FIT YOUR LEARNING AROUND YOUR LIFE That is how we view studying by distance learning at Durham and we have designed the Durham Distance Learning MBA programme with that thought in mind. The advantages of studying via distance learning are clear: learned skills and techniques can be put into practice immediately; you do not have to interrupt your career or forego your salary; and your organisation does not have to lose you.

Better still, your organisation may sponsor you.

Distance learning is the study mode of choice of many international students: half of Durham´s Distance Learning students are non-UK based and include 80 nationalities.

We offer two distance learning MBAs: a general MBA and MBA (Finance).

Programme Structure
The Durham Distance Learning MBA is structured into three consecutive stages:

• Seven core modules which provide a foundation of managerial knowledge: Strategic Management; Managing People; Managing Finance; Managing in the Competitive Environment; Improving Management Decision-Making; Managing in the Global Environment; Methods of Inquiry.
• Five electives (including three compulsory finance modules for those studying MBA (Finance) chosen from a wide selection. For a list of electives currently on offer, please visit www.dur.ac.uk/dbs
• 15,000 word dissertation which provides an opportunity to work on a management topic of personal interest, utilising knowledge and theory acquired throughout the programme.

Progression through the programme
The programme is divided into semesters of six months´ study (January to June and July to December), delivered in discrete learning modules and units. One unit is equivalent to a lecture session and represents roughly an evening´s study. A core module has 10 units and an elective module has 8 units.

Each semester you select the number of modules you wish to study: once you have enrolled and paid the appropriate fees (normally two months in advance of the semester start date), all course materials necessary to study those modules will be despatched to you.

We supply you with specially-written module material (on paper, on CD-ROM and via DUO, Durham´s web-based delivery platform) containing all the content, information and background detail you will need to complete the programme successfully; all essential textbooks are also provided. In addition, you can interact with other students through online seminars, discussion forums and residential seminars.

You progress through the programme at a rate you decide, dependent on the number of modules you choose to study each semester, and satisfactory assessment.

Module Tutors
You will be allocated a module tutor for each module to provide you with general academic support and feedback on the tutor assessed assignments. These are experienced academics or practitioners, most of whom have completed an MBA. They form the first point of contact, usually by email, and are available to answer individual questions on the module material.

After enrolment you will also receive a list of contact details for fellow students living in your geographical region.

Residential Seminars
Residential seminars are an important feature of the programme. They are held in Durham over a long weekend - Friday to Monday - in March/April and September. This is the only part of the programme for which attendance is required. You are encouraged to attend seminars as often as possible, but in case of difficulty exemptions can be sought.

Assessment
Examinations take place in June and December each year, with examined coursework assignments, dissertations and business reports submitted to deadlines at or near the examination dates. Once enrolled on your chosen modules, you will be expected to undergo assessment at the next ordinary occasion, although a deferral opportunity exists in case of difficulty or a change in circumstances.

Examinations are offered at approved examination centres, of which there are upwards of 200 worldwide. New examination centres can be approved if required.

Durham Business School