University of Surrey
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Become true visionaries who can harness the power of big data at Surrey Business School, University of Surrey

Every day, businesses accumulate extensive data from various sources, such as social media, emails, customer feedback forms, and more. While this data holds the key to unlocking significant business improvements, the true hurdle lies in deriving meaningful insights from it. Companies are seeking experts who can help them leverage big data with AI, machine learning, and management science — evident through the escalating number of job opportunities. And by 2026, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 28% growth in positions requiring skills in interpreting and implementing data.

This is where the field of business analytics assumes a pivotal role. Today, business analytics is used in most of the world’s major companies. It is also valuable in Silicon Valley, where some of the world’s most promising tech start-ups are keen to exploit any data-driven advantages which will help them break into the mass market. This is because it has the potential to enhance their business strategies and make them more effective, resilient, and successful. However, making sense of data and turning that insight into action is a skill that requires trained experts.

With the option to study in February 2024, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the true potential of data, transforming raw information into extraordinary insights that drive unparalleled success for businesses. Applications for the MSc Business Analytics programme at Surrey Business School, University of Surrey are now open. The programme blends theory with real-world experience, providing a holistic learning environment enriched by the wisdom and guidance of industry experts. These experts not only share their invaluable insights in classrooms but also on-site, giving students a first-hand understanding of how these concepts manifest in practical scenarios — something graduate Stefan can attest to.

University of Surrey

Source: University of Surrey

“Along with the theoretical studies, we get to apply the taught concepts in practice,” he says. “From the first semester, we started working on laboratory tutorials, academic essays and real business projects. These tasks helped me to understand and learn much better the wide variety of business concepts.

This exposure led Stefan to develop his first data mining business project in the field of marketing and insurance by the end of the first semester.

With a curriculum centred around three core areas — analysing business data, using data to solve business challenges, and making data-driven business decisions — students are trained to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, honing their skills through practical problem-solving challenges. This turns students into confident, lateral thinkers armed with the latest theories and hands-on practices that set them apart.

Just ask graduate Christiana, who gained crucial hands-on experience in various software programmes and programming languages vital in the competitive UK job market today. “Apart from being an excellent addition to my CV, joining this course has equipped me with a wide range of technical and soft skills that will help me flourish in any role I take during my career,” she says.

University of Surrey

Source: University of Surrey

Surrey graduates like Christiana can say that with confidence because their alma mater focuses on continually improving the quality of their programme.  Notably, the Data Mining and Text Analytics module is the first and only academic module in the UK endorsed by SAS for the knowledge and skills students attain upon completion.  The programme is also endorsed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and prequalifies for the professional development requirement of the IIBA Core Certifications: CCBA® and CBAP®.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA), Surrey Business School is ranked in the Top 75 for Business Administration and the Top 100 for Management (2023 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects). Reflective of the student experience, It ranks second in the UK for Business and Management in the 2023 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey results, with an overall satisfaction score of 95%.

This is no coincidence, and Programme Leader Dr. Colin Fu, a specialist in Business Analytics and Machine Learning, agrees.

“Our students embark on a transformative journey with Surrey Business School’s MSc Business Analytics — the UK’s first and exclusive programme endorsed by global powerhouses SAS© Institute and IIBA,” he says. “With their vast global employment network, graduates are poised for global opportunities, all while experiencing unparalleled teaching excellence.”

University of Surrey

Source: University of Surrey

Graduates of Surrey Business School are highly sought-after by employers, with 94% of postgraduate students going on to employment or further study in a range of areas including business, marketing and finance (Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA). This is largely due to Surrey’s award-winning career services as well. Here, students receive valuable career guidance and support during their studies and for three years after graduation.

For those seeking financial assistance, there’s great news. Starting February 2024, international students will get a 2,000 pounds discount if they pay their deposit by the deadline stated on the self-service portal, and also have the option to apply for the International Excellence Award, which provides selected master’s students with outstanding academic performance a 5,000 pounds scholarship.

Click here to learn more about the MSc Business Analytics programme at Surrey.

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