University of Edinburgh Business School
MA Business Studies
Business is a dynamic discipline. Yet, at its heart, a whole series of fundamentals can make the difference between success and failure. An MA in Business Studies from the University of Edinburgh Business School provides real insights into these fundamentals, whilst providing an opportunity for a chosen specialisation. It is ideally suited for those considering a career in business or those looking to create their own business venture.
You will develop your skills through a series of core courses and your own choice of optional courses. The knowledge you gain will not only be theoretical but highly practical, providing you with a skill set that will allow you to get to grips with the very real issues in the modern business world. The programme design provides you with the opportunity to continue with a generalist degree right through to graduation or allow you to specialise at any point.
This flexibility in subject matter, allows you to tailor your degree to suit your developing interests or particular aptitudes.
Core modules
A series of core modules are common to all of our business degrees. These provide students with the knowledge they need to get to grips with the fundamentals of business success.
Students generally take three courses each year in their first two years of study. This includes Business Studies courses each year as well as a foundation course in Accountancy. This leaves up to two optional courses, in addition to the many choices available within Business Studies.
In the first year, Business Studies 1 is divided into various modules and introduces students to the key concepts of management and specialist business functions. A course in word processing, spreadsheets and databases, and computing in business and economics is also compulsory in the first year.
Year two
In their second year, students choose from a menu of half-courses in Business Studies:
- Organisation Studies
- Business Economics
- Principles of Finance
- Managing Employment Relations
- International Business: Globalisation and Trade
- International Business and the Multinational Enterprise
- Marketing
- Management Science and Information Systems
Students must also take two compulsory courses:
- Business Research Methods I : Quantitative Techniques
- Career Development Planning
Students also write the Management Honours dissertation in their honours years. Advised by a member of staff, they select and research a topic of particular interest to them. The subject matter of the dissertation is usually chosen in light of the student’s intended career focus.
Honours years three and four
In their third year, students take compulsory courses in Strategic Management and Business Research Methods II : Applications and Analysis. All Business Studies students are also registered for the Research in Management seminars which provide a preparatory foundation for the completion of the Management Honours Dissertation in the fourth year.
At this point, students increase their level of specialisation by choosing from a range of honours options.