Program Overview

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MSc Business Analytics

Course Description

The MSc Business Analytics is a postgraduate course designed to develop practical skills and empower students to make an impact within an organization through the application and interpretation of business analysis for effective business decision making.

Study Options

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2-3 years

Fees

• UK fee: £9,720 for the full course (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 for the full course (2025/26)

Start Dates

• September
• January

Location

• Derby Campus

Why Study Business Analytics at Derby?

• Develop the skills needed to be a digitally confident and creative problem solver in a global world
• Hone your digital technology skills to facilitate data-driven decision making within small to large organizations
• Develop business analytical skills which can be applied to organizations in the public, private, or voluntary sectors to enhance your career prospects
• Develop real-world practical and professional skills needed in today's data-rich businesses both nationally and internationally
• Study a Master's informed by key global initiatives – you'll explore digital technologies in the workplace with regard to the United Nations' SDGs and the UNESCO sustainability competencies
• Work on live briefs with organizations to get valuable experience of the theory applied in professional practice

Skills for Your Future Career

• From internet transactions to banking, social media to app usage, CRM data to customer feedback, organizations hold a wealth of information and are generating vast quantities of data that is growing exponentially
• The key question is how companies can use such data for better-informed business decisions such as understanding customer needs and market trends
• MSc Business Analytics is designed to give practical as well as theoretical knowledge of the application of business analytical tools for business simulation, enterprise resource planning, marketing analytics, spreadsheet analysis, web analytics, visualization, and other industry-relevant software and techniques
• The course is designed to produce graduates with skills to solve business problems by analyzing business data and converting information into a strategic asset

Grounded in Sustainability

• Sustainability issues are considered throughout the program and are linked to the UN's sustainability development goals
• None of the SDGs would be measurable were it not for the use of the analytical tools and techniques taught on this program
• The course also considers sustainability in its wider sense as well as ethics and data governance

What You Will Study

• Business Data Management
• Business Statistical Analysis and Visualization
• Marketing Metrics and Analysis
• Operations Analytics and SAP
• Systems Analysis with Business Simulation
• Applications of AI and Future Technologies
• Strategic & Financial Performance Management
• Independent Study: Research Methods
• Independent Study: Dissertation

How You Will Learn

• Formative feedback, ongoing support, and constructive critique will build your confidence and ability
• You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning and development, supported by your Personal Academic Tutor, to ensure you are career-ready
• You will also be supported and encouraged to take relevant internships during your studies to help to build your self-efficacy, resilience, and sense of purpose
• The program uses a mixture of teaching and learning techniques, including:
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Active/practical workshops
  • Small-group tutorials
  • Computer lab sessions
  • Live simulations
  • Topical case studies
  • Hackathons
  • Guest speakers
  • Internships/placement opportunities

How You Will Be Assessed

• The program uses a broad range of assessment methods designed to reflect diverse student cohorts and to ensure inclusivity
• Assessment methods are designed to enhance your employability by developing real-world analytical and problem-solving skills as well as a range of presentation skills
• The assessment strategy includes both formative and summative assessments which are an important part of your learning
• As well as testing knowledge, these assessments will apply knowledge and critical reflection in context, to better prepare students for employability
• Assessments are grounded in application to professional practice, so expect to work on live briefs set by external organizations

Who Will Teach You

• Dr. Jay Daniel, Associate Professor of Digital Supply Chain and Technology Innovation Research Cluster Lead
• Dr. Bruno Gallotta, Researcher
• Dr. Shamaila Ishaq, Assistant Head of Discipline Business and Management Senior Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Thomas Adeyemi, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance

Careers

• The course is designed to develop your practical skills and empower you to make an impact within an organization through the application and interpretation of business analysis for effective business decision making
• Graduates would be well-placed to enter roles such as:
  • Data or Business Analyst
  • Management Consultant
  • Finance Consultant
  • Marketing Insights Analyst
  • Management Information Analyst
• The course covers specific skills that current employers are seeking, including specialist software skills such as Excel, Simul8, SAP, SQL, Google Analytics, and Tableau; as well as analytical, communication, presentation, report-writing, data visualization, and team working skills
• You will build knowledge and analytical skills in relevant subject domains, such as statistics, marketing, and operations management
• Guest speakers, live briefs, and real datasets will be used as part of the teaching, learning, and assessment to ensure the program is well-grounded in up-to-date industry knowledge and practice to further boost your employability

Entry Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will also need IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each skills area

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
  • Type | Full-time | Part-time
  • UK | £9,720 for the full course | £1,080 per 20 credits
  • International | £16,900 for the full course | N/A
• Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis
• The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study

About Postgraduate Awards

• Award | Credits
• Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits
• Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits
• MA or MSc | 180 Credits
• This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc
• If you are studying part-time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure

Funding Your Studies

• Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans, and support you may be entitled to

Alumni Discount for Derby Graduates

• We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni

International Student Scholarships

• We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees

How to Apply

• Please look at our application deadlines before you apply
• Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications
• It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush
• Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not
• Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so
• Joining the program later may harm your chances of success on your course
• It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Deadlines

• Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching, and enrolment deadline date
• If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date
• Please check your individual course page for further details

UK Students

• Apply directly to the University

International Students

• Apply directly to the University
• If you'd like support with your application, you can contact one of our trusted local representatives

Additional Information About Your Studies

• Teaching hours
  • Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9 am and 9 pm
  • Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course

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