculty supervisor with relevant academic/consultancy experience. The dissertation is an independent piece of research. It should be regarded as an exercise in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of information, observations and ideas. Normally it involves the systematic study of a problem using an appropriate theoretical framework. This is a very rewarding part of the learning experience. The Research Methods module provides insight and guidance into the research process; it is taken before starting the dissertation.

Sandeep Prabhu's project with the Foundation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales
Student presents Masters dissertation at international conference>>

International Opportunities

You may have the opportunity to enhance your study experience by participating in an International Study Tour to a European destination, such as Geneva, which takes place at the beginning of the Easter vacation in March/April each year. This opportunity is not mandatory to your course, and is, therefore, self-funded. 

It may also be possible for the School to facilitate a link between yourself and one of our international partner institutions should you wish to carry out research or a business project at a specific international location during your dissertation period. You would need to know the theme of your research and the location, and discuss this with your Programme Director/Dissertation Supervisor first.

This time abroad can provide you with an insight into the life, culture, language and business of another country, create new contacts and can help you stand out when seeking employment.  Durham University Business School has partners across the world.