The highly practical MSc Business Analytics course will transform you into a confident lateral thinker who is up to date on the latest theory and practice. While you benefit from the input of inspiring industry experts, in class and on-site, they will also make sure you’re immersed in the business problems faced by the global business community today.

What you will study:

  • Learn how to become a business-oriented data scientist
    • This course aims to take your analytics career to the next level and develop your ability to support and make decisions using big data confidently. You’ll learn and apply a range of techniques and tools to analyse data related to a range of diverse business operations contexts.
  • Develop analytical skills employers seek
    • You’ll gain a deep and thorough understanding of quantitative analytical methodologies and learn through hands-on experience with a range of decision-making software and data management tools.
  • Develop problem-solving skills
    • Your studies will focus on two major areas: analysing business data and using data to solve business challenges. On this course, you’ll learn how to apply new knowledge and demonstrate your skills prowess through practical problem-solving challenges.
  • Learn how to become a critical thinker
    • You’ll gain the ability to independently evaluate critical approaches and techniques relevant to business analytics. You'll learn how to relate existing knowledge structures and methodologies to analytical business challenges.
  • Learn how to manage analytics projects
    • You'll master the skill of running data analytics projects, from assessing and analysing raw data to preparing visualisations, and concluding by optimally communicating your results effectively to a select audience.

  • The course runs over three semesters. You'll take four modules in both Semester 1 (October to January) and Semester 2 (February to June). Semester 3 runs from June to September. You’ll carry out your independent project (dissertation) during this time.
  • The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
  • You’ll get hands-on experience using a wide range of up-to-date software tools to support your studies, such as in data mining, resource planning and statistical analysis.
  • After a year of full-time study at Surrey you'll be able to spend up to an additional 12 months gaining paid, professional work experience with an organisation. You'll be responsible for securing your own job offer(s), however you'll be supported in your search with a series of employability workshops and you’ll benefit from some individual coaching.

Study and work abroad

  • The 15-month MSc Business Analytics course enables you to spend time studying abroad.
  • If you choose and secure a place at a partner university, you’ll complete two semesters (nine months) of study at Surrey and spend a semester studying abroad. This means you'll complete your course in 15 months studying full-time. You'll not be writing a dissertation.
  • If you decide not to study abroad or don’t secure a place, you’ll complete nine months of teaching at Surrey followed by three months working on your dissertation. This means you'll complete your course in 12 months studying full-time.

Careers:

Business analytics students often pursue careers as:

  • Data scientists
  • Finance analysts
  • Operations researchers
  • Consultants
  • Managers
  • Business intelligence analysts.