Overview
Data analytics is transforming the finance industry. Modern finance needs professionals who can analyse financial data to improve business performance. As a result, financial data analysis is one of the fastest-growing professions in the finance industry (CFI).
Our Masters in Finance and Data Analytics will prepare you for this growing job market.
You’ll study data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. You'll also learn about financial theory and investment practices.
Practical experience in data analysis and finance
- Our award-winning global financial trading AmplifyMe Boot Camp lets you trade in real-time.
- Develop practical skills in investment portfolio management through the Student Managed Investment Fund.
- Access professional financial databases including Bloomberg, Capital IQ and Morningstar Direct. Learn about international financial markets using real-time data.
- Learn to use programming languages such as Python and R to analyse data and understand finance.
- Participate in networking and guest lectures. Previous guest lectures have included financial experts from:
- CFA Society of the UK
- Walter Scott Global Investment Management
- Aberdeen Asset Management
- UBS
- Lego
- SVM Asset Management
- Electronic Research Interchange
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.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
Over the course of your studies on this Masters course you'll:
- gain deep understanding of finance theories;
- acquire skills in programming languages;
- develop knowledge and skills in analysing data to inform investment decisions;
- enhance your critical and analytical skills.
Professional accreditation
The course offers students the opportunity to cover the prerequisite material of the Financial Data Professional (FDP) programme from the FDP Institute, using the DataCamp route. It thus helps you progress towards obtaining the FDP credential.
The University of Stirling is accredited by AACSB International in recognition of our excellence in business education.
Research overview
80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies is classed as world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
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/life 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.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
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 module
We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. Our Flying Start module will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public or conflict management.
Modules
Teaching
Teaching is carried out through lectures, seminars, problem-solving lectures, computer workshops and practical case study sessions.
Assessment
Our Masters degree is awarded on satisfactory completion of a dissertation, following the Diploma examinations. Dissertation topics range over all areas of relevance to finance and data analytics.
Classroom hours
Students can expect to have around 4-5 contact hours per module each semester and a timetable will be available shortly before the course begins in September.
Course director
Key staff
Dr Kevin Campbell - Corporate Finance; Derivatives
Dr Kevin Swingler - Representing and Manipulating Data
Dr Maria Grydaki - Quantitative Methods in Finance
Dr Alexander Brownlee - Data Analytics
Prof Danny Campbell - Applied Data Analytics Using R
Dr David Cairns - Cluster Computing
Dr Andrew Hoyle - Stochastic Processes and Optimisation
Prof. David McMillan - Empirical Methods in Finance and Accounting
Dr. Dionysia Dionysiou - Investments: Equity Portfolios and Pricing; Risk Management and Assessment
Dr. Patrick Herbst - Investments: Fixed Income and Alternative Investment; Behavioural Finance
Dr Carole Dalgleish - Investment Regulation and Ethics
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
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.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
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.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
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.
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
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
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
There is growing demand for finance professionals with a specialisation in data analytics.
Our MSc Finance and Data Analytics will give you the ideal analytical skills to work in:
- investment companies
- finance sector
- banking sector
- insurance companies
- pension funds
Graduates can go onto roles in Finance and Data Analytics including:
- fund management
- data analysis
- security dealing
- financial engineering
- management consultancy
- corporate finance
- data engineer
The average salary for Financial Data Analysts in the UK is £42,000 per year in 2024 (Talent.com). There are opportunities for growth with seniority and market experience. Many financial roles also offer high bonus payments in addition to basic pay (prospects.ac.uk 2024).
Our Finance and Data Analytics graduates can be found working in major global institutions around the world such as:
- PwC South East Asia Consulting
- Total Energies
- HDFC Bank
- Indeed
- NHS
- United Bank of Africa (UBA)
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.
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