Overview

This course is designed to prepare you for a successful career in the data-driven business world. It is particularly suited to those from a business or non-technical background who want to expand into analytics. You’ll gain sought-after skills in data analytics, visualisation and programming, while developing practical business skills such as leadership and problem solving.

You’ll explore a range of analytical approaches such as identifying trends, forecasting outcomes and making data-informed decisions. Teaching is centred on applying analytics techniques to real business challenges, allowing you to put your learning into practice straight away. The curriculum combines technical skills like AI, programming and data visualisation with a strong emphasis on ethical data use, communication, and responsible leadership.

This course will enable you to:

Apply technical knowledge to real-world business challenges
Develop a strategic understanding of data use within the relevant legal and ethical frameworks
Lead analytics teams and manage data-driven projects
Build a strong foundation in programming, data storytelling and decision-making through industry-standard tools like Python, SQL and Power BI.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates from this programme will be able to bridge specialist data skills with business expertise, translating data insights into practical solutions. With growing global demand for data professionals, business analytics roles are among the fastest-growing worldwide. In Scotland, job growth is projected across five out of six key data-related occupations through 2030. Graduates from this programme will be equipped to succeed in these roles, combining specialist technical knowledge and practical business skills.

What you
will study

Core modules

Research project

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Course
information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full Time	16 months	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Minimum academic requirements

UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent) in any subject area.

English language requirements

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Bloomberg Suite

While studying on this course, you’ll have access to our Bloomberg Suite where you’ll experience an environment where the real world of business and finance is brought into the classroom. You’ll be learning with the world’s leading professional platform for financial analysis and business news, with interactive teaching tools providing real-time data and analytics on global markets and more than 110 industries.

Guest lectures and networking events

Students on this course will get the opportunity to hear from guest lecturers.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods vary between modules and may include: essays, reports, class tests, written exams, presentations and skills based assessments.

Scholarships

For the opportunity to continue your studies and develop your ideas and innovations, we are committed to providing a range of enabling scholarships with benefits such as tuition fee support, help with travel and living costs, opportunities to work with those who inspire you and those who are inspired by you. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.

Teaching methods

A blended approach is adopted for learning and teaching with the use of face-to-face contact in the form of lectures, seminars, labs, and workshops as well as directed and independent (including web-based) study. The nature of the classroom setting is a balance between knowledge transfer, interactivity and group activities; with students expected to contribute to the learning environment. A carefully managed learning environment will facilitate shared knowledge and understanding across a cohort of diverse international students to enhance the student learning experience.

The range of modules from theoretical to practical and business-orientated is designed to generate the wide array of knowledge and skills necessary for graduates entering a broad range of financial technology-related positions across a variety of sectors. Guest industry speakers will be utilised to contextualise theories and challenges discussed in class and, case study challenges will be set for student assessments.

The teaching/learning strategy incorporates the use of computer-based applications and resources and, specifically, VLEs such as GCU Learn. Across the course, a range of assessment methods is deployed which are designed to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding required of the aims of the programme as well as the array of intellectual, professional, and transferable skills demanded by employers. As such, a balance of coursework assessments has been created to ensure academic rigour in relation to knowledge and intellectual ability as well as the development of professional and transferrable skills.

The nature of assessment is specific and relevant to the module content and therefore includes an amalgamation of investigative research, critical analysis, methodological approach, problem-solving and critical self-reflection. The use of projects, reports, and various forms of examination and self-reflection are designed to meet all learning outcomes.

HM Forces

In partnership with HM Forces, GCU has identified this course is being particularly suited to military and ex-military men and women. Visit the HM Forces Careers Zone for more information on the services we provide.