Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme blends management theory with hands-on business analytics practice. You will study a mix of core management subjects and specialist analytics modules, followed by a substantial applied project or dissertation that integrates both strands.

Typical modules and topics

• Foundations of Management – organisational behaviour, leadership, strategy and the managerial context for analytics.
• Business Analytics and Decision Making – data-driven decision frameworks, descriptive and prescriptive analytics for business problems.
• Data Management and Business Intelligence – data warehousing, SQL, data integration and governance for organisational use.
• Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning – regression, classification, time-series forecasting and practical model development with business applications.
• Data Visualisation and Communication – techniques for presenting analytics results to stakeholders, dashboard design and storytelling with data.
• Operations and Project Management – process analysis, performance measurement and analytics in supply chain/operations contexts.
• Research Methods and Applied Analytics Project – research design, quantitative methods and a major project or dissertation working on an industry-relevant problem using real datasets.

Teaching typically combines lectures, computer lab sessions using industry-standard tools, case studies, group projects and guest sessions with industry practitioners. The applied project emphasises workplace relevance and can be undertaken with an external partner or as a research-led dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree. Typical offers are for a UK second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in any subject, with preference given to applicants with quantitative elements in their prior study or with relevant professional experience. Mature applicants with substantial work experience in a business or analytical role may be considered.

International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency via an approved test or recognised prior qualification. The programme may also consider applicants with professional qualifications or conversion backgrounds; where necessary, applicants can be asked to provide a portfolio or evidence of numeracy and IT skills.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles that combine commercial awareness with analytical capability. Common job titles include business analyst, data analyst, analytics consultant, operations analyst, marketing analyst and junior data scientist or analytics manager. The programme supports entry into sectors such as finance, retail, marketing and advertising, logistics and supply chain, healthcare, public services and technology firms.

In addition to technical roles, the management components prepare graduates for positions that require translating analytical insights into strategy and operational change, including management consultancy and project management roles. Bournemouth University’s careers and employability services help with CVs, interview preparation and industry contacts to aid the transition into work.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises practical, industry-relevant education with strong links to regional and national employers. The Business School focuses on applied learning, using real datasets, practitioner-led projects and opportunities to engage with local businesses. Facilities include dedicated computing labs and access to common analytics and data-visualisation tools.

The university’s approach integrates professional skills development — communication, teamwork and project management — alongside technical training, which helps graduates present analytic results to non-technical stakeholders. Students benefit from Bournemouth’s supportive learning environment, employability services and a curriculum designed to reflect current business needs in analytics and management.