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.
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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.
- Programme overview
- Semester one
- Semester two
- Semester three
- Ongoing learning/professional development
- Placement opportunities
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
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
One year course
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK honours degree (2:2 or above) in one of the following fields: business, management, economics, finance, or another social science-related subject. Applicants with degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects are also eligible. If your degree is not in a quantitatively-based field, you must provide evidence of quantitative ability.
- All applicants will be required to demonstrate a commitment to the subject they wish to study and should demonstrate how their chosen programme of study will benefit them in their future career.
- One academic reference is required.
Two years with placement
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK honours degree (2:1 or above) in one of the following fields: business, management, economics, finance, or another social science-related subject. Applicants with degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects are also eligible. If your degree is not in a quantitatively-based field, you must provide evidence of quantitative ability.
- All applicants will be required to demonstrate a commitment to the subject they wish to study and should demonstrate how their chosen programme of study will benefit them in their future career.
- One academic reference is required.
If you’re considering submitting an application for this course, but you have more than three years of relevant work experience, why not consider applying for our Master of Business Administration (MBA) course? Find out more about our MBA here.
Get in touch If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
One year course
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above).
- All applicants will be required to demonstrate a commitment to the subject they wish to study and should demonstrate how their chosen programme of study will benefit them in their future career.
- One academic reference is required.
Two years with placement
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above).
- All applicants will be required to demonstrate a commitment to the subject they wish to study and should demonstrate how their chosen programme of study will benefit them in their future career.
- One academic reference is required.
If you’re considering submitting an application for this course, but you have more than three years of relevant work experience, why not consider applying for our Master of Business Administration (MBA) course? Find out more about our MBA here.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Home fees for September 2025 entry
| Study route | Home fees |
|---|---|
| One year (full-time) | £12,150 |
| Two years (placement year)* | £14,000 (£12,150 in Year One and £1,850 in Year Two) |
*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.
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our City Campus library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
You may choose to purchase core text books for your course, and prices for these may vary. However, our library is home to four floors of books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think!
Whilst on placement students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and funding pages will answer your questions.
Postgraduate loans
The government introduced a new postgraduate loan scheme for Master degrees. The loan will be a contribution towards the costs of study and it will be at the student's discretion to use the loan towards fees, maintenance costs or other costs. Find out more on our postgraduate loans page.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able 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.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494 or for Scholarship help please contact us on Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4460.
International / EU fees for September 2025 entry
| Study route | International / EU fees |
|---|---|
| One year (full-time) | £20,650 |
| Two years (placement year)* | £22,500 (£20,650 in Year One and £1,850 in Year Two) |
*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.
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placement
Whilst on placement students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs.
Print and copy 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, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Apply through our NTU Applicant Portal.
- 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.
- Fill out and submit your application - make sure to check all the information such as entry requirements before submitting.
- Track the progress of your application – you can do this by logging into the Application Portal.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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