Durham University Business School

The Durham Business School MBA: What You Need To Know

Durham Business School is 180 years old and has been educating for over 50 years. The Durham MBA program is designed to transform students’ careers by enhancing their business and leadership capabilities, and in turn enabling them to excel in a fast-paced global business world. The numbers go to show, with the MBA ranking 1st in the UK, 5th in Europe, and 12th Globally for Value for Money by Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023.

“The Durham MBA is a leading program that is challenging, inspiring, and stimulating. You will be encouraged to confront new ideas, explore cutting-edge management theories, and apply your learning to the world of practice,” says Professor Jorge Lengler, Associate Dean of MBA and DBA Programs.

The B-School is located in Durham, England – a city known for its historic charm situated on the banks of the River Wear. Durham is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in England – the Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 11th century and is a remarkable example of Norman architecture. The city also boasts a well-preserved medieval city center with narrow cobbled streets and charming shops.

The curriculum combines theory and practical business experience, and plenty of personalization opportunities. Part of personalization is choosing one of three pathways to allow MBAs to develop their skills and capabilities and specialize in specific areas. The first is the Entrepreneurship Pathway, where students are offered mentoring from industry experts. The next is the Consultancy Pathway, where MBAs can work within a company and put knowledge and theory into practice. Last but not least is the Technology Pathway that will enhance students’ in-depth knowledge of business-analytics and give them critical insight into technology innovation.

Each pathway also benefits from the Boardroom Exercise, which is said to be one of the most challenging but rewarding aspects of the MBA – a real-life simulation of a boardroom where MBAs apply concepts and theories in real situations with real organizations. This is also a great networking opportunity.

The B-School includes an international business overseas experience where Durham MBAs visit leading international companies and explore the different dimensions of business. This eye-opening experience helps MBAs appreciate the challenges of global business.

Outside of the required curriculum, Durham MBAs can join clubs, attend conferences, and partake in case competitions.

“I have friends who have been to Durham Business School and they enjoyed it, so that encouraged me to come here. Also, in the U.S. an MBA would take twice the time and cost twice the price. One of the great things about this course is the international exposure, which I don’t think you’d get on an MBA back home. Of the 47 on the course, three are from the UK and three more from the Western hemisphere. Half are from China; also, two-thirds are women. The benefit of the small class is that you certainly get one-on-one recognition from the professors. I think that back in the U.S. the Durham name might not be recognized as easily as some other institution, but that doesn’t bother me. I am doing my MBA to increase my own knowledge, not to trade off the name of the university,” says MBA Patrick Newman.

DUBS MBA Rankings Data

DUBS MBA Employment Stats

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