Careers blog: Putting Business into Practice

11 June 2018

On several of our MSc courses, our students have the option to choose between doing a dissertation in term 3, or taking part in the Business in Practice (BiP) module instead.

What is Business in Practice?

Business in Practice is an alternative to a dissertation. Its aim is to give you the chance to put into practice the theory and knowledge you have gained during your Masters degree, and to develop the skills you will need to succeed in your future career.

If you choose the Business in Practice route instead of the dissertation route, you will take two extra elective modules in term 3, as well as the Business in Practice module in June.

What’s involved in the Business in Practice module?

You will run a virtual company through an online business simulation throughout the whole two weeks of the module, making decisions about the company’s strategy, responding to challenges and adapting to changing circumstances. You’ll be working in a team that you select yourself, with team members taking on specific roles in the leadership of the company. You will need to work effectively together to make the most of your combined skills and knowledge. The module is assessed through an individual written assignment and a firm analysis.

To help inform your decisions you will attend six academic lectures, with input from industry experts, covering six of the core business functions relating to any organisation. You’ll also receive skills training to enhance your decision-making, problem-solving and communication skills and take part in activities such as simulated client meetings to try out these skills.

This is an immersive and interactive learning experience unlike anything you will have done before, and will give you a unique opportunity to put your knowledge and skills to the test.

Alternative to Business in Practice - the dissertation route

Instead of taking the Business in Practice route, you can instead choose to do an 8,000 word dissertation. This is a good option if you have a particular area of interest you want to focus on in more detail, or if you are considering doing a PhD. As well as taking a module on research methodology, you will be allocated an academic supervisor who will support your progress throughout the dissertation.

Find out more about our dedicated Finance and Business and Management careers support on our Postgraduate Careers pages.