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:
- leading edge technologies
- business planning and start-ups
- data analytics
- business strategies
- online selling strategies
- digital marketing
- business processes
- strategic service management
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
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
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
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.
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.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
Newcastle University Business School accreditation
Newcastle University Business School is accredited by the:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Only 1% of business schools worldwide hold this triple crown. Our accreditations reflect the investments we make for our students through providing a high quality teaching environment, innovative programming and active engagement with industry.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject.
