Business Analytics MSc

Why choose this course?

If you are interested in business and analytics, this new course will give you the in-demand skills to visualise, analyse and interrogate data to generate actionable business insights and improve decision making in organisations.

The course harnesses the features of modern technology to manage the volume of data produced by modern businesses. As part of the degree you will take a research or consultancy project, which will be supported by flexible learning labs designed to develop your digital and consultancy skills. You will also have access to our Bloomberg Trading Room to discover and utilise real-time financial data.

Mode Duration Start date
Full time 1 year September 2025
Full time 2 years including professional placement September 2025
Main Location Kingston Hill

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  •  Kingston Business School is one of only 6% of the world's business schools to be accredited by AACSB International.
  • Access to a Bloomberg trading room, offering hands-on skills and the opportunity to apply for Bloomberg certification. You may also use other databases, such as Thomson DataStream Advance.
  • You will cover core areas such as data visualisation, business analytics, predictive modelling and prescriptive strategies, using industry-leading tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and AI-driven technologies such as ChatGPT.
  • You will develop the skills needed to identify and extract meaningful insights from data to support with business decision making, and communicate these insights effectively.
  • You can opt for a professional placement year, to apply your skills in a real-world working environment, enhancing your employability and gaining valuable industry experience.

About the Department of Accounting, Finance and Informatics

The Department of Accounting, Finance and Informatics delivers high quality degrees in accounting, banking, finance, investment, financial technology, risk management and real estate. Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including ACCA, CIMA, ACT, RICS and ICAEW.

We are located on the doorstep of London - one of the world's largest financial hubs - where our partnerships with global organisations give you access to meaningful opportunities. We are one of only a few UK universities to have a Bloomberg Trading Room.

Kingston Business School Accreditations

Kingston Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 5% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.

AACSB Accredited logo

Specialist careers support

You will take part in an Assessment Centre Experience, providing the opportunity to experience the pathway to employment with tailored feedback to help develop your employability skills for the world of graduate employment.

  • Develop your understanding of the jobs market, including current trends and opportunities, different recruitment processes and how to identify relevant roles
  • Receive personalised feedback reports to help you to improve and progress
  • Access additional webinars on top tips, employer expectations and best practice
Specialist careers support

At Kingston Business School we lead

What you will study

A variety of specialist modules will introduce you to descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics and their applications to business, data visualisation, optimisation and decision modelling. You will also consider the ethical and legal issues in business analytics.

Year 1

Year 2 (optional placement year)

Throughout the core modules, you'll master data visualisation, business analytics, predictive modelling, and prescriptive strategies using tools like Tableau, Power BI, and AI-driven technologies. You'll develop practical skills in optimisation, machine learning, and data storytelling.

You will then choose between a dissertation to explore a specific topic or a consultancy project to solve real-world challenges.

Core modules

Visualisation and data-driven strategy

30 credits

This module empowers you to transform complex datasets into impactful visual stories that drive strategic decision-making. Using industry-leading tools such as Tableau and Power BI, you will master the art of creating clear, engaging, and actionable visualisations.

With a strong emphasis on data storytelling, you will learn how to present insights in ways that not only inform but also inspire action, bridging the crucial gap between raw data and business strategy. Through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, you will craft compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders and influence key decisions.

By the end of the module, you will have the skills and confidence to use data visualisation as a powerful tool for creating business value, shaping strategies, and driving meaningful outcomes in a variety of business contexts.

Business analytics and decision making

30 credits

This module introduces you to the transformative power of business analytics in shaping smarter, more effective decisions within organisations. Focusing on its strategic importance, you will explore how data-driven approaches can solve problems, enhance operations, and create a competitive edge.

Through engaging case studies and practical examples, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how analytics supports business strategy and drives operational success – without delving into technical implementation.

You will develop an appreciation for the vital role of analytics in business and gain the ability to critically evaluate how data drives decision-making across various industries.

Predictive analytics and prompt-based coding

30 credits

This module delves into predictive analytics and prompt-based coding, with a strong emphasis on their transformative impact in business settings. You will learn to harness advanced analytics techniques to forecast outcomes, identify trends, and optimise decision-making processes.

The module introduces prompt-based coding using AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and Google APIs, enabling you to automate repetitive coding tasks and accelerate insight generation in data science languages such as Python and R. Through hands-on exercises, you will create practical solutions that blend traditional analytics methods with the power of AI-driven prompts.

You will gain expertise in building predictive models, integrating APIs, and streamlining coding workflows to solve real-world business challenges. Equipped with these skills, you will be ready to design and implement data-driven strategies that drive success across multiple professional contexts.

Prescriptive analytics in practice

30 credits

This module enables you to navigate complex, data-rich environments by mastering tools and methodologies that optimise decision-making. Prescriptive analytics goes beyond forecasting by not only predicting outcomes but also recommending specific actions to achieve desired results.

You will explore cutting-edge techniques, including machine learning, optimisation algorithms, simulation, and heuristic models, to tackle operational and strategic business challenges effectively. Emphasis is placed on transforming data insights into actionable strategies, with practical applications across sectors such as supply chain management, finance, and marketing.

Through real-world case studies and hands-on experience with industry-standard software, you will develop the expertise to construct, test, and refine prescriptive models. You will also learn to present and interpret actionable recommendations for business decision-makers.

Optional modules (choose 1)

Dissertation and research methods

60 credits

This module will introduce you to methods and procedures for identifying, investigating and analysing a research problem, and an opportunity to apply these tools in the development of a dissertation. You will be expected to be familiar with the theory and research in your chosen area of study, and to demonstrate your ability to review and apply concepts and techniques critically.

Consultancy project

60 credits

In this module you will have the opportunity to work with clients on a broad range of projects to identify areas where a company can improve its service and operations to remain competitive within the FinTech sector.

You will work with a mentor to co-construct your project which could focus on any element of the programme, from providing strategic advice, implementation support, analysis of the company's current operations or emerging technologies, support with regulatory compliance or designing and implementing new digital products and service.

You will develop the necessary consultancy skills through workshops to review the theory and practice of management consulting, and the process of sourcing and delivering consulting work to aid strategic decision making in the business and finance world.

The professional placement year is optional. It takes place after the full time year. It allows students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The work placement is an assessed part of the course and is therefore covered by a Student Route visa.

Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Module

Professional placement

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement that follows completion of the first 180 credits of taught modules and project or dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject specific skills in their chosen subject.

It is the responsibility of individual students to locate and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this will normally involve one placement which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the module leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability.

Kingston Business School: be who you want to be

After you graduate

You will graduate ready for a wide range of roles, such as:

  • Business Analyst/Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Management Consultant
  • Digital Transformation Manager

You may also decide to continue your studies at Kingston University through doctoral research. Many business graduates decide to use the skills they have learned to set themselves up in business.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

Candidates with non-standard qualifications but with relevant experience are welcome to apply.

International

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

Support for postgraduate students

Your workload

How you will be assessed

Feedback summary

Class sizes

Who teaches this course

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on this course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. The following group of staff members are currently involved in the delivery of different elements of this course. This pool is subject to change at any time within the academic year.

Fees for this course

2025/26 fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

Fees for the optional placement year

Postgraduate loans

Scholarships and bursaries

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs not covered by tuition fees. Students will need to consider these costs when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Computer equipment

Photocopying and printing

Travel

Materials

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.