MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy

Year 1

Specialist mandatory courses:

Business Analytics, Big Data Analytics, Network Analysis and Management Consulting

Our Business Analytics and Big Data Analytics courses were first established in 2018, guided by current thinking and research being carried out by our logistics and supply chain researchers in the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight in partnership with the University of Cambridge.  Logistics and supply chain sectors have adopted an increasingly data-driven focus, leading to a greater demand for employees who can solve complex problems through the effective analysis of big data. As all industry becomes increasingly data-driven the recent work of Edinburgh Business School's Logistics Group has resulted in significant advances in knowledge. Specifically, our academics have led the way in using data analytics and advanced modelling techniques to develop logistics and supply network solutions for both public and private sector organisations. Our MSc programme benefits directly from this research ensuring that the business and big data analytics skills you learn are current for the needs of industry, having emerged directly from research that strives to find real-world solutions.

Network Analysis

Our Network Analysis course is new for 2020; created specifically for this degree. Students will engage in seminars examining in depth the theory and methods of Social Network Analysis. Our course is tailored to focus on relevance of networks to social and business environments and built using the latest research in network science.  Intertwined with examples from organisational studies, the psychology of teams, leadership and entrepreneurship are employed to demonstrate and elaborate on key insights.  During the course we examine the core theoretical concepts and foundations of relational algebra that underpin social network analysis. We will critically review the key methodological tools for the analysis of networks in social science research and compare alternative research designs that employ SNA methodologies. A core element of this course is teaching methods of data collection and the operationalisation of research employing Social Network Analysis. This course will feature assessments in optimising team performance, alternative innovation strategies, building, maintaining and deploying personal networks. The research of the Centre for Networks and Enterprise directly associates this course, we will have guest lectures from current researchers from the centre during the semester. We will also feature guest lectures from Business Leaders from around the globe demonstrating network science applications in their field. During this course we aim to enhance our students personal networks, teach the composition and relational dynamics of teams and enhance their team leadership skills.

Management Consultancy

A new course specifically designed for this MSc Programme by the highly reputable Professor Julian Randall. Honorary Professor Randall is a leading expert and author of Management Consultancy: The Role of the Change Agent and he has designed this course to provide our students with the tools and skills to effectively assess and advise companies on problem solving, change management and providing resolutions at all levels. Prof Randall has extensive experience in management strategies and specialises in change management in the public sector.

By incorporating these four courses into this MSc in Business Analytics and Consultancy we will equip you with the tools and techniques expected of postgraduates in the fast-evolving, increasingly data-driven business environment. Through the completion of four further management courses all designed to broaden business analysis skills, from across the Edinburgh Business School portfolio, you will gain extensive knowledge in the current concepts, theories and practices of business management. 

This combination of learning will provide you with an integrated set of highly valued hard and soft management skills giving you the ability to make better decisions and manage transformational change in a range of organisations.

Business Analytics

This course in Business Analytics will teach you how to use a wide range of analytical tools and techniques to solve real business problems and improve business performance.  Increasingly employers expect management graduates to have practical data analysis skills to support decision-making in business.

Big Data Analytics

Heriot-Watt University's Big Data Analytics course will give you the quantitative skills to extract, analyse and interpret information from large data sources. Real-world case studies will provide you with insights into how multiple advanced data analytics tools and techniques can be used to solve complex logistics and supply chain problems.