Business Analytics MSc

Overview

The MSc in Business Analytics gives you the skills and knowledge to thrive as a:

• business analyst
• operations analyst
• consultant
• data analyst

You'll be capable of operating across a wide range of functions and industries.

Key features include:

• comprehensive skill development. You will gain a versatile set of business analytics skills that are you can apply across diverse sectors
• tool proficiency and critical insight. You will develop expertise in analytical tools. You'll also cultivate a critical mindset for data-driven decision-making
• practical project experience. You'll work on real-world business analytics projects, bridging theory and practice
• experiential learning. You will engage with real industry challenges through hands-on learning. You'll gain valuable exposure to current business practices

Programme Structure

The programme is structured around three interconnected pillars. Each one will build your expertise progressively.

Semester 1 – Foundations of Data Science

You will develop core competencies in statistics and programming. These are specifically tailored to business analytics applications.

Semester 2 – Managerial Perspectives

You'll gain insights into the strategic and operational management of business analytics projects. You'll focus on effective implementation and impact.

Semester 3 – Real-World Application

You'll apply your skills in practical contexts. You will critically evaluate analytics solutions across different business environments.

The programme culminates in a substantial individual research project. This allows you to:

• apply your learning to a real-world business problem
• demonstrate your analytical capabilities in depth

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

Additional information

What you'll learn

Our Business Analytics MSc provides you with a rigorous and comprehensive foundation in data-driven decision-making. It covers both the theoretical and practical aspects in depth.

You will develop core expertise in:

• data analytics for business insights
• statistical foundations of data science
• statistical learning
• research methods for business analytics

You will also acquire practical, industry-relevant skills in:

• project management
• web and social media analytics
• operations analytics
• artificial intelligence in business
• marketing analytics
• teamwork, presenting, report writing

You will explore how to leverage data analytics for strategic business insights. You'll apply your knowledge through a collaborative group project. This is designed to simulate real-world challenges.

By the end of the programme, you'll able to:

• extract actionable insights from complex datasets
• make informed, data-driven decisions

These capabilities will prepare you for success in a wide variety of analytical and strategic roles, and across a range of industries.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Business Analytics MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Web and Social Media Analytics	10
Dissertation	60
Business Analytics Programme Community	0
Graduate Foundations of Statistics and Data Science (Theory & Methods)	20
Graduate Foundations of Statistics and Data Science (Applications)	10
Research Methods	20
Project Management	10
Data Analytics for Business Insights	10
Business Analytics Group Project	10
Artificial Intelligence in Business	10

Optional Modules	Credits
Financial Risk Management	10
Retail and Investment Banking	10
Marketing Analytics	10
Operations Analytics	10

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

Knowledge acquisition

You'll learn in different ways, such as by attending and participating in lectures, tutorials, and seminars.

You'll develop your understanding through practical business analytics sessions and solving problems.

You'll also learn on your own using suggested readings and online resources.

Skills development

We'll teach you specific skills through engaging lectures, real-world case studies, and small-group discussions.

This will help you explore business analytics and data science research topics and improve your problem-solving abilities.

Critical thinking and problem solving

You'll learn to evaluate things critically by searching for information and completing coursework.

We'll also teach you how to solve analytics problems through practical sessions and self-guided learning.

You'll discuss and work on data-related problems in tutorials and group discussions, as well as through exercises and case studies.

Communication skills

You'll develop your speaking and writing skills through group discussions, presentations, and analytics reports.

We'll guide you in using data and literature effectively, and you'll practice these skills.

You'll also work in teams on projects and lead some tutorial sessions.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• personal tutors and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Our staff

• Nick Howey (Degree Programme Director)
• Dr Josephine Go Jefferies
• Dr James Bentham
• Dr Ajinkya Tanksale
• Dr Davit Marikyan
• Dr Haiyan Liu
• Dr Paul Liu
• Dr Aamir Khan

Your development

Skills development is a central focus of the Business Analytics MSc. The programme will help you build a robust and versatile skill set. This will be highly valued across industries.

You will enhance your ability to:

• analyse complex business scenarios
• make informed, data-driven decisions
• communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences

You'll strengthen your research skills through practical engagement with:

• conducting literature reviews
• designing and executing data collection strategies
• critically analysing contemporary business challenges

Experiential learning allows you to apply advanced analytical tools and techniques to real-world problems. This bridges the gap between academic theory and industry practice. It prepares you to deliver actionable insights in professional settings.

Postgraduate Study Abroad

Semester abroad

The Postgraduate Semester Abroad is an opportunity to study a complementary subject for one semester at a European partner university. You would study with the partner university on an exchange basis.

The experience takes place at the end of your studies, once you have submitted your dissertation/final project. You'll develop new skills to set you apart from other graduates.

Studies undertaken at a partner university will not count towards a double/dual degree award. However, you'll receive a transcript from your host university evidencing your achievements.

Please note that students who complete this scheme will not be eligible for the UK graduate work visa.

Your future

Upon completing our programme, you will be well-prepared to embark on a promising future. With a robust foundation in business analytics, you will become a sought-after professional. You will be able to lead data-driven innovations across various industries.

As a graduate, you can offer invaluable insights to organisations worldwide. The MSc in Business Analytics could lead to a range of analytics-related roles, such as:

• business analysts
• data analysts
• consultant
• market analyst
• quantitative analyst

These roles could cover a wide range of business and government sectors, including:

• a wide spectrum of retail enterprises
• professional services firms, such as solicitors and insurance companies
• marketing and media-based businesses
• pharmaceutical-based businesses
• telecommunications companies
• information technology-based organisations
• consultancy firms
• government and public services
• educational institutions, including higher education

This programme emphasises critical thinking and problem-solving. This will equip you with adaptable skills, allowing you to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. You will be poised to make a significant impact, able to:

• revolutionise marketing strategies
• optimise operations
• guide strategic decisions

Careers support

Career development and employability are woven throughout our teaching, learning and student experience.

The School has dedicated employability support and career spaces in the School to support our students on their career journey both during their studies and for up to three years after they finish.

Find out more about our employability offer

Business School students get access to both the wider University careers service and exclusive Business School events and resources for students. This means you'll have access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance your employability, including:

• one-to-one career support
• industry-specific career events
• online career learning tools
• career planning and information sessions
• an annual careers week, where careers activity takes place during a gap in classes
• networking opportunities
• specialist careers and business start-up support from the University's Careers Service and the Business School's careers consultants
• the chance to apply for various work experience opportunities while studying with us

We're also one of 140 business schools worldwide to be accredited by the EQUIS scheme for our managerial and entrepreneurial skills development.

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 4,000 students from over 85 countries. This valuable community extends beyond our current students to include:

• regional, national and international leaders
• over 37,000 alumni in our network, spanning 152 countries
• leading professional and academics who are experts in their field
• businesses and partners in academe

The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix -  a landmark 24 acre hybrid city quarter. It brings together researchers, business and communities with the purpose of helping families, communities and cities around the world live healthier, longer, smarter, and easier lives.

We have two buildings – the Business School and the Frederick Douglass Centre. Both offer a range of purpose-build facilities, including.

• computer clusters housing over 120 PCs, plus open IT spaces for laptops
• seven large lecture theatres, plus a 750-seat auditorium – the largest in the University
• 25 seminar and teaching spaces, many with flexible furniture to accommodate learning
• a dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a mix of space for group work, individual study, or quiet study
• study pods, some with wall mounted screens, and bookable rooms for working in groups or individually
• a contemporary café, refurbished in 2025
• two dedicated hubs for employability support and events
• a Bloomberg lab with over 20 terminals, so you can experience a real trading room floor
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
• a flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city and St. James’ Park, which doubles up as a large flexible teaching space

Accessibility

The Business School values individual differences and the diversity this brings. Our buildings are accessible and user friendly. We have a range of adjustments that can support you when moving around our buildings, such as lifts and accessible toilets. We also have gender-neutral toilets in the FDC.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

 

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events