Program Overview

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Business Analytics and Finance (MSc)

Award

Master of Science

Typical Offer

2:1 degree

Duration

1 year

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Highfield

Next course starts

September 2025

About this course

Data analysis has become a dominant force in the modern global business landscape, propelling business analytics careers to be at their peak. Professionals with analytical skills are in high demand.

Industries are looking for data-literate professionals with strong decision making and analytics skills, but also with financial acumen to develop strategies for their organisations.

This course will equip you with technical data science skills and non-technical management skills along with a deep understanding of the application of analytics within the context of financial management. You will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the applications of analytics in a financial context through data collection, data visualization, statistical/pattern analysis, and data mining.

You will be exposed to modules such as corporate finance, credit risks and data analytics, as well as optimisation and decision modelling, along with modules which incorporate research skills and the latest analytical techniques and tools.
This degree is ideal for those who have previously been exposed to other disciplines and fields which perhaps incorporated data analytics skills or quantitative subject, such as economics, mathematics, physics, engineering or computer science.

It will also suit you if you have relevant professional experience and are contemplating of either furthering your career or making a career change.

Our modules are designed to meet the latest industry demands with course contents which are meticulously reviewed by our Business Advisory Board. The board includes industry experts from organisations such as:

• Rolls Royce
• BT Openreach
• Ford
• Shell

A dissertation component has been integrated as part of this programme. For this module, you will follow one of the following options:

• To choose a topic to write your dissertation about with the help and guidance of a supervisor.
• To apply to work on an industry project. If you are selected to work on the project, this will be the topic of your dissertation.

You’ll also benefit from the expertise of the Centre of Operational Research, Management Sciences and Information Systems (CORMSIS), one of the country’s strongest analytics research groups. Your learning is informed by specialist research, and you can personalise your studies with optional modules. For example, you can choose to focus on:

• financial risk management
• advanced analytics
• simulation
• revenue management

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Dr Erica Mulowayi is the lead for this course. She holds a PhD in Construction, Disaster and Project Management from the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia, and has recently joined the Department of Decision Analysis and Risk (DAR) at the University of Southampton Business School as a Senior Teaching Fellow.

Accreditations

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject which includes quantitative study such as:

• finance
• sciences
• maths
• engineering
• computer science
• economics
• quantitative business or management

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

We do not accept the following subjects:

• Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
• Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Course structure

On this master’s degree in Business Analytics and Finance, your studies will run for a full 12 months.

The first 9 months cover taught modules. There are 2 sets of exams, in January and in May. You will then work on your dissertation from June to September.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Corporate Finance 1
• Credit Risk & Data Analytics
• Optimisation and Decision Modelling
• Quantitative Research in Finance

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Advanced Analytics
• Corporate Finance 2
• Dissertation (Analytics)
• Financial Portfolio Theory
• Financial Risk Management
• Forecasting
• Introduction to Python
• Portfolio Theory and Asset Pricing
• Project Management
• Revenue Management
• Simulation
• Summer Project

Learning and assessment

Learning

As well as learning practical techniques you’ll develop your critical evaluation, financial decision-making and mathematical modelling skills through:

• lectures and seminars
• individual and group exercises
• computer classes
• private study
• workshops

You’ll also explore topics in more depth through:

• exercises using real-world data
• case studies
• numerical problem solving

You can gain specialist experience using analytics, modelling, coding and programming software using tools such as Excel, Python, SIMUL8 and SPSS. You’ll also learn to use SAS, a leading data analytics programme, to prepare you for the SAS base programmer certification.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary between modules and may include:

• examinations
• individual coursework
• group work
• dissertation

Modules such as Credit Scoring and Simulation have a practical computer-based assignment, using commercial software, so that your mathematical modelling skills can be assessed.

Dissertation

You'll use the methods, techniques and skills you learn in the taught part of the course to write a 15,000-word dissertation. Your summer project will form the basis of this.

Academic Support

We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Communication
• Creativity
• Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Consultancy
• Technology
• Business
• Public Sector
• Finance

Careers directly related to this course:

• Operational researcher
• Market researcher
• Management consultant
• Financial analyst
• Business analyst
• Data scientist
• Quantitative analyst
• Data analyst
• Risk manager
• Supply chain manager

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Financial manager
• Marketing executive
• Business adviser
• Quantity surveyor
• Policy officer
• Financial risk analyst
• Investment analyst
• External auditor
• Systems analyst
• Insurance underwriter

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Business Analytics and Finance graduates*:

• Data analyst
• Investment analyst
• Business analyst
• Management trainee
• Business and credit analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Credit risk analyst
• Financial analyst
• Management consultant
• Market research assistant

See more

Job prospects for MSc Business Analytics and Finance graduates

• Average professional salary: £33k
• In a skilled profession or further study: 81%
• Graduate employment rate: 95%

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,800.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship

A scholarship is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship

A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• UK students: The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
• International students: The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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