Business Analytics and Management Science (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree that demonstrates quantitative study, in a subject like: 

• maths

• physical science 

• economics

• finance 

• engineering

• computer science 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

We do not accept the following subjects:

• Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
• Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Pre-masters

If you don't have the qualifications or English language skills to meet the entry requirements of a master's degree at Southampton, studying one of our pre-master's programmes can help you. Learn more about what they are and which courses are currently available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning. 

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview. 

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September. In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course. This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules you choose from a list of options.

You can choose optional modules to specialise in specific areas such as advanced analytics methods:

• machine learning
• strategic analytics
• behavioural operations

and the application of analytics in management:

• finance
• logistics
• project and risk management
• revenue management

During semester 2 you’ll prepare for your dissertation. 

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. As part of this, you’ll have an opportunity to compete for a 3-month summer placement in an external organisation. We usually offer around 50 spaces per year for all CORMSIS MSc students. These placements take place across a wide range of projects and organisations, including those from overseas, such as China and India.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll develop essential practical skills through lectures, seminars and discussions. By reviewing case studies, taking part in group work, individual reading and completing coursework, you’ll be able to evaluate problems and put learned skills into practice. 

You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of IT skills through lectures and computer workshops, as well as coursework.  

Speakers from different organisations will visit to provide insight into how business analytics and management science are used in their business. 

You’ll attend workshops led by companies covering a specific topic relevant to your career, such as report writing. Sessions will also feature skills required for the summer project placements so you are prepared to apply. 

Assessment

Assessment methods vary between modules, with many including: 

• examinations 
• coursework 
• group assignments 
• a dissertation project 

Formal examinations take place in January and May and June. 

Dissertation

For your dissertation project, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a place to work directly with an organisation for 3 months. You’ll apply your learning to a supply chain or logistics management business challenge. At the end, you’ll present your findings to the organisation and write them up for your dissertation.     

You can also choose to complete an internal dissertation research project on campus. With this option you'll work closely with your supervisor, usually on a practical piece of work. 

Academic Support

You’ll have access to learning and welfare services offered by the Business School and the University. Your personal academic tutor (PAT) will offer ongoing support throughout your studies. In addition, a team of industry liaison officers will be able to answer your questions about the summer project.  

Graduates have exciting career prospects in a wide variety of business and government organisations, typically in roles involving data analytics.  

Recent graduates are now working at organisations including: 

• British Telecommunications (BT) 
• British Airways 
• Deloitte 
• Nationwide 

You’ll be able to increase your professional networks further by taking advantage of an annual analytics recruitment fair run by CORMSIS, where you can meet a wide range of employers. 

You'll also have the opportunity to have one-to-one career development sessions with experienced professionals from our industry partner organisations.  

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £13,704.
• EU and international students pay £26,352.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of you tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship

A scholarship of £7,000 is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School. 

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship

A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Excellence in English Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau who are studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business Excellence in English Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different deadlines for this course. Depending on which country you permanently reside in, applications are expected to close:

• Applicants permanently resident in China: Wednesday 20 December 2023 - midday UK time
• Applicants permanently resident in other countries: Wednesday 29 May 2024 - midday UK time
• Applicants permanently resident in the UK: Wednesday 3 July 2024 - midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Our admissions process for this course means that we look at batches of applications together. We send offers to applicants on a continuous basis. Due to the high number of applications, we may not be able to make you an offer, even if you meet the course criteria.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000