Business Analysis and Consulting - PgCert

Program Overview

The Business Analysis and Consulting PgCert at Ulster University is a part-time program designed for individuals seeking roles in consulting or business analysis. It combines on-campus and online learning, focusing on developing expertise in business analysis, stakeholder management, data science, and digital transformation. The program is delivered through a blended model, with a focus on real-world scenarios and project-based learning. Graduates are equipped with skills and knowledge for careers in professional services, technology, and tech-led project management.

Program Outline

Business Analysis and Consulting PgCert at Ulster University 2024/25 Entry - Part-time Postgraduate Study in Belfast

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This part-time program is designed for individuals aiming for a consultancy role in the professional services or technology sectors. It also caters to experienced tech professionals seeking career advancement in business analysis, consulting, or management. The program focuses on working within organizations but is also relevant for freelance consultants and business owners who wish to develop transferable management skills and knowledge for entrepreneurial applications.

Objectives:

The program focuses on enhancing the employability of learners within the fast-paced professional services and tech sectors. Specifically, it aims to:

• Develop expertise in business analysis and consulting
• Enhance stakeholders and client management skills
• Improve understanding and application of data science within consulting
• Equip learners to navigate challenges related to digital transformation and tech-led changes

Program Description:

• Combines on-campus teaching with online learning for a flexible learning experience.
• Delivered through a blended model:
• Pre-recorded lectures and prepared resources for independent learning.
• On-campus sessions for interactive learning and engagement.
• Covers real-world scenarios and utilizes project-based learning methodologies.
• Content informed and formulated by global industry partners for practical relevance.
• Focuses on developing skills applicable to tech roles across various sectors.

Outline:

Start Date:

September 2024

Modules:

• Business analysis and consulting:
• Aims to equip learners with the skills and capabilities to perform effective business analysis for managing and implementing change.
• Focuses on developing practical, evaluative, and analytical skills for influencing and developing strategy and performance to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Covers topics such as business analysis tools and processes, understanding and evaluating business needs, business problem solving, benefits realisation, and impact measurement.
• Stakeholder and client management:
• Equips learners with the principles and practices of effective stakeholder and client management, emphasizing sustainable change and delivering sustainable outcomes.
• Develops skills and capabilities to influence and manage key stakeholders and clients.
• Covers topics such as stakeholder analysis, client and stakeholder management, and influencing and negotiating.
• Consultancy in practice:
• Applies valuable business analysis and consulting skills through project-based learning.
• Provides students with a "real life" consulting project experience.
• Covers topics such as business investigation and analysis, reporting, benefits realisation, and stakeholder and client management.
• Particularly relevant for those seeking to strengthen their progression on a management career path within the Business Analyst/Consulting sector.
• Tech and data science in consulting:
• Explores data storage, management, and analysis paradigms.
• Enables students to understand the OSEMN data science pipeline.

Assessment:

• 100% coursework based (individual and group work)
• Assessments focus on the application of learnings in real-life scenarios within the program content.
• Specific types of assessment include reports, business case writing, professional conversations, business simulation tasks, online presentations, and learning logs.

Teaching:

• Blends on-campus and online learning for a flexible and convenient learning experience.
• Utilizes the expertise of academic staff from the Ulster University Business School and The Business Institute.
• Employs project-based learning methodologies to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• Offers a blend of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and individual study for a comprehensive learning approach.

Careers:

• Ideal for roles in professional services, technology, and tech-led project management.
• Suitable for career advancement opportunities in business analysis, consulting, and management.
• The program content is subject to potential changes for future year entries.
• Graduates can pursue further studies through the Business in Technology MSc offered by the University.