Curious about studying MSc Data Science for Businessat University of Stirling? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
University of Stirling
Full Time
Jan 2027
1 Year
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.; 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.
This module aims to develop the multidisciplinary mix of skills required for you to be effective in the role of a business analyst.
Management consulting is a large and complex industry, built on a combination of knowledge and skill. It is a popular career choice for graduates of advanced management programmes, and it is likely that many graduates will work either for or with a consultancy at some point in their career.
The University of Stirling Management School's innovative Flying Start Leadership Programme engages postgraduate students in a wide range of activities at the beginning of their course. The module will challenge your perspective of culture, explore your beliefs and values, builds your self-confidence, and encourage you to share your ideas. Due to the value the School (and previous students) place on this pioneering and challenging Programme, teaching on all courses starts with the Flying Start Leadership Programme.
The application of machine learning has exploded in recent years. Classifying loan application risk, predicting when machines are likely to fail, classifying spam, and recommending products to customers are just a few examples. This module covers the analysis of structured (numbers) and unstructured (text/images) data using a number of advanced machine learning methods. The module is geared towards teaching an understanding of the methods of processes of applying data analytics to real world problems.
The MSc Data Science programme here at the University of Stirling addresses the acknowledged shortage of business leaders and managers with a detailed working knowledge of data analytics. The course gives you the opportunity to develop specialist skills, in an online setting, which will help close the gap. Your success within the field of Data Science is dependent on your ability to balance your technical skills with your ‘soft’ skills. This Personal and Professional Development (PPD) module on the Programme is designed to facilitate your self-awareness, communication, critical thinking, and team-working competences that are vital to becoming an effective and resilient manager within the field of Data Science.
Knowing how to write scripts is essential to everyone who would work with data. This module introduces you to the use of the programming language Python for manipulating data. Python is one of the most popular scripting languages used to manipulate and represent data.
This module provides an introduction to Statistics, allowing you to understand the fundamentals of Statistics. It also demonstrates how to apply various techniques to real data using R. After taking the module, you will be able to conduct quantitative empirical research projects using R and take more advanced modules/topics in quantitative methods.
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