MSc Business Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis

University of Manchester

Course description

Learn the fundamental theories, approaches and analytical toolkit of data analytics, decision sciences, applied operational research and statistics.

• Gain a solid theoretical foundation and quantitative skills, alongside practical problem-solving techniques
• Apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios using case studies, individual and team consulting-based assignments, presentations and software tools
• Use SAS Enterprise packages as part of the `Data Analytics for Business Decision Making' unit. SAS sponsor a coursework prize for this project
• Choose from a broad range of options to meet your interests or career aspirations
• Prepare for a career in consultancy, finance, retail, manufacturing, government analytics units, defence, IT systems, outsourcing and telecoms.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment varies depending on course units taken. It may include a combination of individual course work, group project assessment and presentations, assignments, in-class tests and examination. The dissertation normally ranges between 12,000 and 25,000 words.

Career opportunities

There are many potential career roles for postgraduates with an understanding of analytical approaches in business and management - including job titles such as operational research analyst, systems analyst, risk analyst, financial analyst, performance analyst, business analyst, data analyst, marketing analyst, data scientist, business modeller, and operations, logistics, production, project, risk, quality, performance, or general manager.

Employers include general and specialist consultancies, the finance, retail and manufacturing sectors, government analytics units, defence and major 'solution providers' in IT systems, outsourcing and telecoms.

In many of these areas an MSc is generally accepted as highly desirable for developing an initial career in the field. In addition to preparing you for specialist professional work, the course is also a valuable preparation for further study and for research degrees.