MSc Business Analytics
- Entry year
- 2025/26
- Entry requirements
- 2.1
- Duration
- 1 year (Full-time)
- Places available
- Open
Overview
The increase in the volume, variety, and velocity of data creates opportunities for businesses to improve decision making and develop new data driven products and services. The MSc Business Analytics has been developed to meet the demand for qualified professionals, who possess the necessary expertise to realise end-to-end business analytics solutions and are equipped to utilise data for business decision-making purposes.
The programme is built around the three core areas needed to succeed in analytics: business knowledge, statistics, and computing. This includes modules focusing on the application of analytics in core business functions such as marketing and human resources, as well as modules focusing on developing and applying technical skills such as advanced analytics and machine learning, text mining, data management, and data driven decision making.
In total, students will study eight modules in addition to pre-course training and a final dissertation project. The dissertation is a key highlight of the programme, as it provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent project where they will create a technical business analytics solution incorporating all elements of the programme.
The programme will include an induction, where pre-course training in key statistics and computer skills will ensure students from a range of backgrounds have the necessary skills to undertake the course.
Course content
Modules
MSc Business Analytics students can expect to study the following modules:
Semester 1
- Statistics for Business
- Data Management
- HR Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence in Business and Society
Semester 2
- Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning
- Data Mining
- Data Driven Decision Making
- Marketing Analytics
Semester 3
- Dissertation
Learning and teaching
Tools and techniques learned in the classroom context will be used to address business problems. This will involve a mix of teaching methods to enable students to build the technical and business expertise required for a successful career in analytics.
This includes methods such as computer/software practical demonstrations and training, lectures, tutorials, seminars, problem-centred techniques such as national and international case studies, non-book media (videos and podcasts), individual research, oral presentations, group projects, online discussion forums, industry visits and practitioner workshops. Specific details are provided in the programme specification, including details on assessments.
With the explosion of information and the global shortage in analytics professionals with the skills needed to turn data into business value, the MSc Business Analytics programme is aimed at graduates who aspire to work in this cutting edge industry.
Dr. Byron Graham, Programme Director
Entry Requirements
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
Graduates
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline to include one module in a quantitative area* or quantitative dissertation. Relevant employment experience in a quantitative area may be considered in lieu of a module in a quantitative area and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: International applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.
Careers
Employability
The programme will appeal to students who intend to pursue a career in a business analytics related field, such as data science, business intelligence, consultancy, informatics, or decision intelligence.
After the course
Graduates from this programme have secured roles with employers such as KPMG, PwC, EY, Tata Consulting, Citi, FD Technologies, Alibaba Group, Severn Trent. Typical roles include data and business analyst, software engineer, consultant, and senior administrators.
Graduate Plus
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more.
So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
£15,000
All students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Scholarships
£xxxxx Scholarship available for 2025 entry. Information on scholarships for international students, is available here.
How to apply
Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Terms & Conditions
- Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
- International applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure their place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI).
- This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.