Overview
The demand for specialist data science skills is growing. Data analyst and scientist roles are in the top 5 fastest growing jobs between 2023 and 2027 (source: The Future of Jobs Report 2023).
Our graduates in MSc Data Science for Business are highly sought-after for their analytical expertise. We'll make sure you have the skills to help organisations make informed decisions.
This is a Masters conversion course designed to help you switch to a new career field or advance your skills in data science. We welcome applicants from different educational backgrounds.
A blend of specialised and soft business skills
This course blends data analytics, business and management skills. Specialised skills include Python, R and Machine Learning.
You’ll develop key skills in communication, project management, leadership and time management. This mix will give you flexibility for a data science career in different sectors.
You’ll gain knowledge and experience to apply in data analytics roles. These roles are Data Scientists, Data Analyst, Business Analyst or Data Manager.
Working with business
Our course has been developed with input from:
- SAS, a global leader in business analytics solutions;
- HSBC, a leading financial services organisation;
- The Data Lab, a leading research and innovation centre in data science.
Our students benefit from a wide range of learning and networking events. These events connect organisations seeking business analytics skills with students looking for opportunities.
Practical opportunities
Opportunities are available to do a 3-month consultancy project instead of a dissertation. Past students have worked on projects with:
- NHS
- Diageo
- Visit Scotland
- Volunteer Scotland
- SQA
- Stirling Council
- AMG Group
We are AACSB accredited
The University of Stirling is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is the world's largest global standard-setting body for business education. Only 6% of the world’s leading business schools achieve this accreditation. This recognises our excellence in business education and societal impact.
Top reasons to study with us
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.
Research overview
In REF 2021, 80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies was classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Through a series of core modules, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and experience for a successful career in data analytic roles. You’ll also develop an understanding of the ways data analytics is used in organisations across different sectors. This will be achieved through data analytics theory and practice, with many opportunities to work with real data sets. You'll also have the opportunity to work with our industry partners, through consultancy projects, as well as bringing their expertise into the classroom.
Semester one involves four compulsory modules. There are two compulsory modules in semester two, plus one or two other modules of your choice. During the spring and summer semesters you may have the opportunity to carry out a consultancy project tackling a critical business challenge. This will give you an opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you develop throughout your Masters course.
Develop your careers skills with our Flying Start Leadership Programme
We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. Flying Start will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public or conflict management.
Modules
Teaching
Teaching is carried out through a mix of lectures, tutorials, case studies, role playing, computer simulations, fieldwork exercises, site visits, guest speakers and company projects.
Assessment
Much of the assessment is continuous. Assessed work is often conducted in groups, developing your teamwork and communication skills.
Your final assessment will involve a dissertation or project report.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for candidates from developing Commonwealth countries, looking to study selected postgraduate Masters courses.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Data Science skills are transferable across a range of sectors. With a few years' experience you could earn between £40,000 and £60,000. Lead and chief data scientists can earn upwards of £60,000, in some cases more than £100,000.
You can work across a range of areas, including:
- finance
- academia
- scientific research
- health
- retail
- information technology
- government
- ecommerce
(source: Prospects.ac.uk)
Our Data Science for Business Masters gives you skills that are transferable across a range of sectors. These are some of the roles that our graduates hold:
- senior business analyst
- data analyst
- data scientist
- healthcare AI solutions analyst
- business analyst
- marketing data analyst
- senior business / data analyst
- application development analyst
Companies that our graduates have gone to work for include:
- Scottish Government
- The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (The R&A)
- Scottish Power
- Phone First Group Ltd
- NHS
- Edinburgh Leisure
- Ultimate Insulation Supplies
- Charicom Tec Networks Ltd.
- Accentur
Study and careers support
You'll have a mentor who will guide you through your studies.
The Careers Service provides support for CV design, interview skills and other career skills.
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