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Title
Business AnalyticsMSc
Category
graduate
UUID
cea17344f07b4db5b7029c5dcb3c0e47
Source URL
https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/business-analytics-msc
Parent URL
https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026
Crawl Time
2026-03-23T16:33:52+00:00
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Business AnalyticsMSc

Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/business-analytics-msc Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026

2026-27 entry

Business Analytics MSc

Management School, Faculty of Social Sciences\

The complex business challenges of today need managers with the analytical and technical skills to tackle them. You’ll gain skills including the use of Python and data visualisation, and explore how to apply them to decision-making within a business on our MSc Business Analytics.

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Apply now for 2026 entry or book a place on our online open day on 29 April 2026 to see where a Sheffield masters could take you.

Course description

Making effective decisions is crucial in today’s business world. This course will develop the skills that you need to analyse complex business challenges and make decisions that have a positive impact. You do not need to have studied data or analytics before to study this course.

You’ll build up your analytical and technical skills during the course, starting with the fundamentals and progressing to learn about complex analytical models, decision-making and carrying out your own independent research.

We use our links with industry to bring guest lecturers to the course and you’ll work with real-world data sets to put the skills you learn into practice. Working with industry experts during the course means that you’ll develop your knowledge of working with stakeholders to understand their needs.

For the project dissertation, you can choose to work with an organisation to get more industry experience and apply the theory from the course to a real-world challenge.

1:12

Learn about industry experts, programming and how you'll be assessed on our Business Analytics MSc

2:02

The analytical and behavioural skills you'll learn are transferable across any industry and sector

Accreditation

The Management School is Triple Crown accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.

Association of MBAs (AMBA) EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Modules

This is a new course. We’re in the process of confirming the modules. The information on this page gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover. There may be changes before you begin your studies. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details of the core and optional modules available to you.

MSc modules

Core modules:

Fundamentals of Business and Management : In this module, you will build a strong foundation in business and management concepts, focusing on integrating analytics into decision-making. You will explore key areas like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources (HR) learning how data can enhance strategies, improve efficiency, and create a competitive edge. You will also dive into key frameworks on how firms compete and outperform competitors  using analytics.\ \ Through case studies and hands-on projects, you will  apply analytics to optimise performance and uncover new opportunities. You will also learn how analytics drives both internal operations and external strategies, improving productivity and market insights. Finally, you will discover how leadership and change management foster a data-driven culture. By the end, you will be equipped to use analytics in real business scenarios, preparing you for success in today's data-driven world.

**15 credits**

Probability and Statistics : This module provides a practical and engaging introduction to probability and statistics, equipping you with essential skills for data analysis. You will learn key concepts such as probability theory, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, and basic linear models—fundamental tools for making sense of data.\ \ Through hands-on exercises and real-world applications, you will develop the ability to interpret data, draw meaningful conclusions, and make informed decisions. This module also covers experimental design, helping you understand how to structure research to ensure reliable and valid results.By the end of this module, you will have the confidence to apply statistical techniques in business, science, or everyday problem-solving, laying a strong foundation for more advanced analytics.

**15 credits**

Mathematical Modelling for Decision-Making : In this module, you will learn key mathematical modelling techniques used in decision-making essential in business analytics. These techniques are widely applied in industries like supply chain management, marketing, and operations to solve problems related to resource allocation, production scheduling, and logistics. You will learn continuous and linear optimisation, formulation of optimisation problems and the interpretation of solutions in a business context, using general optimisation solvers to efficiently solve large-scale problems. You will explore mixed-integer linear, integer, and nonlinear programming models and their application areas. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, you will apply these techniques to real business analytics problems, learning to use solvers for efficient problem-solving. By the end of the module, you will be prepared for more advanced topics in the second semester.

**15 credits**

Programming for Business Analytics : This module introduces programming languages essential for business analytics, with a strong focus on Python and its ability to integrate with tools like Excel, R, SQL, and commercial solvers. Rather than a theoretical coding course, this module takes a hands-on, application-driven approach, demonstrating how programming supports real-world business analytics.\ \ Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, you will learn: Fundamental programming concepts for data manipulation and analysis. How to write clean, efficient, and well-documented code following best practices. Seamless integration of Python with Excel, SQL databases, and other analytical tools. Application of programming in business scenarios, such as financial modeling, marketing analytics, and operational optimisation.\ \ Using a blended learning approach, the module combines theory, coding exercises, and real-world case studies to help you gain confidence in applying programming to business problems. By the end, you will be equipped with the skills to develop data-driven solutions, automate workflows, and enhance decision-making in a business environment.

**15 credits**

Advanced Analytics: Econometrics and Forecasting : Based on the foundations laid in the first semester through the Probability and Statistics module, you will have a structured approach to data analysis, focusing on econometrics and forecasting. You will also develop the ability to predict future trends and outcomes, equipping you to create solutions that optimise resource allocation, forecast demand, or guide strategic planning. You will gain hands-on experience applying these methods to real-world scenarios, enhancing your ability to make data-driven predictions and informed decisions.

**15 credits**

Data Mining and Visualisation : This course equips you with the skills to extract valuable insights from unstructured data using advanced data mining techniques and effective data visualisation methods.You will learn how to identify meaningful patterns, trends, and relationships within large datasets, applying machine learning algorithms and statistical techniques to real-world business problems.A key focus of this module is data visualisation, where you will develop hands-on expertise in an industry-leading business intelligence (BI) platform, widely used for interactive and dynamic data storytelling. You will explore best practices for designing compelling visualisations, dashboards, and reports that effectively communicate data-driven findings to business stakeholders.

**15 credits**

Decision Support Systems : This module equips you with the tools to optimise operations and improve efficiency in complex environments. Building on the foundations of the Mathematical Modelling for Decision-Making  module, you will tackle real-world challenges like vehicle routing, scheduling, and supply chain design. You will also explore tools that support spatial decision-making, gaining hands-on experience with industry-relevant decision support tools. By the end of the module, you will be able to apply these techniques to solve logistical and operational problems across various sectors.

**15 credits**

Database Management and Governance : In this module, you will explore the foundational concepts of database management and data structures, focusing on widely used technologies and techniques in business analytics. A core aspect of the module is mastering Structured Query Language (SQL), an essential tool for querying, managing, and manipulating databases efficiently. Through hands-on exercises, you will develop practical skills in designing and optimising databases to support data-driven decision-making. Beyond technical skills, this module places a strong emphasis on data governance and ethics. You will critically examine the legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks that shape data management, including GDPR, compliance standards, and responsible AI. By understanding key principles such as data privacy, security, and accountability, you will learn how to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and ensure responsible data practices in professional settings. By the end of the module, you will not only be proficient in SQL and database management but also equipped with the knowledge to make informed, ethical decisions in handling data within organizations. These skills will be crucial in ensuring trust, compliance, and sustainability in business analytics.

**15 credits**

Business Analytics in Practice : This module equips you with the skills to analyse data and drive business decisions. Through real-world case studies and hands-on projects, you will tackle challenges in finance, marketing, supply chains, manufacturing and customer analytics.\ \ You will learn to apply statistical models, data visualisation, and machine learning techniques to extract insights and predict outcomes. Beyond technical skills, the module emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication—ensuring you can present complex findings in a clear, business-relevant way.\ \ With industry case studies, collaborative projects, and expert insights, this module prepares you to leverage analytics for strategic decision-making in any organisation.

**15 credits**

Capstone Project for Business Analytics : This capstone project is an industry-focused research project desirably conducted in collaboration with business partners. You will apply your analytical skills to solve practical business problems and gain valuable real-world experience.

**45 credits**

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

Open days

Interested in postgraduate taught study?

Duration

1 year full-time

Teaching

Learn more about academics involved in the programme : ### Dr Emilia Vann Yaroson

[Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management
\

Management School](https://sheffield.ac.uk/management/people/academic-staff/omds/emilia-vann-yaroson)

:   **[e.v.yaroson@sheffield.ac.uk](mailto:e.v.yaroson@sheffield.ac.uk)**
:   **[+44 114 222 3237](tel:+44 114 222 3237)**

[Open staff member portrait in a modal window](https://sheffield.ac.uk/management/people/academic-staff/omds/emilia-vann-yaroson)

Assessment

Your career

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and experience that you need for a career in the field of business analytics. During the course you’ll gain hands-on experience and skills that make you highly employable after graduation, such as:

Possible career pathways include:

These roles could be based in industries such as consulting, finance, retail, logistics, tech, healthcare, and government.

Our careers and employability teams are here to support you with any career related questions. You'll have access to career appointments, a wide range of workshops, and up-to-date resources to help you achieve your full potential.

Graduates of the MSc Business Analytics will enter the job market with in-demand skills in Python, SQL, data visualisation and decision modelling.

Employers value professionals who can translate complex data into clear business insights, and this programme equips students to do exactly that. The combination of technical expertise and stakeholder-focused communication skills ensures that graduates are immediately employable in data-driven roles across sectors.

Sanjay Parekh

Entrepreneur and Business Leader

School

Management School

We are a leading management school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). These awards have been achieved through the outstanding quality of our programmes, research output, support for students and alumni, and links with industry. We have a world-class reputation for high quality teaching, ground-breaking research and cutting-edge thinking.

You’ll be part of a dynamic and engaging management school that puts you and your future at the heart of everything it does. We balance a rigorous academic foundation with practical skills to ensure you are ready for the world of work.

We want you to develop skills so you can apply course content in a company setting. Our close links with organisations keep us in tune with the changing demands of the workplace. We know what employers are looking for.

You'll learn from experts - many are former industry professionals and they work closely with businesses. Because our academics are world-leading researchers, your education will draw on the most current management theories.

We want you to engage with the academic content, be conscientious and take an independent approach to study. We want you to be informed, innovative and proactive and do everything we can to support and enhance your career, steering you in the right direction with all the knowledge and skills you require.

You'll benefit from tailored on-site and online professional careers support, dedicated skills sessions and events with experts from world-leading organisations and professional bodies. These activities will help guide your personal and professional development to help you secure your dream placement, internship or graduate role.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject.

We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

If required degree subjects and modules are listed, these are indicative only. Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

Other English language qualifications we accept

Other requirements

We will not ask you to provide references or referee details as part of your application.

We do not require a supporting statement for this programme.

Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering or Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.

Fees and funding

Funding for postgraduate taught courses

Save on your course fees

£3,000 scholarships for international students

Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount (subject to eligibility) - no separate application form required.

Save up to £2,500 on your course fees

Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.

Apply

You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

Apply now

More information

Management School

Contact

Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

Contacts for prospective students

Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

Our student protection plan

Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

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