Program Overview

MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Business Analytics

The MBA Master of Business Administration with a specialism in Business Analytics is designed by expert academics at Edinburgh Business School. This online programme teaches the fundamentals of business, including finance, organisational behaviour, strategy, leadership, marketing, and project management, while building skills to use and analyse business data.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate
• Delivery type: Self-paced
• Degree qualification: MBA
• Location: Online
• Duration: Flexible
• Start date: Open enrolment

Programme Overview

The programme is designed to fast-track careers into senior leadership roles, such as Chief Data Officer, Chief Analytics Officer, and Head of Business Intelligence. It is flexible for working professionals and builds expertise in areas spanning leadership, strategy, business analytics, and big data.

Top Skills and University Background

• The university is the top in Scotland for producing CEOs.
• Courses are aligned with the top five skills in the WEF Future of Jobs report, 2025, including analytical thinking, resilience, leadership, creative thinking, and motivation.
• Founded in 1821, the university has 200+ years of academic excellence in business and industry.

Programme Details

Throughout the programme, students will:

• Develop strategic decision-making ability, powered by data
• Become empowered to lead teams, manage change, and deliver results
• Build an in-demand skill set that aligns with the needs of modern organisations
• Solve complex, real-world business problems and create innovative, sustainable solutions
• Develop consultancy skills and learn to lead through change

Course Content

Students will complete nine courses:

• Six core courses:
  • People, Work and Organisations
  • Leadership Theory and Practice
  • Delivering Successful Projects
  • Developing and Executing Strategy
  • Financial Decision Making
  • Strategic Marketing
• Two specialist core courses:
  • Big Data Analytics for Business
  • Business Analytics
• One optional specialist course, choosing from:
  • Performance Management for Business
  • Business Consultancy
  • Network Analysis

Fees and Funding

• Students can start with just one course and pay as they learn.
• A 20% upfront fee reduction is available when purchasing all courses upfront.
• A 20% Alumni Discount is available for Heriot-Watt alumni.
• An Emerging Economies rate is offered to residents of selected countries.
• Employer sponsorship is also an option.

Entry Requirements

• The programme offers a performance-based admission route, allowing students to start without standard entry requirements.
• Students can enrol and prove their capability by passing their first course.
• Traditional qualifications, such as a recognised first or second-class honours degree, or equivalent professional qualification, are also accepted.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for students with relevant prior academic study.

English Language Requirements

• The minimum English language requirement is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
• English language courses are available to help students meet the English language requirement.

Employability

• The university is ranked 1st in Scotland for graduate outcomes and 5th in the UK.
• The programme provides access to 500+ industry courses on Coursera Career Academy.
• Dedicated Careers Service support is available.
• Graduates can earn up to Ł65,000 based on industry-standard job roles.