WHEN Tony Nicholls sat down for a meeting with representatives from Durham Business School, little did he know that it would end in him starting a new chapter in his life.

Tony was looking into how Barclays, in its role as sponsors of the centre for entrepreneurship, could tap in to what the business school has to offer.

"Halfway through the meeting I realised just how fantastic the course was," he said.

A few months later and Tony, who lives in Birmingham, had signed up for the MA in Entrepreneurship and he's never looked back.

"The great thing about it, and how it differs from other courses is that it gets under the skin of real business issues," he added.

"It tells you what the theory is and then expects you to put the theory into practice.

"It brings together a rich tapestry of people, and before I go up to Durham my mind slowly changes from its working mode.

"I start to think about what we'll be doing on the course, and that allows me to really look forward to my three days in Durham.

"I would recommend it to anyone, and I come away from the course fully energised."

Tony works for the electronic commerce group at Barclays Bank and is currently helping establish e-commerce as a formal business activity for the corporate bank.

The changes will make the group different from the traditional banking culture and organisation - working more like a typical Internet start-up than a UK domestic bank.

He added: "My background is in the banking sector, having previously worked for TSB, HongkongBank (HSBC) and Bank of America.

"My career path has taken me progressively away from 'banking' to the extent that I am now involved in developing new business models for Barclays that support our corporate customers' supply chain activity and processes, rather than their banking business."

The course involves Tony spending three days a month at Durham, a time which he describes as "stretching and stimulating".

Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree and/or relevant experience and be willing to attend an interview at the University of Durham Business School.

To apply to win a place on the programme, contact Jill Robson on (0191) 374 2233.