MSc — 2026 entry Business Analytics
In our hyper-connected, data-driven era, the true visionaries who harness the power of big data are the ones who thrive. Imagine being at the forefront of this revolution, armed with cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and management science. With our game-changing MSc Business Analytics course, you'll uncover the true potential of data, transforming it into extraordinary insights and propelling businesses to unprecedented success.
5,972+ people have created a bespoke digital prospectus
Why choose
this course?
- As a business analytics student, you’ll be based in the Surrey Business School and be part of a vibrant community, focused on improving business practice and creating a sustainable and positive change.
- Prepare to embark on a learning experience that will elevate your analytical prowess and revolutionise the way you approach business challenges. Our highly practical Business Analytics masters degree is designed to mould you into a confident lateral thinker, equipped with the latest theories and hands-on practices that will set you apart from the competition.
- We understand the importance of blending theory and real-world experience, which is why our masters in business analytics is enriched by the wisdom and guidance of inspiring industry experts, who will share their invaluable insights both in the classroom and on-site.
- Our Surrey Business School has a strong focus on research and innovation. Its research centres include the Centre for Business Analytics in Practice, the Centre of Digital Economy, and the Centre for Social Innovation Management. The School also has a strong track record of entrepreneurship and enterprise.
We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
Statistics
Fantastic graduate prospects
91% of our Surrey Business School graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey 2025, HESA)
Top 100 in the world
For business administration and for management in the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025
Top 20 for research
Surrey is ranked in the top 20 for the quality of our research outputs (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
Accreditation
What you will study
This degree in business analytics 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 master the art of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, empowering you to unravel complex business dilemmas with ease. You will 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. You'll acquire the skills to decipher data-led insights and optimise businesses to their full potential.
Develop problem-solving skills
Your studies will focus on three major areas:
- Analysing business data
- Using data to solve business challenges
- Making data-driven business decisions.
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.
Software
You’ll get hands-on experience using a wide range of up-to-date software tools (such as SAS, SAP, STATA, R, Power BI, Excel, Simul8, and RISK) to support your studies, such as in data mining, resource planning and statistical analysis.
Professional recognition
MSc - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
MSc - SAS
The courses Data Mining and Text Analytics module is the first and only academic module in the country endorsed by SAS for the SAS knowledge and skills attained by students successfully completed the module, and is widely recognised by employers.
MSc - International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®)
This program is endorsed by IIBA (the International Institute of Business Analysis) and prequalifies for the professional development requirement of the IIBA Core Certifications: CCBA® and CBAP®.
This program also contributes towards the preparation for the IIBA®-Certification in Business Data Analytics ( IIBA® CBDA)
Our 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) from Semester 2 till Semester 3.
There are five compulsory modules, and seven optional modules for you to choose from.
Students who start in February will take four modules in Semester 1, two compulsory modules in Semester 2 and two optional modules in the Semester 3. For February students, Semester 2 starts in June/July of the first year, and Semester 3 starts in October of the following academic year. You’ll also carry out your independent project (dissertation) during this time.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled for one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Of our Surrey Business School graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).
By studying this course you will gain unparalleled expertise that will make you an indispensable asset in any organisation.
Business analytics students often pursue careers such as:
- Data scientist
- Data analyst
- Finance analyst
- Operations manager
- Consultant (Power BI/Tableau, business strategy, analytics)
- Business analytics manager
- Business intelligence analyst.
Stefan Dimitrov Stoyanov
Student - Business Analytics MSc
Christiana Demetriou
Student - Business Analytics MSc
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in either computer science, economics, engineering, finance or mathematics, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
We'll also consider a minimum of three years relevant work experience in an analytical and data-intensive field if you don’t meet these requirements.
English language requirements
| Course length | IELTS Academic requirements or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Full-time: 1 year | 6.5 overall including 6.0 in each category |
| Full-time (with study abroad): 15 months | 7.0 overall including 6.5 in each category |
| Part-time: 2 years | 6.5 overall including 6.0 in each category |
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Pre-Masters
Prepare for postgraduate study and boost your career prospects. This is an intensive programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language preparation designed to help you succeed.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
September 2026 - Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £15,800
- Overseas
- £25,900
September 2026 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK
- £7,900
- Overseas
- £13,000
- These fees apply to the academic year 2026-27 only. Fees are reviewed annually, and tuition fees may increase for courses running over more than one year.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be October/November of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
Additional costs
Students are required to pay the upfront cost of travel and accommodation expenses incurred when on placement when not covered by the placement provider. These may vary depending on the location.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
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UK applications
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyOverseas applications
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyUK applications
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyOverseas applications
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyAdmissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate taught admissions explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
About the University of Surrey
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Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
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We provide these terms and conditions at offer stage and are shown again at registration. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you.
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2025/26 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
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