Digital Business (E-Commerce) MSc

Overview

Our Digital Business (E-commerce) MSc programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for leadership roles in electronic commerce.

The encompassed knowledge and skills cover a range of areas relating to electronic commerce, including:

• business strategies
• online selling strategies
• digital marketing
• business processes
• data analytics
• strategic service management
• business planning

These skills and knowledge are not just theoretical concepts; they are applicable to real-world challenges and opportunities in the field of electronic commerce.

Our programme enables you to tackle the complex issues that arise in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce. By choosing our e-commerce programme, you will position yourself for a future in electronic commerce. You will have the skills and expertise required to thrive in this competitive and exciting industry.

It will provide you with the tools to drive innovation and success in your career. You will have access to bespoke career support - designed specifically for those on this programme - to get you ready for the digital business world.

Non-specialist pathway

We also offer a Digital Business MSc if you are interested in this area but do not want to specialise in e-commerce.

To find out more about the Digital Business MSc, view the course page.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

You'll cover the core components of electronic commerce in a range of modules. As you progress through the programme, you will:

• study the evolving world of ecommerce and online consumer behaviour
• gain insights into the infrastructure and technologies that power e-commerce platforms
• discover how to use the latest digital marketing tactics and tools to promote products and services effectively online
• learn the ropes of launching and managing a digital start-up
• understand how to manage the complex world of logistics and supply chain in the digital age
• learn to use the power of data analytics to make informed business decisions
• explore strategies for delivering exceptional digital services
• understand how systems and strategic planning drive digital business success
• gain a critical understanding of digital innovation and transformation
• learn how to discover value and tackle challenges from emerging business and technology

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Digital Business (E-commerce) MSc modules

All candidates shall take the following compulsory modules (180 credits):

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Dissertation	60
Research Methods	20
Data Analytics for Managers	10
Strategy, Management and Information Systems	20
E-Business	10
Digital Start-up	10
Digital Marketing	10
Digital Logistics and Supply Chain Management	10
Strategic Service Management	10
E-commerce Management	10
Ecommerce Infrastructure	10

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

The Digital Business (E-commerce) MSc programme offers a stimulating curriculum. You'll develop your knowledge and skills in a supportive teaching and learning environment.

You will:

• engage in interactive lectures, seminars and tutorials which cover the core concepts and principles of digital business
• participate in in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and critical thinking
• join in practical sessions, such as group discussions, computing exercises, and problem-solving activities
• complete coursework tasks to demonstrate your understanding and apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios
• work on group projects with your peers to address practical issues and gain hands-on experience
• develop your self-directed learning skills by exploring reading lists, reviewing literature, and critically analysing research papers

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Design or creative project
• Essay
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Research paper
• Thesis
• Written exercise

Student Support

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Our staff

This course has strong links with industry. Our staff are world-class researchers. Several have been successful entrepreneurs, consultants or top level managers. They have worked in government agencies or corporations such as:

They have worked in government agencies or corporations such as:

• IBM
• Oracle
• Philips

You'll be taught by:

• Dr Arturo Vega (Degree Programme Director)
• Nick Howey
• Dr Yin Liang
• Liucen Pan
• Professor Savvas Papagiannidis
• Dinara Davlembayeva
• Dr Haiyan Lu
• Xiaotian Xie
• Dr Fuad Rahman
• Sohel Ahmed
• Dr Mengyun Hu

Your development

Professional skills

Through the course you'll:

• prepare for your career in electronic commerce
• develop your employability and professional skills
• benefit from the city’s innovation community, the Newcastle Helix
• address organisational problems and opportunities in the area of e-commerce

You'll also:

• experience real-life practice as you develop an e-commerce start-up
• connect with, and hear from, digital and tech innovation leaders through guest lectures
• explore how to discover value and access challenges from emerging business and technology

Newcastle Helix

Benefit from connections with Newcastle’s £350 million flagship project the Newcastle Helix. This brings together:

• academics
• the public sector
• communities
• business
• industry

This ambitious project is stimulating far-reaching networks in technology and systems innovation. Find out more about Newcastle Helix.

Study abroad

Experience another culture, improve your language skills and enhance your global graduate outcomes. This programme allows you to take up a non-credit bearing exchange opportunity at an international partner university. This can last for up to five months and takes place at the end of your course.

Your future

Graduate destinations

As a graduate of this programme, you will be well-equipped to thrive in a variety of professional settings in digital business and e-commerce. Your career opportunities are diverse and will continue to grow as the digital business landscape evolves. Your enhanced skills and knowledge will make you a valuable asset to a wide range of industries and organisations.

E-commerce companies

Graduates can work for e-commerce giants like Amazon, Alibaba or eBay, or for smaller, niche e-commerce platforms. They can manage various aspects of online commerce, from product management to digital marketing.

Retail and "bricks-and-mortar" stores

Traditional retailers are increasingly expanding their online presence. E-commerce graduates are much sought-after for roles related to:

• omnichannel strategies
• online sales
• digital customer experiences

Digital marketing agencies

Many graduates find their niche in digital marketing agencies. They contribute to the success of e-commerce clients by developing and executing digital marketing strategies.

Consulting firms

E-commerce consultants provide valuable insights to businesses who want to optimise their:

• online presence
• e-commerce strategy
• customer engagement

Technology and software companies

Tech companies regularly create e-commerce platforms, payment gateways, and e-commerce-related software. They are always in need of skilled professionals who understand the e-commerce landscape.

Start-ups

Entrepreneurial graduates might venture into the world of e-commerce start-ups. They may launch their own businesses or join early-stage companies, where they can have a significant impact.

Careers

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers with employers, such as:

• Amazon
• Alibaba
• eBay
• Etsy
• Fashion retailers such Asos or Next
• Furniture retailers such Ikea
• Flipkart
• Shopify
• Supermarkets such as Tesco

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:

• regional, national and international leaders
• over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
• leading professionals and practitioners from industry

The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix - an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.

Our facilities include:

• flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
• Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
• four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
• dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
• contemporary café
• employability hub to support your career aspirations
• Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology

The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.

Find out more about Newcastle University Business School

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

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INTO International Pre-Master's - Pathway course

Our Business and Humanities Pre-Master's will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course.

• Business and Humanities Pre-Master's

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

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Visit our events calendar for the latest events