An Introduction to online MSc Business Analytics
We recently hosted a Welcome Webinar for prospective students interested in our online MSc Business Analytics. Led by Mhairi Bruce, our dedicated enrolment advisor, the webinar provided a holistic overview of the programme, offering an insight into the programme structure, key courses, and how studying with us works in practice – as well as answering commonly asked questions.
Key takeaways
What will you learn when studying MSc Business Analytics?
Successful businesses rely on robust business analytics to drive informed decision-making, optimise performance, and gain a competitive edge. As a result, there is a growing need for business professionals with the expertise to extract valuable insights from vast amounts of complex information and translate them into actionable strategies. Designed to address these talent needs of the future, the Heriot-Watt Edinburgh Business School’s online MSc Business Analytics will provide you with the quantitative research skills required for the fast-evolving, data-driven business environment. By studying this industry-aligned programme, you will gain expert knowledge in data analysis, innovative technologies, and decision-making techniques, required to lead modern business.
Some of the programme highlights for our MSc Business Analytics include:
Big Data Analytics for Business
Our Big Data Analytics for Business course will allow you to develop your knowledge in advanced data analytics and data visualisation, leveraging the latest methods such as Big Data and AI. You will learn how to extract valuable business insights from large data sets and critically evaluate analytical approaches.
Business Consultancy
The Business Consultancy course will build on your knowledge, draw on your experience and encourage you to develop your career in managing consultancy and change. This course prides itself on being grounded in best practice, placing best practice in the context of underpinning theory and relating that learning to the skills which enable us to succeed in intervening successfully in change events in organisations.
Strategic Change Management
By studying our Strategic Change Management course, you will develop a critical awareness of the need for organisations to learn, adapt, and change continuously. This is achieved by exploring the overall change process, drivers and types of change, the impact of change and the barriers that may emerge along the way.
What skills will MSc Business Analytics equip you with?
Our MSc Business Analytics will equip you with the skills most valued by today’s employers who increasingly seek graduates with the decision-making skills needed to inform and manage transformational change, including the use of data-driven, evidence-based approaches to management in complex business environments.
You will gain the ability to:
- Collect and analyse complex data
- Conduct financial modelling
- Provide business consultancy services
- Utilise machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques
- Apply analytical techniques to solve complex business problems
What careers are there in Business Analytics?
A key benefit of studying MSc Business Analytics lies in the diverse range of career opportunities it opens up across various sectors. Graduates can pursue roles such as:
Data Scientist: Apply statistical and analytical techniques to extract insights, build predictive models, and optimise business strategies using large datasets.
Business Intelligence Analyst: Collect, analyse, and interpret data to generate actionable reports and dashboards that aid in decision-making and improve operational efficiency.
Market Research Analyst: Conduct market research, analyse consumer behaviour, and identify market trends to support strategic decision-making and assist in product development and marketing campaigns.
Financial Analyst: Perform financial analysis, forecast financial trends, evaluate investment opportunities, and provide insights to guide financial planning and risk management strategies.
Project Manager: Plan, organise, and oversee the successful execution of projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet predefined objectives.
Business Consultant: Provide expert advice and guidance to organisations to improve their performance, efficiency, and overall business operations.
Why should you study at Heriot-Watt Online?
Studying with Heriot-Watt Online means that you can study at anytime from anywhere in the world. You can fit your studies completely around your schedule, meaning that you can continue to work full-time, while immediately applying your learnings to your career. As one of the most progressive and international institutions based in Scotland, Heriot-Watt Online provides you with the opportunity to thrive, both personally and academically during your time with us.
We have over 25 years of experience delivering distance learning and are ranked 32nd in the UK and 235th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings, 2024.
Furthermore, with over 20,000 graduates in 160 countries worldwide, Heriot-Watt Online has a track record of developing graduates with amazing employment prospects, ranking 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for Postgraduate Positive Outcomes, with 88.3% of our graduates in full-time employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).
Conclusion
Heriot-Watt Online’s MSc Business Analytics programme is a fantastic opportunity for seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their analytical skills, aspiring business analysts looking for a new challenge, as well as recent graduates looking to specialise in data analysis and decision-making in a business context. The fully flexible online programme allows you to build your knowledge while utilising real-life case studies to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills required to address emerging challenges in this modern industry.
Still have questions about MSC Business Analytics? Email Mhairi at HWOnlineApps@hw.ac.uk