Cookies

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue.

Our students say...

Lourdes, part-time MA student

Lourdes Ramirez-Hernandez

MA in Management 2011-

In my opinion, Durham University offers a high quality distance learning program that truly develops the student, offering opportunities for growth in the personal and professional areas.

I work full time in a multinational company based in the North of England, and I feel very proud of the learning I have acquired during my part-time MA in Management course, which began in January 2011. I wanted a flexible program that allowed me to adapt the study time around my work, without compromising the quality of learning, nor having to take a hit on my performance/commitment at work by forcing me to attend un-flexible classroom sessions. The part-time distance program from Durham University Business School not only delivers on all that but exceeded my expectations!

The Business School allows you to choose the taught modules at your own speed, providing comprehensive reading material and suggested schedules that help you to develop your own pace. The University supports distance learning with a series of webinars, tutor-led discussion forums and formative assignments enabling you to form a very complete understanding of each topic.; To complement the experience, I attended a 3 day residential module and a summer school that allowed me to experience the University campus and network with international students.

Each module assessment is done in a challenging way, leading the student to grow a broad understanding with a critical mind. The feedback from tutors is accurate and well communicated, and although it can be hard to take, it only helped me to grow.

As a distance learning student, I never felt at a disadvantage to full time students. I felt supported at all times by both the staff and the tutors from the University. As a result, the program enabled me to fulfill my goal to achieve a high quality Masters Degree without having to take time off work. I am grateful to Durham University Business School for their commitment to the program and their first-rate teaching.

Mahitab Shahin

MA in Management

I finished my bachelor degree in 2009 and have been looking forward to starting Masters Studies to progress my career. Currently, I am an academic staff member in the British University in Egypt, which meant that my work load might not give me the option of joining a full-time programme.  After a lot of research for a good and beneficial programme that will suit my needs, Durham’s part-time MA programme was the best choice. It was my first option, based on the recommendation of the Dean at my university who has done his Bachelor Degree in Durham University.

When looking for a part-time programme, especially if the university is miles away, one of the important points to consider is communication with the staff. This is something I have appreciated while dealing with Durham’s effective support team, who reply to all my emails (which are a lot!) and with enough information to answer all my queries.

This programme is by far the best suited for people with high work demands. It gives me great flexibility and is not loaded with useless assessments. The assignments are challenging and inviting for more research to understand all the perspectives of the module; yet not difficult.

The Residential Services Management module at the Summer School in 2011 was an unforgettable experience for me. It not only helped me understand the module fully and interact with students from different cultures and backgrounds, but also benefited me with new teaching techniques that I currently use with my students. Tutors and module leaders are friendly and more than willing to help.

Acquiring my Masters degree from such a prestigious university will definitely help me acquire a promotion at work and has already expanded my knowledge area with the modules I have studied. This programme has provided me with solid ground and even more energy to further continue with PhD studies.

 

Ola

Ola El-Tanani

MA Marketing

I began my studies at Durham University Business School in 2008 with the aim to complete the MA programme in 18 months. However, I got pregnant, had a baby, got chicken pox, survived a revolution and a state of unrest, and finally a new job. Nevertheless, I managed to complete the Masters degree with Merit but in four years.

The GLC staff were amazingly supportive during these difficult periods and guided me to the right direction. I even brought my four-month old baby girl to the summer school at the Business School, which was extremely insightful and interesting. It gave me a chance to meet with module leaders, meet some of my peers, and work with them in groups.

The Distance Learning programme made it possible for me to study in a reputable Business School without having to move away from work and family, through which I managed to stay in Egypt and continued to progress in my career.

As my Postgraduate degree came to an end, I was offered a long-term consultancy through a local Durham Alumni social network, as a Public Advocacy and Communication Advisor at a US Agency for International Development (USAID) project, in trade development. I am currently utilising my new Marketing skills both on the job and to market myself on the job market. I am extremely interested in Social Marketing as a continuation of marketing skills put in a social context and not as a separate science.

Finally, I continue to enjoy my lifetime membership of the School's Alumni Network which continuously offers webinars on key tips for career growth; an international job board; and access to business journals and professional directories.

Manuel

Manuel Siskowski

MA Marketing, April 2011-

I work as a Global Product Manager for an international healthcare corporation based in Germany. My job includes regular travelling which made a residential programme difficult to pursue. Therefore it was clear to me that I needed to find a programme based on distance learning. After comparing many programmes from European universities Durham was my first choice. Durham University was of special interest for me because of its long tradition, excellent reputation and its MA programmes that were fully designed for distance learning. Many other programmes were just modified for distance learning.

During my Bachelor studies in Germany and the Netherlands I focused on business administration and finance. For my master studies I planned to broaden my knowledge while gaining more insights in strategic marketing. My decision for the MA Marketing turned out to be perfectly right. The course content is of highest quality while delivering theoretical and practical perspectives. I am truly able to apply many concepts and ideas to my everyday work. For example I work a lot on positioning and market segmentation. These topics have been covered really well. I appreciated the strong connection to psychology basics in many of the modules.

The online working environment (DUO) is a huge learning support. The opportunity to interact with tutors and other students means I don’t feel as though I am studying in isolation. The use of discussion boards, blogs and emails also works well and is a welcome variation.

The most important aspect for me though is the flexibility of the programme. Normally I choose three to four modules in parallel. I work on them during the weekend. I can manage the workload well, but of course have to work more intensively during the assessment phase. However, the overall workload is suitable for studying part-time and I aim to complete the programme in 24 months.

Bruce Duthie

Bruce Duthie

MA Management with Distinction

My background is project management and I have worked in both the public and private sector.

I chose the distance learning route because I needed to have the flexibility to pace myself whilst juggling a full-time job and a family with two young children.

I knew it was going to be hard. I researched the top business schools in the world that had a distance learning option and Durham rose to the top. It was my first choice based on the strong research and academic reputation, global-mindedness, curriculum, and its tremendous tradition.

I have gained a deeper appreciation of the multiple aspects of management theory and the intricacies of execution. The breadth and depth of the programme systematically opened my eyes to how to connect the dots between functional disciplines such as finance, human resource, strategy, information systems, and economics. The integrated model allows students to see both the forest and the trees.

My Durham MA in Management has been a world-class, challenging, and personable experience. The high-quality tutors, instructors, and DL coordinators made me feel a part of the Durham experience despite being in Canada for the entire duration of the degree. The online seminars provided the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with students across the globe. This rich atmosphere enhanced the overall learning experience.

I intend to take full advantage of the Durham experience through bringing non-traditional approaches to solve non-traditional business problems. A new management framework is required to address the abundance of competing demands, economic uncertainties, and overall need for firms to be better at execution. Durham University Business School has equipped me with the foundation knowledge to bring this thinking into practice.

I am currently a Solutions Architect in the financial services industry: Coast Capital Savings Credit Union.

 

David Gardiner

MA in Management

I first studied Applied Psychology at Durham before working as a Research Associate within the Department. My career then developed in the field of Youth Justice working locally and on national projects. As I progressed within that arena I completed a relevant professional certificate. I moved on to project management and involvement in public sector inspections before pursing strategic/commissioning management opportunities.

I chose Durham University Business School because the flexible approach offered through distance learning meant that studying could fit around work and family life. The global reputation of the Business School and University meant that the credibility of the MA qualification was undeniable. In an increasingly competitive environment the qualification stands out from the crowd.

From day one I was able to use the information gained from the course to support my management career. Without doubt the course helped me to maximise my potential in the workplace and secure a number of new roles. The qualification will support access to increasingly senior management roles from now, and perhaps more importantly has given me the knowledge and skills to be effective in such positions.

The quality of materials and support was first rate. Residential seminars were really beneficial, offering a great opportunity to network and immerse yourself in the subject. Staff from the school were always supportive and accessible throughout the programme.

The course has been challenging, rewarding and without doubt worthwhile. It has provided me with an excellent return on both the financial and human investment that is required. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to pursue a career in management.

I am currently working as a commissioning manager within public health and intend to pursue a career in strategic public sector management over the next 5-10 years.