How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Business Analytics

Start date: January 2025

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Location: Southend Campus

Based in: Essex Business School

Since the pandemic, businesses around the world are stepping up their analytics capabilities in order to inform their response to unforeseen changes in their markets.

Organisations of all sizes must analyse complex business data to remain competitive. Business analytics helps to predict market trends and improve business processes. It empowers managers to make strategic decisions to improve performance in areas such as product development, operations, marketing, sales and supply chain management.

Our MSc Business Analytics develops your analytical skills so you can solve complex business problems and help to answer questions raised by local and global pressures. You are trained to organise, integrate and interpret data so you can make insightful forecasts into all aspects of business operations and implement appropriate actions.

You cover topics such as:

statistics and forecasting
data mining, visual and analytical techniques
global supply networks
economic theory
business management

Our range of optional modules gives you the opportunity to specialise in a variety of complementary business, management and marketing subjects.

This course is available to study starting in January or October.

Essex Business School is home to an international community of students and staff. Across our two campuses in Colchester and Southend, our current Masters students join us from more than 40 different nationalities. The University of Essex offers a number of scholarship and discounts for Masters study, including tailored awards for international applicants.

Why we're great.

Choose between starting your course in October or January and take optional modules to tailor a Masters degree that is unique to you
Our academics are at the forefront of the big data debate
We have expert data analytics facilities in our Business and Local Government Data Research Centre

Our expert staff

Our expert staff have world-class research reputations. They're at the forefront of real-world data, management and entrepreneurial issues, ensuring you experience the very latest teaching and thinking to prepare you for the modern business world.

Our staff specialise in areas including:

internationalisation
innovation
new product development
human resource management
microfinance
ethics
social responsibility
sustainability
data analytics

Our academic staff are active members of the School's Strategy, Operations and Entrepreneurship Group, which carries out cutting-edge research into issues affecting the sustainable growth of business, society and the economy.

Many are also part of the national Business and Local Government Data Research Centre, which is based at our Colchester Campus and carries out research into issues impacting entrepreneurship and innovation, such as local economic growth and access to broadband. Not only does the centre have expert data analytics facilities, you're taught by academics who are actively involved in researching big data and collaborating with businesses to solve real-world issues.

When you join our school, you will benefit from world-leading research being conducted by our senior academic staff, like Professor of Technology Strategy Suma Athreye. Her teaching is informed by her work around the evolution of technology markets, inclusive innovation and international research and development management. She has consulted to the World Intellectual Property Organisation and is on the Editorial Board of the Innovation and Development and Multinational Business Review. She also advises the Big Innovation Centre.

Academic staff at our Southend campus also contribute to research for the Centre for Research on Entrepreneurship Innovation Management and Internationalisation (REIMI) which specialises in interrogating the research and practice of entrepreneurship, international management and innovation.

Specialist facilities

Our MSc Business Analytics is taught at our Southend Campus, just 40 minutes from London and in the heart of the Thames Gateway - one of the Government's priority areas for economic growth – offering fantastic internship and networking opportunities.

Southend-on-Sea combines the charms of a traditional seaside resort with the attractions of a vibrant, modern town and our campus sits right at the centre. With seven miles of coastline, a thriving arts and cultural scene and a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife all on your doorstep, it's the perfect place to live and study. Our town centre location has excellent transport links and London Southend Airport is just five minutes away by train, offering flights to over 50 destinations across Europe.

When you choose our Southend Campus for your studies, you'll have access to a superb learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities, including:

24-hour Learning Hub with computer suites and study pods
extensive public and academic library
student services desk
modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms
Graduate employment support, events and initiatives
study skills advice
in-house dentist and Faith Centre
our cosy SU Lounge, with pool tables and large-screen TV for socialising and relaxation

The University of Essex provides initiatives, including those for international students, to help you perform to your best academic potential, such as free academic English classes.

Your future

Data is the driving force behind critical business decisions, so data scientists and analysts are in great demand in both start-ups and well-established companies. Becoming an expert in data analytics means you can help businesses gain competitive advantage by becoming better at making decisions and predictions through organising, analysing, integrating and interpreting data.

This course will equip you with essential numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills for a thriving career as a business analyst, manager, or consultant in private and public enterprises.

We also have a proud history of graduate entrepreneurs, including international business incubator 0100Ventures and entrepreneurship website SlovakSTARTUP.

We work with the University's Careers Services to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Read our graduate profiles to find out the types of organisations our Masters students go on to work for.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A 2:2 degree, or international equivalent, in one of the following subjects (with no module requirements):

Accounting
Business Analytics
Computer Science
Economics
Engineering Science
Finance
Information Systems
Statistics

We will also consider a 2:2 degree in any subject, which includes at least one of the following modules:

Advanced Maths or Applied Maths
Biostatistics
Calculus
Economic Statistics
Engineering or Pure Maths
Management Science
Mathematical methods
Operations Research
Probability
Quantitative analysis or Quantitative methods
Statistics

We will also consider applicants with a lower level degree on a case by case basis where the applicant has at least 2 to 3 years' relevant work experience.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Structure

Course structure

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists. Please be aware that we are planning changes to our first year to make it more relevant to your chosen course.

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, such as in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Research Methods

(15 CREDITS)

Gain the key skills and competencies to carry out management research or prepare a comprehensive business plan, suitable for the completion of a Masters level programme. You address the philosophical issues underlying management research, and discover how to select methods and judge the quality and value of research outcomes.

View Research Methods on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Business Analytics for Managers and Entrepreneurs

(15 CREDITS)

Data analytics presents a massive opportunity for business leaders, managers and entrepreneurs alike in modern globalised economies. You explore how crucial data analytics is in today's business world, and consider real-world examples where businesses have harnessed this power to solve critical problems. You learn a wide variety of data mining, visual and analytical techniques which can be applied to data generated from different markets and businesses.

View Business Analytics for Managers and Entrepreneurs on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: OPTIONAL

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Dissertation

(0 CREDITS)

This module will develop your skills for successfully conducting independent research practice using a range of research methodologies for data collection and analysis. More specifically, this module is designed to develop an essential understanding and ability in planning, carrying out and managing independent and original research, and improve skills in clearly communicating a research output through a dissertation project.

View Dissertation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Dissertation

(60 CREDITS)

Your dissertation is the culmination of your Masters programme, where you apply the knowledge gained on your course to produce a 12,000 word independent piece of work. You generate an original idea, analyse literature and current knowledge and produce a coherent argument that shows your ability to relate theory to practice. Your dissertation will help you develop vital skills for the workplace, as well as the ability to analyse real problems through an academic lens. You are assigned a supervisor for the duration of your project.

View Dissertation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Managerial Economics

(15 CREDITS)

Managerial Economics applies economic theory to business management, decision making and forward planning. This module explores how economic concepts, such as profit, demand, cost, pricing production, competition and business cycles, can be used to solve business problems.

View Managerial Economics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Global Supply Chain and Operations Management

(15 CREDITS)

Matching the ability to supply a product or service with customer demand is vital for any organisation. Excess supply can lead to wastage and increased costs, but too little can irritate customers and result in lost revenue. Supply chain management is a complex and challenging task, but, done right, it can create significant competitive advantage. This module explores how organisations manage their product range and operations to best align supply with demand in a global environment, categorised by expanding product variety, increasing outsourcing, and continuous advances in business analytics. You explore areas such as industry competition, resource allocation, organisational learning and competitive dynamics.

View Global Supply Chain and Operations Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Data-Driven Decision Making

(15 CREDITS)

In this module, you develop the quantitative skills required to model and solve managerial challenges. You learn how to use mathematical programming methods and specialised software to represent and solve decision making problems. We equip you with a deep understanding of key optimisation methods so you can identify the most relevant approach to solve particular issues.

View Data-Driven Decision Making on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL

(15 CREDITS)

Teaching

We develop your skills in leadership, team work, decision making and communication to help you secure your dream job:

our teaching is interactive; you learn through group working and applied projects
choose from a wide range of modules
take part in the Essex Business School open seminar series and hear from world-renowned academics
research is embedded into our curriculum, so you graduate ready to tackle current entrepreneurial issues

Assessment

Regular assessment is by coursework, presentations, case studies, group work, tests and examinations

Dissertation

You submit a 15,000 word dissertation
If you start this course in October, you will start work on your dissertation or work-based project during the summer term (term three) after you have completed your autumn and spring term modules.
If you start this course in January, you will start work on your dissertation or work-based project during the summer term (term two) and you will receive feedback on your first draft. You will continue to work on your dissertation during the autumn term (term three) and will have the opportunity to incorporate learnings from your autumn modules before you submit the final version at the end of the year.
A work-based project may be taken instead of a dissertation, enabling you to put your knowledge into practice by undertaking an employer work placement for between eight and twelve weeks. You'll produce a research report based around a priority issue for the organisation.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£14,300

International fee

£22,400

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Southend Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing southend@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.

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