Do you have a natural flair for business and retail? Are you fascinated by the impact technological developments can have upon consumer purchasing patterns? If so, then perhaps a course in e-commerce would be the perfect programme of study for you.

However, as part of the programme students will also be expected to learn about the legal regulation and obligations that apply to the world of e-commerce and as such it is beneficial for students to have either previous knowledge in this subject matter or an interest in business and commercial law.

It is vital for potential applicants to be organized and capable of working independently, specifically if they are wishing to pursue an undergraduate course where a work-related placement is a requirement to complete the qualification.

Many students who study e-commerce do so with the intention of launching their own companies specialising in online retail. Candidates who are successful in this particular field will have spent their time at university networking and demonstrating entrepenarial flair.

Unfortunately, not every graduate is suited to launching their own company, but even so there’s a number of career paths available to graduates with qualifications in e-commerce. Many graduates in this particular field of study can find work in an SEO capacity driving internet traffic to specific retail sites or as content writers generating product descriptions and promoting brands in an online capacity.

Similarly, e-commerce graduates are also essential to analyse online data and to promote businesses on social media platforms.

However, if you’re an e-commerce graduate but don’t want to pursue a career in business, then people with knowledge in this particular field may also study for further qualifications in law (GDL) teaching (PGCE) or to pursue a career in journalism.

The majority of e-commerce courses cover a wide range of content from the structure of the e-commerce industry to the use of social media in promoting a brand. Most students will be expected to complete a placement if they are studying an undergraduate course and will be allowed to chose from a wide range of module options.

If you’re applying for a place on an undergraduate programme you will be expected to have a minimum of 3 A-levels or equivilant with subjects such as economics or maths to help strengthen your application. If you’re studying at post-graduate level then you will be expected to have a 2:1 degree prior to commencing the course.

The postgraduate programme will last for a minimum of a year, although this will depend upon the level of study and whether you decide to study part-time or full-time. Undergraduate courses will last a minimum of 3 years and on many courses and many students may be able to pursue industry placements between years 2 and 3.

If you’re looking to study e-commerce, but are a non-native English speaker, then you will be required to score a minimum of 6.0 – 6.5 on an IELTS test before starting on your course.

Irrespective of which course you decide to study, the location of the university itself should also be taken into consideration when making your decision.  You will be studying for at least a year and choosing somewhere you will thrive both socially and intellectually is vital to your happiness. Discovering new cultures and meeting new people is a huge part of student life and it is important that you make the most of your university experience. While some students prefer to study in big cities with a more out-going social scene, others prefer smaller establishments with a more communal focus.

You should always look at the entry requirements and your own finances before submitting an application to your university of choice. Do you have the right grades for entry? If you’re still struggling to secure funding there are a number of options available to you including scholarships and bursaries.

There will be a number of module options available to study at each of the universities. Many of the core degree modules are similar between courses, but the optional modules offered may differ depending upon the institution. It is always worth investigating whether your university of choice offers you module choices that will benefit your career. It is important to ensure that you attend a University that is both prestigious and has strong links within the industry you are interested in. Many top firms cultivate relationships with certain academic establishments from which they will recruit the majority of their entry level staff. This is particularly important for those looking to pursue a career in business as previous work experience will be essential in getting a job.