The unique MSc Business Analytics degree from Robert Gordon University will prepare you to work with and analyse data effectively to inform business decisions and processes. You will learn to design, commission, manage and deliver data projects and develop the skills and knowledge required to access, analyse and visualise data for business applications.
The MSc Business Analytics course is designed in response to a recognised shortfall of managers and employees with data analysis skills and knowledge. This shortfall is growing during a period where companies are increasingly looking to data sources to inform decision-making, gain competitive advantage and increase productivity.
The course brings together a community of data professionals and academics to bridge this skills gap and will provide you with necessary knowledge and tools for a successful career.
If you are considering a postgraduate study option starting in September 2025 or January 2026, then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.
Stage 1
You will develop the knowledge and skills to be able to select appropriate tools and techniques to collect and manage data and to develop decision-making processes based on data analysis. You will gain an understanding of programming concepts for business analytics.
Stage 2
You will learn to employ data visualisation and business intelligence software to explore, analyse and present data for a range of audiences. You will develop the knowledge and programming skills required to prototype business analytics applications and you will consider the legal and ethical principles and policies which govern data collection and management.
Stage 3
You will research, develop and deliver a Business Analytics project, integrating the skills and knowledge developed in the earlier stages of the course. This self-directed piece of work can be completed in an area of your choosing as an applied analytics project for a live client or problem, or a research-based Dissertation in a related area.
Activity Summary
You will engage with the course through online or on campus learning materials, lectures, tutorials, industry-led workshops and live client projects. These comprise of a mix of group study, discussion, simulation and presentations of findings by teams and individuals. In most cases lectures and tutorials are combined and integrated into workshops.
Access to our virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).
- Lectures - 60-200 students per group, 4-8 hours per week
- Tutorial - 10-100 students per group, 4-8 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 10-15 student per group, 0.5 hours per week
- Practical class or workshop - 10-100 students per group, 4-8 hours per week
- Field Work - varies
- External Visits - varies
How long is a Business Analytics course?
This Business Analytics course can be successfully completed in:
- 12 months (full time on campus)
- 3 years (part time on campus)
- 24 months (part time online learning)
Assessment
Typically students are assessed:
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 4 reports
- 1 dissertation (or project)
- 2 portfolios
- 1 project output (or dissertation)
- 3 practical skills assessments
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The teaching team have industry, professorial and doctoral knowledge of underpinning subjects. They bring experience from a variety of professional backgrounds including computing, digital marketing, digital media, ecommerce, data management, and information management.
Many staff members have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
The course also features contributions from guest lecturers and industry professionals who share experiences and best practice through a series of events and workshops.
Independent Study
The course requires you to become an independent 'open learner' and take responsibility for when, where and how your learning occurs. You will spend approximately 15-20 hours per week working on your own, undertaking research, preparing for group activities and preparing for class activities.
Placements
This course does not feature a separate placement, but features industry projects throughout, ensuring you leave with a portfolio of industry projects on your cv and an enhanced professional network.
Job Prospects
This Master's in Business Analytics is designed in response to a recognised shortfall of digital and data competencies. There is considerable demand for individuals who can initiate and manage data analytics projects, understand legal and ethical considerations in working with data, shape data cultures across organisations and communicate the results of data science and analytics projects to a range of stakeholders and audiences. With a curriculum designed to meet this skills gap, the job prospects leading from MSc Business Analytics are significant.
Is studying Business Analytics a good career choice?
The course will prepare you for a range of business and data analytics careers and roles in a wide range of sectors and industries.
Possible roles include:
- Business Analytics Manager
- Business Intelligence Officer
- Digital Analytics Manager
- Insight Analyst
Alumni story
Find out moreRGUflex
What is needed for an MSc in Business Analytics?
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject area.
- Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7600 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2850 |
| Year 2 | £2850 | |
| Year 3 | £1900 | |
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2850 |
| Year 2 | £2850 | |
| Year 3 | £1900 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7600 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2850 |
| Year 2 | £2850 | |
| Year 3 | £1900 | |
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2850 |
| Year 2 | £2850 | |
| Year 3 | £1900 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £17410 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £6530 |
| Year 2 | £6530 | |
| Year 3 | £4350 | |
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4410 |
| Year 2 | £4410 | |
| Year 3 | £2930 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7380 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £3690 |
| Year 2 | £3690 | |
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2770 |
| Year 2 | £2770 | |
| Year 3 | £1840 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7380 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £3690 |
| Year 2 | £3690 | |
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2770 |
| Year 2 | £2770 | |
| Year 3 | £1840 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7380 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £3690 |
| Year 2 | £3690 | |
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2770 |
| Year 2 | £2770 | |
| Year 3 | £1840 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £16900 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5615 |
| Year 2 | £5615 | |
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4210 |
| Year 2 | £4210 | |
| Year 3 | £2810 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
The Data Lab
There are a limited number of free places on selected Master's courses funded by The Data Lab, which aims to develop the data science talent and skills required by industry in Scotland. Fully funded places are available for September 2024 entry covering tuition fees, training and event participation.
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.