Business Analytics

Globally, business analytics is a rapidly growing field of study which is applied across private, public, and non-profit sectors. From SME’s to MNC’s, worldwide, businesses have experienced an exponential growth of data. Business Analytics will empower you to explore how data can be transformed into business insights to improve business decisions. You’ll develop advanced skills that are in demand and meet the global business demand for analysts to help businesses gain competitive advantage and enhance strategic decision making.   

Business analytics is a recent and rapidly growing field of study which is applied across private, public, and non-profit sectors. From SME’s to MNC’s, locally and internationally, businesses have experienced an exponential growth of data collated and stored within their organisation's environment. As a business analytics student you’ll explore how data can be transformed into business insights to improve business decisions. You’ll develop skills that are in demand in the current knowledge economy and meet the demand for analysts to help businesses gain competitive advantage and enhance strategic decision making.  

Skills for your future career

The MSc Business Analytics develops advanced analytical and technical capabilities required for postgraduate-level roles in today’s data-driven business environment. You will gain the ability to interpret complex datasets, apply business analytics techniques, and use industry-standard tools to support evidence-based decision-making. 

You will gain practical experience using business simulation software such as SIMUL8, enterprise systems including SAP S/4HANA, and data visualisation tools such as Tableau, alongside advanced use of Microsoft Excel for data analysis, modelling, and reporting. These tools are applied to real-world business scenarios to develop your ability to generate insight and support effective decision-making. 

On completion, you will be prepared for postgraduate roles such as Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Marketing Analyst, and Consulting Analyst, as well as roles in business intelligence and performance reporting, customer insight, and process improvement. 

You will be equipped to translate data into actionable insights that inform business strategy and enhance organisational performance across a range of industries.

Members of the SAP University Alliance

SAP University Alliances is a global program that connects universities with SAP. The University of Derby teaches with the latest technologies and provides students with hands-on experience of SAP S4/HANA, preparing students for SAP certification and employability.

Improve Processes with Business Simulation

Simul8 software is used in the Systems Analysis with Business Simulation module for discrete event simulation. Widely adopted across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, call centres, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, Simul8 enables organisations to model, analyse, and improve complex processes. The software allows you to test ideas and optimise performance in a risk-free virtual environment.

Grounded in sustainability

Sustainability issues are considered throughout the programme and are linked to the UN’s sustainability development goals. None of the SDGs would be measurable were it not for the use of the analytical tools and techniques. The course also considers sustainability in its wider sense as well as ethics and data governance.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will benefit from continuous formative feedback, expert academic support, and constructive guidance designed to strengthen your analytical ability and professional confidence. With support from your Personal Academic Tutor, you will be encouraged to reflect on your development and focused on becoming career ready. You will also have opportunities to enhance your experience through relevant internships, helping you build resilience, self-efficacy, and a clear sense of purpose. Learning is delivered through an engaging blend of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, small-group tutorials, computer lab sessions, simulations, real-world case studies, guest lectures and industry insights, and placement opportunities ensuring you graduate with both advanced technical expertise and practical industry experience.

How you will be assessed

The programme uses a broad range of assessment methods designed to reflect diverse student cohorts and ensure inclusivity. Assessments are designed to enhance your employability by developing real world analytical, problem-solving and presentation skills. The assessment strategy includes both formative and summative assessments which are an integral part of your learning journey. As well as assessing knowledge, the assessments require you to apply understanding and critical reflection in context, helping to better prepare you for employment. Assessments are grounded in professional practice, and you expect to work on live briefs set by external organisations.

The course is designed to develop your practical skills and empower you to make an impact within an organisation through the application and interpretation of business analysis for effective business decision making. Graduates would be well placed to enter roles such as:

• Data or Business Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Finance Consultant
• Marketing Insights Analyst
• Management Information Analyst.

The course covers specific skills that current employers are seeking including specialist software skills such as Excel, Simul8, SAP, SQL, Google Analytics and Tableau; as well as analytical, communication, presentation, report-writing, data visualisation and team working skills. You will build knowledge and analytical skills in relevant subject domains, such as statistics, marketing and operations management.

Guest speakers, live briefs and real datasets will be used as part of the teaching, learning and assessment to ensure the programme is well grounded in up-to-date industry knowledge and practice to further boost your employability.  

• You will need an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline that has covered, for example, quantitative methods, research methods, statistics, economics, finance, metrics or budgets. Applicants are not expected to have an entirely quantitative degree but must be comfortable working with numerical data. Applications from candidates with relevant professional/industrial experience will be considered on an individual basis.
• If English is not your first language, you will also need IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each skills area.

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you'll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.