Business and Management

The Business and Management degree at Durham University offers an exceptional opportunity for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin successful organizations in the modern business environment. This programme provides a thorough grounding in key areas such as strategic management, finance, marketing, human resource management, and operations management, enabling students to grasp how different functions within a business interrelate to achieve organizational objectives. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical decision-making abilities, preparing graduates for a wide range of career paths in the business world or for further academic study.

Students will benefit from Durham’s renowned reputation for academic excellence and research-led teaching, which combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications. The programme incorporates case studies, real-world projects, and opportunities for internships, helping students to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop leadership skills, ethical awareness, and a global perspective, which are essential qualities in today’s increasingly interconnected economy.

The Business and Management programme at Durham University typically offers flexible pathways, including options for specialization in areas such as entrepreneurship, digital innovation, or financial management, depending on the academic year and student interest. The programme is delivered by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, ensuring that students receive mentorship and support throughout their academic journey.

Graduates of the programme often pursue careers in consulting, marketing, finance, human resources, or start their own ventures, equipped with a robust set of skills and a solid understanding of business principles. Additionally, Durham’s strong alumni network and close ties with industry provide valuable networking opportunities and pathways into the business sector. By choosing this programme, students will become well-rounded business professionals capable of adding value to organizations in a competitive global marketplace.

Content

Year 1

This introduces the study of key business topics:

• People and organisations
• Marketing
• The changing business environment
• Introduction to accounting and finance
• Analysis and research.

Students start to develop business, investigation and project skills in a further module devoted to a range of business-related activities such as developing a business plan for a new start-up. There are five core modules and a choice of a further business, economics or language optional module. The modules work together to build your knowledge and develop key skills and techniques.

Year 2

The second year sees the Business and Marketing degrees separate and build towards their specialist areas, though half of the modules remain common. Investigative and key business skills are developed further and integrated across the entire second year as well as forming a basis for the third year. The importance of international aspects of business is highlighted. The Business and Management degrees focus on the management of operations and information systems and offer optional modules in areas such as marketing, entrepreneurship and business law.

Year 3

Central to year three is the Dissertation. The other core module is Strategic Management which brings together student knowledge, experience and skills from all three years to look at how organisations develop their strategy. The Dissertation and three optional modules allow you considerable opportunities to focus your studies on areas of special interest and to engage more closely with the School’s research groups through seminars and guest speaker programmes.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We require AAB from A-levels.
• We consider all A-level subjects, with the exception of General Studies – therefore General Studies would not be included in any offer.
• For all Business, Marketing, Accounting and Finance degrees a strong proficiency in Mathematics is required. If Mathematics is not taken as an A-level subject a grade A in Mathematics at GCSE is required.
• We consider each application holistically, on an individual basis and against the other applications we receive. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example if they can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference.
• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications, please email us for more information.
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to offer IELTS of 6.5 (no component under 6.0); or the University approved equivalent. We also require proof of English Language proficiency for students from the European Union.
• We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry from those who have well- structured plans for work or travel, for example. We may, however, need to restrict the number of deferred entry offers we make because we have to be careful not to fill too many of next year’s places in advance. However, if you do apply for a deferred place and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply the following year.
• You are welcome to apply if you are taking resits; we do not make higher offers to students who declare resits.
• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Centre offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Finance component of the Business and Management program at Durham University offers students a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, practices, and analytical techniques essential for success in modern business environments. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in financial accounting, managerial finance, investment analysis, and corporate financial strategy. Students will explore key topics such as financial markets, financial reporting, risk management, and valuation methods, enabling them to make informed financial decisions. The program emphasizes the development of quantitative skills and analytical thinking through practical coursework, case studies, and real-world applications. Additionally, students have the opportunity to engage with contemporary issues in finance, including ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and technological innovations like fintech and blockchain. Durham University provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience via lectures, seminars, workshops, and optional internships, which prepare students for careers in banking, investment management, consultancy, and corporate finance. The program also encourages critical thinking about financial sustainability, corporate governance, and global economic trends. With a dedicated team of experienced academics and industry professionals, students gain valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. Overall, the Finance studies within this program aim to produce well-rounded graduates who possess both the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to excel in the dynamic financial sector, supporting their ambitions in careers such as financial analyst, investment banker, financial advisor, or risk manager. The program’s rigorous academic structure and emphasis on employability ensure that students are competitive candidates in the increasingly complex financial industry.

The Business and Management program at Durham University offers a comprehensive and robust curriculum designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of business operations, strategic management, and organizational behavior. The degree emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating disciplines such as economics, finance, marketing, and leadership to prepare students for diverse careers in the business world. Throughout the program, students engage with a variety of modules that develop their analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and understanding of global markets. The course is structured to include both theoretical coursework and practical applications, such as case studies, projects, and internships, fostering a hands-on learning experience that aligns with current industry standards. Durham’s renowned faculty members bring a wealth of experience and research expertise, enriching classroom discussions and providing mentorship opportunities. The program also offers elective modules that allow students to specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship, corporate finance, or international business, offering flexibility to tailor their education to personal career goals. The university's strong ties with industries and businesses in the UK and abroad facilitate networking opportunities, guest lectures, and career fairs. Additionally, students benefit from Durham’s vibrant campus community, with access to business societies, seminars, and events that enhance their learning and professional development. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped to pursue careers in management, consulting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, or to continue their studies in business-related postgraduate programs. The program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and ethical awareness, aiming to produce graduates who are both competent and responsible professionals capable of adapting to a rapidly changing global business environment.