Business Analytics

Business analytics is a recent and rapidly growing field of study which is applied across private, public, and non-profit sectors. From SME’s to MNC’s, locally and internationally, businesses have experienced an exponential growth of data collated and stored within their organisation's environment. As a business analytics student you’ll explore how data can be transformed into business insights to improve business decisions. You’ll develop skills that are in demand in the current knowledge economy and meet the demand for analysts to help businesses gain competitive advantage and enhance strategic decision making.  

Skills for your future career

From internet transactions to banking, social media to app usage, CRM data to customer feedback, organisations hold a wealth of information and are generating vast quantities of data that is growing exponentially. The key question is how companies can use such data for better informed business decisions such as understanding customer needs and market trends.  
MSc Business Analytics is designed to give practical as well as theoretical knowledge of the application of business analytical tools for business simulation, enterprise resource planning, marketing analytics, spreadsheet analysis, web analytics, visualisation and other industry-relevant software and techniques. The course is designed to produce graduates with skills to solve business problems by analysing business data and converting information into a strategic asset.  

Grounded in sustainability

Sustainability issues are considered throughout the programme and are linked to the UN’s sustainability development goals. None of the SDGs would be measurable were it not for the use of the analytical tools and techniques taught on this programme. The course also considers sustainability in its wider sense as well as ethics and data governance.

You will study modules such as:

• Business Data Management  
• Business Statistical Analysis and Visualisation  
• Marketing Metrics and Analysis  
• Operations Analytics and SAP  
• Systems Analysis with Business Simulation  
• Applications of AI and Future Technologies
• Strategic & Financial Performance Management 
• Independent Study: Research Methods   
• Independent Study: Dissertation.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Formative feedback, ongoing support and constructive critique will build your confidence and ability. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning and development, supported by your Personal Academic Tutor, to ensure you are career ready. You will also be supported and encouraged to take relevant internships during your studies to help to build your self-efficacy, resilience and sense of purpose. 
 
The programme uses a mixture of teaching and learning techniques, including for example:

• lectures 
• seminars 
• active/practical workshops 
• small-group tutorials 
• computer lab sessions 
• live simulations 
• topical case studies 
• hackathons 
• guest speakers 
• internships/placement opportunities. 

How you will be assessed

The programme uses a broad range of assessment methods designed to reflect diverse student cohorts and to ensure inclusivity. Assessment methods are designed to enhance your employability by developing real world analytical and problem-solving skills as well as a range of presentation skills. The assessment strategy includes both formative and summative assessments which are an important part of your learning. As well as testing knowledge these assessments will apply knowledge and critical reflection in context, to better prepare students for employability. Assessments are grounded in application to professional practice, so expect to work on live briefs set by external organisations. 

The course is designed to develop your practical skills and empower you to make an impact within an organisation through the application and interpretation of business analysis for effective business decision making. Graduates would be well placed to enter roles such as:

• Data or Business Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Finance Consultant
• Marketing Insights Analyst
• Management Information Analyst.

The course covers specific skills that current employers are seeking including specialist software skills such as Excel, Simul8, SAP, SQL, Google Analytics and Tableau; as well as analytical, communication, presentation, report-writing, data visualisation and team working skills. You will build knowledge and analytical skills in relevant subject domains, such as statistics, marketing and operations management.

Guest speakers, live briefs and real datasets will be used as part of the teaching, learning and assessment to ensure the programme is well grounded in up-to-date industry knowledge and practice to further boost your employability.  

• If English is not your first language, you will also need IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each skills area.

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.