Develop Business Knowledge, Data Skills and Digital Expertise
The BSc (Hons) Business & Data Analytics is a three-year full-time degree designed for students who want to develop strong business knowledge alongside practical skills in data analytics, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
In today’s data-driven economy, organisations increasingly depend on data to understand markets, improve performance and make informed business decisions. This course provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand business challenges, interpret data and develop solutions that support effective decision-making.
Students will learn to think critically, solve complex problems and communicate business insights with confidence, developing skills that are increasingly valued by employers across a wide range of industries.
What is Business & Data Analytics?
Business & Data Analytics brings together business principles, data analysis, artificial intelligence and digital technology.
The course helps students understand how organisations operate while developing the ability to collect, prepare, explore and interpret data. Students learn how analytical information can be used to identify patterns, understand business performance and support real-world decision-making.
The programme also introduces modern areas such as decision intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics and cognitive systems, giving students an understanding of how emerging technologies can support businesses.
What Will You Study?
The course combines business knowledge with data analytics and modern digital skills.
Year 1
Data Analytics
Learn the core principles of data analytics within a business environment. Students explore how data is collected, prepared, analysed and interpreted to support evidence-based decision-making.
Economics for Analysts
Develop an understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics in a business context, including markets, costs, market structures, economic performance and government policy.
Introduction to Business
Explore what businesses are, how they are formed, how they operate and how they grow. Students consider political, economic, social, technological, ethical and legal influences on organisations.
Academic and Professional Skills
Develop essential academic and professional skills, including academic writing, research, referencing, presentations, teamwork and time management.
Year 2
Data Visualisation
Learn how to communicate data effectively through visualisation. Students explore chart selection, visual design, dashboards, interactivity and accessibility.
Marketing for Analysts
Develop an analytical understanding of marketing, markets and customer behaviour. Students learn how data can be used to evaluate segmentation, targeting and marketing performance.
Decision Intelligence
Explore the relationship between data, analytics, artificial intelligence and decision-making. Students are introduced to machine learning, scenario planning, predictive analytics and prescriptive analytics.
Finance Analytics
Learn how financial data can be analysed to evaluate business performance, forecasting, financial risk and return, while developing the ability to communicate financial insights clearly.
Year 3
Operations Analytics
Explore how data and analytics can be used to evaluate and improve organisational operations, including capacity, processes, supply chains, quality and performance.
Executing Business Strategy
Develop knowledge of strategic management, including analysing an organisation’s position, evaluating strategic alternatives and implementing business strategies.
Cognitive Systems
Explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning systems can support human judgement and organisational decision-making. Students learn about data preparation, feature engineering and predictive models while considering the ethical and practical implications of AI.
Undergraduate Project – Business Contexts
Complete an individual research project based on a real-world business case. Students apply their knowledge, conduct research using available data, consider ethical issues and present their findings professionally.
How is the Course Delivered?
The course uses a range of teaching and learning methods to provide students with an engaging and practical learning experience.
These may include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Practical sessions
- Group projects
- Case studies
- Reflective practice
- Work-related learning
- Online learning
Students also use a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to access learning resources, submit assignments and participate in online discussions.
How Will You Be Assessed?
Assessment methods are varied and allow students to demonstrate both academic knowledge and practical skills.
Assessments may include:
- Written assignments
- Essays
- Case study analysis
- Presentations
- Reports
- Reflective work
- Research projects
Many modules include more than one assessment, giving students the opportunity to develop a broad range of academic and professional competencies. Feedback is provided throughout the course to support student development and progress.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements can vary depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the specific course intake. Students should ensure that they meet the relevant academic and English language requirements before applying.
Applicants may be considered with qualifications such as:
- A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications
- BTEC or other recognised Level 3 qualifications
- T Levels or equivalent qualifications
- Access to Higher Education qualifications
- Other recognised qualifications considered suitable for entry
Applicants may also need to demonstrate appropriate English language and communication skills.
International Students
International applicants may be required to provide evidence of their English language ability through an accepted English language qualification.
The specific academic and English language requirements should be confirmed at the time of application, as requirements can vary according to the applicant’s qualifications and circumstances.
Please contact GCRD for advice on your eligibility and the entry requirements applicable to your application.
Skills You Can Develop
During the BSc (Hons) Business & Data Analytics degree, students can develop skills in:
- Business analysis
- Data analysis
- Data interpretation
- Data visualisation
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Decision intelligence
- Marketing analytics
- Financial analytics
- Operations analytics
- Strategic decision-making
- Business research
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Professional communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
These skills can help students understand complex business challenges and use data and technology to develop evidence-based solutions.
Career Opportunities
The combination of business knowledge and data analytics skills can provide graduates with career opportunities across many industries and business functions.
Potential career areas include:
- Business Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Marketing Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Operations Analyst
- Business Intelligence Consultant
- Analytics Consultant
- Digital Business Analyst
- Strategy Analyst
- Data and Business Consultant
The knowledge developed in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven decision-making can also support careers in emerging digital and technology-focused business environments.
Why Study Business & Data Analytics?
Data is becoming increasingly important to the way modern organisations operate. Businesses need professionals who can understand data, identify meaningful information and use insights to support better decisions.
This degree provides students with the opportunity to develop both business and analytical expertise, helping them bridge the gap between business strategy and technology.
Students can learn how to interpret data, evaluate business challenges and develop analytics-driven solutions while gaining an understanding of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Is Business & Data Analytics Right for You?
This course may be suitable for students who:
- Are interested in business and technology
- Enjoy working with data and information
- Want to understand how businesses make decisions
- Are interested in artificial intelligence and digital technologies
- Enjoy analysing information and solving problems
- Want to develop strong professional and transferable skills
- Are interested in business strategy and innovation
- Want to build a career in business, analytics or consulting
Apply Through GCRD
Choosing the right degree is an important decision for your future. GCRD provides students with guidance and support when exploring higher education opportunities.
If you are interested in studying Business & Data Analytics, our advisers can help you understand the course, discuss your entry requirements and guide you through the university application process.
Start your journey towards a career in business, data analytics and digital technology. Contact GCRD today for personalised guidance and application support.