Course summary

The MSc Business Analytics will equip you with the Quantitative and Qualitative techniques needed to understand and engage with complex data as well as the analytical tools to drive business advantage. You will deepen your knowledge of business analytics, decision-making within given contexts, business and systems analysis, and management consultancy with a view to using that knowledge to improve the decision-making process in business. MSc Business Analytics has been designed to help learners gain the skills and qualifications needed to pursue a career in business analytics. Business analytics is an area where employers are finding increasing difficulty in recruiting graduates with the right qualifications and skills. There is a growing demand for such skills, but also a significant gap between current graduates’ analytical skills and employers’ needs. By completing this programme, learners will improve their employability opportunities by gaining the expertise required to analyse data, improve decision-making and help companies gain a competitive advantage. The programme enables learners to gain knowledge in business intelligence, strategy, information systems theories and fundamentals of project management. The modules within the programme are outlined and briefly introduced below: Applied Systems Analysis The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of approaches in business and systems analysis. One of the key approaches covered in details is the notion of Systems Thinking, and Business/System Dynamics. Other systems analysis approaches are also discussed. Business Intelligence The reliance of businesses on application and data driven intelligence has increased tremendously in the past decade and has become an inseparable part of any company. The module explores the underlying concepts in business intelligence, analytics, and decision sciences. Information Systems Methods This module provides a holistic overview of methods used in assessment, analysis, design and implementation of information systems. You will be able to gain a thorough understanding of business needs in this context and explore the topics associated with different IS methods and also the selection, evaluation and comparison of appropriate methodologies and tools. Strategic Management of IS You will have the capability to co-ordinate and carry out activities and processes relevant for the creation of IS strategies with a view to provide superior performance. These strategies are then justified against several competing alternatives. Fundamentals of Project Management Fast moving dynamic development within organisations means that having a basic ‘toolkit’ of modern and de facto project management techniques, with an emphasis on applying these is a vital requirement for project management students. This module gives you an excellent grounding in theoretical practices, practical tools and techniques and equips you to face the challenges facing project managers today. Digital Twins and Internet of Things Digital Twin technologies are revolutionary phenomena for developing an exact digital or cyber replica of a physical asset or a system. Within this module, you will investigate Digital Twin (DT) as an emerging technology, Internet of Things (IoT) as an enabler and other related theories and practices. Business Research Project This module provides a supportive environment for you to develop your academic and individual research capabilities. You will develop skills in completing a general investigative research project and the field led workshops will expand the specific discipline. This will culminate in the masters project/dissertation.