In today’s complex world, strong economic and financial skills have become increasingly important for a successful career in business - especially within the oil and gas industries.
Decision-making in the spheres of industry and finance are high-pressured and require a host of wide-ranging issues to be analysed.
Now, two new courses at the University of Aberdeen's Graduate Business School have been specially assembled to provide the tools needed to climb the career ladder in business and government.
The first 12-month programme, the MSc International Business, Energy and Petroleum will be spearheaded by Professor Alexander Kemp OBE, the internationally renowned authority on North Sea Oil and Gas economics.
Fellow experts in the field of energy and petroleum economics, petroleum geoscience and other world class specialist staff from Economics, Finance, Accountancy, Engineering, Geology and Management will also teach on the course.
"Our programme is specifically designed for graduates who wish to develop analytical and problem-solving skills from economics and finance enabling them to embark and develop their careers in business and government within the petroleum industries," said Professor Alex Kemp.
"The course recognises the increasing need for economic and finance skills required for the complex nature of decision-making in these industries. Our students will develop the skills to allow them to analyse a range of economic and finance issues relevant to these industries, such as investment analysis, Government petroleum policies, decommissioning and energy demand."
He added: "Students will also develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the petroleum industries through interaction with industry located in and around Aberdeen."
The second programme now being offered is a new MSc in International Business and Finance, also a 12 month course of full-time study.
Students will be taught by internationally recognised specialist staff from Economics, Finance, Accountancy and Management.
"Strategic business thinking, investment analysis and a range of relevant economic and finance issues in business will all be covered," said Professor Euan Phimister, the Programme leader. "And like the Energy and Petroleum programme, students will also be able to build global connections through our international student base and Alumni network."
Those who successfully complete the course would be expected to follow careers in multinational enterprises, banks and financial institutions, government agencies and business consultancies, he added.
For further information on both courses contact Nicki Duncan on Tel: 01224 273235; Fax: 01224 273116; Email: href="mailto:gbs@abdn.ac.uk">gbs@abdn.ac.uk</a>; or visit www.abdn.ac.uk/business/smartthinking