Overview

Businesses today are driven by data, and organisations have a growing need for professionals who can turn data into insight and action. This course is designed to help you meet that demand, even if you have no previous experience in analytics, visualisation or programming.

You’ll learn how to analyse real-world business data, use industry-relevant analytics tools, and apply your findings to solve business problems and support decision-making. Through hands-on projects, you’ll build practical skills in data analysis, visualisation and business intelligence, while also understanding the ethical and legal responsibilities that come with working with data.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be confident translating technical findings into clear business insights that help organisations improve performance, increase efficiency and gain competitive advantage. This is a course designed to prepare you for the realities of today’s data-driven business world.

Why study Applied Business Analytics at GCU?

With growing demand for business analytics skills, this field offers strong career prospects. UK Government data identifies IT Business Analysts as a critical demand occupation (ONS 2025).
Analytics skills are highly transferable and in demand worldwide, supporting international career opportunities and long-term career progression across a wide range of industries.
Develop expertise in data ethics, privacy and governance, preparing you to address growing industry concerns and use data responsibly in professional roles.
Guest speakers and networking events give you the opportunity to learn from industry experts and build valuable professional contacts.

What you will study

Modules

Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics Version 5

Data Programming for Business Decision-Making

Strategic Data Analysis for Business Management

Business Optimisation Techniques

Predictive Intelligence for Business Management

Data Visualisation for Business Analytics

Data Ethics and Research Methods

Research Methods for Finance and Analytics

Developing Leadership for the Common Good

Finance and Analytics Research Project

We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.

The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

Careers

Graduates of the MSc in Applied Business Analytics are likely to enjoy good career prospects across diverse sectors including:

finance
technology
healthcare
consulting
retail
government.

Typical roles include:

Business Analyst
Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Financial Analyst
Management Consultant.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 27	Glasgow	Enquire
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.

Teaching and assessment methods

The emphasis on this course is on your skills developing progressively, going from basic concepts to advanced techniques, while staying accessible if you’re new to the field.

Lectures are backed by practical exercises and applications, allowing your skills to develop through hands-on problem solving. You’ll engage directly with analytics problems, software tools, and analytical techniques under guidance and with peer collaboration

You’ll not only develop technical competencies but also the professional judgement, ethical reasoning, and communication skills essential for responsible analytics practice in organisational settings.

Assessment methods vary between modules. They may include:

essays
reports
class tests
written exams
presentations
skills-based assessments.

Guest speakers and networking events

You’ll get the opportunity to hear from guest speakers who are industry experts and attend events where you can build your professional contacts.

Bloomberg Suite

During this course you’ll use our on-campus Bloomberg Suite on various modules. The Bloomberg Finance Lab introduces you to the world of financial leadership. It trains you to use the market-leading platform for global business and finance news, data, analytical tools and research.

You’ll be using the same platform as decision-makers, asset managers and policy architects across business, finance and government, and you’ll have access to real-time financial data that you can use in your work.

There is an option to complete the online Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) course. It covers the most important functions of financial markets including economic indicators, fixed income, equities and foreign exchange markets. Once you complete the course, you will be a certified Bloomberg user – something that will impress potential employers.

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.