Business Analytics and Decision Sciences MSc

Course overview

Gain a powerful set of skills to transform data into meaningful business action: combining expertise in both data analysis and the psychology of how people make decisions.

In the evolving workplace, employers are looking for people who have technical analytical skills and also 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 artificial intelligence (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.

Course Highlights

• This course will give you 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.
• You’ll be taught by internationally recognised academics and business practitioners from our  Centre for Decision Research, who are actively engaged in advising businesses, governments and international bodies. They’ll share this expertise, knowledge and research with you in the classroom.
• Teaching and assessment are based on real business applications, informed by extensive industry links across the faculty. In addition, there’s the opportunity to apply for an industry-led project.
• You can apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, which includes company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.
• Our extensive industry links provide opportunities to work with and learn from some of the biggest names in the business.
• Ranked 7th in the UK by the QS Business Masters Rankings 2025: Business Analytics.

Guaranteed work experience

While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with a business and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week virtual 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 the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and 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. Recent graduates are now working as:

• business analysts and data analysts
• data scientists, machine learning engineers, data hunters
• business consultants and analytics consultants
• commercial managers.

They are employed in a range of top organisations worldwide, including Amazon, Accenture, Uber, Salesforce, Unilever, Allianz, Asda, Morrisons, Sky, Lloyds Bank, NHS, Alibaba and HSBC.

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, and 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; and have been taught by leading experts in analytics and decision science, from companies including Oakland, Amazon and PlayStation.

Guaranteed industry experience

The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects. You’ll connect with leading companies across the globe to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical business challenges.

Careers support

As part of this course, our dedicated professional development tutor will provide tailored academic and careers support to help you achieve your career ambitions.

You can access advice and guidance on your career choices, help identify and apply for jobs, and receive support to boost your employability. You’ll also receive coaching on developing the professional skills needed to start a successful career and how to demonstrate these skills to prospective employers.

Leeds University Business School provides dedicated support to help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to make a real impact in your chosen career.

You’ll also benefit from the University’s award-winning Careers Service, where you can access a range of support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions, even after you graduate.

Work placements

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 artificial intelligence.
• Build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a consultant 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.