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 2022, January 2023
- Duration MSc full-time: 12 months, MSc part-time: 24 months
- Mode of study Part-time, Full-time, Campus based, Stand-alone modules
Overview
This exciting MSc Data Science for Business is the first in Scotland to be developed with input from SAS, a global leader in business analytics solutions; leading financial services organisation HSBC and The Data Lab to ensure it meets industry needs.
The degree provides you with a deep understanding of the industrial and scientific relevance of advanced analytics and their application in strategic and operational decision-making while addressing 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.
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. Find out more about Flying Start.
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
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
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 the academic requirements for this course, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need for direct entry.
Explore INTO Stirling programmes to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available for this course and others at the University of Stirling.
English language requirements
Due to disruption in English Language testing caused by COVID-19, we are accepting alternative English Language tests (including online English Language Tests).
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Indicator 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 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
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- Duolingo 95 overall with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 20 December 2021
If you are from India, Bangladesh, Ghana or Nigeria please also check your country/region specific page for any additional, or changes to, English language requirements.
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling 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 degree.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
Teaching
Teaching is carried out a 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
| 2021/22 | 2022/23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK | £9,350 | £9,850 |
| Students from the Republic of Ireland | £9,350 | £9,850 |
| Overseas (non-EU) students | £20,845 | £21,345 |
| European Union students | £20,845 | £21,345 |
Students from the UK
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will 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.
Students from the Republic of Ireland
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will 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.
European Union students
EU Postgraduate Scholarship
Eligible EU students will automatically receive our EU Postgraduate Scholarship, which provides a 40% fee discount on full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Stirling.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you will 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.
Overseas students (non-EU)
We offer a range of funding options for overseas students.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
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
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
These scholarships are for candidates from developing Commonwealth countries, looking to study selected postgraduate Masters courses. Find out if you could be eligible for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £10,000 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £11,570 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,025 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 £5,500 from Student Finance NI.
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.
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.
European Union and overseas 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
The UK is facing “explosive demand” for data science skills according to a Burning Glass Technologies analysis commissioned by the Royal Society. The report “Dynamics of Data Science Skills” shows demand for data scientists and data engineers tripled over the past five years, rising 231%, making this a lucrative field for graduates seeking employment.
The Tech Partnership UK estimate that:
- big data professionals earn on average 31% more than other IT professionals
- 77% of companies say it is difficult to recruit people with the big data skills they need.
The Stirling MSc Data Science for Business was developed in partnership with industry and is designed to produce graduates with the skills that companies need.
Average salaries are higher in data analytics jobs than the IT average and the skills shortage will make that gap bigger.
HigherEd Global Talent Portal
As a Management School student, you have access to the HigherEd Global Talent Portal where you’ll find internship, trainee positions, apprenticeships and graduate positions from companies around the world. It helps international students looking for placements back at home and local students that want to explore an international experience.
The global talent portal is in addition to all other existing initiatives and resources available for you through the Careers and Employability Service, and the Target Connect vacancy and events system.
Employability skills
Everything you do while studying here is designed to help you build the personal skills that will make you stand out to future employers.
The course has a high level of engagement with industry, research and recruitment partners in the course design, delivery, project work and skill development activities.
Advance your career with work experience
On this Masters in Data Science for Business you may have the opportunity to enhance your career prospects by taking part in work based project designed to prepare you for the next step on the career ladder.
Consultancy projects
If you’re seeking to enhance your employability and add value to a business client you may have the opportunity to undertake a 3-month consultancy project over the summer, as an alternative to the traditional dissertation.
Consultancy projects allow you to work with an organisation to investigate a ‘real-world’ issue, enhance your transferable business skills and make professional connections that may lead to a job offer in the future. Current clients range from start-up businesses to international organisations in public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Watch our video to find out more about how taking part in a project with a local business can help increase your employability skills.
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.
Changes at Stirling
Find out about important changes including how you'll be taught, start dates and how we're making campus safer.