Business Analytics

JANUARY 2025 START

Course overview

Studied in-person at our campus in the heart of Birmingham, our MSc Business Analytics programme is tailored for those eager to master the art of interpreting and leveraging vast data sets to improve business performance.

It focuses on essential areas like descriptive analytics, statistical modelling, data mining and visualisation, blending academic rigor with practical skills in data analysis. This course, attracting a diverse international student body, not only enhances your analytical capabilities but also develops your communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural management skills. You will be equipped to transform complex data into strategic insights, preparing you for a pivotal role in any data-driven business environment.

Accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IoA), this course offers you enhanced employability, IoA membership benefits, and fast-track professional advancement opportunities.

“I loved every minute of my time at Aston [University]. The practical approach to learning was my highlight of the course. Group assignments [provided] opportunities to learn, grow and build confidence”.

Seema Pagarkar

MSc Business Analytics

Technology analyst, Barclays

Why Business Analytics at Aston University?

Professionally accredited

Accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IoA) as an IoA recognised programme

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Global top 100

MSc Business Analytics is ranked in the top 100 in the world (QS Masters World Rankings, 2025)

Gain the advantage

Get ahead of the competition with the Aston Global Advantage professional development module

2nd in the UK

We have been ranked 2nd in the UK and 7th in Europe (Data Analytics; Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings, 2024)

Top 100 in Europe

We've been ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools ranking 2024)

We're serious about employability

As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants

Gain a competitive edge

As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.

Course description

MSc Business Analytics

Our MSc Business Analytics programme offers a dynamic blend of cutting-edge analytical skills and real-world business insights, tailored to thrive in today's data-driven world.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and constructive assessment. You will learn from experts renowned for their work in data envelopment analysis (DEA), data mining, machine learning and time series forecasting.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

This course offers free online training, courtesy of DataCamp, and additional on-campus sessions prior to beginning your course.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
The MSc Business Analytics programme hones your quantitative skills for discerning trends and extracting insights from complex data. You will master descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, alongside data visualisation and analytical tool proficiency, enhancing decision-making and business performance for organisational leaders.

Career prospects
Our Business Analytics graduates are in high demand for roles in international companies and consultancies, equipped with skills to interpret and communicate strategic data insights, ensuring a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving and influential field.

How you will learn

Our MSc Business Analytics programme offers a dynamic mix of lectures and practical learning. You will engage in lab workshops with specialist software and tutorials that apply your knowledge to real business scenarios. Aston University's virtual learning environment supports your journey, providing resources like lecture slides, e-books and online journals.

Hands-on projects, including creating descriptive analytics posters from real data, hone your data visualisation and interpretation skills, mirroring professional tasks. Interaction with guest speakers and access to networking events and career fairs connect you with industry experts and potential employers, enriching your educational experience and preparing you for a successful career in business analytics.

In the Aston Global Advantage module, you will enhance your employability and global citizenship through experiential learning and reflective practice. Dedicated employability support, skill-building workshops and diverse learning streams will prepare you for both academic and professional success.

At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.

The Aston Global Advantage

What you will learn

Our programme integrates analytical skills, decision and game theory, machine learning, operational research and performance management. Emphasising real-world application, it equips you to analyse complex business scenarios, enhancing decision-making and consultancy skills within organisational contexts.

In the taught stage, you will practically apply this knowledge, mastering analytical techniques like data exploration and visualisation and predictive modelling. You will develop a nuanced understanding of the role analytics plays in decision-making, undertaking research projects that foster ethical practice and social responsibility. This stage hones essential transferable skills, preparing you for a dynamic career in business analytics, with capabilities in teamwork, communication and leadership.

In the dissertation phase, you will complete a research project on a business analytics topic of your choice, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.

This course offers an Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway, meaning you can spend an additional year at one of our international partner institutions. If successful, you will graduate with two masters degrees.

Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway

Sri Ramya Vadali MSc Business Analytics graduate

Making the right choice

Sri Ramya described her lecturers, who “consistently provided unwavering support”, as one of the things she enjoyed most about her course.

Discover Sri Ramya's journey

Learn business, do business

Our classroom goes beyond traditional lectures, focusing instead on real-life projects and hands-on experiences.

Student experience

Course objectives

Develops your analytical skills essential for the analysis and presentation of business data to enhance and support the decision-making process.
Allows you to analyse the application of decision and game theory to business decision making.
Applies the theoretical knowledge and practical solution methods from operational research and statistics to business solutions in general.
Develops understanding of how business analytics, optimisation and modern performance management methods can be applied within organisations in general.
Enables you to identify the appropriate level of business analytics techniques needed for various decision-making contexts and to carry out such analyses.
Develops the consultancy skills needed to carry out consulting projects within an organisation while working within the constraints of business decision-making.
Develops the skills necessary to both build and interpret common empirical models in the performance measurement literature.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Descriptive Analytics We will introduce you to visualisation techniques used to display and summarise information. You will look at descriptive statistics that can be used to extract meaningful information from data. This module will give you the skills and practise in using appropriate statistical techniques when completing business reports and communicating data analysis to the organisation management team.	15
Effective Management Consultancy This module will help you to understand different approaches to consulting projects. You’ll explore what is good and what is bad consulting practise. It will also prepare to you to carry out successful consulting projects within organisations either as an external consultant or as a line manager given a one-off problem-solving task.	15
Decision Models This module will focus on turning real-world problems into mathematical and spreadsheet models and examine how you can use models to help rational decision making in organisations. You’ll develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the main modelling concepts and you will be able to quickly identify problems and situations in business where the use of those models can be beneficial.	15
Data Mining and Visualisation We will explore data mining techniques and their use in business decision making. You will also learn how to uncover patterns and trends hidden in data.	15
Programming for Data Analytics This module aims to teach you the programming skills required to carry out advanced data analysis on large datasets such as those found in many Big Data applications. These skills are now commonly expected by organisations seeking to employ data analysts, and the module aims to address this demand.	15
The Aston Global Advantage The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year.	15
Ethics in Academic Practice This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments.	0
Total	90

You will choose two of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Business Analytics in Practice You will be introduced to predictive business analytics techniques. We will explore advanced statistical methods, marketing models and financial analytics. This will help you carry out advanced data analysis and enhance your overall understanding of business analytics techniques as well as how they can improve the decision-making process.	15
Digital Advertising The module will examine recent developments in digital marketing and the impact of digitalisation on marketing practices. On completing the module, the students will develop a critical understanding of key digital advertising technologies and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to appraise digital practice and devise an integrated digital advertising campaign across different digital communication channels.	15
Performance Analytics You will understand how mathematical and econometric methods can be used to model diverse transformation processes to establish benchmarks of efficiency and productivity for organisations, and how to carry out a benchmarking exercise using such methods. You will gain valuable hands-on experience of implementing an efficiency and productivity assessment using specialised software.	15
Machine Learning for Business Analytics This module will equip you with the skills needed to successfully handle and analyse large datasets with the aim of supporting the organisation decision making process.	15
Advanced Spreadsheets and Databases This module will equip you with knowledge skills and techniques that will enable you to make efficient and effective use of spreadsheets and databases in your daily work. If you are want to undertake further academic work the module will also enable you to use spreadsheets and databases to support your research.	15
Simulation for Managerial Decision Making This module aims to combine the challenge of learning the theory of simulation modelling, with collecting data in an external organisation using simulation modelling software and group work to meet a deadline for the presentation of results. This skillset is useful as simulation is used in many organisations and consultancy units to provide descriptive predictive and prescriptive analytics.	15
Service Operations Management The module aims to enhance understanding of service operations and ability to manage in the context of a service economy. The module will cover a range of topics that will allow analysis and design of service operations in various contexts. This will include understanding the classic service operations concepts, academic debates in service management and the impacts of contemporary issues on service operations.	15
Blockchain and FinTech The module introduces Fintech with respect to block chain applications in financial markets. It focuses on providing a clear understanding of how blockchain technology works. It will explore the impact of block chain technologies on various industries and its value propositions. The module will provide theoretical and practical knowledge of various cryptocurrencies including bitcoins along with exploring its challenges within the regulatory environment.	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Research Project Design Practice and Ethics	15
MSc Business Analytics Research Project You will carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism.	45
Total	60

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main theories, principles, underlying concepts of business analytics and their relevance in an organisational context.
Demonstrate a high level of intellectual and analytical skills in the analysis of big data.
Understand how business analytics methods can support interventions in the decision-making process of organisations.
Identify and apply appropriate business analytics techniques such as visualisation methods, statistical models, predictive modelling approaches and optimisation techniques to support and enhance performance in management, perform prediction tasks and analyse large datasets.
Consider different levels of business analytics to critically assess and engage with business and management problems as well as undertake research in the form of a dissertation or a work-based project.
Appreciate the role of business analytics in various areas and processes in an organisation.
Promote social responsibility, sustainability, accountability and ethical practice in your working life.
Demonstrate a range of transferable skills that are necessary for a successful career in business analytics and enhance your employability. These may include: IT and computing skills, presentation and writing report skills, communication and teamworking (collaboration) skills, self-confidence, reflective practice, problem solving, leadership, decision making skills and ability to assimilate into multicultural and cross-cultural work teams.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)

Subject specific requirements

Applicants are also required to have taken the following quantitative modules at bachelor's level, achieving a minimum of 60%:

Mathematics
Statistics
Economics (micro / macro)
Finance
Computer Science
Any other quantitative disciplines

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09:30-16:30)

Read our guide to applying

Meet your programme director

Dr Viktor Pekar
Programme Director, MSc Business Analytics

If you have any questions about the course or modules you will be studying, you can get in touch via email and I will be happy to answer your queries.

Get in touch

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£12,000

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£23,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Fees and funding

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

There are a variety of assessment methods, including exams, coursework, poster design, presentations and group work. For our assessments, we use real or fictitious business scenarios. The practical assessments help you to develop the skills and competencies required for future job roles.

Career prospects

With insights from data often providing the basis for competitive advantage in the marketplace, it’s not surprising that business analytics graduates are becoming increasingly sought-after.

The transferable skills that our business or analytics programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

Business analyst
Business intelligence analyst
Strategy analyst
Operations analyst
Credit risk analyst
Analytics executive
Financial risk modelling analyst

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Atos, Appriss, Wren, FDM Group, Nationwide Building Society, Essence Global, QNB Group, Cognizant and the NHS.

Making a real impact

After graduating, Saloni Wadhwa put her MSc Business Analytics degree to good use in her role as data surveillance information officer at Public Health England.

Discover Saloni's journey

Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Business Analytics at Aston University?

You will develop your knowledge in various areas of business analytics and enhance practical skills, ranging from using analytical software tools in the lab to interpreting data and providing meaningful information to business leaders. We also offer a wide range of exposure to employers, including opportunities such as an internship or a study abroad programme during your third term's Business Project. This approach not only brings your learning to life but also significantly aids in securing a job upon completing the course.

What is the ‘Aston Global Advantage’?

Embedded in all our masters degrees, this assessed, year-long credit-bearing module aims to develop professional and personal transferrable skills relevant to any workplace and create a bridge between the degree and the world of work.

The Aston Global Advantage

Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?

There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.

Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

What will my timetable look like?

We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.

Full-time programmes

As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students in the College of Business and Social Sciences should expect to spend about 12-15 hours per week in lectures and on-campus seminars. This is in addition to independent study, and there may be additional guided learning activities during certain weeks. The exact distribution of these hours will vary depending on your course and module choices.

Part-time programmes

Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in.

Timetable availability

Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning.

As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.

Online/distance learning programmes

The above information also applies to students enrolled in online/distance learning programmes. Please note that both full-time and part-time distance learning students are still required to attend scheduled synchronous learning sessions.

MyAstonPortal

What can I get involved in at Aston Business School?

At Aston Business School, you will dive into a dynamic blend of innovative learning and hands-on experiences. With our acclaimed triple-crown accreditation, we offer you academic excellence and a track record of producing successful graduates.

Located in Birmingham, the UK's vibrant second city, Aston Business School provides you with a culturally rich environment and superb connectivity. You will benefit from real-world business engagements, international study opportunities and entrepreneur support programmes like BSEEN and Pitchfest.

You can also engage in practical consultancy at the Aston Business Clinic and collaborate with global peers in events such as the Maastricht Case Competition or the Universities Business Challenge. Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust, alongside a range of student clubs including TEDx and Enactus further enriches your learning experience.

Discover more