Postgraduate MSc

Business Analytics

In the ever-growing and global digital world, we need revolutionary businesspeople who can predict the needs of an organisation and analyse its data.

This MSc course covers the skills, technologies, applications, and practices to help students understand business performance by developing analytics techniques. You also have the option to undertake specialist pathways for Business Analytics in either Finance or Smart Logistics or remain on the broader MSc course.

2021 entry

This is an archived course for 2021 entry.

View this course for 2025 entry

Overview

In the era of Big Data, business analytics it is not only helpful, but a strategic necessity for every single business in the world.

As a student at Kent Business School studying Business Analytics, you will learn the skills, technologies, applications, and practices to interpret and analyse enterprise data effectively. Through a focus on the three pillars of business analytics, become an expert in statistics, operational research, and business and management.

This course offers extensive access to real market data via our Bloomberg Lab,a coveted virtual trading platform which is bursting at the seams with real world data and case studies to apply your newfound expertise to.

Our MSc Business Analytics degree programme

Studying Business Analytics, you learn to critically evaluate and apply important topics in the field, including machine learning, big data, time series analysis and forecasting, optimisation, simulation and spreadsheet modelling, among other subjects

On our flexible course, taught by expert teaching staff, you can also select from a variety of optional modules exploring areas including applied market research, integrated marketing communications and financial statement analysis.

For those students which wish to focus their study on a specific sector, the course has been tailored so that you can specialise in either Finance or Smart Logistics through the choice of modules which you would undertake.

On any of the pathways offered on this postgraduate course, experience incredible opportunities in the world of business through hands-on experience via in-class live case studies from our visiting industry experts, enterprise challenges and company visits.

You also have access to our ASPIRE centre, a purpose built entrepreneurial lab where you can develop, plan and launch your own start up business.

Our graduates leave the university with the skillset to pursue a sought-after career as in-house analysts or consultants within industry or the public sector, including financial services, airlines, telecommunications, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, health care delivery and government.

The course helped me to hone my data-handling skills and to make proper insights on data and leverage them to make decisions for a business,

~ Derek Osei Debrah, MSc Business Analytics 2020

Gain a competitive edge: Industrial placement

Industrial placements are the perfect way for you to enhance your career prospects and deepen your understanding of your specific area of expertise. You will have the opportunity to put taught skills into practise and develop a network of industry professionals.

With the option to undertake the programme with an industrial placement this course offers you the opportunity to gain work experience in the UK or overseas. Placements are self-sought and can range from an additional 12 to 50 weeks. This would extend the normal 12 month Masters programme to a maximum of 24 months.

The School offers support to those students seeking an industrial placement, through extra-curricular engagement with our dedicated placements team which can help you gain a suitable paid position and provide support throughout your placement.

Students considering this option should be aware that they will be required to successfully complete all stage 1 and 2 modules and that there may be additional costs for students in terms of visa extensions, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and accommodation, for example.

What’s next?

If you want to learn more visit the Kent website where you can register for open events, take a virtual tour and explore our world.

If you have any further questions regarding the course or the application process please contact kbsadmissions@kent.ac.uk.

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply please check our information on how to apply and the documentation required to process your application.

About Kent Business School

Our School is proud to be in the top 1% of business schools globally to hold accreditations from three large business organisations:

Our programmes offer world-class business education enabling transformative learning experiences built around the School’s fundamental values of sustainable innovation and responsible management practice. Our students are at the heart of all considerations and through engaging teaching, world-class research, professional partnerships and an international community, we create an exciting atmosphere in which to learn and thrive. All our programmes at Kent Business School address the challenges of modern global business and we aim to meet industry demands of producing quality graduates by ensuring we unlock our students’ potential, expand their thinking and nurture their talent.

We're modernising the way you learn at Kent.

In September 2025, we're launching a new curriculum and a progressive approach to assessment, timetabling and employability.

Your future

Of the most recent national survey of graduate destinations, over 97% were in work or further study within six months. (DLHE 2017)

Successfully KBS graduates: Graduate destinations

This specialist programme prepares students for roles within business analytics.

Our Business Analytics graduates find work in public and private sectors, both overseas and in the UK, in a wide range of companies and organisations, including:

  • DeBeers
  • British Airways
  • BT
  • South East Water
  • BAE Systems
  • Amazon.

Many of our students also stay local and find job opportunities regionally in small and medium firms or even set-up their own businesses as well-equipped entrepreneurs.

Embedded employability: Developing career-enhancing skills

You gain much more than an academic qualification when you graduate from Kent Business School – we enhance your student experience and accelerate your career prospects.

In today’s business climate employers are increasingly demanding more from new employees, we are therefore proud that they continually target our graduates for their organisations across the globe. Employers respect our robust teaching and reputation for delivering international business expertise, leading global research and an outstanding international learning experience.

From the moment you start with us, our efforts are focused on helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive workplace.

Ongoing support: Help finding a job

Kent Business School has an excellent international reputation and good links with businesses locally and globally. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support to all business postgraduate students for up to three years after graduation.

In addition, Careers and Employability Service at the University provide a comprehensive package of skills development training programmes, careers advice, volunteering and paid work opportunities to enhance your career prospects.

Career support
Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.

Fees and funding

The 2021/22 annual tuition fees for this programme are:

Full-time

  • UK
  • International

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

General additional costs

Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

Scholarships

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

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This course page is for the 2021/22 academic year. Please visit the current online prospectus for a list of postgraduate courses we offer.

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Kent focus

Supporting your success

We are here to support your postgraduate journey.

Top 40

Kent ranked top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025.

Fees and funding

Support for funding so you can focus on your studies.

Research excellence

Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

Accommodation

It’s easy to study on or off campus at Kent – discover what is right for you.