Overview
Business analysts are in high demand. They play crucial roles in analysing business practice and unlocking data to drive business success. Professionals who can guide data-driven decisions can enjoy rewarding career and financial opportunities (Source: Prospects).
We developed this course with our industry partners to ensure it’s cutting edge and of an industry standard. You’ll learn the key skills to use data insight for business growth.
The course focuses on statistical analysis, predictive analysis, text analytics, and data-mining. You’ll learn powerful visual programming and scripting tools, such as Orange, R, Power-BI and Python. We will help you to make use of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data exchange.
This Masters in business analytics course also explores:
- disruption
- risk management
- sustainability
- data ethics
This is a Masters conversion course designed to help you switch to a new career field or advance your skills in Business Analytics. We welcome applicants from different educational backgrounds.
A blend of data and business skills
We blend technical skills with a focus on critical thinking, creativity and decision-making. Understanding data is key. So is communicating insight to non-technical audiences. Learn the techniques to provide solutions and influence business strategy.
You will undertake consultancy-style projects. In addition, there are opportunities to work with a business as part of your consultancy project. Your project work will build-up the practical skills needed for future career roles.
Past students have worked with:
- Edinburgh Airport
- Virgin Money
- Three (3)
- Royal London
A business analytics course supported by industry
Benefit from our extensive business contacts and stay up-to-date with the latest data trends. We work closely with companies on our curriculum as well as hosting visiting speakers and networking events. Our partner companies include:
- The Data Lab
- SAS Scotland Research and Development
- Code Base Stirling
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
The course is tailored for those who plan to pursue a career in the field of Business Analytics, as well as those seeking professional development or career change. It answers the industry’s demand for a skilled pool of graduates who can apply data science to solve business challenges.
Work placements
You’ll work on real-world projects with key organisations who are using business analytics for strategic development. 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.
Faculty facilities
You will learn how to analyse business data, communicate uncertainties and lead organisational strategy in the use of evidenced data gathered from business. To do that, you'll be introduced to such tools as Python, Orange, Microsoft BI, and R.
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
You’ll need a minimum of a second class Honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent qualification. However, you can still apply if you don’t have these formal qualifications, but bring
Other routes of entry
If you don’t currently meet the academic requirements for this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need for direct entry.
Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available for this course and others at the University of Stirling.
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
The course will teach you how to interpret the data generated by businesses and effectively communicate your findings to inspire better ways of working. This course addresses the need for industry to have more managers with business analytic skills. Business Analytics opens up careers in diverse areas such as Strategic Management, Operations Planning, Sustainability, Customer-Relations Management, Supply-chain Management, Process Improvement, or Disruption and Change Management.
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
Our Masters degree is awarded on satisfactory completion of a dissertation following the Diploma examinations. Dissertation topics range over all areas of relevance to business and data analytics, such as supply-chain management, procurement, strategy and development and customer relationship management.
Classroom hours
Students can expect to have around 4-5 contact hours per module each semester and a timetable will be available shortly before the course begins in September.
Course director
Dr Tom Kane, 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.
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
Business analysts, with a few years' experience, generally earn between £35,000 and £65,000. Experienced business analysts can earn up to £80,000 and in some cases more than £100,000, especially in the finance sector.
Graduates with a Masters in business analytics can gain different job titles depending on the sector. This can include:
- business architect
- business systems analyst
- enterprise analyst
- management consultant
- process analyst
- product manager
- product owner
- requirements engineer
- systems analyst
(Source: Prospects)
Our graduates have gone onto roles such as:
- lead analyst
- business support analyst
- business consultant
- senior BI developer
- senior mortgage consultant
Business analysts work in many different teams with organisations including:
- strategic planning or sustainability
- supply chain management
- process improvement
- operations research teams
- disruption management
- customer insight or marketing
Our graduates have gone onto work in companies such as:
- Three UK
- Chivas Brothers
- OptimumPPS
- Munich RE
- Lloyds Banking Group
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.
