Business Analytics (MSc)

Our MSc Business Analytics programme is offered by the Cork University Business School at UCC. It provides students with a portfolio of business and analytical methods for solving problems and supporting decision making.

This 12 month intensive programme will provide students with a specialism in business analytics as well as an extensive knowledge of business and information systems.

At the core of this programme is a selection of topics covering cloud technologies, business intelligence and business analytics, IT performance management, data management and  IT project management.  A research project allows you to explore and develop an IT solution to a specific business problem in an area specific to the Business Information and Analytics area. 

Programme content

Students take taught modules and a group project (IS6611) to the value of 90 credits as follows:

Part I (60 credits)

• EC6011 Business Forecasting (5 credits)
• IS6017  Enterprise Business Processes and Applications (5 credits)
• IS6025  Design Thinking for Business Analytics (5 credits)
• IS6051  Business Data Analysis and Visualisation (5 credits)
• IS6052  Predictive Analytics (5 credits)
• IS6055  Prescriptive Analytics (5 credits)
• IS6058  Emerging Topics in Business Analytics (5 credits)
• IS6061  Python for Business Analytics (5 credits)
• IS6070  The Application of Business Analytics in Practice (15 credits)
• IS6071  Business Analytics for Sustainability (5 credits)

Part II (30 credits)

• IS6611: Applied Research in Business Analytics (30 credits)

We have provided core modules that expose you to the technical skills and techniques needed by organisations to explore organisational issues and support decision-making within a business context. These skills are essential in any organisation where IT is integral to the success of the business.

A group research project facilitates students in the practical application of the Information Systems and Business analytical skills that are acquired during the programme.

Students develop a skill set appropriate for roles such as business analyst, data analyst, consultant, project management, and IT manager. This course is strongly associated with business where data and information play a critical part. Active input on course content and specialisms is continuously incorporated from multinational industry leaders. The MSc Business Analytics considers the technical enabling capability of IS and the behavioural aspects of management that support informed decision-making. The course places an emphasis on design thinking and a cognitive approach to decision making.

Connected Curriculum

We encourage innovative teaching and learning practices at UCC and this is embodied in the online delivery of this programme. Our accessible learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff from the Cork University Business School have made significant contributions to their discipline and will support you in making meaningful connections across the disciplines of business, data, and technology.

This MSc Business Analytics programme is designed to provide you with the skillset to be successful in such roles as Business Analyst and Project Manager – two of the most highly sought-after positions in the Information Systems/Information Technology sector.

Organisations today need people who know how to manage and store data that helps them make better business decisions, compared to years ago when businesses didn't have data management at their fingertips to review and analyse to help them drive the business forward. 

What can I do after I graduate with an MSc in Business Analytics? 

Consultancy firms, financial services firms, manufacturing, and services organisations all require graduates who are data-savvy and who can analyse data and draw conclusions. The MSc Business Analytics will focus on the development of these skill sets. Typical roles include business analyst, business analytics specialist, data specialist, consultant, project manager, operations research, and IT manager.

 

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

·       Communicate and work effectively to an ethical and high professional standard;

·       Demonstrate advanced analytical and problem-solving skills associated with responsible leadership and sustainability;

·       Engage in advanced application of frameworks and techniques in organisational settings (both national and international);

·       Understand the organisational context of data and information for business analytics;

·       Conduct business analytics research for business/policy sponsors and academic audiences;

·       Self-direct career development.

The course normally requires attendance to 16 lecture hours per week, with 2 hours of lab work per week. 

Group project work continues to early July at the latest, concluding the formal course content. However, students may be required to complete an individual essay in their own time up until the end of July/early August.

We use a hybrid approach to assessment for this programme. Assessment methods include formal written exams, essays, group and individual project work, and some lab practical work. Some modules are 100% continuous assessment and most modules have a minimum of 40% continuous assessment. During the programme students will work both individually and in groups. A strong emphasis is placed on the oral presentation of work.

The course is taught by academic staff from the Cork University Business School and are experts in their field. These lecturers all have PhDs and/or significant industry experience. Several of the Faculty have worked previously at leading IT organisations, major banks, and research agencies. Our academic staff are also engaged in research with involvement in or leadership of research centres in UCC and publish regularly in international peer-reviewed IT/IS and business journals.

Full module information is detailed in the section below.

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8). The qualification must include an element of quantitative techniques, for example, graduates of Business Studies, Engineering, Computer Science, other Sciences, Mathematics, or other disciplines that have some quantitative content. 

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have 3 years of professional experience in industry.  To demonstrate 3 years of professional experience in industry, applicants will need to provide a detailed job specification of their role(s) and an interview may also be required. 

View the grades comparison table

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. To verify if you meet the minimum academic requirements for this programme please visit our qualification comparison pages.

For more detailed entry requirement information please refer to the International website .

1. Choose Course

Firstly choose your course. Applicants can apply for up to three courses under one application. Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus.

2. Apply Online

Once you have chosen your course you can apply online at the online application portal. Applicants will need to apply before the course closing date. There is a €50 application fee for all courses apart from the Education - Professional Master of Education - (Secondary School/Post-Primary Teacher Training) which has a €100 application fee.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.

• Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC
• Any supplementary items requested for your course.

Please log into the online application portal for more details.

4. Application processing timeline

Our online application portal opens for applications for most courses in early November of each year. Check specific course details. 

Questions on how to apply?

Please use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please upload your CV.

The closing date for non-EU applications is We are now closed for applications for this course.

Non-EU Applications

For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above.

For more information please contact the International Office.