Business Analytics MSc
Subject and course type
- Business and Management
- Postgraduate
Kickstart your career in business analytics with ΢ÃÜȦ Business School. Located on the doorstep of London, one of the world's largest financial hubs, our partnerships with global organisations give you access to meaningful opportunities.
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Learn to analyse and interrogate large data sets to improve decision making
Prepare for a career in business analytics
We are proud to hold the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). This accreditation has been earned by just 6% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degrees.
This course also sits within The Department of Accounting, Finance and Informatics, which delivers high quality degrees in accounting, banking, finance, investment, financial technology, risk management and real estate. Our courses are accredited by professional bodies, including ACCA, CIMA, ACT, RICS and ICAEW.
We are also one of only a few UK universities to have a Bloomberg Trading Room, offering hands-on skills and the opportunity to apply for Bloomberg certification. Access to Bloomberg terminals will provide you with the latest technology to analyse and make sense of financial and economic data effectively. You may also use other databases during your studies, such as Thomson DataStream Advance.
Why choose this course
Skills in business and analytics are in high demand. As businesses collect more and more data, the ability to identify patterns and make predictions from that data is highly valued.
Our Business Analytics MSc course harnesses the features of modern technology to manage the volume of data produced by modern businesses. You will cover core areas such as data visualisation, business analytics, predictive modelling and prescriptive strategies, using industry-leading tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and AI-driven technologies such as ChatGPT.
This course will therefore enable you to visualise, analyse and interrogate large data sets, generate actionable business insights and improve decision making in organisations. It will also equip you with the communication skills required to communicate these insights effectively.
During the course, you will take a research or consultancy project. This will be supported by our flexible learning labs, which have been designed to develop your digital and consultancy skills.
Ready for business
At ΢ÃÜȦ Business School, we believe that professional success is shaped by honing your personal capacity and skillset, supported by the academic framework of knowledge. Through vocationally rich, employer-engaged and research-informed courses, we work alongside our students to help them meet personal goals and career ambitions.
΢ÃÜȦ Business School Accreditations
΢ÃÜȦ Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 6% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.
Course content
A variety of specialist modules will introduce you to descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics and their applications to business, data visualisation, optimisation and decision modelling. You will also consider the ethical and legal issues in business analytics.
Year 1
Throughout the core modules, you'll master data visualisation, business analytics, predictive modelling, and prescriptive strategies using tools like Tableau, Power BI, and AI-driven technologies. You'll develop practical skills in optimisation, machine learning, and data storytelling.
You will then choose between a dissertation to explore a specific topic or a consultancy project to solve real-world challenges.
Core modules
30 credits
This module empowers you to transform complex datasets into impactful visual stories that drive strategic decision-making. Using industry-leading tools such as Tableau and Power BI, you will master the art of creating clear, engaging, and actionable visualisations.
With a strong emphasis on data storytelling, you will learn how to present insights in ways that not only inform but also inspire action, bridging the crucial gap between raw data and business strategy. Through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, you will craft compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders and influence key decisions.
By the end of the module, you will have the skills and confidence to use data visualisation as a powerful tool for creating business value, shaping strategies, and driving meaningful outcomes in a variety of business contexts.
30 credits
This module introduces you to the transformative power of business analytics in shaping smarter, more effective decisions within organisations. Focusing on its strategic importance, you will explore how data-driven approaches can solve problems, enhance operations, and create a competitive edge.
Through engaging case studies and practical examples, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how analytics supports business strategy and drives operational success – without delving into technical implementation.
You will develop an appreciation for the vital role of analytics in business and gain the ability to critically evaluate how data drives decision-making across various industries.
30 credits
This module delves into predictive analytics and prompt-based coding, with a strong emphasis on their transformative impact in business settings. You will learn to harness advanced analytics techniques to forecast outcomes, identify trends, and optimise decision-making processes.
The module introduces prompt-based coding using AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and Google APIs, enabling you to automate repetitive coding tasks and accelerate insight generation in data science languages such as Python and R. Through hands-on exercises, you will create practical solutions that blend traditional analytics methods with the power of AI-driven prompts.
You will gain expertise in building predictive models, integrating APIs, and streamlining coding workflows to solve real-world business challenges. Equipped with these skills, you will be ready to design and implement data-driven strategies that drive success across multiple professional contexts.
30 credits
This module enables you to navigate complex, data-rich environments by mastering tools and methodologies that optimise decision-making. Prescriptive analytics goes beyond forecasting by not only predicting outcomes but also recommending specific actions to achieve desired results.
You will explore cutting-edge techniques, including machine learning, optimisation algorithms, simulation, and heuristic models, to tackle operational and strategic business challenges effectively. Emphasis is placed on transforming data insights into actionable strategies, with practical applications across sectors such as supply chain management, finance, and marketing.
Through real-world case studies and hands-on experience with industry-standard software, you will develop the expertise to construct, test, and refine prescriptive models. You will also learn to present and interpret actionable recommendations for business decision-makers.
Optional modules
60 credits
This module will introduce you to methods and procedures for identifying, investigating and analysing a research problem, and an opportunity to apply these tools in the development of a dissertation. You will be expected to be familiar with the theory and research in your chosen area of study, and to demonstrate your ability to review and apply concepts and techniques critically.
60 credits
In this module you will have the opportunity to work with clients on a broad range of projects to identify areas where a company can improve its service and operations to remain competitive within the FinTech sector.
You will work with a mentor to co-construct your project which could focus on any element of the programme, from providing strategic advice, implementation support, analysis of the company's current operations or emerging technologies, support with regulatory compliance or designing and implementing new digital products and service.
You will develop the necessary consultancy skills through workshops to review the theory and practice of management consulting, and the process of sourcing and delivering consulting work to aid strategic decision making in the business and finance world.
Year 2 (optional placement year)
The professional placement year is optional. It takes place after the full-time year. It allows students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The work placement is an assessed part of the course and is therefore covered by a Student Route visa.
Module
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Career opportunities
You will graduate from this course ready for a wide range of roles, such as:
- Business Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Digital Transformation Manager
Many business graduates decide to use the skills they have learned to set themselves up in business. However, you may also decide to continue your studies at ΢ÃÜȦ through doctoral research.
Specialist careers support
You will take part in an Assessment Centre Experience, providing the opportunity to experience the pathway to employment with tailored feedback:
- Develop your understanding of the jobs market, including current trends and opportunities, different recruitment processes and how to identify relevant roles
- Receive personalised feedback reports to help you to improve and progress
- Access additional webinars on top tips, employer expectations and best practice
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at ΢ÃÜȦ, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Each student receives a personalised timetable. This is usually available after you have completed your online enrolment, which is typically accessible one month before the start of your course.
Fees and funding
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | Full Time £13,500 |
| International | Full Time £19,700 |
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | Full Time £12,900 |
| International | Full Time £18,900 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Business Analytics MSc at ΢ÃÜȦ, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing ΢ÃÜȦ graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a ΢ÃÜȦ 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
΢ÃÜȦ offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
΢ÃÜȦ will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, ΢ÃÜȦ upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your ΢ÃÜȦ OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
