Business Analytics and Decision Sciences

Course content

This programme will build your knowledge and understanding of how business analytics can provide evidence to support management decision-making. You'll learn how to use different evidence-based approaches to make effective decisions, developing your skills in quantitative analysis.

You'll learn to use advanced analytical techniques such as forecasting, predictive modelling, clustering and optimisation while having the opportunity to apply your decision-making skills to real-life business and management scenarios. With the support of leading researchers in this constantly shifting landscape, you'll also gain an understanding of research methods and consultancy.

A range of optional modules allows you to gain specialist knowledge that suits your interests or career plans.

The course culminates in a 12,000 word dissertation or project, enabling you to apply your learning to a topic of your choice. This is an opportunity to explore the very latest insights with the support of an academic who shares your passion and interest.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

You'll take eight compulsory modules including your dissertation.

• Effective Decision Making 15 credits
• Advanced Management Decision Making 15 credits
• Business Analytics and Decision Science 15 credits
• Forecasting and Advanced Business Analytics 15 credits
• Evidence Based Consultancy 15 credits
• Research Methods 15 credits
• Quantitative Analysis 15 credits
• Business Analytics and Decision Sciences Dissertation 45 credits

Optional modules

You'll also take two optional modules.

• Behavioural Finance 15 credits
• Risk Perception and Communication 15 credits
• Managing Global Logistics and Supply Chains 15 credits
• Operations and Supply Chain Management 15 credits
• Managing and Designing Value Chain Networks 15 credits
• Information Tools for Organisations 15 credits
• Challenges in Information Management 15 credits
• Designing Information Systems 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Business Analytics and Decision Sciences MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning, computer classes and tutorials.

Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.

Assessment

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. You'll be assessed using a range of techniques including exams, group projects, written assignments and essays, in-course assessment, group and individual presentations and reports.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject. A strong grounding in quantitative subjects is required, typically through some university-level study in subjects such as statistics, management science, computer science or mathematics. In exceptional circumstances, outstanding performance in mathematics and/or statistics at pre-university level can be considered.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course
  or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Business Management and Enterprise (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Business Management and Enterprise (10 weeks).

How to apply

Application deadlines

UK/EU: 31 August 2018

International: applications received before 31 March 2018 will receive equal consideration. Applications made after 31 March 2018 will be considered on a first-come first-served basis. The latest possible application date for international applicants is 30 June 2018. Should capacity be reached we reserve the right to close any course to new applications before the latest possible application date of 30 June 2018.

• Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you're still studying
• Two academic references
• A personal statement
• An up-to-date CV
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language
• A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

UK/EU: £11,250 (total)

International: £21,000 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances.

We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.

There are several scholarships available for this course that you may be eligible for, including:

• Masters in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences International Excellence Scholarship
• Masters in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences UK/EU Excellence Scholarship
• Dean's Excellence Scholarship (UK/EU and International)
• Leeds Alumni Bursary and Excellence Scholarship

Read more about Business School scholarships.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Business Analytics and Decision Sciences can expect to have the quantitative skills to analyse complex business information, and use the resulting intelligence to inform business decisions.

You will be ideally placed to pursue a career in analytics and decision making, general and specialist management roles in a range of industries, or as business or market analysts. Our recent graduates are now working in roles such as data quality analyst for the NSH, business analyst at Transport for London, operational researcher with The Home Office, operational research analyst for the Department of Health and advisor in business intelligence for Dell International LLC.

Employers in both private and public sectors are actively seeking graduates with these skills, and trends show that the career opportunities are fast increasing. The role of the data scientist was described as the 'Sexiest Job of the 21st Century' by the Harvard Business Review.

Demand for experts in business analytics is growing rapidly and the University of Leeds is at the forefront of developments in this area.

Read more about Business Analytics at Leeds.

Links with industry

Students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills as part of our Leaders in Residence initiative which gives management students the opportunity to engage with senior figures from the world of business. This is a rare opportunity where successful and established business people will help you connect the theory of your course to real world practice, and offer their advice for career success.

You will be able to connect with leaders from a range of firms including major manufacturers and retailers, charity chief executives, entrepreneurs and directors of companies large and small, through structured meetings and events. This typically includes workshops, social events, guest lectures and professional skills development.

Careers support

We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support as part of the course. You benefit from our professional development tutor, who will work with you to develop the important professional skills that employers value.

Read more about our careers and professional development support.

The Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.

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