Which are the top five business schools in Edinburgh?

by James Collins

Scotland has been a centre of trade and manufacturing over the centuries. Edinburgh has contributed to the UK economy with several megafactories, but is best known for financial and other service industries. The small business sector is thriving too. 

With over £300 billion in assets, Scotland is among the largest locations for fund management on a global level. It makes sense for its capital to be a learning hub for business. Among international destinations, Edinburgh has a lot to offer. If you’re considering pursuing business studies, here are some suggestions of business programmes to consider.  

  1. Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University

This is the graduate school of business at Heriot-Watt University, the university established by Royal Charter in 1966. It is known for its online programmes, which enable students to achieve MBA, MSc, DBA or PhD qualifications. 

The idea behind the online programmes is that after graduating with a BA degree, students are ready to commit themselves to work. It’s thought better to experience the real world of business than spending another year or two on full-time studies at that stage. The online programmes are designed to fit around a working schedule and provide learners with world-class business knowledge. 

The curriculum is heavy on reports and other projects, so some may feel the need to collaborate with top British writers to complete them. Although the studying is all conducted online, the courses are challenging. 

  1. University of Edinburgh Business School – Undergraduate Studies

If students plan to focus on commerce, it’s best to start studying early on. Some students look at business high schools in Portugal which can allow them to get a head-start in both skills and qualifications. But the undergraduate programme at University of Edinburgh Business School covers the basics and will guide everyone towards a comprehensive knowledge of the contemporary business world.

There is a choice between one of the business or accounting and finance programmes. 

The school is known for its favourable campus environment, supports an all-round student life. It can also provide industry opportunities for its notable students, and for hard-working students there may be offers from potential employers soon after graduation.

  1. University of Edinburgh Business School – MBA Programme

The full-time MBA programme at the University of Edinburgh is one-year long and costs £32,500 in tuition. It gives students an excellent opportunity to learn from professors who specialise in their fields. The programme is formulated as a one-on-one experience of personal coaching. 

In addition to the standard MBA offer, students can opt for a full-time MBA programme with international exchange. The school will connect those enrolled on the course with one of its partners and there will be a study abroad period of about 2-3 months. The executive MBA programme is a third option. It’s organised in the form of part-time study spread over 27 months. 

You can also consider the MicroMasters online courses which combines online courses from leading universities.. There is an optional opportunity to apply to a full masters degree at the University of Edinburgh. If accepted onto a masters you will be able to put the credits awarded from the MicroMasters towards the degree qualification. The programme choice for 2019/20 is limited to predictive analytics using Python. 

  1. Queen Margaret University Business School

This school is a member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, and it offers undergraduate and postgraduate business and management education programmes in business, accounting and finance, consumer dispute resolution, gastronomy, and more. The postgraduate courses include:

  • MSc International Marketing
  • MSc International Management and Leadership
  • MSC Accounting and Finance with CIMA

All programmes are modular, with options for part-time and full-time study. Students can also choose to study individual modules, so they can personalise their education to their own specific needs and career goals. 

  1. Edinburgh Napier University

According to the National Student Survey 2019, this school ranks first in Edinburgh for student satisfaction in Human Resource Management. It nurtures a community geared towards creativity. 

The school offers a variety of undergraduate courses:

  • Business & Enterprise
  • Business & Enterprise in Sport
  • International Business Management
  • Business Management with Marketing, and more

You can also choose from a variety of MBA and MSc programmes:

  • Real Estate Management & Investment
  • Business Management Leadership and Innovation
  • Project and Programme Management
  • Business Management (Banking), and more

These courses are narrowed down to specific topics, so if you already work in a particular area of business, you can study with a more precise focus. 

Edinburgh is the perfect city for business education

In Edinburgh, you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of businesses of all kinds – from small businesses to big corporations. All schools have good connections, and are able to open up opportunities for their students. Edinburgh’s rich history, lengthy record of innovation and creativity, iconic architecture, and vibrant culture makes Edinburgh a desirable place to live, work, visit, and study.

James Collins spends a lot of time researching and comparing different educational systems. He loves helping students to make the right choice. The decision for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme can change their lives for the better. 

Edinburgh Napier University Craiglockhart campus exterior in autumn sunshine