Business Analytics MSc

London, Canary Wharf

Organisations need talented people who can take data, understand it, visualise it, communicate it, and transform it into a powerful strategic asset. Study Business Analytics MSc at the UCL School of Management to enhance your “analytical” career opportunities and put yourself in a strong position for leadership roles as you develop the key skills needed to unlock the true value of data. 

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£24,100
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£43,500
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

We typically require an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with lower second class degrees (i.e. UK 2:2 or the overseas equivalent) may be considered if their application is supported strongly by relevant experience. In exceptional circumstances, we will also consider applicants without higher education qualifications provided they demonstrate a significant track record in this or a related field.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2
Please note that when applicable, students must meet Level 2 English in one single test.

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


This MSc Business Analytics explores how data and analytics are revolutionising areas like strategy, marketing, and operations. 

With companies today capturing trillions of bytes of information about their customers, suppliers, and operations, businesses need people who can understand data, process it, extract value from it, visualise it, and clearly communicate it - making data experts who can frame business problems through and communicate their solutions, in very high demand.

This programme will equip you with a highly sought-after mix of management insights, statistical, computational, and analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the technology required to handle data at scale, making effective use of the latest business analytics tools. You’ll graduate confident in manipulating and transforming large datasets into elegant solutions to complex business problems. 

Join us to develop the skillset needed to make your mark in leadership roles in the next generation of innovation-intensive organisations, whether you want to work in a global corporation, a consulting firm, or a high-growth startup.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for you if you want to solve business problems through data.

We are looking for intellectually curious, self-motivated individuals who are passionate about business, technology and people, and who are prepared to commit to a rigorous and intellectually demanding academic programme.

What this course will give you

This degree offers you the following benefits and opportunities: 

  • Study at UCL, a global top 10 global university (QS World University Rankings 2025).
  • Become part of the UCL School of Management. Ranked 2nd in the UK for business and management research, over 95% of the research at the School has been rated as “world-leading” and “internationally excellent” in the latest REF.  
  • Benefit from our extensive industry and faculty networks. We have close links with top global companies and high-growth businesses, many of whom work with our students on their Business Analytics MSc dissertations and projects. Learn more about our employer connections on the School of Management Careers webpage
  • Learn from teaching staff who work with and advise global organisations, governments, and the public sector, bringing their unparalleled insight and research from the field, right back into the classroom.
  • Soak up unparalleled views from our campus on Level 38 and Level 50 of the iconic One Canada Square, located in the heart of Canary Wharf, London’s global business and financial hub. You’ll also have full access to UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, a London district famous for its cultural and educational institutions. 
  • Apply your newly learned skills to a real business problem through the Term Three dissertation. 

The foundation of your career

You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of how companies use data to make decisions that improve business performance and gain practical experience with leading business analytics tools. 

You’ll leave this programme well-equipped to influence company strategy and decision-making and be confident to drive business performance by transforming data into a powerful strategic asset. You'll likely find employment in companies ranging from global corporations and consulting firms to high-growth startups in the finance, retail, and technology sectors. 

The programme has been instrumental in advancing my career and equipping me with the skills to thrive in the field of business analytics.

Headshot alumni student Ruoyu Li

Ruoyu Li

MSc Business Analytics

Employability

As the explosion of data disrupts industries and creates new opportunities, skills in this area will be particularly sought after.  

Over the course of your year with us, you’ll learn how to use data to help companies make better decisions and improve business performance. 

Your skills will be highly relevant to global corporations, consulting firms and high-growth startups in the finance, retail and technology sectors – particularly in industries and organisations characterised by rapid changes in problems, opportunities and tools. 

Graduates from this Master’s have gone on to work with some of the world’s largest companies, such as HSBC, PwC, Lloyds Banking Group, IBM, and many more.

Networking

You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate with, and build professional contacts as part of your Master’s. 

  • Take part in our specially designed Connected Cohort activities throughout the year, to link up with your peers and alumni
  • Develop practical networking skills and grow a personal network that’ll prove invaluable in helping you build a successful career.
  • Embark on optional study trips with the Global Engagement team to further develop your networks outside of the programme. 

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and project work. 

You’ll study four modules in Term One and four modules in Term Two, of which two are selected from the optional module list. In Term Three, you’ll undertake a Supervised Dissertation Project. 

Assessment methods for this programme include examinations, tests, quizzes, individual coursework, group coursework, presentations, and a Dissertation Project. 

Each taught module is delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. Some of the modules may have additional workshop sessions.

In addition, you'll spend approximately 7-12 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars.

Modules

The programme consists of 6 core modules (15 credits each), 2 optional modules (15 credits each) and a dissertation project (60 credits). 

You can also choose from the list of optional modules, however, there are some restrictions in the selection depending on timetabling and specialist groupings. You will be made aware of the module selection process by the programme team. 

The module choices have been strategically selected to ensure that you: 

  • Gain the necessary statistical skills to make effective use of the latest analytics methods and tools 
  • Understand how companies create value and competitive advantage through data 
  • Explore how data and analytics unlock value and improve business performance through high-impact business analytics projects 

Core modules in Programming for Business Analytics and Predictive Analytics in Terms 1 and 2 respectively, provide a foundation for delivering an analytical solution to a business problem, flowing naturally into the Term 3 Dissertation Project. Learn more about the types of dissertation projects you can undertake on the UCL School of Management website. 

To be successful in your studies, you’ll be expected to complete a significant amount of independent study beyond tutor-led sessions. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Business Analytics.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Where you'll study

Two people in open plan office looking out of window of skyscraper

Home to UCL’s business and management research and education programmes, the UCL School of Management focuses on creating disruptive research and preparing the next generation of creative and influential leaders who can apply the latest technological developments as a strategic asset for businesses in the complex, interconnected world of the future. Through outstanding teaching by leading academics in their field and a fantastic, dedicated careers team at the School, we provide you with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to expand professional opportunities and progress in your career.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £24,100
Tuition fees (2025/26) £43,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

This programme does not have any compulsory additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing or photocopying. 

You may have opportunities to undertake optional international study trips. The costs of such trips are usually covered by students although some elements may be subsidised or grants available depending on the destination, organisational and support responsibilities. On average, costs would be around £1,500 to £2,500 depending on the trip location, personal flight preferences and spending habits, as well as the prevailing exchange rates. 

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

The Fulbright Commission Award

The Fulbright Commission Award is available for a US graduate student or those with equivalent experience in a relevant field to study the Business Analytics MSc. Please note this is only available to citizens of the United States of America. Further details are on the Fulbright website and the Fulbright US Student Program website.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Global Finance Scholarship

Value: Up to £10,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

The Excellence Scholarship - School of Management

Value: Up to £10,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

The Impact Scholarship - School of Management

Value: Up to £10,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 26 June 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £16,000 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Women in Finance Scholarship

Value: Up to £10,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

A staged admissions process is in place for this programme. This means that when you apply, your application will be considered with all others that have submitted before the deadline. This enables us to ensure that all applications are considered fairly and equally.

Applications submitted, and considered complete by 9 December 2024 can expect to receive a response on their application by 10 February 2025.

Applications submitted, and considered complete by 21 February 2025 can expect to receive a response on their application by 25 April 2025.

Applications submitted, and considered complete by 18 April 2025 can expect to receive a response on their application by 6 June 2025.

Please note that our 'response' may include being informed that your application is being held for further review against other applicants. All applicants will receive a response no later than 5th June 2025.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £160 for both online and paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

  • why do you want to study Business Analytics at the graduate level?
  • why do you want to study Business Analytics at the UCL School of Management?
  • what do you want to get out of this programme based on its contents, and what tangible evidence do you have toward achieving your aspirations?  
  • how your academic and professional background meet the demands of this challenging programme?  
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree? 
     

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver and critically evaluate your suitability and experience. We’re particularly looking for unique candidates who can bring something extra to the programme and its cohort of students.  

Applicants who meet the entry requirements and are suitable for the programme may be invited for an online interview via Kira Talent. Applicants invited to interview will have a window of 7 calendar days from receipt of the email to complete the interview. An applicant’s failure to complete their interview within this window would lead to an unsuccessful application. 

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Got questions? Get in touch

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