Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence MSc

Semester one

Analytics and AI: Principles for Businesses (20 credits)

In this module, you’ll gain a solid understanding of analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) and how they’re used in the business world. You’ll learn about the different types of analytics and discover how to choose and apply the right techniques for a range of business challenges. We’ll also introduce you to AI systems and show you how they can improve decision-making and streamline operations in organisations. You’ll dive into essential topics like data collection, management, and pre-processing, as well as predictive analytics and machine learning techniques.

Predictive Analytics and AI (20 credits)

Semester two

Prescriptive Analytics and AI (20 credits)

This module focuses on prescriptive analytics and its connection to AI and data-driven decision-making, equipping you with the skills to develop and evaluate prescriptive models for various business scenarios. You’ll explore the decision-making process, learn a mathematical framework for effective decision-making, and use simulation and sensitivity analysis to measure the impact of business decisions. The module combines technical methodologies with practical applications, preparing you to apply advanced analytics tools to solve complex business challenges and support strategic decision-making.

Ethics and Governance of AI Systems (20 credits)

This module explores the ethical and sustainable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within organisations, examining contemporary issues, theories, and governance frameworks on both national and international levels. Through case studies and discussion-led seminars, you’ll critically engage with themes of accountability, governance, and sustainability, applying these concepts to real-world scenarios. The module addresses key topics such as the societal, economic, and environmental challenges of AI ethics, accountability in AI governance, and the sustainability of AI systems. You’ll also develop communication skills to articulate complex ethical issues and gain insights into building effective governance frameworks for AI in your future professional practice.

AI Management and Leadership (20 credits)

This module explores the management and leadership of AI technologies within organisations, focusing on equipping you with the skills to lead AI projects, drive AI-driven transformations, and address the strategic and ethical challenges of AI implementation. You’ll learn about technology management principles, AI integration into organisational strategies, and innovation management in product development. The module also covers leadership theories, managing AI-driven change, project and risk management in AI initiatives, and the sustainability implications of AI, preparing you to navigate the complexities of managing AI in dynamic organisational environments.

Semester three

In your final semester you'll take on a experiential project, giving you a fantastic opportunity to use the theories and knowledge you've gained to produce a challenging, meaningful piece of work. Projects include:

Consultancy Experience Project (40 credits)

Working as part of a team, you'll undertake focused research, developing your professional skills, managing a complex project and delivering results in a real business situation. You'll present your findings to the client and learn valuable project management tools and concepts.

Business Research Project (40 credits)

This project is a more traditional piece of independent research, creating an academic research paper, presentation and methodological reflection. Because we believe experiential learning is so important, this project is only available to students with significant prior work experience or a desire to progress to a PhD.

For more information about semester three options please visit our Experiential Projects page.

Ongoing learning

Throughout the year you will also study the following modules which will help you understand how to manage your own continuous personal and professional development (PPD).

Professional Practice (10 credits)

The purpose of the module is to increase your understanding of your own personal and professional development needs to enhance your business acumen and improve your employability. The module utilises a series of taught sessions to help you explore the human side of enterprise and deploys a series of diagnostics tests to help you evaluate yourself and develop an individual action plan. It will combine teaching with individual and group mentoring to help you execute your plan. The module also promotes engagement with internal and external workshops, lectures, experiential learning opportunities and extra-curricular events to help you expand your knowledge and skills, whilst challenging your attitudes and behaviours. You will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of continuous professional development from the perspective of relevant professional bodies.

Applied Research Methods for Decision Making (10 credits)

This module takes a problem-focused approach to research methodologies in Business Analytics and AI, equipping you with the skills to tackle complex business challenges. You’ll learn to select, design, and implement appropriate research strategies that link theoretical knowledge with practical solutions, applying analytics techniques such as descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive methods to real-world problems. The module covers the entire research process, from framing questions and defining objectives to deriving actionable insights, while addressing ethical principles, data security, and ESG considerations. You’ll also explore mixed-methods research, combining qualitative and quantitative data to create well-rounded, evidence-based solutions for business contexts.

Professional Development

Beyond your core curriculum and comprehensive career support, you'll have access to a vibrant CPD programme. This includes your Personal Development Week, Global Responsibility Week, and events and workshops including our Business Leaders’ Lecture Series. You'll also have the chance to participate in national and international business challenges, industry talks, field trips, and company visits. We encourage you to get involved in sports, clubs, societies, volunteering, and apply for roles like course rep or student ambassador. These opportunities are designed to enhance your experience, help you thrive in the job market, and support your personal growth.

Placement Diploma in Industrial Experience (2 year course only)

This module aims to develop your understanding of the business and commercial environment. You will apply relevant prior knowledge and skills in the business environment increasing your commercial awareness. On completion of the module, you will have developed a range of skills and have a practical insight into the world of work and possible career opportunities.

If you opt for the two year route you can add a year’s work placement onto your course. It’s a great way to put your learning into practice and gain valuable real-world experience to help boost your career prospects once graduating.

Your placement year will last up to 48 weeks (minimum 36 weeks). If you are unable to take a full year's placement, but have completed the minimum 36 weeks you can qualify for a Placement Diploma in Industrial Experience. If you undertake a placement, you must take up the Business Research Project in Semester Three.

Please note that placements are not guaranteed and you will need to work hard in securing one during your first semester. We have a dedicated Employability team who are here to help and support you during the placement process with CV writing, creating a LinkedIn page, interview tips, where to search for a placement etc. You can visit the Employability team’s page for further information.

Please contact us through Ask NTU if you have any questions about securing placements.