Postgraduate taught 

Business Analytics MSc

Stay competitive in a data-driven world with our MSc Business Analytics programme. You will learn how to turn data into valuable insights that drive business success. Gain practical skills to enhance decision-making, optimise business performance and drive innovation. This programme gives you the tools you need to excel in today’s business environment make a real impact.

Register your interest for more information

privacy

Why this programme

  • Build practical skills to solve real-world business challenges in a dynamic and blended learning environment.
  • Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued by employers, giving you a competitive edge.
  • Explore key topics like statistical analysis, data mining, predictive modelling, and machine learning with a focus on practical business use.
  • Benefit from career development tools, mentoring, and industry connections to help you succeed in business analytics and related fields
  • Get hands-on experience with tools like Python, Tableau, SQL, and R. Learn to analyse real-world data, optimise processes, and uncover insights with expert support.
  • Gain valuable experience by working with live clients on industry projects. Bridge classroom theory with practical, real-world applications.*

    • *Industry Projects are not guaranteed. All applications are subject to availability and review processes. We will support candidates with their applications before the deadline but if unsuccessful, they can opt for a research proposal for their dissertation. Students can also secure their own projects with approval from academic and/or professional services.

Adam Smith Business School is triple accredited

Programme structure

Our MSc Business Analytics programme is designed to provide a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. Students are required to complete a total of 180 credits, which includes a combination of core and elective courses tailored to deepen your knowledge in key areas while offering the opportunity to specialise.

  • Taught Courses: Delivered over two semesters, the taught component of the programme consists of core courses, each valued at 20 credits, and a range of elective courses that allow you to customise your learning path. Elective courses are available in both 10- and 20-credit options, providing flexibility to suit your interests and career goals.
  • Applied Project: During the summer term, you will undertake a significant piece of work through the Applied Project in Business Analytics, a core component of the programme worth 60 credits. This project enables you to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the year to real-world business challenges, preparing you for a successful career in the field of business analytics.

Core courses

Optional courses

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

Graduates are well-prepared for careers as Business Analysts, Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Operations Analysts, Market Research Analysts, and Quantitative Consultants. These roles are available across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, technology, retail, and manufacturing, making graduates highly adaptable and in demand.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2025-26

MSc

UK

  • Full-time fee: £12840

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £33450

Deposits

International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2000 within four weeks of an offer being made.

Deposits: terms & conditions

This programme requires some students to pay a deposit to secure their place.

If you are an international student, we will only issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once the deposit has been paid.

Your offer letter will state:

  • how to pay the deposit payment
  • the deadline for paying the deposit

The following guidelines will apply in determining whether a deposit will be refunded. Where the deposit is refunded, a 25% handling fee will be deducted.

Deposits will be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:

  1. Where the University is unable to offer you a place.
  2. Where the applicant has personal circumstances such as illness, bereavement or other family situations that has prevented them coming to the UK. Medical or other proof may be requested.
  3. Applicant can prove that they have applied for a visa to attend the University of Glasgow, but the VISA has been refused. The applicant must have shown 'real intent' to study at the University of Glasgow but has been unable to obtain their visa.
  4. Applicant does not meet his / her conditions of offer: this may be academic or language test requirements. Satisfactory evidence must be uploaded to the student’s applicant self-service to prove that they have not met the conditions of their offer (note that applicants who do not meet the language condition of their offer must show reasonable attempt to meet this, i.e. they must provide a language test which was taken after the date that the deposit was paid).

Deposits will not be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:

  1. Applicant has decided to defer – in this situation the University will retain the deposit and credit it against the applicant’s account for securing their place for the following year of entry.

Refund requests must be made within 30 days of the programme start date stated on your offer letter.

Requests made after this date will be subject to discretion.


Application fee

A fee of £25 per application must be paid by all applicants to this programme. The application fee will be requested when you apply online and it can be paid using your credit or debit bank card.

Application fee: Terms and conditions

The application fee is non-refundable so it is important that you check any specific entry requirements for the programme. If you are applying with qualifications from outside the UK then you should check the postgraduate taught entry requirements for your country: see International students: In your country

Applicants who are sponsored may have the application fee waived at the point of applying online. However if the sponsorship status changes before the student registers with the University and the student is self-funding the University reserves the right to invoice the student for the initial application fee.


Additional fees

  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
  • Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

Business Analytics Scholarship

It is our commitment to attract the very best academically talented students from around the world to study this postgraduate taught programme, providing them with an intellectually demanding, research and industry-informed education.   

With this scholarship we wish to recognise outstanding students who will add to the diversity and vibrancy of the School, and who have shown determination in their career to date.  

There are 9 tuition fee scholarships available for Home/RUK, EU and International applicants. This scholarship is open to all full-time, self-funding students. 

Adam Smith Business School Global Challenges Scholarship

As part of our commitment to attracting the very best students to join our diverse international community, we are delighted to introduce the ASBS Global Challenges Scholarship for 2025. With this scholarship we wish to recognise outstanding students who will add to the diversity and vibrancy of the School, and who have shown determination in their career to date.

This scholarship is awarded in the form of a full tuition fee waiver and stipend, and is open to full-time, self-funding students.

Adam Smith Business School India Scholarship

The Adam Smith Business School is honoured to announce the ASBS India Scholarship for 2025/2026 entry. This exciting award aims to enable highly qualified students from India to pursue full-time Master's degree study at the University of Glasgow. This scholarship is available to students entering the Adam Smith Business School for Academic Session 2025-2026. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount. 

Adam Smith Wealth of Nations Scholarship (UK)

The University of Glasgow is offering a number of Adam Smith Scholarships for Academic Session 2025/2026. Scholarships are available to students entering the below Adam Smith Business School full-time postgraduate taught programmes and are awarded as a tuition fee discount.

Adam Smith Wealth of Nations Scholarship (International)

The University of Glasgow is offering a number of Adam Smith Scholarships for Academic Session 2025/2026. Scholarships are available to students entering the below Adam Smith Business School full-time postgraduate taught programmes and are awarded as a tuition fee discount.

Adam Smith Business School China Scholarship

The Adam Smith Business School is honoured to announce the new ASBS China Scholarship for 2025/2026 entry. This exciting award aims to enable highly qualified students from China to pursue full-time Master's degree study at the University of Glasgow. This new scholarship is available to students entering the Adam Smith Business School for Academic Session 2025-2026. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount. 

Adam Smith Business School: Advancing Women in Business

As part of our commitment to attracting the very best students to join our diverse international community, we are delighted to introduce the Adam Smith Business School: Advancing Women in Business Scholarship. With this scholarship we wish to recognise outstanding students who will add to the diversity and vibrancy of the School, and who have shown determination in their career to date.

Global Leadership Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has several Global Leadership Scholarships available to International fee students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline for Academic Session 2025/2026. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fees discount.

HESPAL Scholarship

The University has worked in partnership with the British Council in a scheme to provide Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL), for the past decade.

Through the HESPAL scheme, we have been able to offer fee waivers to students from the Palestinian Territories, enhancing educational opportunities for deserving individuals.

Considering the current challenges and the significant obstacles faced by individuals impacted by the conflict in leaving the area, the University of Glasgow extends their support in the academic year 2025/2026 to offer up to 3 postgraduate taught scholarships and up to 2 postgraduate research scholarships.

This scholarship is offered as a full fee discount.

World Changers Glasgow Scholarship PGT (EU)

The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow. 

We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship PGT (EU) to new incoming EU students starting an postgraduate programme for Academic Session 2025-26. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award, as well.

Glasgow Excellence Award (UK)

The University of Glasgow has a total of 40 Glasgow Excellence Scholarships available to UK students entering any of the University’s Colleges.

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Business, Management or another subject with a quantitative focus.

Applicants with a 2:1 degree or non-UK equivalent in an unrelated subject area and have at least two years of relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

This is a conversion course for students who have no previous studies in the area of Business Analytics. Those students who have a degree in Economics, Finance, Computing Science or another subject with a quantitative focus are advised to consider MSc Data Analytics for Economics & Finance

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

  • 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

  • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

  • 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

  • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

  • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
  • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
  • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

  • Heriot Watt
  • Kingston Upon Thames
  • Middlesex University
  • Manchester University
  • Reading University
  • Edinburgh University
  • ST Andrews University
  • UCL
  • Durham.

 

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • One reference letter on headed paper
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application fee

A fee of £25 per application must be paid by all applicants to this programme. The application fee will be requested when you apply online and it can be paid using your credit or debit bank card.

Application fee: Terms and conditions

The application fee is non-refundable so it is important that you check any specific entry requirements for the programme. If you are applying with qualifications from outside the UK then you should check the postgraduate taught entry requirements for your country: see International students: In your country

Applicants who are sponsored may have the application fee waived at the point of applying online. However if the sponsorship status changes before the student registers with the University and the student is self-funding the University reserves the right to invoice the student for the initial application fee.

Find out more about Application fees


Application deadlines

September 2025

International & EU applicants

Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants from all geographic regions.

Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2024 to 4 November 2024

All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 22 January 2025.

Round 2 application dates: 5 November 2024 to 16 December 2024

All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 10 March 2025.

Round 3 application dates: 17 December 2024 to 3 February 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 21 April 2025.

Round 4 application dates: 4 February 2025 to 24 March 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 19 May 2025.

Round 5 application dates: 25 March 2025 to 12 May 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 7 July 2025.

Round 6 application dates: 13 May 2025 to 7 July 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 18 August 2025.

All international applications submitted by 16 December 2024 will be reviewed and processed normally with no priority given to any geographic region. From 17 December 2024, priority will be given to applications from geographic areas which have been unable to submit applications before that point.

As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year.

UK applicants

  • 22 August 2025
Apply now

More information about this programme

Skills Award

Related programmes

Business

more related Business programmes

Management

more related Management programmes

Related links

Students chatting at the quadrangle

Postgraduate events

2 students studying in the James McCune Smith building

Keep in touch