MSc Data Science for Business
Build your knowledge, skills and experience of data analytics for a successful business career in roles requiring data driven decision making and analytical acumen.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
- Start date September 2021, January 2022
- Duration MSc full-time: 12 months, MSc part-time: 24 months
- Mode of study Part-time, Full-time, Campus based, Stand-alone modules
Changes at Stirling
Find out about important changes including how you'll be taught, start dates and how we're making campus safer.
Overview
This exciting MSc Data Science for Business is the first in Scotland to be developed with inputs from SAS, a global leader in business analytics solutions; leading financial services organisation HSBC and The Data Lab to ensure it meets industry needs.
This MSc course provides you with a deep understanding of the industrial and scientific relevance of advanced analytics and their application in strategic and operational decision-making. The course addresses the acknowledged shortage of business leaders and managers with a detailed working knowledge of data analytics. As a graduate you’ll have a highly sought-after blend of data analytics, business acumen and advanced management skills.
You can develop specialist skills by choosing elective modules from finance, computing science and management. You’ll work on real life consultancy-style projects alongside industry leaders in data analytics. Our extensive network of external organisations across all sectors provides opportunities to build your knowledge, skills and experience for a successful career in business analytics roles.
The Data Lab
We work closely with The Data Lab, an internationally leading research and innovation centre in data science. Established with an £11.3 million grant from the Scottish Funding Council, The Data Lab enables industry, public sector and world-class university researchers to innovate and develop new data science capabilities in a collaborative environment. Its core mission is to generate significant economic, social and scientific value from data. As a student you’ll benefit from a wide range of learning and networking events that connect leading organisations seeking business analytics skills with students looking for exciting opportunities in this field.
The University of Stirling Management School
At the University of Stirling Management School, the principle of responsible business, policy and practice is central to everything we do. This vision helps us to equip our students effectively with the skills to act as global citizens, capable of addressing the needs of society. As a member of the Chartered Association for Business Schools, we have strong links with industry and were recently awarded the Small Business Charter for engagement with local and regional enterprise.
Course objectives
Over the two semesters of taught classes you’ll:
- Acquire knowledge, skills and experience for a successful career in data driven roles
- Understand the applications and implications of data analytics in organisations across different sectors
- Develop knowledge and skills of data analytics tools and techniques for business decision making
- Enhance your capabilities and confidence for championing data analytic projects
- Enhance and develop critical, analytical, interpersonal and other transferable skills
Preparing Business Leaders of the Future
Postgraduate education at the University of Stirling Management School goes beyond text books and lecture rooms, we also focus on your personal and professional development.
Our unique Flying Start Leadership programme equips you with the awareness, knowledge and techniques essential for building a successful career. These range from practical skills, like effective public speaking, to developing ways to work under pressure in difficult situations and manage conflict.
Preparation for International students coming to study in the UK
Prepare for Success is an interactive web learning tool for international students who are coming to the UK to study. Take a look at the Prepare for Success website to get more information.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
The University of Stirling Management School is rated among the top 25 in the UK for Business and Management research, according to REF 2014.
64% of our research outputs were classified as world-leading and internationally excellent in terms of their originality, significance and rigour. We were ranked 14th in the UK in terms of research impact with over 60% of our research impact judged to have outstanding reach and wide-ranging impact on the policies of public, private and governmental organisations.
Entry requirements
Course details
Fees and funding
After you graduate
What our students said

Vietnam
MSc Data Science for Business
Read Jewel's storyI studied MSc Data Science for Business and what I liked most was the diversity of students on the course, with students of different backgrounds, countries and ages.

India
MSc Data Science for Business
Read Anita's storyThe employability and personal development workshops held as part of my course were instrumental in helping me build the transferable skills required to go into the workplace.
Italy
MSc Data Science for Business
Read Domenico's storyThe innovative and successful structure of the course was exactly what I was looking for.