Business with Decision Analytics (MA)

Introducing MA Business with Decision Analytics

Combine the study of business with decision analytics to prepare for the social, political, environmental and cultural challenges facing contemporary businesses, governments and not-for-profit organisations.

Taught by world-leading industry professionals and researchers, you will develop personal and professional competencies such as:

• authentic leadership
• ethical, responsible, sustainable business behaviour
• entrepreneurial practice
• effective communication

Business School competency framework

This will enable you to work across a range of roles in contemporary business including:

• accountancy and finance
• strategy
• marketing
• human resource management
• data analytics
• entrepreneurship and innovation

You can draw on a range of disciplines outside business, particularly in Years 1 and 2, which include:

• psychology
• law
• economics
• sociology
• art and design
• history
• mathematics

Decision analytics

Studies in decision analytics include exploring techniques and developing the skills required to analyse management problems in which uncertainty plays a significant role, using examples based on applications from the areas of:

• capacity planning
• quality control
• consumer behaviour
• inventory management
• finance and purchasing
• mathematical programming concepts
• applications
• models
• solution methods

Who the programme is for

This programme is particularly suitable if you are looking to pursue a career within data analytics. The programme is also appropriate if you are aspiring to undertake a career in strategic management, or those seeking further educational opportunities.

Environment for learning

We offer a supportive and encouraging environment where you can grow and develop. Our Student Experience Team offer an extensive range of pastoral and professional provision to support you on your undergraduate journey.

We provide many and varied opportunities for you to engage in co- and extra-curricular activities. Our dedicated Student Development Team can help you develop a range of essential business graduate competencies.

To learn more, you can go to the Student Development Team site

Further development opportunities

You may take undergraduate Edinburgh Awards supported by an alumni professional mentor and trained coaches:

• Personal and Professional Development (Year 2)
• Effective and Responsible Leadership (Year 3 or 4)

Edinburgh Awards

You can also participate in a large number of business societies, business events and peer-support schemes.

This degree offers the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3.

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S5.
• A Levels: A*AA.
• IB: 39 points with 666 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S5.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: Mathematics at B and English at C.
• A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: Mathematics at B or 6 and English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 70 with at least 59 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

Business with Decision Analytics graduates are highly valued by employers across the world and graduates of our programmes are highly sought after by a wide range of employers.

Our graduates secure employment in a diverse range of fields, the most popular being:

• accountancy
• management
• consulting
• finance
• marketing
• human resources

During your time as a student in the Business School and following graduation, the Careers Service will help you fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

• Careers Service