Business Analytics

GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS WITH EVERY MASTER'S DEGREE

Course overview

Study in-person at Aston University London in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Developed to deliver interdisciplinary learning and flexibility, this course enables you to tailor your studies to suit your own requirements and interests.

This programme is ideal for those wanting to master the art of interpreting and leveraging vast data sets to improve business performance. You will focus on essential areas like descriptive analytics, statistical modelling, data mining and visualisation, blending academic rigor with practical skills in data analysis.

Attracting a diverse international student body, this course not only enhances your analytical capabilities but also develops your communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural management skills. You will be equipped to transform complex data into strategic insights, preparing you for a pivotal role in any data-driven business environment.

On this programme you will learn to collaborate and flourish through project-based learning with students in other digital technology subject areas. This approach of learning mimics the real-life working world, where your career prospects will be enriched by working alongside people with different skill sets, viewpoints, and approaches.

The location of your learning offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and industry connections, thanks to its prime position in the heart of the capital.

“I loved every minute of my time at Aston [University]. The practical approach to learning was my highlight of the course. Group assignments [provided] opportunities to learn, grow and build confidence”.

Seema Pagarkar

MSc Business Analytics (Birmingham)

Technology analyst, Barclays

Why Business Analytics at Aston University London?

Professionally accredited

Accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IoA) as an IoA recognised programme

2nd in the UK

We have been ranked 2nd in the UK (Data Analytics; Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings, 2025)

Top 100 in Europe

We've been ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking 2024)

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Innovative and flexible content

Flexible choice of innovative content that can be tailored to suit your requirements and career path

One of the world's great cities

Vibrant, multicultural, welcoming. Spend your student years in one the world’s most cosmopolitan and fashionable cities, where the word ‘boredom’ doesn’t exist

Nandan's story

See how Aston London helped him build new friendships, grow his technical skills, and launch an exciting new chapter in his career.

Course description

MSc Business Analytics (London)

Our MSc Business Analytics programme offers a dynamic blend of cutting-edge analytical skills and real-world business insights, tailored to thrive in today's data-driven world. By being based in London you will be part of a vibrant cosmopolitan city and community, renowned for its diverse skills, cultures, beliefs, and wealth of knowledge.

What we will provide
First-class teaching, in the UK's capital city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from interdisciplinary learning, research-informed teaching and constructive assessment. You will learn from experts renowned for their work in data envelopment analysis (DEA), data mining, machine learning and time series forecasting.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

Aston University London is a gateway to a multitude of industry connections and networking opportunities, set against the backdrop of a city known for its international diversity and cultural richness.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
The MSc Business Analytics programme hones your quantitative skills for discerning trends and extracting insights from complex data. You will master descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, alongside data visualisation and analytical tool proficiency, enhancing decision-making and business performance for organisational leaders.

Career prospects
Our Business Analytics graduates are in high demand for roles in international companies and consultancies, equipped with skills to interpret and communicate strategic data insights, ensuring a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving and influential field.

By studying in London you will have prime location to open up numerous employment and career opportunities, thanks to the city's extensive industry connections and vibrant professional network.

How you will learn

At Aston University London, every programme on your chosen pathway will begin with a common landing module to introduce key fundamental concepts required by the rest of the pathway and to introduce you to the learning and teaching style of our innovative London courses.

You will be taught by a combination of academic and industry experts, and supported by our success coaches who will be with you every step of your journey to ensure you have the best possible chance of success in your degree. Our block teaching model means you will be able to plan your time around two days on campus each week, with the opportunity to spend more flexible time working on your individual and group projects. You will study at most two modules at a time, allowing you to focus in-depth on your chosen specialism and continually work on projects.

Group of people in business dress collaborating on project

Interdisciplinary Collaborative Project

Get ready to immerse yourself in a dynamic environment where you’ll build meaningful connections and make a real impact.

Find out more

What you will learn

Our programme integrates analytical skills, decision and game theory, machine learning, operational research and performance management. Emphasising real-world application, it equips you to analyse complex business scenarios, enhancing decision-making and consultancy skills within organisational contexts.

In the taught stage, you will practically apply this knowledge, mastering analytical techniques like data exploration and visualisation and predictive modelling. You will develop a nuanced understanding of the role analytics plays in decision-making, undertaking research projects that foster ethical practice and social responsibility. This stage hones essential transferable skills, preparing you for a dynamic career in business analytics, with capabilities in teamwork, communication and leadership.

In the dissertation phase, you will complete a research project on a business analytics topic of your choice, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.

You will also benefit greatly from the location of your studies, with around one-third of all international students in the UK residing in London, Aston University London provides a dynamic, multicultural learning environment that enhances both personal and professional growth.

Sri Ramya Vadali MSc Business Analytics graduate

Making the right choice

Sri Ramya described her lecturers, who “consistently provided unwavering support”, as one of the things she enjoyed most about her course.

Discover Sri Ramya's journey

Course objectives

Meets the needs of local, national and international candidates, enabling them to learn by the exchange of experience as well as formal academic study.
Develops the lifelong learning and personal development skills that equip you to aspire to senior positions and enhance your employability.
Enables you to reflect upon and develop your own position in relation to corporate responsibility, sustainability and ethics.
Develops awareness of skills needed to work effectively in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary teams.
Develops analytical skills essential for the analysis and presentation of business data to enhance and support the decision-making process.
Applies the theoretical knowledge and practical solution methods from operational research and statistics to business solutions in general.
Enables you to identify the appropriate level of business analytics techniques needed for various decision-making contexts and to carry out such analyses.
Allow you to analyse the application of decision and game theory to business decision making.
Develops inquiry, applied research and problem-solving skills to enable lifelong learning and professional development.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Module Title	Credits
Fundamentals of Digital Technologies (DG4FDTL) You will build the mathematical and programming foundations essential for computer science, data science, and AI. Through Python-driven projects, you will design and evaluate algorithms, predict outcomes, and explore machine learning, equipping yourself to tackle complex digital challenges with creativity and precision. Assessment is through a project, taking you from proposal to implementation.	15
Decision Models (BBM116L) You will learn how to formulate and use mathematical and spreadsheet models to support rational decision-making in organisations. The module introduces key techniques such as linear and integer programming, decision-making under risk and uncertainty, and multi-objective modelling, with an emphasis on practical application and managerial interpretation. Assessment is via an open-book class test and an individual project.	15
Descriptive Analytics (BBM100L) You will learn how to use data storytelling, visualisation, and descriptive statistics to explore and communicate business insights effectively. The module develops your ability to present clear, professional analyses using graphical and statistical methods grounded in international best practice. Assessment is via an open-book class test and an individual project report.	15
Predictive Analytics (BBM106L) You will develop practical skills in data mining, visualisation, and statistical modelling to solve real-world business problems. The module explores data preparation, dashboard design, and predictive modelling techniques such as linear regression, helping you interpret and communicate complex data insights effectively. Assessment is via an individual project.	15
Machine Learning for Business Analytics (BBM110L) You will gain practical experience in applying machine learning methods to analyse and forecast business data. The module covers data preparation, model development, classification, and regression, helping you design and evaluate solutions for real-world problems such as pricing, sales prediction, and risk assessment. Assessment is via an open-book quiz and an individual project.	15
Strategic Management (BLM103L) You will develop the skills to think and act strategically, analysing organisations and their competitive environments. By applying core frameworks and concepts, you will evaluate internal strengths and weaknesses, formulate strategic options, and make evidence-based recommendations. Embedded ethical, sustainability and corporate responsibility considerations prepare you to lead and implement strategy in dynamic, real-world organisational contexts. Assessment is via a reflective business case report.	15
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Project (AL4ICP) You will work in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams to tackle real-world client challenges, developing creativity, leadership, and collaborative skills. By applying design thinking and sustainability principles, you will research, design, and present responsible solutions while reflecting on your impact in team settings. Assessment combines group presentations and an individual reflective portfolio to capture both practical and personal development.	30
Total	120

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Module Title	Credits
Industry Research with an Entrepreneurial Mindset (AL4IRE) You will develop the skills to identify and address real-world challenges with creativity, critical thinking, and sustainability in mind. By applying research methods, design thinking, and entrepreneurial principles, you will generate industry-relevant proposals, analyse complex problems, and develop innovative solutions, equipping yourself to translate theory into actionable insights for business, community, and societal impact. Assessment is via an individual project proposal and an ethics quiz.	15
Independent Industry Project (AL4IIP) You will undertake an independent research project addressing a contemporary business issue relevant to your programme. By applying advanced research strategies, critical analysis, and project management skills under the guidance of a supervisor, you will evaluate complex problems, generate evidence-based insights, and communicate findings effectively, preparing yourself to make a meaningful impact in professional and organisational contexts. Assessment is via a final research report.	45
Total	60

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Promote social responsibility, sustainability, accountability and ethical practice in business practice.
Critically evaluate a range of complex situations, which may include finance, accounting, organisational behaviour, strategy, IT security, analytics, artificial intelligence, taking account of the inter-relationships of these topics and their interactions with other areas of business, industry and the external environment.
Demonstrate a range of transferable skills that are necessary for a successful career in business and enhance their employability. These may include: IT and computing skills, presentation and report writing skills, communication and teamworking (collaboration) skills, self-confidence, reflective practice, problem solving, leadership, decision making skills and ability to assimilate into multicultural and cross-cultural work teams.
Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research with an applied business focus.
Apply the fundamental mathematical concepts underpinning modern digital technologies to tackle real-world challenges through the implementation of bespoke computer code and off-the-shelf software packages.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main theories, principles, underlying concepts of business analytics and their relevance in an organisational context.
Demonstrate a high level of intellectual and analytical skills in the analysis of big data.
Understand how business analytics methods can support interventions in the decision-making process of organisations.
Identify and apply appropriate business analytics techniques such as visualisation methods, statistical models, predictive modelling approaches and optimisation techniques to support and enhance performance in management, perform prediction tasks and analyse big data.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)

Subject specific requirements

Applicants are also required to have taken the following quantitative modules at bachelor's level, achieving a minimum of 60%:

Mathematics
Statistics
Economics (micro / macro)
Finance
Computer Science
Any other quantitative disciplines

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Our requirements are:

IELTS 6.5 overall, 3 bands with 6.0, and no more than one band with 5.5 or equivalent

How to apply

Find out more about applying

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our team:

Email: contact@london.aston.ac.uk

Call: +44 (0)20 4536 4601

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£12,000

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£23,500

The duration of this programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Scholarships

At Aston University London we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

To find out if you are eligible for scholarships and discounts, please contact us now.

Assessment

The programme will be assessed through a combination of class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments. Our programmes at Aston University London have no exam assessments.

Career prospects

Being in London will open you to more opportunities for employment and future careers due to its extensive industry connections and vibrant professional network.

With insights from data often providing the basis for competitive advantage in the marketplace, it’s not surprising that business analytics graduates are becoming increasingly sought-after.

The transferable skills that our business or analytics programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

Business analyst
Business intelligence analyst
Strategy analyst
Operations analyst
Credit risk analyst
Analytics executive
Financial risk modelling analyst

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Atos, Appriss, Wren, FDM Group, Nationwide Building Society, Essence Global, QNB Group, Cognizant and the NHS.

Saloni Wadhwa Business Analytics graduate

Making a real impact

After graduating, Saloni Wadhwa put her MSc Business Analytics degree to good use in her role as data surveillance information officer at Public Health England.

Discover Saloni's journey

Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates