The first intake of MSc Internet Retailing students have now graduated. More than 60% of those who took the three-year part time course won a distinction.
The course, run by Econsultancy and created in partnership with Internet Retailing editor-in-chief Ian Jindal and Manchester Metropolitan University, was designed to cover all aspects of internet retailing, from marketing, buying and merchandising, to logistics, engineering and technology.
Becky Olie, head of online selling at House of Fraser, was among the students who won a distinction. She said: “The MSc has had a direct impact on me and House of Fraser. It has given me the insight and tools to do my job more effectively and helped me develop in my role. The techniques and practices instilled will be used and refined throughout my career, and should hopefully help me achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a chief executive in future.”
“Congratulations to our pioneering first intake,” said Jindal. “Talk about completing the course in style! We created this qualification to meet the needs of ambitious professionals and their employers. Career and commercial development in our dynamic industry requires a broad mastery of many disciplines, along with a continuous learning approach to keep ahead of change while focusing upon the customer.
“This qualification is commercially-driven yet academically assessed – a distinctive combination that makes the award valuable to the individual and their business.
“We set out to attract ambitious, motivated, commercial individuals and these exemplary results show the calibre and dedication of our professional students. Our second and third intakes are equally dedicated and ambitious and as the programme becomes ever more established we look forward to a growing number of Masters in Internet Retailing.”
The new graduates join the alumni of Econsultancy’s longer-running MSc in Digital Marketing Communications. This course was launched in 2007 and in 2012, 90% of students achieved a merit or higher.
Among them were Philip Murphy, digital marketing manager at Permanent TSB Bank. He said: “The most important thing I’ve taken away is the confidence to push innovation and contribute to the growth of the company. A critical mindset and strengthened professional approach means I consistently produce work of a higher quality and creativity.”
Vivien Underwood, Econsultancy’s head of professional development, said: “This year’s high standards are testament to the commitment of our delegates and the value they attach to the learning experience. Seeing the qualifications mature is extremely satisfying and we’re seeing exceptional demand for accredited learning as individuals seek to differentiate themselves in their digital careers and organisations seek to develop in-house expertise.”
The next intakes for both the MSc in Internet Retailing and MSc in Digital Marketing Communications will start work in September 2012. Applications for both courses must be made by July 20. For further information regarding Econsultancy’s academic programmes, visit http://econsultancy.com/training/qualifications/retailing or contact masters@econsultancy.com or call 020 7269 1470.
