Course summary

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. 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. 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.