Business Analytics

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.

This programme focuses on essential areas like descriptive analytics, statistical modelling, data mining and visualisation, blending academic rigor with practical skills in data analysis. This course, attracts a diverse international student body and 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.

Improving our students’ learning experience and well-being is at the centre of everything we do and that is why we are implementing an innovative learning approach known as block teaching to enhance our students’ educational journey and emotional well-being.

The benefits of block teaching are numerous: it supports a balanced study-life experience, reduces the stress of multitasking across various subjects, and fosters a better understanding of each topic by concentrating on it fully. Students are more engaged, motivated, and resilient, which can lead to better learning outcomes and a healthier environment.

“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)

Joint 11th the UK

Aston Business School is ranked joint 11th the UK (Eduniversal Business School Rankings 2024)

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 gain a competitive edge by honing your professional skills and preparing for success in a fast-paced global environment. You will tackle real-world challenges, dive into entrepreneurship and work on team-based business simulations.

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.

Our postgraduate programmes use a block learning structure. Block teaching condenses traditional semester-long courses into focused, consecutive blocks of learning. The ethos is to give students more time to engage with their learning by studying one subject at a time, instead of several at once.

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.

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 competencies essential for the analysis and presentation of data to support decision-making process in a broad range of business contexts.
Provides opportunities for you to develop advanced skills required to explore large volumes of complex data and effectively communicate data exploration results.
Equips you with a systematic understanding of modern predictive analytics methods, including both statistical and machine learning approaches, and their applications in various business scenarios
Develops skills required to critically evaluate and implement predictive models of complex business processes, forecasting their outcomes and uncovering factors affecting them.
Ensures an in-depth understanding of decision modelling methods and their use to design strategic solutions that optimise desired business outcomes.
Develops skills necessary to both build and interpret common empirical models of performance measurement.
Equips you with consultancy skills needed to carry out consulting projects within organisation while working within the constraints of business decision making.
Provides you with the opportunity to enhance you employability skills by equipping you with key professional skills and competencies required for success in a global business context, thus contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Modules

You will study:

Two 15 credit modules in terms 1,2 and 3 and each module is 5 weeks long. You only study one block module at a time.
Each term, you will engage in one of three core modules, focusing on foundational knowledge and skills, professional skills development, and research methods. These core modules span 11 weeks and run concurrently with shorter block modules.

Modules and programme outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules in Term 1:

Module Title	Credits
Descriptive Analytics Business analysts support decision making with clear and insightful analysis of relevant data. This module considers both the technical competencies of collection and analysis of data but also its effective and truthful communication to its intended audience through the creation of clear storytelling. Both the Visualisation and statistical elements of Descriptive analytics are core competencies of Data Scientists and Data Analysists, and this module allows you to demonstrate the core competencies expected by the Institute of Analytics and employers. You will collect and analyse data to create a business report to address a common business issue for simulated business which must include at least one aspect of sustainability and/or social responsibility and include effective data visualisations.	15
Effective Management Consultancy As the future leaders of a society that is increasingly complex and challenging it is important that higher education students have a good grasp of social, political, economic, and environmental issues and also feel equipped to propose reasonable recommendations. The use of the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) in a scaffolded, group-based learning approach which will provide students with a framework to learn about and engage with complex issues. You will select a business or social problem that is both complex and ambiguous. The use of topical and live problems are used in the assessment which relates to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG13). The application of SSM to understand complex problems can be used to improve employability and experiential skills development.	15
Programming for Data Analytics The module will introduce you to modern tools and technologies for data analytics, including programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL, thus equipping you with critical competencies required for a successful career in business analytics. You will learn various data analysis libraries within these languages to apply different types of data analysis, providing them skills for driving actionable insights for business problems. There will also be opportunities for you to develop these skills further in other modules on the programme, where these technologies will be used for the delivery of practical sessions and lab demonstrations. The programming skills taught in this module are essential for data-related roles, including business analytics specialists.	15

In Term 2 you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Data Mining and Visualisation Data Mining and Visualisation introduces you to essential concepts of data analysis, including data types, visualisation techniques, data pre-processing and dashboard design. You will explore some statistical learning methods from high level perspective, gaining hands-on experience with real-world datasets. Through practical exercises and projects, you will develop critical skills for analysing and interpreting data, making data-driven decisions, and designing compelling visualisations. The module emphasises employability by equipping you with in-demand analytical skills and encourages enterprise thinking through creative problem-solving. Engaging in experiential learning, you will apply theory to practice, preparing for careers in data-driven industries. This module is key for building a solid foundation in data science and enhancing your ability to communicate insights effectively.	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

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Machine Learning for Business Analytics The module is concerned with machine learning techniques, such as decision trees, support vector machines and neural networks, and their applications to business problems such as fraud detection, price optimisation, risk analysis, customer relations management, customer churn prediction, sales forecasting, customer and market segmentation. On completing the module, you will gain both theoretical insights and practical experience in these topics. With the advent of big data technologies, machine learning finds increasingly wide applications in different industry settings, and there is a strong demand of this expertise on the job market, which this module aims to address.	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
Digital Marketing The rapid growth of digital media has significantly transformed how businesses connect, engage, interact, and build relationships with consumers. This module examines digital marketing's opportunities and challenges from theoretical and practical perspectives. It explores how digital media transforms business-consumer interactions and provides a critical understanding of integrating digital media into broader marketing and business strategies. Emphasising both theory and hands-on learning, the module covers key concepts and practices related to digital marketing. The module will equip you with the tools to assess and refine marketing strategies. You will apply and analyse the impact of developing a digital and interactive marketing strategy for a business.	15

In Term 3 you will study the following core modules:

Module Title

Credits

Decision Models
Through this module you will acquire essential skills in developing and using decision models to support rational decision-making. The main aim is to understand the core ideas, various techniques, and potential benefits of mathematical models in decision making. Upon successful completion of the module, you should be able to identify problems and issues in business, where the use of decision models would lead to a much better and improved decision-making process. By developing your familiarity and understanding of some of the key decision models, the module will develop your expertise in supporting decision-making processes in any organisation. The knowledge gained through this module will facilitate your continuous progress in this area.

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Performance Analytics Performance analysis is crucial for companies, non-for-profit organisations, and governments to assess how well they are utilising their resources (capital, labour, expenditure) to produce desired outputs. Understanding and improving efficiency can lead to cost reductions, better decision-making, increased productivity, and improved competitiveness. You will learn how to build and implement Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models to measure efficiency and suggest targets for improvement in a range of case studies. Understanding DEA can open career opportunities in many industry sectors, improve students’ ability to work with data and mathematical models, as valuable skills in today’s data-driven world. DEA is widely used in economics, finance, public administration, engineering, healthcare, education and as such can directly contribute to local/global sustainability (SDGs).	15
Business Forecasting The module will introduce you to modern tools and techniques for business forecasting. You will learn various foundational and latest techniques which are needed to understand forecasting in the context of a modern organisation. Business forecasting is an essential skill required for data analyst roles. The module provides an introduction to various forecasting applications typically encountered in different business settings.	15
Advanced Spreadsheets and Databases This module equips you with the skills to develop professional spreadsheet applications, and databases tools. It focuses on Microsoft Excel and enterprise-level database systems, particularly MS Access and SQL, which ensures that the skills learned are transferable across different platforms and international boundaries. You will explore practical applications of both tools, moving from theoretical understanding to real-world implementation. By the end, you will have a strong foundation in creating and managing data-driven applications, with a vocational focus on applying their knowledge to solve practical problems.	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
Applied Research Methods and Skills This is an exciting opportunity for you to develop key problem solving and research skills which will allow you to follow your passion, use the strengths and interests developed during your degree, and creatively learn how ethically to explore this. This module equips managers and leaders of the future with the skills critically to evaluate research-based information. It covers various research methods and techniques, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.	15
Independent Project The research project offers a unique opportunity for you to take the initiative and dive deep into a specific topic, fostering personal and academic growth. Building on the foundational knowledge gained in the taught portion of the programme, this module sharpens essential analytical and academic skills for lifelong learning in today's dynamic business landscape. By conducting independent empirical or theoretical research, you gain a deeper understanding of their chosen subject and contribute to the field. Additionally, this module serves as a stepping stone for those considering further research degrees.	45

Programme outcomes

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

Use modern analytical tools and technologies, such as programming languages, interactive visualisation packages as well as generative Artificial Intelligence, to design business analytical solutions.
Communicate insights obtained using advanced analytical techniques to an intended audience using multiple mediums.
Apply advanced descriptive analytics methods within data exploration and visualisation projects, identifying trends, patterns and relationships present in large and complex datasets.
Implement predictive analytics projects to forecast various economic variables, such as demand, price, and investment risk, and identify complex factors influencing them.
Apply appropriate mathematical optimisation techniques to design strategies to achieve desired business outcomes as well as to perform efficiency assessment
Evaluate and adapt advanced methodological tools for independently planning and managing consultancy projects, with a particular focus on professional standards with regards to ethical, sustainability, and governance practice.
Critically evaluate and apply a diverse set of transferable skills essential for a successful career in business analytics, contributing to enhanced employability.
Undertake independent research by formulating well-defined research questions, critically evaluating and applying appropriate research techniques, and drawing informed conclusions and recommendations.

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
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£12,000

International students
(2025/26)

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 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