MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Business
Gain highly sought-after analytical expertise and help businesses make informed data-driven, AI-enabled decisions.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Start date September 2027, January 2028
- Duration MSc full-time: 12 months
- Mode of study full time
- Delivery on campus
Overview
The demand for specialist data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills is growing. Businesses are facing challenges in adopting AI and improving their operations. It's why 29% of UK businesses reported using at least one AI technology in mid-2026. This is an 8% increase from the previous year (Office for National Statistics).
Our graduates are highly sought-after for their ability to apply data and AI skills in the business world. You will gain a distinct blend of data science expertise, AI understanding, business acumen and ethical awareness. You’ll have the skills organisations need to thrive in an increasingly data driven and AI enabled economy.
Apply the latest AI and data skills with strategic business skills
This course blends data analytics and AI with business and management skills. You will learn to develop and use AI in a business world, and evaluate its impact.
- Specialise in Python, R and Machine Learning.
- Understand regulation, governance, risk and accountability in data and AI.
- Learn skills in communication, project management, leadership and time management.
- Gain critical knowledge of systems and process models.
- Create innovative consultancy solutions.
- Gain a practical understanding of responsible AI and data ethics in business.
This mix will give you flexibility and expertise for a data science career, ready to work in data analytics and AI roles across all sectors.
An innovative course developed by business experts
This course is shaped by our established expertise in application of data science and AI within business. We also work with The Data Lab which is a leading research and innovation centre in data science.
We have top industry professionals helping us as course advisors. They contribute to guest lectures and innovating the course. This ensures our curriculum reflects business needs and advances in the analytics landscape.
Our students benefit from a wide range of learning and networking events. These events bring together organisations seeking business analytics talent and students eager to explore new opportunities.
Practical opportunities and real-world projects
You'll use your independent project to work on real-world problems. You'll use the technical skills you have learned to address genuine business problems. This can be in the format of case studies or via a collaboration with an external organisation. Our students have worked with organisations such as:
- NHS
- Diageo
- Visit Scotland
- Volunteer Scotland
- Qualifications Scotland
- Stirling Council
- AMG Group
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
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 experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
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.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
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
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.
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.
Modules
Modules
| Yr 1, semester 1 - Autumn | Python for Data Science (ITNPBD2) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 1 - Autumn | Fundamentals of Business Analytics (MANP001) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 1 - Autumn | Flying Start Leadership Programme (MANPFSL) | 0 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 1 - Autumn | Statistics and Data Communication with R (MRMP003) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 2 - Spring | Machine Learning (ITNPBD6) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 2 - Spring | Business Consulting (MANP005) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 3 - Summer | Responsible AI and Data Ethics (MANP020) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 3 - Summer | Independent Project (MANP102) | 40 credits |
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
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
|
2027/28 |
|
|---|---|
| UK and Republic of Ireland students | £11,800 |
|
International (including EU) students Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000–7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. |
£24,300 |
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.
Fee information
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.
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
Learn more about loans and funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for candidates from developing Commonwealth countries, looking to study selected postgraduate Masters courses.
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
Data Science and AI skills are transferable across a range of sectors. 60% of businesses are now using AI to improve their business operations (Source: Office for National Statistics).
With a few years' experience you could earn between £40,000 and £60,000. Lead and chief data scientists can earn upwards of £60,000, in some cases more than £100,000.
Typical roles include:
- data scientist
- machine learning engineer
- AI solutions analyst
- business and analytics translator
- AI and management consultant
- business intelligence (BI) analyst
- data and analytics manager
- AI strategist
Companies that our graduates have gone to work for include:
- Scottish Government
- The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (The R&A)
- Scottish Power
- Phone First Group Ltd
- NHS
- Edinburgh Leisure
- Ultimate Insulation Supplies
- Charicom Tec Networks Ltd
- Accentur
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.