collageDegree awarded MSc
Duration 12 months full-time
Entry requirements
We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent in a quantitative subject such as mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, computing, management science or economics.
When assessing your academic record we take into account your grade average , position in class, references and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. We particularly welcome applicants from institutions of high ranking and repute.
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2021, the tuition fees are as follows:
- MSc (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £14,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): £25,000
Refund Policy
Due to the competition for places and limited availability, our courses require a deposit of £1000 to cover non-recoverable costs and secure your place. The deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.
The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:
- you fail to meet the conditions of your offer (see below for further information); and/or
- you are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK (proof must be submitted)
If an offer has been made specifying an English Language condition which you do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken after the date of offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions for a refund to be approved. The English Language test certificate provided with your application documents will not be accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions as such a certificate will predate the offer.
If an offer has been made specifying an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require the official university documentation showing that you have not met this academic condition from the institution at which you have studied, as evidence for a refund to be approved.
The Admissions Team reserves the right to refuse to refund of any deposit that does not meet with the requirements outlined above.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application.
Academic entry qualification overview
We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent in a quantitative subject such as mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, computing, management science or economics.
When assessing your academic record we take into account your grade average , position in class, references and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. We particularly welcome applicants from institutions of high ranking and repute.
English language
For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
This course is now closed to applications for 2021 entry.
Advice to applicants
Your statement of purpose should cover the areas outlined below and be one page A4:
- Tell us why you are interested in the MSc Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis course at Alliance MBS and how the course will impact on your future
- Please list any other quantitative courses or qualifications you have taken in addition to your undergraduate degree
- Describe what makes you an outstanding applicant and describe your potential to contribute to all aspects of the course.
How your application is considered
We can only process applications with the following documents:
- up-to-date English language score outlining individual element scores, or date of your test (where applicable)
- first and second year transcript (scanned copies are accepted at the time of application)
- one academic reference letter , or a professional reference letter if you graduated more than two years ago
- statement of purpose
- copy of passport (for non-home/EU students only)
Deferrals
To defer your offer to the following year, you must contact your admission officer to get a copy of the deferral form. You can only defer your place for one year.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
Course description
Learn the fundamental theories, approaches and analytical toolkit of data analytics, decision sciences, applied operational research and statistics.
- Gain a solid theoretical foundation and quantitative skills, alongside practical problem-solving techniques
- Apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios using case studies, individual and team consulting-based assignments, presentations and software tools
- Use SAS Enterprise packages as part of the `Data Analytics for Business Decision Making’ unit. SAS sponsor a coursework prize for this project
- Choose from a broad range of options to meet your interests or career aspirations
- Prepare for a career in consultancy, finance, retail, manufacturing, government analytics units, defence, IT systems, outsourcing and telecoms.
Special features
We run a core unit on Data Analytics which will introduce students to SAS Enterprise Guide and Miner. A coursework prize for this project will be sponsored by SAS.
Recent highlights included a case study run by Deloitte, a presentation from SAS on the Future of Analytics and ongoing dissertation projects with Unilever, CGA, Barclays and Convergys.
The course is closely linked with the Decision and Cognitive Sciences Research Centre , meaning that you benefit from teaching that incorporates the latest research. You may also find opportunities to collaborate with ongoing research projects and attend research seminars organised by the Research Centre.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment varies depending on course units taken. It may include a combination of individual course work, group project assessment and presentations, assignments, in-class tests and examination. The dissertation normally ranges between 12,000 and 25,000 words.
Course unit details
During the course you will be taking 180 credits in all. The eight taught modules during semester one and two total 120 credits and consists of both compulsory and optional taught units which can be viewed in the list below.
The core courses unit introduce you to mathematical principles and practical tools for Optimization, Decision Making, Data Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Simulation and Risk Analysis. Specific software packages include SAS, SPSS, Excel, Excel Solver, SIMUL8, iThink, Risk Solver, IDS, and Python.
Over the summer period, you will carry out your Research Dissertation, worth 60 credits. Examples of recent dissertation project topics include:
- Predictive analytics in direct marketing
- Systematic risk modelling and analysis for enterprise risk management
- Predicting the stock price using social media sentiment analysis
- Understanding the effects of social influence in decision making
- Data analytics in sports
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk, Performance and Decision Analysis | BMAN60092 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Mathematical Programming and Optimisation | BMAN60101 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Data Analytics for Business Decision Making | BMAN60422 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Applied Statistics and Business Forecasting | BMAN71791 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Global Operations Management | BMAN70081 | 15 | Optional |
| Strategic Supply Chain Management | BMAN70111 | 15 | Optional |
| Strategic Project Organising | BMAN70391 | 15 | Optional |
| Knowledge Management and Digital Strategy | BMAN71652 | 15 | Optional |
| Decision Behaviour, Analysis and Support | BMAN73271 | 15 | Optional |
| Supply Chain Logistics Management | BMAN73672 | 15 | Optional |
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