The BSc Business Analytics at Bristol offers training in how organisations can use data — descriptive, predictive, prescriptive analytics — to make better decisions across sectors like tech, finance, retail, and healthcare. It is suited for students who enjoy both quantitative thinking and business problems, and who want to learn data analysis, optimisation, forecasting, and social media analytics in real-world settings.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
Students begin with foundation modules covering basic data techniques and business principles, learning to work with descriptive analytics and introductory statistical tools. They also get exposure to coding or data handling and business case studies so they can see how data supports decision making.
Year 2:
The second year builds on this with modules in predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, optimisation and forecasting, plus social media analytics. Students apply these methods to solve business case studies, engage in workshops or projects with external stakeholders, and refine their ability to forecast, model and recommend actions based on data.
Year 3:
In the final year, students take specialised modules and undertake a capstone or project-based component where they apply what they have learned to more complex, integrative problems. They also look at communicating results, ethics, and possibly social or enterprise aspects of analytics in business contexts.
Focus areas: “Descriptive, predictive & prescriptive analytics; optimisation & forecasting; social media analytics; business decision-making; data case studies”
Learning outcomes: “Develop technical skills in statistical and predictive modelling; understand optimisation and forecasting methods; apply analytics to business problems; communicate data-driven insights; gain experience via case studies and workshops”
Professional alignment (accreditation): “Designed in collaboration with industry partners (IBM, LV General Insurance), informed by current business analytics research and employer needs”
Reputation (employability rankings): “As part of University of Bristol, whose Business & Management research (including Business Analytics) is 88% world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021; graduates are highly sought after for roles like Business Analyst, Consultant, Product Manager etc.”
This programme focuses on applying data analysis techniques to real-world business problems using the University's specialist facilities. You will develop practical skills in statistical modelling, data mining, and business intelligence using industry-standard software and tools. This hands-on approach is delivered through:
Specialist Computing Facilities: Access to the University's Data Science Lab and computing suites with high-specification workstations for data analysis and programming.
Industry-Standard Software: Practical work with analytics programming languages like Python and R, plus business intelligence tools such as Tableau and database management systems like SQL.
Substantial Individual Project: A major final-year project where you tackle a substantial business analytics challenge, applying the full data lifecycle from acquisition to insight generation and strategic recommendation.
Project-Based Learning: Collaborative group work using real-world business datasets, focusing on data-driven decision-making and analytical reporting.
Graduates of the University of Bristol's BSc Business Analytics program develop expertise in data-driven decision making across sectors such as finance, technology, retail, logistics, and healthcare. They are well-prepared for career paths including Business Analyst, Consultant, Product Manager, and Data Analyst:
The university’s Careers Service provides personalized support such as career coaching, CV workshops, internships, and employer networking opportunities, especially through partnerships with companies like IBM and LV= General Insurance.
Employment statistics show that 88% of graduates progress to work or further study, with average salaries around £32,000 within 15 months of graduation, rising to approximately £53,500 five years post-graduation.
Bristol’s SETSquared incubator offers entrepreneurial support and connections to startups, enhancing employment prospects.
The degree benefits from long-term academic and industry recognition, aligned with world-leading business and management research rated highly in the REF 2021.
Typical graduate outcomes include roles in analytics, consulting, product management, and strategy development in diverse sectors.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue postgraduate study such as MSc programs in Data Science, Business Analytics, or related fields, or research degrees (PhD) focusing on analytics, machine learning, or business applications. They can also pursue professional certifications in data analytics, project management, or industry-specific qualifications to boost career advancement.
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