Alliance Manchester Business School - The University of Manchester
MSc in Business Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis
Manchester, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
12 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
05 Jul 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 35,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Applications received after our final selection deadline will be considered at our discretion if places are still available
** UK students per annum: £20,000| International, including EU, students per annum: £35,700
Key Summary
This course helps you to learn how to overcome the major challenges facing industry, business and the public sector today, and influence the decision-making processes of the future. It gives you the cutting-edge analytical approaches, methodologies and tools you need to confidently tackle problems and improve outcomes.
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. During the summer period you will complete a dissertation (60 credits).
For an up-to-date list of modules, please visit the 'Course Details' section of the course page.
The core courses unit introduce you to mathematical principles and practical tools for Optimization, Decision Making, Data Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Simulation & Risk Analysis. Specific software packages include SAS, SPSS, Excel, Excel Solver, SIMUL8, iThink, Risk Solver, IDS and Python.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment varies depending on course units taken. It may include a combination of individual coursework, group project assessment and presentations, report, assignments, in-class tests and examinations. A dissertation of around 8,000 words is normally undertaken.
Special features
We run a core module on Data Analytics which will introduce students to SAS Enterprise. 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.
Ranked 4th in the UK and 22nd in the world for Business Analytics (QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026).
- Gain a solid theoretical foundation and quantitative techniques of analytics, alongside practical problemsolving skills.
- Apply your knowledge to real-life business scenarios using case studies, individual and team-based assignments, presentations and software tools.
- Choose from a range of elective courses to meet your interests or career aspirations.
- Prepare for a career across diverse industries and sectors, such as consultancy, finance, retail, manufacturing, government analytics units, IT systems, and procurement.
Funding Opportunities for Master's Degrees
Please see our up to date funding information below. On this page, you can find funding options for UK and international students. There are also several external awards that you can apply for directly.
To find out more about the graduate outcomes for this course, please see the Careers Information document.
This course is a 12 month full-time course, based in Manchester. All our MSc courses are taught in Manchester only; they are not available to study online.
Demonstrate your commitment and readiness to succeed in business school by taking the GMAT exam – the most widely used exam for admissions that measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Download the GMAT mi