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 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

September 2023
January 2024
May 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

This course aims to teach you how to perform data collection, transformation, and organisation in order to draw conclusions, make predictions and drive informed and smart business decision making.

During this course you will have the chance to:

  • Develop quantitative and data mining skills to solve business problems as well as data visualisation skills using appropriate software and programming language.
  • 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.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

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. 
  • Gain hands-on experience of up-to-date technology including SPSS and NVivo, with access to multiple data resources.
  • Coventry University is currently a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) accredited1 study centre which provides the opportunity, upon successful completion of this course, to top up your master’s to obtain the CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing qualification. Criteria, application and fees apply.

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.

Institute of Analytics Accredited Programme logo

Institute of Analytics (IoA)

The course is currently accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IoA), a professional body of analytics and data science professionals working in the UK and international. The accreditation is ongoing for the entire course and is regularly reviewed and monitored by IoA 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.

The high demand for business analysts and the potential to use data to make informed business decisions motivated me to pursue an MSc in Business Analytics. The course perfectly blends theoretical concepts in statistical techniques, operational research, and practical tools in data analysis and visualization. Collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds and working in groups has given me various problem-solving perspectives and an understanding of multicultural sensitivities in communication. The curriculum has allowed me to explore and apply new tools and techniques in data analysis which helped me to be competitive in the industry.

Ajeesh Nair, Business Analytics MSc course, quoted March 2023
Ajeesh Nair

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 aims to provide 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

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.

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 roughly 21 hours of self-directed study per week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

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 2023/2024 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.

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

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Applicants should hold an 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.

Typical entry requirements

Applicants should hold an 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

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £15,400   Request fee information
EU £15,400 per year with EU support bursary**
£20,500 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International £20,050   Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

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

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • 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: 

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The Trading Floor

The Trading Floor is an invaluable facility which allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring 42 dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, this facility can add a dynamic practical element to your course.

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sigma Centre

sigma is housed in our Lanchester Library and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments.

 

 

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Business Simulation Suite

The Business Simulation Suite aims to provide and support skill-based training through the use of simulation games, role-play activities, and scenario-based learning..

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.

On successful completion of the course 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.

This course provides a rich hands-on experience in the application of analytics across a broad spectrum of business areas. The high-level academic standard set by the faculty helped me to further develop resilience and the right mindset to thrive in the business world.

Ediri Sobande, Senior Manager – Data, Analytics and AI, quoted March 2023
Ediri Sobande

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    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 UK (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

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), 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 2023/24 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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