Business Analytics with an Industrial Placement
Are you a critical thinker with the ability to analyse and interpret data? Are you looking to gain practical experience, as you study?
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Are you a critical thinker with the ability to analyse and interpret data? Are you looking to gain practical experience, as you study?
Business analytics is the process of predicting the needs of an organisation and analysing the effectiveness of past and present activity. This sought-after and growing business discipline is a strategic necessity for any organisation.
Our MSc Business Analytics with Industrial Placement course is delivered by published academics and in collaboration with industry leaders. You’ll learn the skills, technologies, applications and practices to become an expert in interpreting and analysing enterprise data effectively.
Taking a 12-month industrial placement allows you to gain work experience in the UK or overseas as part of your Master's. While the placements are self-sought, the School offers support through extra-curricular engagement with our dedicated placements team. Opting for this course with a placement takes the length of your course to up to two years.
Watch our Postgraduate Placements video here.
You’ll learn about advanced spreadsheets and systems, Big Data, business statistics with Python and forecasting. You will finish your master's with a detailed report with the support of a dedicated expert supervisor. At the end of Stage One, you start your Industrial Placement.
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
A minimum of a second-class UK degree, or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification in any subject area is needed for this course. Basic quantitative skills are essential.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from a UK university
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
In Stage 1 you will take all 7 compulsory modules and choose 2 further modules from the list of optional modules to complete the stage and tailor your Master's course to your interests.
Excel is the industry standard software for data processing and modelling, so if you want to hit the ground running in your career, mastery of Excel is crucial. You’ll learn the techniques of Excel and spreadsheet modelling through realistic problems and extensive exercises, giving you real hands-on experience to make rapid progress. The skills you develop for Excel and its built-in programming language VBA will help you kick-start your career and impress employers.
We’re living in the era of big data. How can you prepare to gain an in-depth understanding of your business data? You’ll understand the fundamental skills by learning basic business statistics as a stepping stone to AI and Python as a programming tool. You’ll be able to write computer programmes in Python and perform inferential reasoning based on data.
Set yourself apart and get ahead in your career when you become an expert in prescriptive analytics and how it can be used for decision-making for businesses. You’ll cultivate a deep understanding of quantitative models for decision-making and solution techniques, applying industry-standard software such as Excel/OPL-CPLEX to address real world issues and provide solutions. Gain skills aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, empowering you to deliver actionable recommendations that positively impact businesses, society and the environment. You'll finish this module with the ability to strategically apply diverse optimisation techniques in a real world context. Empowered by this knowledge, you'll be poised to make informed decisions, drive positive change, and advance your career with a unique blend of analytical skills and a commitment to ethical, sustainable and diverse decision-making.
Simulation Modelling allows you to experiment with digital models of real world processes to make evidence-based decisions. Using industry standard simulation software, you’ll develop complex models for a variety of contexts such as healthcare and manufacturing.
You'll gain an understanding of the simulation modelling process so you can go on to develop simulation models and support real world interventions aiming for efficiency and effectiveness in whatever field you want to jump into.
How do I use AI in business? How can it help me? At the cutting-edge of scientific thinking you’ll understand what machine learning and AI is all about and how to use them productively in your career. Practising on real world cases across various forms of machine learning and forecasting algorithms, as well as mastering modelling processes. You’ll be able to effectively analyse data to achieve your business goals using a variety of forecasting software.
Imagine holding the power to predict future trends, understand customer behaviour and effectively communicate findings to stakeholders. You'll gain a deep theoretical grasp of big data analytics and visualisation, coupled with hands-on Python programming skills to unlock managerial insights. You’ll gain essential tools to harness the power of big data, allowing you to extract valuable insights and create impactful and meaningful visualisations. Unleash the potential of data to drive innovation, fuel growth and make informed, strategic decisions in today's data-driven world.
How can we trust the sources we draw on for research? In an information-rich environment, how can you ensure that the research you do stands out from other sources of knowledge and is seen as trustworthy and valuable?
This module gives you the tools to craft research questions, build a sample of respondents, work with databases, design data collection tools, perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of data and communicate your results to the wider world. You'll use an array of research tools to create world-leading research and become known as an innovative and dynamic researcher. You'll learn more about who you are as a researcher and the type of research that is valued in both academic and professional settings. You'll leave with the knowledge you need to build a research project from an idea to a mature investigation that contributes to broader research debates.
Corporate finance is about growing companies and driving profits. Through mastering the core areas of corporate finance, you’ll be able to understand what corporations value when making decisions with a direct impact on wealth creation. You’ll develop skills in maximising company wealth alongside building your knowledge base, so by the time you graduate, you’ll have exactly the skills you need for an exciting, successful and profitable career in corporate finance.
In a growing population, how do business meet the growing demand for consumer goods? How do businesses tackle increased demand while being mindful of costs and margins? You will master inventory techniques, warehousing practices and mathematical models behind solutions that help businesses source, store and deliver their products. You’ll understand the tools and techniques behind successful storage and logistics operations in the modern business setting.
If you aspire to orchestrate change and drive success at the highest levels of organisational management, strategic agility and foresight are paramount. We introduce you to cutting-edge approaches in strategic programme management, including agile methodologies, systems thinking and scenario planning. This forward-thinking approach ensures that you’re well-prepared to handle the challenges of tomorrow. We equip you with the skills to make informed, data-driven decisions by giving you knowledge of data analysis, interpretation and the use of analytics tools – essential for strategic planning and risk management.
You’ll emerge not just as a strategic project manager, but as a strategic leader capable of shaping the future of organisations. You’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of the complexities of modern business and the strategic acumen to navigate these challenges effectively. This is more than an educational experience; it's a transformative journey that prepares students for the pinnacle of professional and personal achievement.
New technology drives change, presenting businesses with exciting new opportunities. You’ll understand the role digital transformation plays in changing the way services are provided and products are made. Gaining a range of employability skills that enable you to assess and improve operations in a digital world. You’ll be able to use a range of tools and techniques to confidently manage and assess digital transformation in service or manufacturing environments throughout your career.
Logistics and supply chain management is a critical component of the global economy. Given the significant planning and operational challenges, which innovative analytical tools are needed to increase the supply chain’s efficiency and avoid disruptions?
You’ll be introduced to the realm of designing and managing the processes, assets, flows of material and information required to satisfy customers’ demands. You’ll also be given a set of appropriate analytical techniques that enhance efficiency while designing, planning, executing, controlling, and monitoring supply chain activities.
Learn how to create new opportunities for using supply chain planning as a competitive tool in this new era of globalisation and e-logistics.
In Stage 2 you will complete your Business Analytics Research Project. This project is a fantastic example of your work, skills and knowledge to show employers after you graduate.
Your industrial placement consists of two modules: Industrial Placement Experience (BUSN9172) and Industrial Placement Report (BUSN9176). The Experience module is assessed as pass/fail only and the Report module is graded on a percentage scale. The chance to gain real industry experience as part of your MSc course gives you a real edge in the job market and boosts your career options.
As a Kent Business School Master's student, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a real impact in business. Your 12 month placement is your chance to put these skills into practice. This key opportunity to be involved in real business is ideal for developing your skills and gaining crucial experience and credibility within the workplace. By the end of your placement, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to make a real difference in business and beyond.
Students will spend a period of time working in an industrial or organisational setting, applying and enhancing the skills and techniques they have learned on the programme. Work will be carried out under the direction of a placement supervisor. This support will include ensuring that the work they are expected to do within the placement company/organisation meets the learning outcomes of the module.
How is business analytics applied in the real world? Guided by an academic supervisor and potentially collaborating with a company, you'll tackle diverse and intriguing practical challenges, ranging from analysing marketing campaigns to optimising capital investments and ranking credit risks. By bridging theory with real world application, this module empowers you to effectively apply the knowledge and skill set acquired across various modules within your course.
We use a variety of teaching methods, including:
Classroom-based learning is supported by the latest online technologies and learning platforms.
Your progress on this course is assessed through a variety of means, including:
This course embeds employability into our teaching, learning, and assessment practices. We work with employers and industry partners in order provide all of our students with exceptional career development support and opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive in their future careers.
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. As part of the course, you may wish to undertake an Industrial Placement or opt for an In-Company Scheme to work on a real business case study as part of your capstone Research project. Go on our Business Start-up Journey and transform your idea into a business through ASPIRE. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our lively and active postgraduate community is brought about in part by our strong research culture and by the close community between our staff and students. Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books and embed their research in their teaching.
Students have regular contact with their course and module conveners with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide helpful and constructive feedback on submitted work. Also, all students on our postgraduate courses take part in our ‘Ambition in Motion’ programme – a set of supportive workshops which ensure that students are progressing through their learning journeys smoothly.
You can also get involved with extra-curricular academic and social activities with guest lectures, talks and workshops organised by our academic staff, research centres and the ASPIRE team.
Our Canterbury campus provides a welcoming environment and a close-knit student community. Kent Business School is based within the Sibson Building which opened in 2017 and its impressive design won the RIBA Regional and National Award. It houses well-equipped lecture and seminar spaces, as well as breakout spaces for group work, Bloomberg suite, computer labs, a dedicated MBA suite, and our ASPIRE Lab Space. There is also a cafe on site.
The School is conveniently located at the University of Kent’s campus, close to continental Europe and with easy access to London. World-famous Canterbury Cathedral is situated in the heart of the historic city centre, just a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride.
Kent Business School has close links with: Universität Innsbruck; Beijing Normal University - Bay Area International Business School; ESSEC Business School; Neoma Business School; Rennes Business School; EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht; Freie Universität Berlin; City University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Baptist University; University of Hong Kong; Institut Teknologi Bandung (The Bandung Institute of Technology); Università Carlo Cattaneo in Castellanza; Università degli Studi di Bologna; Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence); IE Madrid; Stockholm University.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Our world-class academics influence management strategies and practices world-wide through our outstanding research projects and direct involvements with industry. We address some of the biggest challenges of our time such as sustainability and responsible leadership to drive progress and create better business globally.
At its core, our research strategy is about delivering a sustainable tomorrow - a theme that Kent Business School embodies in all areas. We want to answer the big questions - How can innovation that enables sustainable long-term economic growth be created and supported? How can sustainable business practices improve environmental and social conditions? These are the problems we are here to solve.
We are global leaders advancing knowledge through constant collaboration and promotion of innovative research. We collaborate with local, national and international business, but we don't stop there. We have forged partnerships with other academic institutions and organisations such as the NHS. This wider focus allows us to advance towards our goal of a sustainable tomorrow.
Research Departments
Department of Accounting and Finance – The Department enjoys a significant international presence and reputation in several fields, including critical accounting, accounting history, sustainability accounting, corporate finance, banking and options pricing and performance.
Department for Analytics, Operations and Systems – The Department offers world class education and conducts internationally leading research in operational research, data analytics, operations management, information systems and sustainability.
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business – The Department brings together experts in the areas of three key management disciplines promoting interdisciplinary teaching and research as well as cross interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
Department of Leadership and Management – The Department is a cross-disciplinary community dedicated to tackling complex business and societal challenges. Our teaching and innovative research encompasses the economic, psychological, social, political, and technological contexts in which organisations operate worldwide.
Research centres
The Centre for Logistics and Sustainability Analytics – The Centre helps companies to address a wide range of transport, logistics, and supply chain problems with sustainability considerations.
The Centre for Productivity and Workplace Performance – The Centre contributes to the evidence base for competitiveness, environmental growth, regional productivity, technology and innovation.
The Centre for Quantitative Finance – Providing quantitative analysis of issues in the financial markets for businesses and policymakers.
Dynamic Publishing
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Corporate Finance, British Journal of Management, Organizations and Society, European Journal of Operational Research, Journal of Environmental Management, Financial Accountability & Management, Journal of Banking and Finance, Management Science, Transportation Science, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, British Journal of Management, Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship, Theory and Practice, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Research Policy, European Journal of Operational Research, European Journal of Marketing, International Journal of Research in Marketing, International Marketing Review.
Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.
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. As part of the course, you may wish to undertake an Industrial Placement or opt for an In-Company Scheme to work on a real business case study as part of your capstone Research project. Go on our Business Start-up Journey and transform your idea into a business through ASPIRE. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our careers and employability support at Kent Business School is designed to make sure you are ready to hit the ground running when you graduate, when you study with us you can expect:
Additionally, the Postgraduate Employability Edge programme, available to postgraduate students at Kent Business School takes place from Welcome Week until the end of your studies and is designed to enhance your career prospects further.
Our MSc 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:
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.
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
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.
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.*
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.
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:
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Supporting your success
Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024.
Fees and funding
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
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