A BANK manager is celebrating his graduation from the University of Durham's MA in Entrepreneurship programme after two years of hard work.

Simon Smith, who is head of European Sales for Barclays, has just finished the programme and says that it has benefited him in more ways than he imagined.

"I think I have developed some unique points of view and some really different ways of approaching things," he said.

Simon, who is based in London, said he selected the programme because he wanted a different course of study.

"Most people look at doing an MBA, but I wanted to take a different path and do something a bit more practical," he explained.

In fact, Simon's horizons have been broadened to such a degree that he said he found it frustrating when he returned to Barclays after his four days of study each month.

"The study and the experience with other people was really refreshing, and I would come back to work, to a big organisation which can be slow to take up entrepreneurial initiatives, and I would find it frustrating," he said.

"I am very proud to work for Barclays, but it can be difficult to come in with new ideas and new approaches because it takes time."

If you are keen to have a similar type of learning experience, The Northern Echo may be able to help. We have teamed up with Durham University Business School to provide a winning applicant with a place worth more than £10,000 on the country's only MA course in entrepreneurship.

Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree and/or relevant experience. To apply, you must answer this question in around 800 words: Describe what you believe to be meant by entrepreneurship and tell us why you would benefit from participating in the MA in Entrpreneurship offered by the University of Durham Business School.

Details can be obtained by contacting Jill Robson at the University of Durham on (0191) 374-2233.

Completed forms and your entry should be sent no later than Friday, November 17, to: The Durham Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, Postgraduate Office, University of Durham Business School, University of Durham, Durham, DH1 3LB.