Business Analytics (MSc)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

The MSc Business Analytics at Queen’s University Belfast equips you with cutting-edge skills in data analysis, statistics, and computing to turn real business data into smarter decisions. It’s ideal for graduates who want to become analytics professionals capable of solving business problems with advanced tools and data-driven strategies. 


Curriculum Structure

Year 1 / Core Study (Full-time, 12 months)
In your first (and only) academic year, you’ll build a strong analytical foundation through core modules such as Statistics for Business, Data Management, HR Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in Business and Society. These modules teach essential statistical techniques using tools like R and Python, how to structure and manage large datasets, and how analytics is applied across functions like HR and organisational decision making. 

In Semester 2, you’ll explore Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning, Data Mining, Data Driven Decision Making, and Marketing Analytics, learning to develop predictive models, extract insights from complex data, and create analytics-led strategies that drive business decisions. You’ll also develop skills in communicating insights through visualisation tools and advanced analytics platforms. 

Final Project — Dissertation (Semester 3)
The final semester is focused on an independent dissertation project where you apply your skills to a real business problem. This capstone integrates everything you’ve learned — from data storage and processing to predictive modelling and visualisation — and demonstrates your ability to solve a business challenge using analytics. 


Focus Areas

Business analytics strategy, data mining and management, machine learning and predictive modelling, decision-making with data, marketing and HR analytics.


Learning Outcomes

Students will graduate able to apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques, manage and interpret complex datasets, and turn analytical insights into informed business decisions using industry-standard software such as Python, R, KNIME, and Tableau.


Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Queen’s Business School, home of this programme, holds global accreditation and recognition including AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, placing it among the top 1 % of business schools worldwide. This ensures that your degree meets rigorous international standards for business education. 


Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Queen’s University Belfast is a Russell Group research-intensive university with a strong global reputation, ranked around #199 in the QS World University Rankings and highly regarded in the UK for research quality, student experience, and graduate outcomes. Graduates from Queen’s Business School consistently enjoy excellent career prospects due to the university’s blend of academic excellence and industry relevance.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Business Analytics at Queen’s University Belfast is designed to give you practical, hands-on experience alongside your academic learning. From the very start, you’ll use industry-standard software like Python, R, KNIME, and Tableau, and your dissertation project will let you build a full analytics solution that combines database management, machine learning, and visualisation. You’ll also work in teams on real-world business problems and get feedback from industry mentors, helping you develop skills that are directly relevant to a career in analytics:

  • Industry-standard software and training – Gain experience with Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and KNIME, and benefit from Alteryx software access and certification opportunities.

  • Mentoring with businesses – Engage with industry professionals who provide guidance on using data effectively and offer career advice.

  • Data-focused hackathons – Take part in team-based competitions alongside mentors to solve real-world challenges using data analytics.

  • Dissertation project – Complete a major project that applies everything you’ve learned to create a technical analytics solution.

  • Business School facilities – Make use of collaborative spaces, computer labs, lecture theatres with advanced digital infrastructure, and the FinTrU Trading Room for finance and analytics simulations.

  • University-wide resources – Access the McClay Library, campus computer labs, and dedicated postgraduate study areas for group work and independent analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Business Analytics at Queen’s University Belfast are well-prepared to step into rewarding careers where they use data to make smarter business decisions. Popular roles include data analyst, data scientist, business analyst, and analytics consultant, all of which are in high demand across sectors like finance, consulting, technology, and business intelligence:

  • Careers support tailored to you – Queen’s Careers, Employability and Skills service provides one-to-one guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques, and access to analytics-focused career events.

  • Ongoing graduate tools – You can use the MyFuture career management platform for up to two years after graduation to explore opportunities, book guidance sessions, and track career progress.

  • Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award – Offers practical experiences such as placements, volunteering, societies, and extra projects to help you develop skills that employers value.

  • Strong employer links – Graduates have secured roles with top organisations including KPMG, PwC, EY, Tata Consulting, Citi, FD Technologies, Alibaba Group, and Severn Trent, demonstrating the industry recognition of the degree.

  • Accreditation and long-term value – Being part of Queen’s Business School means your qualification benefits from the school’s global reputation and accreditations, giving your career credibility and flexibility.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MSc also provides a solid foundation for research degrees such as an MPhil or PhD in analytics, data science, or related fields. Queen’s supports graduates who want to pursue postgraduate research, offering structured pathways and a strong research community to deepen your expertise and open doors to specialised academic or industry roles.

Program Key Stats

£26,500
£10,400


30 %

Eligibility Criteria

2.6

NA
NA
NA
6.5
90
2:2
NA
53 - 55
70 - 85

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Data Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Business Analyst
  • Analytics Consultant
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Operations Analyst
  • Management Consultant
  • HR Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Machine Learning Specialist
  • Data Engineer
  • Strategy Analyst
  • Predictive Analytics Specialist

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