Durham University Business School (DUBS) is to launch a new ‘fast-track’ online MBA, with focused subject choices and personalised learning routes, developing the school’s reputation for pioneering MBA distance learning.
The newly labelled “Durham Online MBA” will offer a number of enhancements to build on the success of the existing programme, which is already ranked 2nd in the UK and ninth globally by the Financial Times*. A new feature is the minimum study time will be reduced from three years to two, enabling students to benefit from an MBA earlier to advance their careers.
Students can realise their potential as they have the opportunity to personalise their learning to suit career aspirations. Core modules have been reorganised to have more focus and reduced from seven to five. In addition to core modules, students take two electives of their choice and undertake a strategic case analysis. Depending on their elective choices students can specialise in one of three structured pathways: Entrepreneurship, Consultancy or Technology. The elective modules have been enhanced and extended to include the latest subjects and thinking needed in global business, from Entrepreneurship, New venture creation, Management consultancy, Project management, Business analytics, Technology innovation, and International business in context.
Learners will have access to the school’s rich virtual learning environment via the school’s virtual campus ‘Durham University Online’ (DUO) and the option to study 100% online or through blended learning. DUO gives 24/7 access to videos, written resources, activities, self-assessment exercises and to thousands of articles via the online library service. Connecting with other students is a key part of the learning experience, along with live webinar sessions and tutor-facilitated discussions via the forum.
We have been building a substantial track record in the delivery of online learning for MBAs since 1998 and these exciting new enhancements will create opportunities for more students and build on our position as a pioneer of online MBA learning
Students also have the option of attending an annual Summer School held in Durham, bringing a valuable classroom dimension to the Durham Online MBA study experience and shared face-to-face experience.
Personal Career Advancement is integral to the programme and students will be offered a dedicated personal careers consultancy service, which will offer practical support through the programme and beyond.
Julie Hodges, Director MBA Programmes, says: “The Durham Online MBA offers a fantastic and dynamic 24/7 study experience for our growing global community of learners. We have been building a substantial track record in the delivery of online learning for MBAs since 1998 and these exciting new enhancements will create opportunities for more students and build on our position as a pioneer of online MBA learning.
“Durham’s distance-learning MBA has proved increasingly popular as aspiring students realise they can gain a world-leading business education while working. We will continue to lead the way in online learning by ensuring the student experience grows even richer and more dynamic.”
DUBS remains one of the UK’s longest established business schools, carrying three internationally recognised quality assurances (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA), and its online MBA is ranked second in the UK in the Financial Times Global MBA ranking 2017.
Stewart Bromley, Chief Operating Office of Atom Bank, will mark the start of the new online MBA with a discussion on the challenges of leadership. The programme will include a number of industry specialists who will share their views with the students – both in the classroom and online.