Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and one of the UK's most respected centres for higher education. It's home to world-renowned universities, a thriving financial sector, and international students, making it a great place to study business.
Let's explore the top business schools in Edinburgh, their courses, and everything you need to know about them.
| Business School | Undergraduate Degrees | Postgraduate Degrees | Accreditations | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Edinburgh Business School | BSc Business Studies, MA Economics and Business | MSc Finance, MBA | AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA | Triple accreditation; strong research focus |
| Heriot-Watt University – Edinburgh Business School | BBA, MA International Business Management | MSc Marketing, MBA | - | Campuses in Dubai and Malaysia; flexible study options |
| Edinburgh Napier University – Business School | BA Business Management, BA Marketing Management | MSc International Business Management, MBA | - | Emphasis on practical learning; industry accreditations |
| Queen Margaret University – Business, Enterprise and Management | BA Business Management, BA Business Management with Marketing | MBA, MBA Hospitality Management | CIMA, DMI | Focus on entrepreneurship; Startup Studio for students |
| Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) – Business Courses | BA Rural Business Management | MSc International Business | - | Specializes in rural industries and businesses |
Why Study Business in Edinburgh?
As an iconic and intellectually rich city, Edinburgh is an excellent place to study any subject. Still, it's particularly well-suited for business students.
As one of the UK's leading centres for finance, education, and innovation, it effortlessly blends historic charm and a thriving modern economy, making it one of the best places to study business in the UK.
Students enjoy a unique backdrop against which to study business, knowing that they will have professional opportunities when they complete their programmes.
Edinburgh's respected universities and business schools offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programmes with options in finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Almost all of them are globally recognised and taught by industry experts.
Edinburgh's international student population also creates better learning environments, and most programmes have strong industry links to major employers in banking, tech, consultancy, and government. Thus, Edinburgh is a launchpad for many different global business careers.
Outside of classes, students also enjoy the high quality of life that Edinburgh offers with a rich cultural scene and a lower cost of living than experienced by those studying business in London.
Top Reasons to Study Business in Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh Business School
The University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS) dates back to 1919. It offers a blend of tradition and innovation in business education.
The school is in the heart of Edinburgh and focuses on research, critical thinking, and practical application.
With its "triple crown" accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, it's got plenty to boast about. Still, it's also among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
Edinburgh isn't the only city with "triple crown" business courses, you can find these on business courses in Birmingham, too!
The school is also known for its strong research output. It maintains strong links with the local and global business community, providing opportunities for networking, internships, and practical projects.
Find out more about the experience of studying at the University of Edinburgh Business School.
Undergraduate Degrees
- A range of business-related undergraduate degrees (exact titles vary by specialisation)
Postgraduate Degrees (MSc)
- MSc in Accounting and Finance
- MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- MSc in Finance
- MSc in Management
- MSc in Marketing
- MSc in Business Analytics
MBA Programme
- Full-time MBA
Different undergraduate courses have different academic criteria for admission, so check specifically for the course you're interested in.
A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent qualification is usually required. for post-graduate courses and the MBA programme
The University of Edinburgh Business School holds Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, a mark of international excellence held by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide.
Heriot-Watt University – Edinburgh Business School
Edinburgh Business School (EBS) is Heriot-Watt University's graduate school of business. It was established in 1997 and now offers a range of globally accessible, practice-oriented programmes in business and management.
Its international presence extends worldwide; the school even has campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.
The Edinburgh campus provides students access to modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, dedicated study places, and an extensive library with IT services and other student support facilities.
Here (or technically elsewhere), students can study full-time, part-time, or even online, which is also one of the advantages of studying business in Manchester.
Undergraduate Degrees
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) (Hons)
- Economics and Business Management MA (Hons)
- International Business Management MA (Hons)
- International Business Management (Accelerated) MA (Hons)
- International Business Management with Year Abroad MA (Hons)
Postgraduate Degrees (MSc)
- MSc in Accounting
- MSc in Business and Management
- MSc in Economics
- MSc in Finance
- MSc in Logistics and Operations
- MSc in Marketing
MBA Programmes
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- MBA with specialisms
Edinburgh Napier University – Business School
The Business School at Edinburgh Napier offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that are accredited by leading industry and professional bodies.
The Business School provides courses and programmes on careers like accounting, financial services, law, management, marketing, tourism, hospitality, and festival and event management.
It's at the Craiglockhart Campus, with modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and study spaces.
Many programmes are accredited by leading industry and professional bodies, and the school maintains strong links with the business community.
Undergraduate Degrees
- BA (Hons) Accounting
- BA (Hons) Accounting with Corporate Finance
- BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Advanced Entry)
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- BA (Hons) Business Management with Finance
- BA (Hons) Business Management with Human Resource Management
- BA (Hons) Business Management with Marketing
- BA (Hons) Economics with Management
- BA (Hons) Financial Services
- BA (Hons) International Business Management
- BA (Hons) International Business Management with Languages
- LLB (Hons) Law
- BA (Hons) Marketing Management
- BA (Hons) Tourism and Airline Management
- BA (Hons) Hospitality Management
- BA (Hons) Festival and Event Management
Postgraduate Degrees (MSc)
- MSc Accounting
- MSc Business Management
- MSc Business Management (Entrepreneurship)
- MSc Business Management (Finance)
- MSc Business Management (Human Resource Management)
- MSc Business Management (Marketing)
- MSc Business Management (Project Management)
- MSc Business Management (Tourism and Hospitality)
- MSc International Business Management
- MSc International Finance
- MSc Marketing
- MSc Marketing with Digital Strategy
- MSc Marketing with Festival and Event Management
- MSc Human Resource Management
- MSc International Human Resource Management
- MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management
- MSc International Festival and Event Management
- MSc Global Hospitality Management (with Work Placement)
MBA Programmes
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- MBA (Banking)
- MBA (Events Management)
- MBA (Finance)
- MBA (Health Management)
- MBA (Hospitality and Tourism Management)
- MBA (Human Resource Management)
- MBA (Information Systems Strategy and Governance)
- MBA (Leadership and Innovation)
- MBA (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
- MBA (Marketing)
- MBA (Project Management)
Queen Margaret University – Business, Enterprise and Management
Queen Margaret University's Business School has a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for business, management, accounting and finance, hospitality, events, and tourism.
The Business School is located on a modern campus in Edinburgh and has state-of-the-art facilities, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and study spaces.
In particular, the school focuses on entrepreneurship, with the university's Startup Studio and on-campus Business Gateway.
There are also industry links and accreditations from professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI).
Undergraduate Degrees:
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- BA (Hons) Business Management with Analytics
- BA (Hons) Business Management with Digital Marketing
- BA (Hons) Business Management with Finance
- BA (Hons) Business Management with Human Resource Management
Postgraduate Degrees:
- MBA
- MBA Finance and Accounting
- MBA Hospitality Management
- MBA Marketing
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) – Business Courses
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has several business programmes specific to rural industries.
These courses combine entrepreneurship, marketing, economics, finance, and human resource management with specialised modules focusing on rural businesses.
Undergraduate Programmes
- HNC Rural Business Management
- HND Rural Business Management
- BA/BA (Hons) Rural Business Management
- BA (Hons) Rural Business Management Top-Up Degree
Postgraduate Programmes
- MSc International Business
- MSc Business Consultancy
SRUC has campuses across Scotland including Aberdeen, Ayr, Barony, Elmwood, King's Buildings, and Oatridge.
The specialist focus of rural-related modules may particularly interest certain students, and the college's links with the rural business community mean that students have opportunities for networking, internships, and practical projects.
Choosing the Right Business Programme
While you have the business schools to start searching for programmes, you can further refine your search and save time by making the following considerations.
Your Level
If you're in school or college, you'll likely be looking at undergraduate programmes and degrees. There's little point in thinking too much about the postgraduate options.
Conversely, if you've graduated, you'll be looking for MSc or MBA options, which can help you to specialise or even change career paths.
Typically, an MBA is for those who've already gained professional experience (often between 3 and 5 years) and are looking for management or leadership roles.
If you're looking for the top-ranked universities and business schools, though, you have to give studying business in Oxford or Cambridge some thought.
Other Commitments
How you study will depend on your other commitments. You can always study certain programmes part-time or even online if you can't commit to a full-time programme.
Many business schools offer flexible courses that allow students to study in a way that suits them.
Compare course modules, check graduate destinations, and explore additional features like study abroad options, industry placements, or specialist pathways.
Career Prospects for Business Students in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's business school graduates enjoy a diverse job market. Many find work in industries such as finance, consultancy, marketing, entrepreneurship, analytics, supply chain management, and project management.
Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the UK’s top cities for business start-ups, making it especially attractive for students interested in entrepreneurship.
There are also plenty of headquarters for large companies, meaning students will have opportunities for internships and placements at the best companies.
Edinburgh is also a great destination for start-ups, and many students and graduates who want to start their own ventures are supported.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
