Business Analytics (MSc)

How will I be taught?

We believe that learning is most effective when you engage with contemporary real-world challenges and critically reflect on them using diverse tools and perspectives. 

You’ll engage with a variety of activities such as case studies, videos and mini team challenges, - all designed to introduce new ideas and develop your understanding.

You’ll collaborate with other students to develop new insights into the nature of the topic in a variety of contexts; you’ll be encouraged to work both individually and collaboratively in diverse teams to consider a range of alternative theoretical approaches and practices.

Trying out new learning is important too. You’ll integrate and apply new understandings, together with new analytical skills, in practical tasks embedded in each learning topic, and in formal coursework activities.

How will I be assessed?

The modularised programme structure provides plenty of opportunities for you to reflect on your learning and development both formally and informally. Short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress and improve your approach to learning. This will build your confidence and enhance your approach to formal assessment tasks.

A variety of formal assessment tasks provide the opportunity to explore concepts and models in creative and practical ways. These include poster presentations, case studies, group presentations, reports, and videos. You’ll work individually as well as part of a team, just as you would in the workplace.

How will I be supported?

Learning

Course materials will be provided on Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll also have access to libraries across our campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books, supplemented by online books, journals, resources and databases. 

If English is not your first language, then our Academic English Skills for International Students team offer classes and one-to-one tutorials to support your studies including reading, writing and presentation skills.

Wellbeing

You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who can support you with academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Additional support is available through our Student Life teams, based in the Centre for Student Life. These teams include Advice and Money, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, and Student Visa Support.

Careers and Employability

The Student Futures team can enhance your career prospects by offering tailored support throughout your studies. You’ll benefit from expert advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and job applications. The team can support you with internships, placements, and networking opportunities, giving you valuable real-world experience. If you are an international student, Student Futures offers tailored support to explore part-time jobs, placements, and graduate roles in the UK and globally.

Community

You’ll become a member of the Cardiff Business School community, making friends and connections that will last beyond your studies. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programme and school level events and activities that enhance your learning and broaden your experiences.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Demonstrate systematic understanding of the links between theory, principles and practice of business analytics.
• Critically evaluate contemporary issues in business analytics by drawing on current research and identifying the potential implications for future research and practice.
• Critically assess the relevance of modern theoretical concepts in the context of the contemporary dynamic business environment.
• Apply relevant research and professional knowledge to solve real-world business scenarios.
• Apply and critically evaluate analytical solutions such as big data analytics and machine learning for business applications.

Intellectual Skills:

• Define a business or research-based problem clearly.
• Evaluate and select an appropriate research methodology and effectively manage a research project, including analysis, time management and resources.
• Use appropriate tools to investigate business or research-based problems.
• Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate contrasting perspectives and supporting evidence.
• Generate and communicate data-driven insights to inform business strategies and decision-making.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Analyse business data, assess current situations and predict future trends.
• Select and interrogate appropriate databases and relevant software packages.
• Develop data analysis skills essential for building and implementing sustainable business solutions.
• Apply relevant knowledge for effective day-to-day decision making.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Demonstrate autonomy in evaluating outputs of analytical packages and apply them to solve complex business problems.
• Communicate to diverse audiences through a range of media.
• Challenge assumptions based on robust evidence.
• Work independently/collaboratively.
• Incorporate critical, ethical accountability in relation to self, others, and academic/practice community.