Business Analytics MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
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This course responds to the current growing demand and a significant shortage of highly trained analysts capable of interpreting data to find new patterns and relationships, informing business decisions accordingly so as to drive growth and successful business performance.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Course code

FBLT159

Start date

May 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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Course overview

This course aims to help you become a highly trained analyst, capable of interpreting data to find new patterns and relationships, informing business decisions accordingly, so as to drive growth and successful business performance.

During this course you will have the chance to:

  • Develop quantitative and data mining skills to solve business problems.
  • Learn to generate value from Big Data, which cannot be analysed using traditional techniques.
  • Apply theory to practical situations through case studies and projects from industry.
  • Gain hands-on experience of up-to-date technology including SPSS and NVivo, with access to multiple data resources.
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Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

In a competitive global market, businesses need skilled analysts who can not only forecast future results, but also test previous decisions and strategies, explaining why certain results occurred.

  • This course has been specifically designed to provide a real-world context and develop a structured understanding of business analytics. You can learn to apply descriptive and predictive modelling techniques to help organisations improve performance, explore alternatives and understand business data in a rapidly changing world. 
  • It is aimed at people with good numerical skills, who want the opportunity to build and develop quantitative and data mining skills to solve business problems, by analysing data and converting that information into a strategic asset. 

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

CMI logo

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The course currently includes the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited module, Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems.

Memberships

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

There is a great demand for data analysts and the idea of using data to make informed decisions was one of the driving forces behind my choice to study MSc Business Analytics. It has an excellent course structure which combines operational research methods, applying statistical techniques to specialise in strategic and managerial fields. Interacting with students from different backgrounds and working in groups helps in getting different perspectives on problem solving. The intensity of learning analytics and how to critically evaluate, puts you on a completely different plane.

Hishma Shah, Business Analytics MSc student, quoted December 2021
Hishma Shah

What you'll study

During this course, you will have the chance to study modules which give you a structured understanding of business analytics, as well as an overview of the practical tools which can be used to help a business gain an advantage in the marketplace.

Modules

  • This module is about developing the business sense of big data and business analytics. It will introduce you to the historical context and growth of big data as well as the characteristics defining big data. You will also be made aware of the social, ethical and legal implications of handling, storing and using such large quantities of data of different formats.

    Compulsory

  • This module will introduce the fundamental statistical concepts and techniques, which are applicable in a data driven business environment. It aims to give you a solid quantitative foundation alongside practical problem-solving techniques, as well as background knowledge in data analysis and analytical approaches to tackling business problems.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces the development of data mining techniques and how organisations analyse the large volume of data to make effective decisions. In summary this module will provide effective skills to be applied in business analytics.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces business concepts, analytical techniques and approaches for modelling structured and unstructured business data, for informed and advanced decision making. The module will introduce you to advanced spreadsheet modelling tools and techniques. For modelling unstructured data, text mining will be taught using content analysis tools.

    Compulsory

  • Marketing analytics comprises and applies the processes and statistical techniques that enable practitioners and researchers to evaluate the impact of marketing initiatives and to maximise the effectiveness and performance of marketing strategies and decisions. This module covers major marketing data analysis concepts and practical applications of different data analysis methods.

    Compulsory

  • The Operations Analytics module aims to introduce you to important areas within operations management where analytics may add considerable value. The module specifically focuses on how data can be used to match supply and demand in various business and operational settings.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to develop your ability to interpret and use financial information within the strategic framework of a business. It is orientated toward the user rather than the preparer of corporate financial statements. It will examine the choice of financial and non-financial measures for evaluating the performance of business units or divisions.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides knowledge and a thorough understanding of the management of the distribution and logistics function in contemporary organisations. The module will introduce the core concepts and theories that are pre-requisite for the successful management of logistics within the overall context of the organisation. Other areas explored will include procurement, inventory management, transportation and warehousing.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is for you to critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that can be found in a variety of organisations and professional contexts. The module will normally involve students working together, across disciplines and or from a range of workplace settings, to facilitate an appreciation of how different sectors solve internal issues and how different sectors can learn, adopt or adapt solutions from other fields.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will carry out a substantive piece of individual research into a business or financial management issue. You will be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed during the course.

    Compulsory

With professional experience option

The professional experience opportunity2 enables you the opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in semester 1, which, upon successfully securing an opportunity, will extend the duration of your master’s to either 16, 20 or 24 months. The professional experience provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability. 

Please note that the optional professional experience modules incur an additional tuition fee, for which 1 semester of professional experience is £1,333.33, for 2 semesters of professional experience is £2666.67, and for 3 semesters of professional experience is £4,000.

Professional experience may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the professional experience option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching methods include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Group projects
  • Workshops

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual Assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a good honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Applicants should hold a good honours degree 2.2 or above in a relevant academic discipline. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £14,550 per year Request fee information
International £18,250 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

We have a range of facilities4 available to support you in putting the theories you are taught, into practice such as: 

  • The Trading Floor - an invaluable facility that allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software, including 42 dual-screen Bloomberg terminals.   
  • The Sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments.  

Careers and opportunities

Successful completion of this course should enable you to enter the field of business analytics and consultancy in small, medium, or large organisations across the globe.

On successful completion of this course, you will have knowledge of:

  • The context within which big data and business analytics resides, including value, variety, veracity, volume, complexity, ethical and technological issues of big data.
  • Data mining techniques such as market basket analysis, social media analysis and web analytics.
  • The uses and limitations of a range of data mining techniques and methodologies.
  • Global supply and logistics management.
  • Operations analytics including forecasting and inventory control.

You will be able to:

  • Apply business analytical techniques and methodologies in an organisational context.
  • Select and apply appropriate models and techniques to best analyse structured and unstructured data.
  • Use relevant communication and information technologies for application in business analytics and to communicate results for effective decision-making.
  • Apply appropriate analytics to analyse market data, to address marketing questions such as a market forecasting.
  • Assess financial performance and economic conditions of an organisation and key concepts of management accounting.

You could enter professions such as management consultants, business analysts, policy analysts, market researchers, operations researchers and data scientists. Alternatively, you could work in the public, private or voluntary sectors where such analytical skills would give organisations competitive advantage.

We aim to develop your capabilities in creative problem solving, strategic thinking, effective communication and research, all directly relevant to employers and of great value when seeking future employment.

How to apply

  • 1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2022/23 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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