Introducing business Masters courses - University of Essex Online
Luke Johnson, programme coordinator for business at the University of Essex Online talks through the most popular courses on offer. Discover who would suit these programmes and the career prospects for graduates
What business courses do you offer?
We offer a range of online business programmes designed to meet the needs of professionals at different stages of their careers. Our most popular postgraduate courses include the:
Masters in Business Management (MBM)
MSc Business and Management with Finance
MSc Business and Management with Business Analytics.
Each programme provides a comprehensive understanding of business and management, but with a distinct focus area.
MBM is ideal for those seeking to develop leadership and management skills across a range of business contexts.
MSc Business and Finance deepens your understanding of how financial decision-making underpins strategic success.
MSc Business Analytics equips students with the ability to interpret and apply data insights to real-world business challenges - a vital skill in today's data-driven economy.
We also offer short professional development courses, typically lasting around 13 weeks, covering topics such as:
financial decision-making
leadership
marketing
supply chain management.
These short courses are a great way to gain a CPD-accredited qualification, build confidence, and even progress onto a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, or full Masters degree.
What makes these courses unique?
What sets our programmes apart is the balance between academic theory and practical, real-world application. We design every course with employability in mind, helping students not only understand business concepts but also apply them directly to their professional environments.
Our approach is very much learn today, use tomorrow. Many students are already working while they study, so they can immediately implement new ideas and frameworks in their day jobs. The programmes also build soft skills that employers consistently highlight as essential such as:
decision making
effective communication
problem solving
teamwork.
We regularly consult with our Employer Advisory Board, which includes business leaders from a range of industries. Their input ensures our courses remain relevant and aligned with current and future business needs.
In addition, every module is taught by experienced academics and industry practitioners, meaning students gain both theoretical knowledge and insight from those actively working in the field.
How does studying online work?
All our courses are 100% online and part time, providing students with complete flexibility to learn wherever and whenever suits them best. Whether you're studying early in the morning, late at night, or between work commitments, our digital campus is open 24/7.
Teaching takes place through our interactive learning platform and includes a blend of:
Pre-recorded lectures (lecturecasts) designed in collaboration with subject experts and learning technologists.
Live seminars and Q&A sessions for real-time engagement.
Discussion forums and group projects that foster collaboration and build community across a global cohort.
Reflective journals and case study analysis, helping students connect learning with personal and professional growth.
Assessment is diverse and inclusive - from traditional essays and reports to group presentations, peer reviews, and reflective portfolios. This variety mirrors the real-world business environment, ensuring students develop practical and transferable skills.
Support is a cornerstone of our approach. Tutors respond to queries within 24 hours during the week, and one-to-one meetings can be scheduled throughout the course. We also have a dedicated student support and study skills team, helping learners balance study, work, and personal life. Many of our students choose to attend our on-campus graduation ceremony, which is a fantastic opportunity to meet peers and tutors in person.
Where can these courses lead?
Graduates from our business programmes go on to diverse and rewarding careers across multiple sectors.
MBM graduates often progress into leadership roles such as:
business managers
management consultants
operations managers
project managers
strategic planners.
MSc Business and Finance graduates typically move into roles combining leadership with financial acumen such as:
corporate finance managers
financial analysts
investment consultants.
MSc Business Analytics graduates are prepared for roles in:
business and data analysis
marketing analytics
supply chain management.
Many of our students are already working professionals who use the qualification to accelerate their careers, transition into new sectors, or launch their own businesses. The versatility of these degrees provides a strong foundation for senior management positions across industries.
Who would suit these courses?
Ideal students are ambitious, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to take the next step in their careers. You don’t need decades of experience, but you should have a genuine interest in leadership, innovation, and applying business theory to real-world contexts.
We have an exceptionally diverse student body, around half of our learners are based outside the UK, which makes for rich discussions and networking opportunities. Because our courses are online and flexible, they attract working professionals, entrepreneurs, and career changers alike. What unites them is a shared goal to grow professionally and personally while fitting study around busy lives.
What advice do you have for anyone considering studying business?
Plan your time and structure your study around your life. Online learning offers flexibility, but success depends on being organised. Setting aside consistent study hours each week, typically 10 to 15, helps students stay on track.
Embrace collaboration. Engage in group discussions and projects; these not only help you learn but also expand your professional network globally.
Make use of the support available. Between tutors, study skills advisors, and your peers, there's a strong community to help you succeed. Many students find that the skills they develop in balancing work, study, and life become just as valuable as the academic qualification itself.
