Data Analytics for Economics & Finance

This multi-disciplinary program prepares you for data-driven careers in economics and finance. It is ranked in the top 70 of the 2025 QS Master’s in Business Analytics. It combines insights from economics, finance, statistics, and computing science. With a focus on rigorous data methods, graduates gain essential skills to inform complex decision-making. The program is jointly delivered by the Adam Smith Business School and the School of Computing Science. It provides you with future-proof, in-demand expertise for today’s fast-changing industries.

*Industry Projects are not guaranteed. All applications are subject to availability and review processes. We will support candidates with their applications before the deadline but if unsuccessful, they can opt for a research proposal for their dissertation. Students can also secure their own projects with approval from academic and/or professional services.

Studying Data Analytics for Economics & Finance at the Adam Smith Business School

Masters student Efthymios describes studying Data Analytics for Economics & Finance at the Adam Smith Business School.

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Economics, Finance, Computing Science or another subject with a quantitative focus.

Additional documents required when applying for this programme

In addition to the documents listed in 'how to apply', please supply a personal statement detailing:

• why you have applied for this programme
• the relevant experience you have to support your application
• how you think the programme will benefit you in the future

It is compulsory to submit this personal statement along with the rest of your application.

Please note that a research proposal is not required as part of the application process.

Reference

Please note: the reference you supply with your application should be an academic reference.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

• 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

• 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

• 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

• 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

• Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

• Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
  
  • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
• Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
  
  • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

• direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
• essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
• flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

• Pre-sessional courses

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

• Heriot Watt
• Kingston Upon Thames
• Middlesex University
• Manchester University
• Reading University
• Edinburgh University
• ST Andrews University
• UCL
• Durham.

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

The MSc Data Analytics for Economics & Finance will be suitable for those who have developed a strong interest in obtaining data analytic skills combined with economic insights and aspire to follow a career in finance, banking, consulting, government and other major international institutions.  The programme delivers a multi-disciplinary curriculum that will prepare graduates for work in all fields of data-rigorous professions related to economics and finance, as well as marketing and business. It is also advantageous for direct admission to a PhD programme.