DEGREE GUIDE

Business Analytics

What do Business Analytics degrees involve?

Business Analytics degrees teach you how to use data to drive strategic decision-making and improve business performance. You will explore key areas such as data analysis, machine learning, predictive modelling, business intelligence, and data visualisation. These courses help you develop strong problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills while learning how to interpret complex datasets to identify trends and inform business strategies. You will also gain experience working with industry-standard tools and programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL. Through real-world case studies, industry collaborations, and hands-on projects, you’ll develop the expertise needed for careers in consulting, finance, marketing, and operations management.

Example
Modules

Introduction to Programming: Learn the basics of coding with languages like Python or R, gaining the skills to write scripts and automate data tasks in business contexts.

Foundations of Data Science: Explore how businesses collect, clean and analyse data, and learn to draw insights that support evidence-based decision-making.

Management Studies I: Understand how organisations operate, examining leadership, planning and the challenges of managing people and resources.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are widely available, especially in data-focused industries like finance, logistics or consulting.
🌍 Study abroad is available at some institutions.

BSc (Hons) Business Analytics
BSc (Hons) Data Analytics for Business
BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Finance
BSc (Hons) Business Management and Analytics
MSci Business Analytics

MSci is a four-year degree that combines undergraduate and master's study.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Business Analytics focuses on using data to make better business decisions. Most universities ask for strong numeracy and logical thinking.

Subjects that could strengthen your application include:

Maths – often required or strongly preferred
Economics or Business Studies – useful for organisational context (competitive universities may prefer you don't take both)
Computer Science or IT – helpful for data tools and programming
Further Maths or Statistics – sometimes accepted as strong supporting subjects

✨ Maths is the key subject and keeps the widest range of options open. If you're not studying Maths at Level 3, your course choices will be more limited.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Business or IT, often with an additional A-level in Maths or a strong maths background
T-levels in Digital Business Services or Accounting may be accepted for some pathways

✨ Some courses have quite specific subject combinations—especially for data-heavy routes—so always check the university website for the latest information.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses require:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or National 5s or MYP equivalents

📘 Some universities may ask for a grade 5/B or higher in Maths, particularly for technical or data-focused degrees.

Subjects like Computer Science or Business Studies at this level may also be helpful but are not a requirement.

💬 Interviews
Most universities do not require interviews for Business Analytics. Some courses may offer a short informal chat, especially if part of a combined programme or placement option.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard admissions tests for Business Analytics degrees.

🔍 Work Experience
Not required—but any experience using spreadsheets, databases, or digital tools in school, part-time jobs, or competitions (like Young Enterprise or maths challenges) can strengthen your personal statement.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Business or Data Science
If you're missing the required grades or haven’t studied Maths at A-level (or equivalent), some universities offer a foundation year that leads into Business Analytics or a related course.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Business, IT, or Science)
Access courses with strong numeracy and analytical components can provide a route to university—though many universities will still want evidence of GCSE Maths at grade 5/B or higher (or equivalent).

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in Data Technician, Digital Business Analyst, or IT Support can provide relevant experience and may support a future university application—especially when combined with further study or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

Start Your Journey → £3 a month

Full access to all self-discovery tools and guides. Cancel anytime.

Skills you would develop in a Business Analytics degree

Research & Data Analysis: Collect, interpret, and analyse data to help businesses make better decisions.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Understand patterns and trends in data to solve complex business problems.
Problem-Solving: Use data-driven insights to find practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Numeracy & Financial Literacy: Work confidently with numbers, statistics, and financial data.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use specialist software, databases, and analytics tools to process and visualise data.
Business & Commercial Awareness: Understand how data informs business strategies and operations.
Decision-Making: Make clear, evidence-based decisions using data insights.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Present data and findings in clear, easy-to-understand ways.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work with colleagues from different areas of a business to share insights and support projects.
Adaptability & Resilience: Respond to new technologies, changing data trends, and evolving business priorities.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Business Analytics degree a good match for you

Careers a Business Analytics degree could lead you to