This degree is designed to meet a growing need for graduates with a sound education in business and the specialist skills to help organisations understand their customers, forecast future demand and use big data to make effective decisions. You’ll learn to use industry-standard analytics software and develop the mathematical skills required to gain insights from a range of data sources, including the internet and social media data. In addition, this is one of the only UK business analytics BSc to include a foundation in programming – a valuable skill for your future career. You’ll put your knowledge into practice at the end of the course by working on a project to address a real-world industry issue. Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-focused academics, while input from industry ensures the course content meets today’s business needs. Year one In the first year you will take a distinctive set of compulsory modules that provide a robust foundation for your studies in years two and three. These modules cover accounting and practical management skills, and draw from different disciplines to explore the development of business concepts and key technologies, giving you greater insight into the contemporary business world. The breadth of study in year one will also help you to identify areas of business that most interest you. Years two and three In the second and third years you will study a number of specialist core and compulsory modules with a data analytics focus. These cover topics such as forecasting, simulation, optimisation, data mining and knowledge management. Final project Another distinctive feature of this course is the final project. Instead of a standard dissertation, you’ll investigate a business problem or issue identified by a real organisation. This will enable you to put your analytical and problem-solving skills into practice, as well as preparing you for the types of projects you may tackle in the workplace. Past projects include designing a forecasting model to predict a retailer’s stock requirements, or a simulation model to identify ways to reduce health service waiting times. There is currently a shortage of graduates with sound business analytics skills, putting you in a good position to find a job when you graduate. Your skills will be valuable within any organisation that collects and uses large amounts of data, in roles such as risk analyst, data analyst and data scientist. You could choose to become a business analyst within a consultancy firm or government agency, or work in fields such as manufacturing, healthcare or defence.