Business Analytics MSc – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2023
- Study mode and duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Full-time (with study abroad): 15 months
- Full-time (with placement): 2 years
- Part-time: 2 years
Why choose this course
In our fast-paced, data-driven modern world, business analysts help organisations turn big data into big ideas. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and management science power decisions in business. You’ll gain data-led insights and optimise businesses by using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics.
Our highly practical MSc Business Analytics course will transform you into a confident lateral thinker who is up to date on the latest theory and practice. While you benefit from the input of inspiring industry experts, in class and on-site, we will also make sure you’re immersed in the business problems faced by the global business community today.
What you will study
Learn how to become a business-oriented data scientist
This course 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 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.
Develop problem-solving skills
Your studies will focus on two major areas: analysing business data and using data to solve business challenges. 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.
Please be aware: the course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change for the 2023/24 academic year, whilst we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
Software
You’ll get hands-on experience using a wide range of up-to-date software tools to support your studies, such as in data mining, resource planning and statistical analysis.
Placement opportunity
Our two-year MSc Business Analytics with professional placement year course enables you to spend time working in industry.
After a year of full-time study at Surrey you'll be able to spend up to an additional 12 months gaining paid, professional work experience with an organisation. You'll be responsible for securing your own job offer(s), however you'll be supported in your search with a series of employability workshops and you’ll benefit from some individual coaching.
Study and work abroad
Our 15-month MSc Business Analytics course enables you to spend time studying abroad.
If you choose and secure a place at a partner university, you’ll complete two semesters (nine months) of study at Surrey and spend a semester studying abroad. This means you'll complete your course in 15 months studying full-time. You'll not be writing a dissertation.
If you decide not to study abroad or don’t secure a place, you’ll complete nine months of teaching at Surrey followed by three months working on your dissertation. This means you'll complete your course in 12 months studying full-time.
Professional recognition
MSc - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Careers and graduate prospects
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. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.
Business analytics students often pursue careers as:
- Data scientists
- Finance analysts
- Operations researchers
- Consultants
- Managers
- Business intelligence analysts.
Schools and departments
Research centres
Academic year structure
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) during this time.
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.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
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:
Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
12-MONTH FULL TIME ( PKA61106)
SEPTEMBER START
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time ¿ 12 months) - FHEQ Level 7
First semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study these three compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM530 PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICS
MANM526 STATISTICS AND ECONOMETRICS
MANM528 DATA MINING AND TEXT ANALYTICS
And you will need to choose ONE of the following optional modules (15 credits each):
MANM532 SUPPLY CHAIN DESIGN, PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
MANM524 PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT ** cannot be taken together with MANM318
MANM318 EQUITY INVESTMENT ANALYSIS ** cannot be taken together with MANM524
In week one of the semester, you will also participate in a short course on Quantitative Methods to refresh your understanding of the approaches, tools and techniques that you will be using on the programme.
Second semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will study these two compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM304 OPERATIONAL ANALYTICS
MANM547 MACHINE LEARNING/AI AND VISUALISATION
And you will need to choose TWO of the following optional modules (15 credits each) to study:
MANM527 DATA AND BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT WITH SAP
MANM533 MARKETING ANALYTICS
MANM525 FINANCIAL MODELLING
MANM529 PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS
Summer period, you will undertake the following module (60 credits) with submission at the end of the summer period (i.e. Aug/Sep of the same calendar year):
MANM531 - PROJECT/DISSERTATION FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS
FEBRUARY START
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time ¿ 12 months) - FHEQ Level 7
First semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will study these three compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM530 PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICS
MANM526 STATISTICS AND ECONOMETRICS
MANM528 DATA MINING AND TEXT ANALYTICS
And you will need to choose ONE of the following optional modules (15 credits each):
MANM527 DATA AND BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT WITH SAP
MANM533 MARKETING ANALYTICS
MANM525 FINANCIAL MODELLING
In week one of the semester, you will also participate in a short course on Quantitative Methods to refresh your understanding of the approaches, tools and techniques that you will be using on the programme.
Summer period, you will study these two compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM304 OPERATIONAL ANALYTICS
MANM547 MACHINE LEARNING/AI AND VISUALISATION
Second semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar), you will need to choose TWO of the following optional modules (15 credits each) to study:
MANM532 SUPPLY CHAIN DESIGN, PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
MANM524 PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT ** cannot be taken together with MANM318
MANM318 EQUITY INVESTMENT ANALYSIS ** cannot be taken together with MANM524
MANM529 PERFORMANCE ANLAYTICS
In addition, you will undertake the following module (60 credits) cross the summer period and second semester, with submission at the end of second semester (i.e. January of the following calendar year):
MANM531 - PROJECT/DISSERTATION FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS
For key dates and semester lengths including the summer period visit: Key Dates
Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time with Study Abroad - 15 months) - FHEQ Level 7
15-MONTH FULL TIME with STUDY ABROAD ( PKA61120)
SEPTEMBER START
Module Selection for Year 1 (12-month Full-time with 3-month Study Abroad) - FHEQ Level 7
First semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study these two compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM530 PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICS
MANM528 DATA MINING AND TEXT ANALYTICS
And you will need to choose ONE of the following optional modules (15 credits each):
MANM532 SUPPLY CHAIN DESIGN, PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
MANM524 PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT ** cannot be taken together with MANM318
MANM318 EQUITY INVESTMENT ANALYSIS ** cannot be taken together with MANM524
Second semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will study these two compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM304 OPERATIONAL ANALYTICS
MANM547 MACHINE LEARNING/AI AND VISUALISATION
And you will need to choose TWO of the following optional modules (15 credits each) to study:
MANM527 DATA AND BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT WITH SAP
MANM533 MARKETING ANALYTICS
MANM525 FINANCIAL MODELLING
MANM529 PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS
Summer period, you will complete the following compulsory module (60 credits) abroad:
MANM472 - STUDY ABROAD
For key dates and semester lengths including the summer period visit: Key Dates
Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time with placement - 24 months) - FHEQ Level 7
SEPTEMBER START
Module Selection for Year 1 (12-month Full-time with another 12-month Placement) - FHEQ Level 7
First semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study these three compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM530 PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICS
MANM526 STATISTICS AND ECONOMETRICS
MANM528 DATA MINING AND TEXT ANALYTICS
And you will need to choose ONE of the following optional modules (15 credits each):
MANM532 SUPPLY CHAIN DESIGN, PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
MANM524 PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT ** cannot be taken together with MANM318
MANM318 EQUITY INVESTMENT ANALYSIS ** cannot be taken together with MANM524
In week one of the semester, you will also participate in a short course on Quantitative Methods to refresh your understanding of the approaches, tools and techniques that you will be using on the programme.
Second semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will study these two compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM304 OPERATIONAL ANALYTICS
MANM547 MACHINE LEARNING/AI AND VISUALISATION
And you will need to choose TWO of the following optional modules (15 credits each) to study:
MANM527 DATA AND BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT WITH SAP
MANM533 MARKETING ANALYTICS
MANM525 FINANCIAL MODELLING
MANM529 PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS
Summer period, you will undertake the following module (60 credits) with submission at the end of the summer period (i.e. Aug/Sep of the same calendar year):
MANM531 - PROJECT/DISSERTATION FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS
For key dates and semester lengths including the summer period visit: Key Dates
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 2 (full-time with placement - 24 months) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 2 (12-month Placement with 12-month Full-time in Year 1) - FHEQ Level 7
You will undertake the core module (60 credits):
MANM486 - PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR
For key dates and semester lengths including the summer period visit: Key Dates
Optional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
SEPTEMBER START
Module Selection for Year 1 (Part-time 12-month) - FHEQ Level 7
YEAR 1
First semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study these three compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM530 PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICS
MANM526 STATISTICS AND ECONOMETRICS
MANM528 DATA MINING AND TEXT ANALYTICS
In week one you will also participate in a short course on Quantitative Methods to refresh your understanding of the approaches, tools and techniques that you will be using on the programme.
Second semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will study this one compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM304 OPERATIONAL ANALYTICS
And you will need to choose ONE of the following optional modules (15 credits each) to study:
MANM527 DATA AND BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT WITH SAP
MANM533 MARKETING ANALYTICS
MANM525 FINANCIAL MODELLING
MANM529 PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS
For key dates and semester lengths including the summer period visit: Key Dates
Optional modules for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 2 ( Part-time 12-month) - FHEQ Level 7
YEAR 2
First semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study this one compulsory modules (15 credits each):
MANM547 MACHINE LEARNING/AI AND VISUALISATION
First semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will choose ONE of these optional modules (15 credits each):
MANM532 SUPPLY CHAIN DESIGN, PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
MANM524 PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT ** cannot be taken together with MANM318
MANM318 EQUITY INVESTMENT ANALYSIS ** cannot be taken together with MANM524
Second semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will need to choose ONE of the following optional modules (15 credits):
MANM527 DATA AND BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT WITH SAP
MANM533 MARKETING ANALYTICS
MANM525 FINANCIAL MODELLING
MANM529 PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS
Summer period, you will undertake the following module (60 credits) with submission at the end of the summer period (i.e. Aug/Sep of the same calendar year):
MANM531 - PROJECT/DISSERTATION FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS
For key dates and semester lengths including the summer period visit: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/about/facts/key-dates
For key dates and semester lengths including the summer period visit: Key Dates
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks prior to the start of semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
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.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:1 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.
International entry requirements by country
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
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 |
| Full-time (with placement): 2 years | 7.0 overall including 6.5 in each category |
| Part-time: 2 years | 6.5 overall including 6.0 in each category |
View the other English language qualifications that we 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.
Credit transfer
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If your experience exceeds the typical requirements for entry to the programme, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience. If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for specific modules through your previous learning, it may be possible to exempt you from those modules, and for you to be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
In some cases, prior knowledge and skills may allow applicants to join the start of a course without meeting the formal entry requirements.
Please see our code transfer and recognition of prior learning guide (PDF) and recognition of prior learning and prior credit web page for further information. Please email Admissions (admissions@surrey.ac.uk) with any queries.
Fees per year
Start date: September 2023
Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £13,900
- Overseas
- £22,000
Full-time (with study abroad) - 15 months
- UK
- £14,600
- Overseas
- £23,500
Full-time (with placement) - 2 years
- UK
- £13,900
- Overseas
- £22,000
Part-time - 2 years
- UK
- £7,000
- Overseas
- £11,000
The two-year full-time programme which includes a 12-month placement costs an additional £1,850 on top of the base course fee listed above.
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2023-24 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually
- If you are on a two-year full-time MFA programme, or a two-year or three-year part-time masters programme (excluding modular/self-paced/distance learning), the annual fee is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the programme
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a tuition fee loan: Will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a tuition fee loan: Are required to 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 early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
- If you are sponsored: You will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
Commuting (local travel expenses): Students are required to pay 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.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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Course | Status |
|---|---|
Business Analytics MSc Full-time, 12 months, September 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 1 June 2023 |
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. | |
Business Analytics MSc Full-time (with study abroad), 15 months, September 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 1 June 2023 |
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. | |
Business Analytics MSc Full-time (with placement), 24 months, September 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 1 June 2023 |
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. | |
Business Analytics MSc Part-time, 24 months, September 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 1 June 2023 |
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. | |
Admission information
Our postgraduate admissions policy* provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our Charter, Statutes, Ordinances, Policies, Regulations and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/2023 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: the offer terms and conditions and registration terms and conditions which you will be asked to agree to may be different from those detailed in the examples. Our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will be available at the start of each academic year and will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing but changes (for example, to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH