MSc Business Analytics

Programme structure

The MSc Business Analytics course combines core and optional modules across the three terms of your one-year course. You'll be assessed by a mixture of individual and group assignments, and examination. Please note that availability of modules and delivery modes of modules may vary.

You will study seven core modules, alongside either two optional modules and a dissertation, or three optional modules and the Business in Practice module. 

Your final dissertation option is a 10,000 word piece of work, demonstrating that you can undertake systematic and rigorous applied research. Most students undertake individual academic research on a topic critical to effective decision-making in organisations, under the guidance and supervision of our academics. Some students apply to work in conjunction with an external corporate client to undertake applied research of interest to their organisation; these students will often complete a client report in addition to their dissertation. Alternatively, you can select the Business in Practice option. 

You will develop your programming skills in Python, SQL and R, and gain guidance in obtaining optional certifications such as Associate Certified Analytics Professional. You will be given access to a wide-range of additional analytics and data science online courses, and gain exposure to industry-standard software such as Tableau, PyTorch and Large Language Models.

Data Management

In the modern world, businesses have access to volumes of data that would have been unimaginable in previous decades. However, converting these, often vast, datasets to business value, depends upon an ability to correctly manage, engineer and query this data. The main aims of the module are to give you hands-on experience working with relational databases, SQL and tools designed to work with big data.

More details
Analytics in Practice

Learn how to structure and conduct an end-to-end analytics project including data engineering, modelling (using machine learning methods), visualisation and communicating the project's results to the end-user.

More details
Business Statistics

Gain a foundation in the analysis and presentation of quantitative data and cover the basic elements of statistics that are the foundation of analytics and business analysis. Statistical techniques are key in modern business, as the fundamental approaches to describe, explore and learn predictive models of data.

More details
Optimisation Models

Optimisation and prescriptive analytics allow modern businesses to determine the best actions in an increasingly complex world. Optimisation is used extensively in computing technologies, artificial intelligence, operational efficiency and management decision making.

More details
Understanding Business for Analysts

This module will focus on the key structures that Business Analytics operates within, providing you with a foundation of understanding of the purpose, structure and roles within an organisation. This includes critical topics such as developing an analytics strategy, managing analytics projects and the ethical use of analytics and data science methods.

More details
Advanced Analytics: Models and Applications

This module will further develop your analytical toolkit, by introducing you to a range of advanced analytics approaches. Using powerful, cutting-edge algorithms in fields such as optimisation and genetic algorithms, you will learn to model complex business problems and find sophisticated solutions.

More details
Advanced Data Analysis

Building on Business Statistics and Analytics in Practice, this module will introduce you to more advanced topics in statistics and Artificial Intelligence. From dimension reduction to deep learning, the module will enable you to implement sophisticated solutions to real-world business problems.

More details
These are indicative optional modules which may vary year-on-year.
Leading for Innovation*

This module aims to develop a greater understanding of how to foster an innovative work environment.

More details
International Business*

Open to students who have opted for the Business in Practice route, this module aims to develop a critical awareness of the issues, problems, concepts, and skills associated with the development of international business strategy and operations.

More details
Digital Working & Organisational Transformation*

You'll gain a broad understanding of the tools and organisational arrangements driving the shift towards digital working, and learn the techniques and frameworks to operate effectively in this more dynamic and fluid work environment.

More details
Digital Finance, Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies*

Learn how digital innovations and information technologies are transforming the provision fo financial services.

More details
Generative AI and AI Applications

In this module, we will demystify Generative AI and illuminate its crucial impact on modern business. You will gain insights into various generative models and hone Python and PyTorch skills, with a focus on applied business settings.

More details
Digital Business Services*

Focus on how digital technologies enable organisations to offer digital services that aim at improving customer experience as well as firm performance. You'll be prepared to engage with technology-related conversations in the modern workplace.

More details
Strategic Decision Making

Identify and understand the various aspects related to how data and information can support strategic decisions in organisations.

More details
Financial Analytics

Gain an introduction to financial analytics by applying various techniques, including analytical, statistical, and mathematical, to financial market and investment portfolios

More details
Forecasting

Get an introduction to current quantitative forecasting methods, and develop practical competence in their use.

More details
Supply Chain Analytics

Get an understanding of various (analytical, mathematical and statistical) techniques to analyse supply chain performance and to identify inefficiencies and risk factors in operational, managerial and financial aspects of a supply chain.  

More details
Pricing Analytics

Pricing Analytics focuses on how a company should set and update pricing and product availability decisions across its various selling channels in order to maximise its profitability in an automated fashion.

More details
Digital Marketing Technology and Management*

Get an overview on how today’s firms use digital marketing technologies to achieve their business objectives.

More details
Strategic Human Resource Management*

This module will provide you with a deep understanding of the strategic role of human capital management and the tools with which to analyse and manage it..

More details
Governance, Corporate Responsibility and Ethical Business Practices*

This module will enable you to understand the wider institutional location of business activity within the polity and the society.

More details
Business, International Finance & Economics*

This module will provide real world examples and case studies to illustrate how economic thinking helps businesses make the most of new opportunities, while managing the risks associated with expansion into new markets and regions.

More details
Driving Innovation and Entrepreneurship through Marketing and Strategy*

This module will address issues relating to the management, adoption and spreading of innovation and new technologies from a multidiscipline perspective.

More details
Digital Strategy and Agile Transformation*

Critically discuss a selection of current issues in digital strategy and agile transformation whilst you enhance your critical thinking and creativity in individual and group settings.

More details
Entrepreneurship and Business Venturing*

This module aims to develop an understanding of entrepreneurs and the firms they create and manage.

More details
Key
  • * Business in Practice route only
Dissertation: Internal applied research

You'll conduct academic research on a topic critical to effective decision-making in organisations, under the guidance and supervision of our academics. 

More details
Dissertation: External consultancy project

You can apply to work in conjunction with an external corporate client to undertake applied research of interest to their organisation; you'll typically complete a client report in addition to your dissertation.

More details
Business in Practice

The Business in Practice module offers an alternative to the traditional Dissertation route.  

More details

Your learning experience

Your course will be taught through an exciting mix of face-to-face and online learning, utilising the format most suitable to the content, and in a way that helps you balance your workload and make the most of opportunities for extra-curricular activities.

Teaching and assessment will vary to fit the subject being studied. Our faculty have designed your learning experience to fit the subject being studied, with a variety of teaching and assessment styles. 

Your learning will be assessed by a mix of exams, individual assessments, group work, project work, and tests. Group and project work will enable you to collaborate and gain new perspectives from your international cohort, preparing you for working in teams within a global work environment. 

Our online platform

Our unique online learning platform my.wbs will act as the hub for your learning experience, hosting all of your teaching materials, key information from your CareersPlus and Programme Teams, and our online classroom: wbsLive.

Programming Skills and Certification

We support the learning of multiple programming languages with access to a variety of interactive online materials, covering Python, SQL and R (provided by Data Camp). Several modules feature the application of such programming languages in their syllabus.

You'll gain guidance in obtaining optional certification as Associate Certified Analytics Professional. This globally recognised certification is offered by the INFORMS (USA) and the Operational Research Society (UK), and the required knowledge to pass the certification exam is closely aligned with the core content of this course.

Foreign Language Study

One of the great benefits of this course is that it offers optional free foreign language study in the evenings across all three terms. This is an opportunity to develop the basics of a new language. There is a choice of six different languages, all at beginner-level (please note we are not able to offer classes at intermediate/advanced level).