Business Analytics and Consultancy with Advanced Practice Heriot-Watt University

Overview

Gain the expertise to make data-driven, evidence-based decisions for transformation growth in business with our two-year MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy with Advanced Practice programme. In an evolving digital world, the significance of data technology in business is as important as ever. Employers worldwide are actively seeking graduates equipped with a unique blend of business acumen, data analytics skills, and the ability to effectively communicate insights.   During this degree, you’ll learn about the theory and practice behind analytics, so you'll be positioned to make informed strategic, evidence-based business decisions that drive success in the complex landscape of the business world.  You’ll learn about key concepts of Big Data and analytics and their use in management decision-making. You’ll also learn about management consultancy and financial reporting.   You’ll explore the theory and methods of social network analysis as they relate to organisational behaviour, leadership and entrepreneurship.  This programme is centred on employability and professional career readiness. If the first year is completed at an appropriate level, you'll progress to year two. The second year allows you to embark on a year-long company placement which will help you to develop and reflect on your learning in a workplace setting. We work closely with our industry advisory board of business leaders to identify current skill gaps faced by organisations and ensure that our course content and teaching are aligned with industry needs. As a result, you’ll develop key skills in highly employable areas of management including business strategy, leadership, project management, change management, quality management and inventory planning. 

Several core elements of this MSc programme will set you apart in the corporate world, these include the core skills you will gain in our Business Analytics course followed by our research-led Big Data Analytics course, the Network Analysis course, and a course in Management Consultancy.

Your Student Experience

Our Expertise

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics whose work covers four key areas:  

• Employment, Work and the Professions
• Logistics and Sustainability
• Networks and Enterprise Excellence
• Social and Economic Data Analysis  

Your Learning Environment

This degree is taught through a combination of traditional lectures, case studies and computer lab-based sessions where students will learn how to apply a range of analytical tools and techniques using real company data.  

During your studies, you’ll benefit from and have access to our state-of-the-art facilities including our Global Incubator which offers new-start firms support to take their business ideas to the next stage. Here you’ll find all types of industries from a wide range of backgrounds and knowledge working with professional and investor networks to achieve meaningful outcomes.  

Outside of the classroom, you can join Heriot-Watt’s Business Society which holds regular social events and provides networking opportunities and insights into career prospects in business and other relevant industries.

Customise Your Learning

You’ll have the opportunity to focus on the areas of analytics and consultancy that interest you the most. You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by selecting four specialist course options.    

Near the end of our study, you’ll ‘deep dive’ into your chosen area of business analytics in your dissertation. You will be required to demonstrate your mastery of the subject area by developing new insight from the analysis of valuable primary research.  

You can choose whether to study the programme full-time or part-time. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle.   

You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team. 

Accreditation

Our MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy with Advanced Practice is accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IoA), meaning that your programme meets the highest global academic, professional and ethical standards set by the IoA, in conjunction with industry expectations, in the field of Analytics & Data Science.