A Masters degree in Business Analytics is becoming increasingly popular for those looking to take their career to the next level. With the rise of big data, businesses now have abundant information at their fingertips. With a Master's in Business Analytics, professionals can gain the knowledge and skills to interpret that data and use it to make informed decisions.
Data is all around us, from online banking and shopping to booking movie tickets, listening to music, or playing games for leisure. However, the usefulness of this data can only be realised when we have the ability to extract valuable insights from it to advance a product or service.
The curriculum of Business Analytics is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques of data analysis, data mining, and business intelligence. It also teaches the fundamentals of predictive analysis and how to apply them to real-world business problems. The UK offers this course at several leading universities and colleges, inviting students from the world over to come and improvise their business acumen. This article explores the top universities for the program, its admission requirements, the cost of studying, and job prospects upon completion.
UK’s education system is designed to help students unravel their inherent skills and true potential. This is why the country’s educational institutions are highly preferred over those in other nations. Some of the other reasons why studying an MSc in Business Analytics in the UK has several advantages for an international student are:
UK universities focus more on developing a student's complete personality and skill sets rather than only imparting the course curriculum. This helps create the students' inner talent and imbibe confidence in them professionally.
Most of the UK’s colleges and universities feature among the top global rankings as per QS and THE World University Rankings of 2023.
The job prospects for PG graduates of
Masters in Business Analytics in the UK
are plenty and open in numerous career domains. Students can freely choose to pursue the career that best suits them.
The following sections explain in detail the Business Analytics course in the UK, covering the essential information you should know. This includes the duration of the course, the cost of pursuing it, the cost of living in the UK, and the standard eligibility criteria acceptable at most universities for the program.
To be considered eligible for admission into a UK university for the MSc in BA program, the student must qualify the following criteria:
A Bachelors or Undergraduate degree from an internationally recognized university in either Management, Engineering, or any other area of study related to Business Analytics
An aggregate score of at least 60% in the Bachelors or equivalent
The criteria specified above are acceptable as a general standard by most universities in the UK. However, every university in the country will likely have its own set of requirements for the admission process for MSc Business Analytics. As a result, do make sure to enquire at the university you're applying to for any specific requirements it may have.
In addition to satisfying the eligibility requirements, you would also need to submit some documents to the university you apply to for the MSc in Business Analytics program:
Updated CV or Resume
Letter of Recommendation from the previous study institution or employer (as may be applicable)
Copies of academic transcripts
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Test scores of eligibility tests like the GMAT or GRE
The score secured in English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
The list of documents required may also vary from one university to the other. In addition, some colleges may require additional copies of other relevant documents from the candidates.
A Master's program in Business Analytics at universities in the UK typically has a duration of 1-2 years. The course is highly intensive, providing specialised training in the field of Business Analytics to students and preparing them to deal with real-world business environment challenges. However, different universities in the country may have slightly different course duration depending on the course curriculum they design for the enrolled students.
The course's curriculum is designed keeping in mind that the students already have a Bachelors degree in the domain and therefore need to move up a notch in both learning and practical skill application. MSc in Business Analytics provides ample opportunity for advanced learning and the application of skills and knowledge to authentic business settings for problem-solving.
The course primarily focuses on covering the following core subjects as part of the Business Analytics syllabus:
Big Data Analytics
Predictive Analytics
Experiential Learning
Financial Accounting
Building and Managing Teams
Project Management of Analytics Projects
Analytics for Competitive Advantage
The cost of studying Masters in Business Analytics in the UK varies in different universities and colleges. Depending on the location of the university, its global ranking, and other factors, every university would have a different fee structure for the same program. Therefore, check with the university you apply to before applying for the course.
Masters in Business Analytics cost is estimated to be roughly GBP 21,900 - GBP 37,300 annually for Indian students. This cost generally covers only the tuition fee of the course. International students are also required to bear some additional costs, such as pre-arrival costs in the UK, application and registration fees, and admission costs. Besides this, accommodation and other lifestyle spending also form a significant part of the student's expenditure in the UK.
As mentioned earlier, the UK has numerous universities and colleges that offer internationally recognised degrees in Masters in Business Analytics. The table below enlists the top MSc Business Analytics UK universities ranked as per QS and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023. This would help you make an informed choice while opting for a university for your Masters program.
University Name | QS World Ranking 2023 | THE World University Rankings 2023 | Next Admission Intake |
University of Cambridge | 2 | 3 | Sep |
University of Oxford | 4 | 1 | Sep |
Imperial College London | 6 | 10 | Jan |
UCL | 8 | 22 | Sep |
The University of Edinburgh | 15 | 29 | Sep |
The University of Manchester | 28 | 54 | June |
King's College London | 37 | 35 | Sep |
The London School of Economics | 56 | 37 | Oct |
University of Bristol | 61 | 76 | Sep |
The University of Warwick | 64 | 104 | Sep |
Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/world-ranking#!/page/1/length/25/locations/GBR/sort_by/stats_pc_intl_students/sort_order/desc/cols/stats
UK universities make it relatively easy for Indian students to apply to and pursue MS graduate programs. The government is keen on encouraging more students from India and other international countries to come and study in the UK. For this reason, a wide array of scholarship programs are initiated and funded by the UK government. Listed below are some popular UK scholarships for Indian students for the MSc in Business Analytics program:
Scholarship | Offering University | Mode of Funding |
Apply for the British Council IELTS Award 2022 | Worldwide Universities | Partial |
Sanctuary International Visitors Support Scheme, | University of Sheffield | Full |
British Chevening Scholarships 2022 | UK universities | Full |
Imperial Business Analytics | Imperial College Business School | Partial |
The universities listed above have defined eligibility criteria for international students applying for these scholarships. Please check with the university before applying to any of the scholarship programs.
An MSc in Business Analytics is a highly demanded course in the UK, inviting millions of applications every year. One reason for this is the growing job market for the specialisation and the corresponding handsome pay packages.
By pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics with a placement option in the UK, you can anticipate numerous job opportunities to become available upon graduation from a reputable university in the UK.
Some of these include:
Business Analyst
Credit Controller
Cyber Security Engineer
Risk Manager
Project Manager
The annual average salary for the starting position of a Business Analyst in the UK is estimated to be approximately GBP 36,000 per annum.
Still trying to decide which university to choose for your MSc in Business Analytics program in the UK? Our expert IDP counsellors would help put all your worries to rest. Get in touch with us for assistance today!
1. Is MSc in Business Analytics a STEM degree in the UK?
Yes, the program falls under the category of STEM courses as it imparts advanced learning in Mathematics and Technology, both of which comprise a part of the STEM field of study.
2. What is the average salary for a Business Analyst in the UK?
A Business Analyst fresher (entry-level) in the UK is estimated to earn roughly GBP 45,000 annually.
3. What is the scope of a Business Analyst in the UK?
Assuming the role of a Business Analyst in an organisation would expect you to assist in managing, planning, and executing those changes for the future of the business, which are in its best interest with regard to profitability.
4. Do I need GMAT for a Master's in Business Analytics in the UK?
Most UK universities require students to submit their GRE/GMAT test scores during the application process for admission into an MSc Business Analytics course. It is better to check with the university you’re applying to.
Estimate how much you will need to cover your expenses including cost of living comparison for various country and accommodation options.