Considering the online BSc Business Management? Dr Katriona Myhill answers your questions

Starting an online degree is a big decision, especially if you are returning to education after time away, balancing existing responsibilities, or considering higher education without traditional qualifications.

At Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, the online BSc Business Management has been designed to make that step more accessible. Leading the programme is Dr Katriona Myhill, Associate Professor in Law and Human Resource Management and Programme Chair for the online BSc Business Management.

An introduction to your Programme Chair

With extensive experience in curriculum innovation, Dr Myhill has led strategic programme enhancement work, including the Learning and Teaching Transformation Project, which embedded sustainable practice and digital skills to support future-focused learning.

Her teaching and research reflect a strong commitment to accessibility, lifelong learning, and creating engaging learning experiences that foster critical thinking and support the development of learners for practice. She has also directed wider sector initiatives, including projects on fair work and wellbeing, producing outputs that have informed both policy and professional practice.

The launch of Edinburgh Business School’s online BSc Business Management reflects Katriona’s commitment in practice. It also marks EBS’s wider ambition to shape inclusive, future-focused business education for the next generation of leaders.

We asked Dr Myhill a few questions about her story and inspiration, the programme and who it is for, and how it can support you in taking your next step.

What was your own journey into higher education like?

I left school with few formal qualifications to raise my daughter and later returned to higher education while working in administrative roles. The flexibility of distance learning opportunities made that return possible, allowing me to build my qualifications, move from agency work into a professional career and, most importantly, gain the confidence and skills of a lifelong learner. Because flexible learning genuinely transformed my life, I’m passionate about accessible online education and committed to creating those opportunities for as many people as possible.

What motivates you most in your work now?

For me, it always comes down to student experience. When education has changed your life in the way it has changed mine, and you become aware of the power of learning, suddenly you aren’t just a lecturer or a teacher, you are someone who has the power to change lives. There is nothing more motivating than seeing the growth and success of students taking your course or programme.

What has shaped your thinking most as an educator?

The biggest influence on my thinking as an educator is seeing learning as a skill. Real learning isn’t neat or linear, and it’s definitely not meant to be easy. I tell my students all the time, learning is a journey. It can be exciting, frustrating, dull, surprising, often all in the same week, but that’s what makes it meaningful. When people ask me what’s helped me succeed, the honest answer is my willingness to learn. Every new job, every new place, every new challenge becomes easier when you approach it with openness. If you can stay curious and keep learning, you can go a long way.

Did returning to education change how you saw yourself and what you were capable of?

Completely. Returning to education changed how I saw myself in ways I didn’t expect. Before that, I thought of myself mostly as a parent, someone who worked, looked after the house and kept everything running. When you’re in that routine, it’s easy to forget who you are outside of those responsibilities. Going back into higher education reminded me what it felt like to be proud of myself. It gave me confidence and helped me rediscover who I was beyond the roles I’d been playing. And what I found was someone capable, knowledgeable and braver than I’d realised.

What do you enjoy most about working with students?

What I enjoy most about working with students are those lightbulb moments when something they’ve read, discussed or debated suddenly clicks, and you can see that spark of self‑belief ignite. Watching someone realise that their voice matters is incredibly powerful. But I also value the quieter moments, the resilience, the determination, the times when you can stand beside a student and support them as they push through challenges. It’s not always the highest‑achieving students who stay with you; it’s the ones who kept going when everything felt stacked against them. Celebrating their achievements is the most rewarding part of this job because a qualification isn’t just a certificate; it’s a symbol of someone who didn’t give up.

What would you say to someone who is worried they're “not academic enough” to do a degree?

I would say it’s a myth that you need to be ‘academic’ to do a degree. The core skills you need don’t come from some innate ability to write perfectly or think critically from day one, they come from a willingness to learn. Every part of academic work is a skill and skills can be learned. If you have the motivation, the dedication and the grit to keep going when things get tough, you absolutely can succeed. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that nothing worthwhile is done alone. Whether it’s raising a family, completing a degree or building a career, it really does take a village. Never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. When you’re studying, you’re part of a community and people are far more willing to support you than you might expect. The key to succeeding in education isn’t about being ‘academic’, it’s about being brave enough to try.

Who is the online BSc Business Management for?

The programme is intended to support the transition from informal work to a professional career, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive as confident business managers and visionary leaders.

Why is it important?

It prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing business environment, embedding adaptability, digital literacy, and responsible leadership as core strengths. In doing so, the programme not only supports individual career progression but also contributes to shaping the next generation of business leaders who are ready to meet global challenges.

How does the flexible, self-paced structure support learners with work or caring commitments?

By allowing students to study at times that suit their personal schedules, it removes barriers to participation and ensures that education can fit around existing responsibilities. This approach empowers learners to progress at their own pace without compromising the quality of their studies, making it possible to achieve a professional qualification while managing the demands of everyday life.

How does the performance-based admissions route open opportunities for those without traditional qualifications?

The performance‑based admissions route opens doors for learners who may not hold traditional qualifications, but who demonstrate the ability and determination to succeed. By focusing on proven capability rather than prior credentials, it removes barriers that often prevent talented individuals from accessing higher education.

This approach creates opportunities for those with practical experience and non‑linear career paths, enabling them to gain a recognised degree and progress into professional roles. In doing so, it reflects EBS’s commitment to widening participation and ensuring that business education is accessible and future‑focused.

What skills and career prospects will learners gain?

Learners can expect to graduate with a blend of hard and soft skills that prepare them for success in a wide range of professional contexts. Alongside core knowledge in business management and leadership, the programme develops critical thinking, problem‑solving, and communication skills that are essential for effective management. You can explore these skills in more detail in our blog on the top five skills shaping the future of work and how the BSc Business Management helps develop them. Career prospects are strengthened through the credibility of a recognised qualification and the ability to apply learning directly to workplace challenges.

Will online students feel like part of a community?

Students join a global online community, building networks that connect them with peers across industries and borders. Together, these outcomes ensure that graduates are not only equipped for immediate career advancement but also positioned to thrive as adaptable and inclusive leaders in the contemporary business environment.

How does the flexibility of the online BSc Business Management benefit learners?

The programme’s fully flexible design allows students to study at their own pace and fit learning around work, family, or other commitments. Unlike traditional models, learners are in control of their progression and can book assessments when they feel ready, with three opportunities offered throughout the year.

This structure not only reduces pressure but also enables students to take ownership of their learning journey, making it possible to achieve a professional qualification without sacrificing balance in their personal or professional lives.

Why should students choose to study online with Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University?

The online Business Management programme is backed by Heriot-Watt University’s global reputation and proven track record in graduate success. With a significant alumni network spanning industries and continents, Heriot-Watt offers learners access to a vibrant international community.

Ranked as Scotland’s most employable university, with over 80% of graduates securing high-skilled roles within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), EBS at Heriot-Watt combines academic excellence with career-focused outcomes, ensuring graduates are not only equipped with knowledge and skills but also connected to opportunities worldwide.

Start your future, today

Edinburgh Business School’s online BSc Business Management brings together academic rigour, practical relevance, and genuine flexibility, creating a pathway for learners at different stages of their careers to progress with confidence. Whether you are taking your first step into business or looking to formalise existing experience, the programme is designed to support your ambitions on your terms.

Explore how you can begin your journey with the online BSc Business Management today.