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Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence MSc

About this course

AI is transforming the way businesses operate and creating an unparalleled demand for experts who can leverage its power effectively. Our Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence programme focuses on the interface between technology and business, preparing you to thrive in this transformative era. You’ll gain the skills and confidence to harness the power of data and AI, driving innovation, boosting efficiency, and making a real impact.

The programme balances technical skills in analytics and AI, including generative AI, industry-standard tools, predictive analytics, and data management, with essential behavioural competencies demanded by employers, such as storytelling, influencing, and problem-solving. It also places a strong emphasis on ethics, responsible AI, sustainability, and governance, ensuring you are equipped to lead with integrity.

At NTU, you’ll learn from industry leaders, connect with a global network of peers and professionals, and receive personalised career support every step of the way. We’re here to help you stand out and succeed in a competitive, fast-changing world.

  • Our students get great jobs. We’ve been ranked 1st in the UK for employability (Uni Compare 2025).
  • Study in the heart of Nottingham, one of Europe’s top 25 student cities and home to over 75,000 learners.
  • At NBS you can create a personalised learning experience, giving you a unique Masters degree that equips you with the skills you'll need, for the career you want.
  • We have been awarded ‘University of the Year’ five times in six years (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, The Times and Sunday Times 2023 and 2018, The Guardian Awards 2019, Times Higher Education Awards 2017).

What you’ll study

At NBS you can create a personalised learning experience, giving you a unique Masters degree that equips you with the skills you'll need, for the career you want. Each of the modules will be delivered over a four week period, with teaching delivered in three weeks and the fourth week left clear for assessment work. This enables you to focus on one subject at a time, whilst allowing time for preparation and assessment work.

Semester one modules

  • Analytics and AI: Principles for Businesses
  • Predictive Analytics and AI
  • Data Management and Database Design
  • Professional Practice

Semester two modules

  • Prescriptive Analytics and AI
  • Applied Research Methods for Decision Making
  • Ethics and Governance of AI Systems
  • AI Management and Leadership

Semester three modules

Your choice of final semester project. Experiential projects include:

  • Consultancy Experience Project; or
  • Business Research Project

Module for students undertaking the 2 year course

  • Placement Diploma in Industrial Experience

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)

This module focuses on predictive analytics and its integration with AI systems to drive decision-making and business transformation. You will learn to identify, develop, and evaluate predictive models, including Generative AI, and explore their applications in solving business challenges. The module also emphasises ethical considerations, ensuring you apply predictive analytics and AI responsibly. By the end, you’ll have the skills to critically assess predictive models, implement them effectively, and contribute to transformative strategies in organisations, making a meaningful impact in today’s data-driven business environment.

Data Management and Database Design (20 credits)

This module offers an in-depth understanding of data management and database design, guiding you through the entire data lifecycle in organisations, from strategy and collection to archival and destruction. You’ll explore organisational data management principles, data modelling, normalisation, and database governance while gaining hands-on experience with SQL to understand practical database operations. The module also delves into contemporary issues in data management, covering relational and non-relational databases, data warehousing, big data technologies, and database security. Additionally, you’ll learn how databases integrate with AI and machine learning models, ensuring efficient data handling and processing in AI and analytics frameworks.

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.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

How you're taught

Teaching and Learning

Nottingham Business School takes a unique approach to learning, blending theory, practice, and reflection. You'll explore various theories and concepts, applying them in real-world business settings. This hands-on experience will help you observe and analyse business practices, including your own, and reflect on these insights to improve your decision-making. Our goal is to deepen your understanding and empower you to use theory to guide your actions in the business world.

Academic Mentors

Each postgraduate student at NTU is assigned an Academic Mentor to guide them throughout the year. Your mentor will support your academic success and help you develop key skills for career progression, personal growth, and professional development.

Assessments

The course uses a variety of assessment methods tailored to the specific needs of each module. Some assessments will focus on teamwork and collaboration, while others will evaluate individual performance. These assessments may include exams, group presentations, essays, reports, financial analyses, literature reviews, and research projects.

In-sessional English language support

In-sessional English language classes are offered to international students at no extra cost. The classes aim to provide focused support in the skills you need in order to develop your English in your subject area. For further information please contact the Nottingham Language Centre based in the Djanogly building on City Campus:

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 6156 | Email: englishsupport@ntu.ac.uk | Website: www.ntu.ac.uk/nlc

Staff Profiles

Elaine Chen - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Business School

Dr. Elaine Chen is a senior lecturer in the Department of Strategy, Analytics and Operations.

Ramez Kian - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Business School

Dr. Ramez Kian is a lecturer in Operation Management and Logistics. He joined Nottingham Business School in January 2018 as a researcher prior to his current position. He finished his…

Dr Yun He - Senior Research Fellow

Nottingham Business School

Yun He is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Management of the Nottingham Business School.

Dr Shan Shan - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Business School

Dr. Shan Shan currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University. Her teaching responsibilities span both undergraduate and postgraduate modules, covering areas such as

Dr Chinomso Nwagboso - Senior Lecturer

Strategy, Analytics and Operations

Chinomso Nwagboso, Senior Lecturer for Nottingham Business school at Nottingham Trent University.

Jamie Rundle - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Business School

Jamie Rundle is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Strategy, Analytics, and Operations at Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University. He specialises in Supply Chain and Operations Management and…

Careers and employability

Secure excellent employment opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence will be equipped to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by data and technology. You will be set to secure exciting roles globally, such as Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager, and AI Consultant, at leading organisations across various industries. Alternatively, you could use your skills to launch an innovative business, supported by the resources and networks at Nottingham Business School (NBS) and NTU.

Gain practical skills for real-world impact

This programme combines cutting-edge theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring you graduate with the skills to analyse data, create predictive models, and implement AI-driven solutions. With a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, including data privacy and AI's societal impact, you’ll be prepared to lead responsible and transformative projects.

Personalisation at NBS – what it means for you

NBS is a community of over 8,500 learners from diverse countries, cultures and academic backgrounds. We’re big in every sense — from our industry reputation, to our global community of ambitious students and successful graduates, to the sheer range of opportunities we provide. Study with NBS, and you’ll benefit from our partnerships with universities and businesses on every continent.

We’re proud to provide our learners with a personal experience. Each student’s experience is uniquely theirs, built around their needs, interests, and ambitions. It’ll be the same for you: whether choosing your own specialist modules or picking your preferred means of hands-on, experiential learning, we’re here to help you gather the skills, knowledge and experience to enhance your career prospects. Your future and employability comes first, and everything you’ll experience at NBS has a purpose — from industry networking events and prestigious guest speakers to personal and professional development modules. Book an NTU open day to learn more.

With a strong qualification, industry experience, and expert support in networking and self-marketing, we'll help you succeed. Find out about how our employability team can support you.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in our brand-new Postgraduate Centre, at the heart of our vibrant City Campus. Designed to support collaborative study, there’s a range of accessible teaching spaces, state-of-the-art technology, breakout areas, quiet work booths and a communal café. You can access dedicated market research reporting platforms and digital resources (e.g. Mintel, Passport, SPSS, and Adobe Creative Cloud) and a room equipped with Bloomberg terminals, which enables you to delve into industry-leading data, news and analytics.

NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to keep occupied between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our superb Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets catering to every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and so much more!

If that’s not enough, just take a few steps off campus, and you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of Nottingham — one of the UK’s top 10 student cities, and one of the top 25 in all of Europe. It’s a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night. For more details, why not take a Virtual Tour?

Entry requirements

UK students

One year course: You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK honours degree (2:2 or above) in a related subject. See details below*

Two years with placement: You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK honours degree (2:1 or above) in a related subject. See details below*

International students

One year course: You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK honours degree (2:2 or above) in a related subject. See details below*

Two years with placement: You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK honours degree (2:1 or above) in a related subject. See details below*

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
  • Full-time - £12,150
  • Full-time with placement year - £12,150 + £1,850 for placement year

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • Full-time - £20,650
  • Full-time with placement year - £20,650 + £1,850 for placement year

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships for international students up to 50% off your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Each module includes a tailored reading list with recommended core textbooks, all linked to our online library system, making it easy to access key resources anytime, anywhere. The NTU Library provides access to a wide range of eBooks, eJournals, and online materials, meaning much of what you need is available digitally at no extra cost. Printed copies of essential textbooks are also available in our libraries, and second-hand books may be available for purchase from previous students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Apply through our NTU Applicant Portal.

  1. Register as a new applicant and create an account in the Applicant Portal - don't worry you won't need to complete your application at once, you can come back to it so keep your details safe.
  2. Fill out and submit your application - make sure to check all the information such as entry requirements before submitting.
  3. Track the progress of your application – you can do this by logging into the Application Portal.
  4. Check your offer – As long as you’ve provided all the information we need, we’ll try and make a decision on your application within five to ten working days. However, this can take longer and you should allow at least three weeks for a decision.
  5. Accept your offer within four weeks - Remember that competition for places is high, and if you don’t accept your offer within four weeks it may lapse. After eight weeks it will be automatically withdrawn.
  6. Meet the conditions of your offer (if you have any) - Upload all the documents required to meet the conditions of your offer using the My Documents section of the Applicant Portal.

Don’t worry if you’re waiting for results – we recommend applying now, and then adding them to your Application Portal once they arrive.

If you need some help in writing your application you can view our handy tips.

Good luck with your application!

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.