Business Analytics

MSc

Number of credits:

180

Start date(s):

September 2026

Blending real-world projects, data skills, and AI insights, Roehampton’s MSc Business Analytics prepares you to make smart, ethical decisions—and truly shine in today’s fast-moving, data-powered business world.

This course has entry points in January and September. See our Applying section for how to apply. 

Did you know

This programme will give you a broad understanding of business analysis, integrating elements of computing and business. It’s ideal if you don’t have a computing background and will prepare you for postgraduate opportunities in business analysis.

This course is available as an extended masters for international students

Find out more

30 credits 

In this module you will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to use business analytics to support data-driven decision-making. You will explore how organisations use data to solve business challenges across areas such as marketing, finance and operations. The module introduces key analytical techniques including data visualisation, descriptive analytics, probability, regression modelling and forecasting, applying these to real-world business scenarios. You will learn to interpret data, identify patterns, communicate insights effectively and make evidence-based recommendations. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to use business analytics to inform planning, improve performance and support strategic decision-making.

30 credits 

In this module you will develop the knowledge and practical skills to transform business data into meaningful insights using business intelligence and AI technologies. You will explore how organisations collect, analyse and visualise data to support strategic decision-making, while applying AI tools to enhance reporting, forecasting and performance analysis. The module introduces key concepts in data modelling, dashboard design, business intelligence platforms and AI-assisted analytics. Through practical business scenarios, you will learn to interpret complex datasets, communicate findings effectively and make evidence-based recommendations, preparing you for data-driven roles across a wide range of industries.

30 credits 

This module centres on the executive-level application of analytics and data-driven thinking in business decision-making. It prepares you to bridge the gap between complex data analyses and strategic business decisions.

You will examine how organisations can formulate and support strategy using data, exploring frameworks of decision science and evidence-based management.

Key themes include aligning data analytics initiatives with business objectives, evaluating strategic opportunities and risks through data, and developing policies for data governance at the leadership level.

Rather than focusing on technical coding, the emphasis is on interpreting analytical outputs (such as trends, forecasts, and models) and integrating those insights into high-level decision processes. Through case studies of companies using analytics for competitive advantage, you will learn to identify where data can add value in strategic planning and how to communicate recommendations to C-suite stakeholders in clear, persuasive ways.

The module covers methodologies such as decision frameworks, scenario planning, and prescriptive analytics (optimisation and simulation) from a management perspective. Attention is also given to the ethical and organisational challenges of data-driven strategy – including data privacy, bias in algorithmic decisions, and building a data-informed culture.

By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the knowledge to formulate data-driven strategies, make informed executive decisions based on data insights, and lead initiatives that embed analytics into an organisation’s strategic outlook.

By the end of the module, you will be prepared to:

  • Examine data-driven decision-making in formulating business strategy and policy
  • Aligning data strategy with organisational strategy – developing data strategies that support business goals and competitive advantage
  • Building a data-driven culture – the leadership role in fostering an organisational culture that values analytics, addresses resistance to data-driven practices, and invests in analytical capabilities.

Teaching and learning

This module adopts a blended and applied learning approach designed to build strategic thinking, data literacy, and executive communication skills. The structure emphasises critical evaluation, real-world business application, and interdisciplinary learning.  

Weekly teaching will typically involve one, one-hour lecture and a three-hour workshop (which includes tutorial and lab sessions).

Lectures introduce key frameworks and concepts in strategic decision-making, such as evidence-based management, decision science, scenario planning, and prescriptive analytics. Sessions focus on interpreting data insights to support high-level business decisions and strategy formulation. Contemporary case studies and business simulations are used to contextualise abstract concepts, encouraging critical reflection on real-world data-driven strategy and the role of leadership in analytics adoption.

Workshops and interactive sessions guide you through practical exercises in strategic planning using analytics outputs. These include exercises in interpreting dashboard outputs, evaluating forecasting results, and simulating business scenarios using decision frameworks. Group activities foster collaborative analysis and peer discussion around ethical dilemmas, governance decisions, and risk-based strategic choices.

Tutorials offer small-group and one-to-one support to help you refine your strategic thinking, aligning your coursework with real-world expectations, and receive formative feedback on developing ideas. Tutorials also focus on preparing you to communicate complex data-driven insights to executive-level stakeholders in accessible and persuasive formats.

The module is structured progressively, beginning with visualisation principles and basic dashboard construction, and advancing toward multi-source integration, interactivity, and storytelling for senior business audiences. The learning environment encourages peer collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking around how visual analytics can influence strategic outcomes.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a group AI business project and presentation (30%) and an individual AI case study and code submission (70%).

30 credits

This module equips you with the skills and knowledge to harness data for informed marketing decision-making.

You will explore key analytical tools and techniques, including Microsoft Excel and Google Analytics 4 (GA4), to identify patterns, trends, and seasonality in marketing data. You will explore essential consumer metrics such as Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and Net Promoter Score (NPS), analyse campaign performance using advanced Excel functions, and develop predictive models through linear regression.

You will be introdcued to web analytics, social listening, sentiment analysis, and big data concepts, enabling you to evaluate consumer behaviour and design data-driven marketing strategies.

Along with gaining analytical expertise, you will also engage in case study analysis, group discussions and PowerPoint presentations to gain comprehensive problem-solving skills, teamwork experience, and the ability to effectively communicate insights to diverse audiences.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery on this module consists of one hourly and one three hour workshop per week.

Lectures will cover all the key concepts and theories around data-driven marketing strategies, marketing analytics tools, big data, actionable insights advanced Microsoft Excel and GA4. 

Seminars will be computer lab-based, providing you with hands-on experience in using analytical tools and applying your learning to real-world datasets The module focuses on generating actionable insights by translating complex consumer data into effective marketing strategies and campaigns.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by an individual report (70%) and a group presentation (30%).

30 credits

In this module you will work in cross-disciplinary teams to solve a real strategic challenge set by a London-based organisation. Applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout your programme, you will analyse complex business problems, evaluate evidence and develop practical recommendations for employers. Following a structured consultancy process, you will present your findings to a panel of academic and industry professionals, gaining valuable experience of collaborative problem-solving and professional communication. You will also complete an individual critical reflection, evaluating your contribution, considering different disciplinary perspectives, and identifying key insights to support your future professional development and leadership.

30 credits

In this module you will develop the knowledge, confidence and critical thinking needed to use artificial intelligence responsibly in professional settings. You will explore how AI works, understand its strengths and limitations, and evaluate AI-generated outputs with a critical perspective. Through hands-on projects using real AI tools, you will examine ethical issues such as bias, fairness and governance while considering discipline-specific challenges. You will also learn how to assess AI adoption, communicate complex AI concepts to non-specialist audiences, and make informed decisions in AI-augmented workplaces, drawing on real-world examples from London's leading industries and professional sectors.

These are the current planned modules on this course and may be subject to change.

Professional Experience Year

This course also offers the option of a Professional Experience Year. This programme combines dynamic career modules with flexible placement opportunities. After completing your first year of study, you'll then spend the next academic year completing your Professional Experience training as part of your degree. This will give you real career experience. This unique opportunity offers you distinct paths to build your expertise.  

Find out more about our Professional Experience Year 

Skills

Gain skills valuable in financial, social, policy, and commercial settings.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making – You'll confidently turn complex data into clear insights using tools like AI, BI, and marketing analytics to solve real business challenges.
  • Technical Proficiency – Through hands-on practice with machine learning, statistical modeling, and visualisation tools, you’ll master the latest technologies used in analytics, marketing, and business intelligence.
  • Strategic Thinking & Innovation – You’ll learn to connect data insights with business strategy, using predictive models and AI-driven tools to drive performance, enhance customer experience, and lead impactful, innovation-driven projects.

Learning

Learning is shaped around you.

Experience a collaborative learning environment, focused on practical work in lab spaces, simulating real-world industry scenarios.

  • Engage with real-world workflows

  • Apply BI, data analytics, and AI techniques

  • Work with business case studies

  • Analyse real data sets

  • Demonstrate the skills you’ve gained throughout the year in your final project.

Block mode teaching

This course will be taught in dedicated blocks.

This innovative approach means that you will be taught in six-week blocks that focus exclusively on one module at a time. You will be able to fully immerse yourself in each topic and apply your learning effectively. There is also flexibility to join at any entry point within the cycle of this course.

Each module block includes eight teaching hours (lectures and practical workshops) each week, over two days.

  • You can focus on one subject at a time, maximising your understanding, retention and application of knowledge 
  • Reduce the stress of juggling multiple subjects at once 
  • A clear timetable making it easier to balance academic commitments with personal life 
  • Dedicated days to delve into each topic without distraction
  • Focus on one assessment at a time at the end of each block
  • Eliminates the pressure of multiple end-of-term assessments 
  • Regular tasks are integrated into each block, ensuring timely feedback and continuous improvement
  • A modern, practical way to learn that prepares you for your career goals.
  • Induction week – you will be introduced to the subject, the course team and other students on the module
  • Six weeks of teaching – deep dive into content led by subject experts, utilising research informed teaching, practical case studies, group work and hands-on projects
  • Assessment week – each block will end with a focused assessment where you can apply your knowledge to real-world cases

Assessment

Put your knowledge into practice.

You’ll be set authentic assessments, meaning that your projects, tasks and exercises will replicate the working world of business analytics consulting project, ensuring that you are fully prepared for life after graduation.

  • Reports: You’ll analyse specific organisations and create detailed reports based on your findings.

  • Presentations: You’ll present your solutions to real-world business problems, showcasing your insights and ideas.

  • Essays: You’ll write in-depth essays on relevant topics, demonstrating your understanding and research skills.

  • Group Work: You’ll participate in group activities, such as analysing case studies and working on collaborative projects, to develop your teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Careers

Look forward to a career that works for you.

Business analytics is a growing field with graduates in great demand and excellent prospects in business consulting, banking, management consultancies, travel and transport, utilities, and healthcare.

You could work as a:

  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst / Consultant
  • Marketing Analyst / Marketing Data Specialist
  • AI/ML (Machine Learning) Analyst or Associate
  • Business Consultant

Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers. You’ll also have opportunities to work with our partners across London and beyond, and to attend a Roehampton jobs fair where you can find out about graduate opportunities and meet employers.

Open days

Get a real taste of our campus, community and what it’s like to study at Roehampton

Full-time UK postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.

Course subject to curriculum enhancement and revalidation.

International undergraduate students apply through our direct application system.

Course subject to curriculum enhancement and revalidation.

Professional Experience Year

Students enrolled on programmes including a Professional Experience Year will be charged a tuition fee for the Professional Experience Year. For students commencing the Professional Experience Year during the 2026/27 academic year, this fee is £2,500.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to change in subsequent academic years in accordance with the University’s Student Fee Payment and Enrolment Regulations.

International students

Tuition fees

Entry date MSc Extended Masters (1 Semester) Extended Masters (2 Semesters)
September 2026 £18,980 £22,980
January 2027 £18,980 £25,980

Prices shown are for the first year of your degree.

More information about tuition fee costs

Professional Experience Year

Students enrolled on programmes including a Professional Experience Year will be charged a tuition fee for the Professional Experience Year. For students commencing the Professional Experience Year during the 2026/27 academic year, this fee is £2,500.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to change in subsequent academic years in accordance with the University’s Student Fee Payment and Enrolment Regulations.

Need help or advice before applying?

Business and Law

Be part of a diverse learning community that values excellence, reflection, inclusivity, ethics and collaboration. 

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