Durham University Business School
Durham, United Kingdom
Our MSc in Business Analytics will enable you to play a key role in modern business by giving you the skills and knowledge to gain competitive business insight from big data.
With businesses increasingly relying on Artificial Intelligence and advanced analytics to understand and predict customer behaviour, optimise internal processes, and manage suppliers effectively, this programme prepares you to navigate and lead in this data-driven world. In a supportive, research-led learning environment, you will explore the complexities of big data, machine learning, and natural language processing, applying cutting-edge AI techniques to extract key insights and drive strategic decision-making.
Course Structure
Your MSc Business Analytics programmes consists of a set of core modules beginning with an in-depth understanding and introduction to Business Analytics, through to modules that will provide you with an appreciation of, and the ability to apply, a range of predictive and prescriptive business-analytics techniques. A highlight of the programme is the International Field Trip, with the programme culminating in the Business Analytics Project.
Data Analytics in Action - International Field Trip
With travel and accommodation costs fully funded by the University*, the International Field Trip aims to provide you with the experiential learning needed to acquire an inside perspective of operating globally. You will visit a series of data-intensive participating organisations, where you will analyse each organisation using a structured learning approach and present your analysis to the representatives of the participating organisations. This activity provides an excellent opportunity to apply your academic learning to a real-world challenge, whilst enhancing your employability through exposure to new cultures and ways of working in international companies.
*Documentation will be provided by the Business School to aid your visa application, however, if you are unsuccessful in obtaining a visa for the field trip, no refund on fees will be provided.
Business Analytics Project
The Business Analytics Project requires you to conduct an in-depth investigation into an issue which is applicable and relevant to business analytics, and which will be underpinned by business analytics approach, methods and techniques covered in the other modules. You will be able to choose a project by either working with a host organisation or by producing an issue-led investigation which is not focused on just one organisation but instead examines a specific business analytics issue. This project will be supervised by a faculty member and is an opportunity for you to develop your insight and present your analysis and ideas in a scholarly and professional manner.
Practitioner insights: Guest Speaker Programme
As part of the programme, you will be encouraged to attend presentations by leading academics and professionals who are specialists in your particular area of interest. Combining critical and progressive thinking with practical insight, past speakers have included representatives of major global multinationals and leading scholars, combining critical and progressive thinking with practical
World-class Departments
Delivered full-time over one year, the programme is led by the Department of Computer Science and co-delivered and co-managed with the Business School, combining expertise from both departments to provide a well-rounded education in AI-driven business analytics.
The Business School itself is one of the longest established in the UK with a reputation for academic excellence and state-of-the-art learning facilities. It is also one of an elite group of institutions in the UK to be accredited by all three major business education accreditation bodies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
The Department of Computer Science is one of Durham’s newest academic departments, having rapidly grown to be a thriving home for staff, undergraduates, postgraduates, and visitors. Ranked 11th out of 117 universities in the Complete University Guide 2026, the Department delivers high-quality teaching and research and offers a friendly and inclusive place to study and work for all.
World class Business Education
