Business Analytics and Decision Sciences MSc

Course overview

Become an expert in data analysis and the psychology of how people make decisions, so you can transform this data into meaningful business action.

In the evolving workplace, employers are looking for people who have technical analytical skills and the ability to apply their knowledge to solve real business challenges.

This course gives you both, along with the expertise to help organisations make the best use of their data and AI to drive growth.

Combining theoretical concepts with practical application, you’ll develop the decision-oriented analytical skills that managers need. You’ll learn how to translate data – such as customer reviews, sales figures and cost-over-time – into actionable insights that have a positive impact on the organisation’s effectiveness.

The School’s strong connections with industry offered the potential for collaborative projects or a company-based dissertation, providing invaluable hands-on experience.

Karkala Priya Kamath, Business Analytics and Decision Sciences MSc

Why study at Leeds

• Taught by globally recognised experts: Our globally recognised academics and business practitioners who teach the course are from our  Centre for Decision Research and are actively engaged in advising businesses, governments and international bodies.
• Build a toolkit of technical skills: Gain strong technical skills in business analytics, an understanding of the psychology of decision-making, and the experience of working with various stakeholders: all necessary qualities for a future business leader in a data-driven age.
• Learn the latest development in industry: Not only is your curriculum based on real business applications shaped by our industry links, but you’ll also get opportunities to work with – and learn from – some of the biggest names in the business.
• Global opportunities to broaden your experience: Apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, with company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich. 

Guaranteed industry experience

While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from three leading bodies:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Association of MBAs (AMBA)
• European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)

This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives. Our diverse, international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.

Course details and modules

This course will build your knowledge and understanding of how business analytics can provide evidence to support management decision making.

Using different evidence-based approaches to make effective decisions, you’ll develop your skills in quantitative analysis.

You’ll learn to use advanced analytical techniques, such as forecasting, predictive modelling, clustering and optimisation, while applying your decision-making skills to real-life business and management scenarios.

With the support of leading researchers in this constantly shifting landscape, you’ll also gain an understanding of research methods and consultancy. A range of optional modules allows you to gain specialist knowledge that suits your interests or career plans.

The course culminates in a dissertation or project, enabling you to apply your learning to a topic of your choice. This is an opportunity to explore the very latest insights with the support of an academic supervisor who shares your passion and interest.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Business Analytics and Decision Sciences MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs. This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons). Core quantitative skills and willingness to engage with quantitative materials are essential.

International equivalents

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Documents and information you’ll need

• a copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
• contact details for two academic references
• a personal statement
• an up-to-date CV
• your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• a letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £17,500 (Total)

International: £32,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

From day one, we encourage you to think beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career.

The demand for business leaders who understand data and decision-making is growing rapidly. As a graduate of this course, you’ll have a competitive advantage in a range of career paths, including:

• Business Analysts
• Data Analysts
• Data Scientists
• Machine Learning Engineers
• Data Hunters
• Business Consultants
• Analytics Consultants
• Commercial Managers

Where this degree could take you

Graduates of this course are highly valued by employers in both the public and private sectors and have contributed to a wide range of roles in business. Some have found employment as:

• Credit Risk Manager, Lloyds Banking Group
• Business Analyst, Transport for London
• Business QA Manager, HSBC
• Associate, PwC
• Analyst, Deloitte
• Data Hunter, Allianz Insurance
• Consultant, EY
• Senior Advisor Data Science, Dell Technologies
• Accountant, Beijing Capital Airlines
• Operational Researcher, Home Office

Skills for your future

This Masters will equip you with the professional skills employers are looking for, giving you the opportunity to take your career wherever you want. Key skills include:

• Business analytics: Gain technical skills, including industry-standard tools such as R, Python and SQL; processes such as CRISP-DM and Agile; techniques such as time-series forecasting and machine learning, including the application of artificial intelligence.
• Decision making: Understand the psychology of how decisions are made, how to recognise human bias and heuristics in business scenarios, and how to effectively communicate and ascertain risk.
• Business acumen: Gain the know-how to manage complex business situations, including how to recognise market situations, evaluate challenges and opportunities, and make recommendations to improve organisational effectiveness.

Links with industry

You’ll engage with senior leaders from the world of business as part of our Leaders in Residence initiative, where successful and established business professionals share their experience at speaker events and guest lectures to help you connect the theory of your course to real-world practice.

Past students have also worked on industry-led projects with partners such as the Met Office, Britest, OPSS and Universal Music Group. They have been taught by leading experts in analytics and decision science, from companies like Oakland, Amazon and PlayStation.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.