Business Management and Politics, MA

At Aberdeen, your learning goes far beyond the classroom — you’ll constantly connect theory with real-world experience. From day one, you’ll have access to cutting-edge tools, hands-on projects, and industry opportunities that prepare you for the realities of business and political careers. Whether it’s analysing live financial data in a simulated trading environment, working on collaborative group projects, or gaining real experience through internships, you’ll develop the practical skills employers truly value.

Here’s how this degree helps you learn by doing:

• Real-world business simulations: Work with a state-of-the-art Bloomberg Terminal inside the Business School’s virtual finance lab, where you can analyse live market data and understand financial trends just like professionals do.

• Paid internships and work placements: Through the university’s ABDN Internships scheme, you’ll have the chance to gain paid, hands-on experience with local employers — often during term time or the summer — applying what you’ve learned to real organisational challenges.

• Career-focused projects and group work: Many modules include group projects and employer-led challenges, where you’ll work as part of a team to solve real business and policy problems, sharpening both your collaboration and leadership skills.

• MyCareerHub opportunities: You’ll get exclusive access to MyCareerHub, Aberdeen’s career platform, where around 800 internship and work-experience opportunities are posted each year — giving you plenty of ways to build your CV while you study.

• World-class library and research facilities: The iconic Sir Duncan Rice Library offers extensive physical and digital collections, along with powerful data tools and IT resources that support your coursework, projects, and dissertation research.

• Advanced digital and data tools: You’ll benefit from the university’s digital research platforms and high-performance computing resources — invaluable if you’re interested in data-driven business analysis or political research.

These opportunities are built into your learning journey, helping you graduate with not only knowledge, but also the confidence and practical skills to stand out in the job market.

Graduating with a degree that blends business expertise with political insight opens doors to an incredibly wide range of careers. You’ll be equipped to work in organisations where strategy meets policy — whether that’s shaping corporate decisions, advising government bodies, driving change in NGOs, or consulting for companies that operate in regulated markets. Many Aberdeen graduates step into roles like Business Strategy Analyst, Public Policy Consultant, Corporate Affairs Manager, or Government Relations Officer soon after finishing their degree.

Here’s how the University of Aberdeen sets you up for success and where this degree can take you:

• Personalised career support from day one: The university’s Careers and Employability Service runs tailored workshops, one-to-one guidance, CV and interview prep, and regular networking events with employers. You’ll also get access to MyCareerHub, an exclusive platform where hundreds of internships and graduate opportunities are posted each year.

• Impressive employment outcomes: Around 97.9% of Business School graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating — proof of how well this degree prepares you for the job market.

• Strong starting salaries: Aberdeen graduates in politics typically earn about £27,000, while business management graduates average around £28,500 within the first year after finishing their degree.

• Industry partnerships and work experience: Aberdeen is ranked among the Top 3 UK universities for work experience (RateMyPlacement 2025), with strong links to employers across business, government, media, and the non-profit sector.

• Global alumni network: You’ll become part of a professional community spread across 192 countries, giving you access to mentorship and valuable networking opportunities throughout your career.

• Long-term career value: Although the programme isn’t tied to a specific professional accreditation, the combination of research, strategic thinking, policy understanding, and management skills gives you credibility across multiple sectors — from corporate and public affairs to consulting and international development.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to deepen your expertise after graduation, you’ll have a strong foundation for postgraduate study in areas like Business Administration (MBA), Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, Management Science, or Political Economy. This degree is also an excellent stepping stone toward research-based master’s programmes and even PhD study in the future.