Why Study Business?

If you want to develop your skills in a wide range of areas, from subject-specific knowledge to more transferable skills, studying business at university is a great choice. The skills you gain from a business degree can help you to work in any industry, doing anything from managing a company to being your own boss. You’ll also graduate having learnt more about the world we live in and how businesses affect society both directly and indirectly.

Fields of business

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing
• Human resources
• Organisational behaviour
• Corporate responsibility

Importance of studying business

There are a number of benefits to studying business at university:

Enjoy career flexibility

Studying business gives you the chance to build a broad knowledge base and develop your own area of interest. Business graduates are always in demand, so you will have the opportunity to work in a diverse range of industries and careers.

Become a confident communicator

As well as developing your core abilities, a business degree will also give you the chance to build essential soft skills that will help you throughout your career. The communication skills you will develop during your business degree will help you work as part of a team and to articulate your ideas effectively.

Gain the skills you need to start your own business

Taking a degree in business will also give you a headstart in developing your entrepreneurial skills. You will learn about the foundations of running your own business, think critically about the problems you may face and learn about to develop a business plan.

Why study business at Durham University?

Durham University Business School is internationally renowned and its vision is to lead business thought and practice to improve global wealth and well-being. One of the UK's longest established business schools, Durham Business School is ranked 45th in Europe (FT European Business Schools 2021).

It is also one of an elite group of schools worldwide to carry three internationally recognised quality assurances. At Durham, you will learn from inspiring academics whose research is internationally renowned.

Key skills from studying business

Studying a business degree will help you develop skills that are highly desirable by potential employers:

• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Presentation skills
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Interpreting financial data
• Organisation
• Problem-solving
• Project and resource management
• An understanding of economic fluctuations and other external changes affecting businesses

What business degree can I study at Durham University?

There are several business-related degrees you can choose from when you progress to Durham University. These include:

• BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
• BA (Hons) Accounting and Management
• BA (Hons) Business and Management
• BA (Hons) Economics
• BSc (Hons) Finance
• BA (Hons) Marketing and Management

Degree preparation at the International Study Centre

Our International Foundation Year in Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance prepares international students for their business degree at Durham. The programme will help you develop the study skills, knowledge and English language level needed to pursue a business degree at Durham.

This pathway lasts for three terms and, alongside core modules, you will study designated modules related to your progression degree. These include:

• Foundations of Business
• Foundations of Statistics
• Academic Practice (for Business)
• Studying Social Life (for Business)

Business degree jobs

A business degree will give you a broad set of skills, transferrable to a number of industries and public sector roles.

Jobs you can pursue with a business degree

• Accountant
• Actuarial analyst
• Business development manager
• Data analyst
• Entrepreneur
• Marketing executive
• Management consultant
• Project manager
• Stockbroker
• Supply chain manager

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which study is best for business?

Degrees in business administration, economics, or finance, are commonly pursued for a career in the business field. The best study for business depends on your interests and career goals.

Is business studies good for the future?

Yes, business studies can be beneficial for the future. It equips you with a wide range of skills and knowledge applicable to various industries, making you versatile and competitive in the job market.

Are business jobs in demand?

Yes. Businesses require professionals with expertise in areas such as management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship to drive growth and success.