Business Administration

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Administration at The University of Edinburgh offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamental principles and practices of business management. This program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in a diverse and dynamic global business environment. Throughout the course, students will explore various aspects of business operations, including accounting, finance, marketing, management, and organizational behavior, providing a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate and compete in today’s economy.

The curriculum combines core theoretical coursework with practical applications, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and strategic problem-solving abilities. Students will have ample opportunities for experiential learning through case studies, group projects, and internship placements, fostering real-world insights and professional readiness. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and sustainability in business decision-making, preparing graduates to become responsible leaders who can contribute positively to society.

Designed for those who aspire to pursue careers in various sectors such as consulting, finance, marketing, human resources, or entrepreneurship, the BSc in Business Administration at Edinburgh provides a solid foundation for further professional development and postgraduate study. Students benefit from the university's strong links with industry, allowing for networking opportunities with alumni and business partners, and access to resources such as career services and entrepreneurial support.

The program is delivered by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, combining academic rigor with contemporary business insights. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their studies to match their interests and career ambitions, choosing from a range of electives and specializations. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the critical skills needed to analyze complex business challenges, devise innovative solutions, and lead organizations effectively. Whether students aim to start their own business or join established organizations, this program provides the essential tools and knowledge to succeed in the competitive world of business.

The MBA is delivered full-time starting in September each year. The programme combines intensive academic study with practical application. This is achieved both in the classroom through case studies, but also via consultancy-style projects with external organisations to broaden participants’ insights into alternative business models and approaches.

Compulsory courses include:

• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Marketing
• Organising for Effectiveness
• Operations Improvement
• Understanding Economies
• Finance
• Accounting
• Qualitative Methods and Tools
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Creative Strategy
• Critical Eye for Business
• Professional Development Programme

A range of specialist options are also available. In parallel with academic study, we deliver a Professional Development programme to help enhance interpersonal and leadership skills. Your studies will culminate in a major Capstone Project.

On our core 12-month MBA, there is an opportunity to study International Business in Context (a one-week intensive module located in an emerging market) and to undertake your Capstone Project focused on a country outside of the UK. For those who want further international experience, there is an opportunity to study on our MBA (within international exchange) which will give you the chance to spend 2-3 months on an exchange at one of our international partner Universities (Australia, Canada, China, Finland, France, Mexico, Spain and USA).

12-month MBA

The programme is delivered in four parts:

• September–December: students focus on core business disciplines
• January–March: students develop integrative and strategic thinking, and choose a number of specialist elective subjects
• April–June: students' specialisation continues
• June–August: students undertake a Capstone Project as the final part of the 12-month MBA

​12-month MBA (International Business)

The MBA (with International Exchange) programme is delivered in four parts:

• September–March: students study the same core disciplines, integrating courses and a number of specialisations as the main MBA programme
• April–June: students study abroad at one of 12 partner institutions worldwide, experiencing new cultures and new ways of business
• June–August: students undertake a Capstone Project as the final part of the 12-month MBA.
• Details of programme structure and elective courses

Before applying for the full-time MBA programme, please consider our minimum entry requirements, which include academic qualifications, managerial work experience and English language requirements.

Professional experience requirement

At least three years' work experience in a managerial role.

• Experience can be from any industry, including the public sector, charitable organisations or the arts.

Minimum academic requirement

UK 2:1 honours degree from a good university in any subject, or an equivalent overseas qualification.

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirement, you may still be considered if:

• you have professional qualifications with substantial work experience; or
• you do not hold a degree or professional qualifications but you have a very strong employment record demonstrating a high degree of responsibility.

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirement, we may require you to complete the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), which is an internationally-recognised assessment of analytical, numerical and verbal reasoning. If we require you to take GMAT, we would expect a score of 600 to qualify for our MBA.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)
• PTE(A): total 67 (at least 56 in each of the Communicative Skills sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

Your qualification must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme.

The University of Edinburgh offers a comprehensive and competitive financing package for students enrolled in the Business Administration program. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status, with international students typically paying higher fees compared to UK residents. For the academic year 2023-2024, the tuition fee for UK students is approximately £9,250 per year, a standard rate aligned with other undergraduate programs at the university. International students are usually charged around £22,000 to £25,000 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to maintaining high-quality education standards.

To support students financially, the university provides a range of scholarships, bursaries, and grants. These include merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievement, as well as need-based bursaries designed to assist students from lower-income backgrounds. For example, the Edinburgh Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship offers up to £2,000 per year for outstanding applicants. Additionally, there are regional scholarships targeted at students from specific countries or regions, providing further financial assistance.

Beyond scholarships, students can access government-funded student loans. UK residents are eligible for undergraduate loans from the Student Loans Company, which can cover tuition fees and living costs, repayable after graduation based on income levels. International students often rely on external funding sources, such as sponsorships, private loans, or family support. The university also facilitates part-time work opportunities on campus, allowing students to earn income to support their studies while gaining valuable experience.

The university's Financial Aid Office offers personalized advice on financing options and application procedures for scholarships and loans. It is recommended that students apply early to maximize their chances of securing financial support. Furthermore, the university provides guidance on budgeting and managing living costs in Edinburgh, which is considered a cost-effective city compared to other major UK cities.

Overall, financing studies at the University of Edinburgh for the Business Administration program is designed to be as accessible as possible through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, government loans, and part-time employment opportunities. Prospective students are encouraged to explore all available funding avenues and seek advice from university support services to ensure their financial planning aligns with their academic goals.

The Business Administration program at The University of Edinburgh offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of managing organizations in a global context. This program is designed to equip students with essential skills in leadership, strategic thinking, financial analysis, marketing, and operations management, preparing them for diverse careers in the business world. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, including case studies, group projects, and internships, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Students will explore core areas such as organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, accounting, and economics, gaining a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate and compete in dynamic markets. The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and digital literacy, which are highly valued by employers. Additionally, there are opportunities for specialization in areas such as sustainability, innovation, and digital business strategies, allowing students to tailor their education to their career interests.

The program typically spans three to four years, depending on the chosen pathway and whether students opt for a year abroad or placement year. Students learn from experienced academics and industry practitioners, benefiting from the university’s strong links with the business community and extensive alumni network. The university's location in Edinburgh, a vibrant financial and cultural hub, adds to the learning experience by providing access to local businesses, networking events, and startup support.

Graduates of the Business Administration program are well-positioned for careers in management, consulting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship both in the UK and internationally. They also have the foundation to pursue postgraduate studies in business, management, or related fields. The program aligns with the university’s commitment to fostering responsible leadership and ethical business practices, preparing students to make positive impacts in their future professional environments.