| Code | MSCBA |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Months Full-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | MSc |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Closing Date | Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised. |
| Start Date | 8 September 2025 |
Course Outline
Our MSc Business Analytics programme is offered by the Cork University Business School at UCC. It provides students with a portfolio of business and analytical methods for solving problems and supporting decision making.
This 12 month intensive programme will provide students with a specialism in business analytics as well as an extensive knowledge of business and information systems.
At the core of this programme is a selection of topics covering cloud technologies, business intelligence and business analytics, IT performance management, data management and IT project management. A research project allows you to explore and develop an IT solution to a specific business problem in an area specific to the Business Information and Analytics area.
Programme content
Students take 90 credits as follows: 60 credits of taught modules (Part 1) and 30 credits of Research Modules (Part II)
Part I (60 credits)
- EC6011 Business Forecasting (5 credits)
- IS6017 Enterprise Business Processes and Applications (5 credits)
- IS6025 Design Thinking for Business Analytics (5 credits)
- IS6051 Business Data Analysis and Visualisation (5 credits)
- IS6052 Predictive Analytics (5 credits)
- IS6055 Prescriptive Analytics (5 credits)
- IS6058 Emerging Topics in Business Analytics (5 credits)
- IS6061 Python for Business Analytics (5 credits)
- IS6071 Business Analytics for Sustainability (5 credits)
- IS6072 Data Analytics for Business Enterprise (5 credits)
- IS6073 The Practical Application of Business Analytics (10 Credits)
Part II (30 credits)
- IS6611: Applied Research in Business Analytics (30 credits)
We have provided core modules that expose you to the technical skills and techniques needed by organisations to explore organisational issues and support decision-making within a business context. These skills are essential in any organisation where IT is integral to the success of the business.
A group research project facilitates students in the practical application of the Information Systems and Business analytical skills that are acquired during the programme.
Exit Award
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics
In the event of a candidate failing to pass Part II, and failing to achieve a pass standard following permitted minor corrections as outlined in "Pass Standard" above, the candidate will be offered an award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics (NFQ Level 9, Major Award), worth a total of 60 credits.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
The course normally requires attendance to 16 lecture hours per week, with 2 hours of lab work per week.
Group project work continues to early July at the latest, concluding the formal course content. However, students may be required to complete an individual essay in their own time up until the end of July/early August.
We use a hybrid approach to assessment for this programme. Assessment methods include formal written exams, essays, group and individual project work, and some lab practical work. Some modules are 100% continuous assessment and most modules have a minimum of 40% continuous assessment. During the programme students will work both individually and in groups. A strong emphasis is placed on the oral presentation of work.
The course is taught by academic staff from the Cork University Business School and are experts in their field. These lecturers all have PhDs and/or significant industry experience. Several of the Faculty have worked previously at leading IT organisations, major banks, and research agencies. Our academic staff are also engaged in research with involvement in or leadership of research centres in UCC and publish regularly in international peer-reviewed IT/IS and business journals.
Why Choose This Course
Students develop a skill set appropriate for roles such as business analyst, data analyst, consultant, project management, and IT manager. This course is strongly associated with business where data and information play a critical part. Active input on course content and specialisms is continuously incorporated from multinational industry leaders. The MSc Business Analytics considers the technical enabling capability of IS and the behavioural aspects of management that support informed decision-making. The course places an emphasis on design thinking and a cognitive approach to decision making.
Connected Curriculum
We encourage innovative teaching and learning practices at UCC and this is embodied in the online delivery of this programme. Our accessible learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff from the Cork University Business School have made significant contributions to their discipline and will support you in making meaningful connections across the disciplines of business, data, and technology.
Skills and Careers Information
This MSc Business Analytics programme is designed to provide you with the skillset to be successful in such roles as Business Analyst and Project Manager – two of the most highly sought-after positions in the Information Systems/Information Technology sector.
Organisations today need people who know how to manage and store data that helps them make better business decisions, compared to years ago when businesses didn't have data management at their fingertips to review and analyse to help them drive the business forward.
What can I do after I graduate with an MSc in Business Analytics?
Consultancy firms, financial services firms, manufacturing, and services organisations all require graduates who are data-savvy and who can analyse data and draw conclusions. The MSc Business Analytics will focus on the development of these skill sets. Typical roles include business analyst, business analytics specialist, data specialist, consultant, project manager, operations research, and IT manager.
Requirements
Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8). The qualification must include one module in a quantitative area, for example, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, or other Sciences.
Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have 3 years of professional experience in industry. To demonstrate 3 years of professional experience in industry, applicants will need to provide a detailed job specification of their role(s) and an interview may also be required.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
- You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
- Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
- Please upload your CV.