MBA Business Administration (Online)
In this course 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 Learning and Teaching
The programme is structured around six core modules, plus a compulsory research methods module, with a further five elective module choices. This is followed by a 15,000-word dissertation to allow students to carry out independent research and develop their skills in analysis and scholarly expression, using an appropriate theoretical framework.
Students choosing either taught or distance learning routes also benefit from a virtual classroom experience in the form of live webinar sessions led by either the module leader or tutor for the module. This provides an opportunity for smaller groups of students to discuss and debate issues based on knowledge gained through lectures and independent study outside the programme’s formal contact hours.
In either route, lectures and learning resources provide key information on a particular topic, and identify main areas for discussion and debate within current managerial thinking. Students are further supported in writing their dissertation through the study of research methods, and through contact with an allocated supervisor. The role of the supervisor is to provide guidance in the formulation of the research methods and advice in its analysis and presentation as well as helping to inform the academic research process.
Outside of timetabled contact hours, students are expected to undertake their own independent study in preparation for seminars, assignments and other forms of assessment including exams, and general background reading to broaden their subject knowledge. All members of teaching staff are also available to provide additional support on a one-to-one basis via weekly consultation hours. Students are welcomed and encouraged to visit the Business School at any time, both to resolve academic problems and to visit the Programme Office and use the School’s facilities.