Introduction
The MBA Business Analytics is designed for working professionals who are looking to apply analytics and data-driven decision-making to optimize their business performance. It offers the opportunity to lead, recognise contemporary business knowledge and skills that can take you to an exceptional level in terms of career progression, employability and earning potential.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MBA
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
The programme equips you with technical skills and business acumens to understand modern issues and practices in digital and analytics-driven economies. You will develop practical interpersonal skills to bring positive organisational and market changes. This additionally provides an opportunity to explore and learn modern management tools, big data, databases, digitisation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, key software (e.g., R, Python, SQL) and analytics in the context of business operations and build expertise and capabilities required to be an effective leader.
Our Business School is internationally recognised and plays a major role in industry through research, and consultancy. Not only will you acquire the business knowledge essential to success, you’ll also develop the crucial characteristics – such as strong communication and interpersonal skills, quantitative knowledge and technical skills – most sought after in the highly competitive global business environment.
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Business Economics (BU5021)
-
15 Credit Points
This course focuses on the economics of business allowing students to understand the economics that underlie a whole host of business issues. The course will cover the functioning of markets, consumer behaviour, pricing, production and costing problems, monopoly and the business implications of inflation, economic growth and economic policy.
- Accounting and Finance for Managers (BU5026)
-
15 Credit Points
The fact that money (and understanding money) really matters in business and all managers need to understand issues like cashflow and profit might depress you, but it is true. Financial viability of customers? Deciding on the likely financial viability of a project? Reporting to shareholders about performance? Does the word “sustainable” appear in a finance dictionary? All questions we will try and address.
- Operations and Project Management (BU5064)
-
15 Credit Points
The focus of this course is not people but processes, not outside the organisation but within. Operations transform materials, information and customers to create goods and services using staff and facilities. We study process types and focus particularly on projects. We see how capacity and inventory reconcile demand and output and explore location, supply chains, quality, risk and resilience. About 40% of the course is on projects and project-management techniques. Prepare for both critical discussion of theory and application (operationalisation), including calculation.
- Business Strategy (BU5048)
-
15 Credit Points
Business Strategy covers a broad range of topics that come under the general heading of “Business Strategy” / “Strategic Management”. The course introduces participants to concepts, frameworks and models that are useful in providing explanations of how companies operate with respect to goal setting, understanding their competitive landscape, assessing opportunities, managing own capabilities, coordinating their activities with other companies, and competing to create value for customers. The course is interactive in nature, applying a learning-by-doing method involving students taking on roles as part of a series of simulation exercises.
- Semester 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Strategic Marketing (BU5553)
-
15 Credit Points
The course aims to provide participants with a critical understanding of the nature and articulation of the marketing function within modern organisations, and an appreciation of the relative contribution of specific marketing tools to the development of a market orientation.
On completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Critique the key principles and concepts of marketing.
2. Evaluate the role of marketing to modern organisations in private and public sectors.
3. Understand the integration of the marketing function with other organisational functions.
4. Assess the role of identified marketing techniques
- Managing People at Work (BU5554)
-
15 Credit Points
Whether you are intending to manage other people or be responsible for HR functions in a company, this course is intended for you.
You will learn the theories that are the basis for good practice, the skills that are required to put them across and the employment law which governs what we are expected to achieve with our people
This course is run by tutors who have been experienced managers themselves and it will prepare you to pursue a career in management confident and competent to carry out what is expected of you
- The Leadership Challenge (BU5584)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through workshops, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.
- Managing Change (BU555A)
-
15 Credit Points
The concepts of change and innovation have never been more topical, especially given the commercial context of fierce business competition, shorter product life cycles and more demanding customers. Increasingly, long-term commercial success is based on an ability to manage change, to act creatively and to promote innovation; These processes interconnect and overlap and often present major challenges to modern organizations; We address these issues through providing detailed case illustrations ranging from the workplace to the wider business market. Learning is encouraged through interaction, reading, investigation, video and case analysis, and critical discussion.
- Semester 3
-
Please note that students require to bring their own laptops for all 4 specialised modules in Semester 3. The university computers are not suitable due to admin restrictions as students will need to install packages in real time.
Compulsory Courses
- Big Data Analytics, Visualisation and Business Applications (BU593A)
-
15 Credit Points
This module introduces students to big data, analytics and visualisation linked to business applications. The module also enables students to solve a variety of complex data-driven business problems using computer software tools, examples R and Gephi. The focus of the module thus is twofold: 1) building relative theoretical understandings, 2) and practice analytics for data-driven decision making for business operations and problems.
- Data, Evidence and Managerial Decisions (BU593B)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides an introduction to evidence-based decision making. It is designed based on the premise that executives can make better decisions when they believe in evidence and have the skill to use it. The course helps students to make better personal and professional decisions. In particular, the aim of this course is to enable students to solve real-world business problems or to discover new business opportunities using the available data and evidence.
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Forecasting (BU593C)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will introduce machine learning, artificial intelligence and forecasting with applications in finance and management.
The course will explore recent trends in FINTECH, which are based on data analytics and recent advances in machine learning. The course will provide an introduction to Python, which has become the dominant general-purpose programming language in data analytics and machine learning. To be clear, students are not expected to have any prior knowledge of Python or any other programming language.
- Databases and Cybersecurity for Big Data (BU593D)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will introduce students to the concept of dealing with both data and the security of data at scale. Traditional relational database tools may no longer prove to be the best solution once data becomes ‘big’ data. The course builds on the theoretical foundations of big data, network analysis and unstructured data from the Big Data Analytics, Visualisation and Business Applications course and adds to this a high level understanding of the comparison between traditional relational database designs and more modern NoSQL database designs. Either can be used for big data, but choosing the right one for the particular requirements that must be delivered can prove critical when dealing with data at scale. In addition, we address the requirements for proper cybersecurity and consider the impact of getting this wrong.
You will develop a critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts, such as modelling techniques used in the design, administration and security of database systems. You will also learn core theoretical concepts such as relational algebra, file organisation and indexing and the circumstances in which these might not be so appropriate to suit the requirements.
At the end of this course you will be able to design and build the most appropriate database to suit the type of application to deliver your requirements and have a critical understanding of how scale impacts on database-driven applications.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Fee Information
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| All Students | £28,600 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year |
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme:
The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information can be found here.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
How You'll Study
You’ll study in a contemporary university environment and experience innovative teaching methods that give you the chance to interact with industry. You will learn through a combination of theory and practice, taking the knowledge from the classroom to the workplace. A stimulating mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, field work and business simulations will be further supported by on-line forums and additional learning materials and frameworks.
Learning Methods
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
- Just like industry, we don’t run our programmes around exams – in fact there are no exams, just intensive real-world learning that helps you gain relevant knowledge, quickly and effectively.
- All assessments are done by a portfolio of work-based assignments.
- We’re talking about powerful knowledge that will stay with you and make you more marketable within industry long after you’ve completed the MBA.
Why Study MBA (Business Analytics)?
This pathway MBA will equip you with enhanced knowledge and understanding of analytics and digitisation to enable you to pursue more specific roles. You’ll not only enhance your credentials with a globally-recognised MBA and first-class management training, you will develop a holistic approach to understanding and solving major business problems. This course will help you to:
• Learn subject-specific skills related to big data, databases, digitisation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, software (e.g., R, Python)
• Demonstrate critical thinking and interlink its evaluation with creativity
• Effectively execute teamwork, build business relationships, exercise leadership, learn negotiation and recognize cultural and individual differences
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Open to graduates from any discipline, this programme does not require business or management study to be completed at undergraduate level.
This programme is for you if you have a minimum of TWO years post-degree work experience; a track record of professional achievement and a good first degree (equivalent to a British second-class Honours degree) or above in any discipline.
The Programme Director may consider applicants with non-standard qualifications. If you have non-standard qualifications and extensive work experience, please ensure to enclose a complete CV and detailed work references.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Careers
MBA graduates are in high demand worldwide and the average salary of an MBA graduate is over £80,000 according to the Association of MBAs. Our Alumni have enjoyed much success with recent graduates going on to work in organisations such as Accenture, Bank of Scotland, Centrica, Citibank, KPMG, Shell and Standard Chartered Bank.
Industry Links
Our business connections mean we provide opportunities to network with, present to, brainstorm with and do work for industry, including:
- The chance to have your work seen by eminent members of your profession.
- ‘Live’ projects for and site visits to prestigious companies or institutions.
- Project work and workshops with visiting lecturers and industry specialists.
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Professor Pervaiz Akhtar
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
- 24 hour access to our online Learning Support provided via our Virtual Learning environment MyAberdeen.
- Membership of the University Library, learning materials including access to core text books.
- Access to international networking and continuing professional development.
- Join our business societies such as the Entrepreneurial Society.
- Access to the Internet via the university computer.
- Access to all campus facilities.
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX