MSc Business Analytics

The entry requirement for applicants to the programme would be to hold a Bachelor’s degree (UK 2.1 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognized British or overseas university and that has a significant exposure to mathematical subjects such as: economics, finance, mathematics, computer science or engineering subjects.

If the applicants Bachelors degree is not in a preferred subject area related to the MSc, as listed above, then 3-4 years job experience in a mathematical intensive field is required. Each applicant is assessed on their own merit.

English language requirements

IELTS minimum overall: 6.5

IELTS minimum by component: 6.0

All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.

The programme consists of five compulsory modules, three optional modules from a range of six, and an applied dissertation

Semester 1 Compulsory Modules

• Data Analytics (15 credits)
• Principles of Accounting (15 credits)
• Logistics and Operations (15 credits)
• Quantitative Methods (15 credits)

Semester 2 Modules Compulsory Modules

• Supply Chain Analytics (Compulsory) (15 credits)

Semester 2 Optional Modules

Option 1 - Management desisions

• Informatics for Decision Making (elective) (15 credits)
• Managing Decision Implementation (elective) (15 credits)
• Marketing Research (elective) (15 credits)

Option 2 - Analytical economics

• Econometrics (elective) (15 credits)
• Economic Forecasting (elective) (15 credits)
• Business Process Management (elective) (15 credits)

Semester 2 – Dissertation

Applied MSc Dissertation (60 credits)

Compulsory Modules

Data analytics

This module is the science of examining raw data in order to support businesses and organisations in their decision making. This module looks at relationships of entities in databases; uses the Structured Query Language to extract relevant information efficiently and uses statistical techniques to extract the essential management information.  

Principles of Accounting

This module is designed to provide a practical study of the basic principles and advanced knowledge of financial accounting systems used around the world, and addresses the major issues to be reformed.

Supply Chain Management

This module will focus on the supply chain management initiatives of large-scale retail and international businesses. Successful supply chain management is critical at both at an operational level and increasingly at a strategic level. An effective logistics infrastructure is essential to meeting customer expectations whilst minimizing service costs.  

Quantitative methods

This module lays the statistical and econometric foundations for subsequent applied work, covering fundamental topics concerning estimation and inference of econometric models

Supply Chain Analytics 

Management Science is used to solve supply chain aspects analytically. Techniques examine the Supply Chain’s underlying transportation network which connects suppliers via transshipment nodes to its demand locations.  

Optional modules

Informatics for Management Decision Making

This module introduces the foundations of knowledge management, epistemology, semantics as sources to identify, capture, create, and distribute organizational knowledge. The module describes the strategies; and new roles and responsibilities for knowledge workers in the age of ‘Big data’  

Managing Decision Implementation

The module looks at the diverse models and frameworks used to evaluate and implement organizational change. This module would seek to identify the ways and mechanisms that promote organizational flexibility and agility.  In a data rich economy the ability to sustain competitive advantage is a requirement to be in business and a capability companies already excel at.  

Marketing Research

This module provides knowledge about the critical aspects of applied marketing research theory and practice to support and improve marketing decision making. Market research proposal and its planning aspects are discussed. Techniques of applied marketing research and typical approaches are examined  

Econometrics

Econmetrics builds on the Quantitative Methods in Economics module. Asymptotically valid methods of estimation and hypothesis testing are introduced and we look at models involving several equations. Limited dependent variable and panel data models are also examined.

Economic Forecasting

This module is an introduction to economic forecasting. The module covers the following topics: forecasting the trend, ARMA models of the cycle, modelling seasonality, forecasting with macroeconomic models, assessing forecasts and smoothing methods.  

Business Process Management

This module examines the Big Data Phenomenon. The module underscores the relationship between operations management on a day-to-day basis and which generates new data and information and its subsequent usage in modelling and analytics driven manager decision-making. This module also provides hands-on experience with an enterprise software system (SAP), which facilitates putting theory into practice.  

Applied MSc Thesis

The MSc Programme will require students to undertake an applied MSc Thesis. The module is designed to allow students to: undertake the development of a modeling based decision tool. Students need to demonstrate;
a) An ability to identify and evaluate relevant measures and variables, as a source of decision making insight.
b) Skills allowing them to combine the identified data or variables into a model that can be used as a tool for manager decision-making.
c) Use the available data with the developed model to identify viable solutions and propose options and scenarios for organizational change and innovation that would improve organizational performance.  

d) Analyze a relevant business issue; develop recommendations and logical conclusions

You will also be expected to demonstrate an awareness of any ethical dilemmas that arise in your research.

The Surrey Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and by the Association of MBA (AMBA).

Students will be provided with the opportunity to become SAP certifed.