IE University

Master in Business Analytics and Big Data

The Master in Business Analytics and Big Data molds future data scientists ready to help their companies become data-driven businesses by extracting relevant insights from data and using advanced analytics to drive decision-making processes. They are professionals who are capable of rethinking and rebuilding processes, products, and services by applying machine learning & AI to solve user problems.

It is delivered in 2 formats so you can choose the option that best fits your lifestyle: Full-Time 11-months (immersive year in Madrid and international destination). Part-Time 17 months (online with face-to-face periods in Madrid and international destinations).

One program, two formats

1. Our immersive full-time program includes:

• Engaging face-to-face classes
• Group meetings and presentations
• Hands-on simulations and in-person debates
• Access to resources, such as the Venture Lab and the IE Library
• Classes at our Madrid campus located in the fast-paced city center
• To top it off, an immersion week in an international destination will bring you closer to your business future in action

2. Our flexible part-time program includes:

• A dynamic blend of virtual and on-site learning
• 24-hour access to IE’s Online Campus
• Live sessions on Saturdays and interactive video conferences
• Asynchronous online discussions every week from Monday to Thursday
• 5 weeks of in-person sessions delivered in the heart of Madrid, one week of face-to-face sessions in an international destination
• Unlimited access to the latest research & online press

Program Structure

The rise of data is creating a landscape that’s overflowing with new challenges and opportunities across all sectors. With our Master's in Business Analytics & Big Data, over 11 months, you’ll develop a holistic skill set across four key areas: Business Transformation, Data Science, Big Data Technologies, and Professional Skills.

You’ll gain real-world experience in data collection and analysis and work with a wide range of Artificial Intelligence techniques, such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Robotics. With the guidance and support of our expert faculty, you’ll also work with emerging tools and technologies to prepare you for a career in business analytics, and hone your professional skills to be able to make impactful business decisions down the line.

Pre-program

The Master in Business Analytics & Big Data kicks off with a number of pre-programs to ensure you’re fully prepared for what’s to come. You’ll get up to speed on the technical knowledge and abilities to allow you to make the most of the program, including quantitative methods, Python, SQL functions, and Linux commands. The pre-programs aim to help you start the program at the same level as your peers, enhancing class discussions and team projects.

Subjects

• Quantitative Methods
• Coding in Python
• Linux
• SQL

Core Period

Tech is now a vital part of business, and the core period gives you the necessary foundations to adapt to a digital world. The core courses are covered in all three stages of your journey and are completely integrated and complementary to offer a profound understanding of the fundamentals of the program. During periods 1 and 2, you’ll develop a comprehensive knowledge of the complex tools that will be vital and necessary for the rest of your program. With courses such as Python Data Analysis and Digital Analytics, you will learn ever-evolving concepts with the technical and soft skills necessary to launch your professional career.

First term

The courses in the first term include:

• Machine Learning
• Statistics for Data Science
• Big Data & Artificial Intelligence in Business Strategy
• Modern Data Architectures for Big Data
• SQL Based Data Architectures
• Python for Data Analytics I

Second term

Courses in this second term include:

• Big Data & Artificial Intelligence in Operations Management
• Modern Data Architectures for Big Data
• Big Data & Artificial Intelligence in Marketing
• Machine Learning
• Python for Data Analysis II
• Data Visualization

Elective period

The elective period also offers you the opportunity to sharpen your career focus, allowing you to use electives to customize and complement your program’s core courses and pave the way to your dream job. Choose electives in line with your concentration area of interest, or dive deeper into topics that best fit your career objectives. While it is not mandatory to select a concentration, doing so will give you a better understanding of market focus and your specific areas of interest within the industry. Only one concentration can be obtained.

Concentration areas

• Smart Health
• Industry 4.0
• Fintech
• Advanced AI
• Retail & FMCG
• Technology, Media & Entertainment (TME)

Impact Projects

The culmination of your learning experience will be an Impact Project. In essence, it is a final integrative exercise that will take place over the course of two months. You can select a Venture Lab Business Plan in the area of Big Data and Business Analytics or a Corporate Project with a firm.

Corporate Project

The Corporate Project is a consulting mini-project that addresses an organization’s real-world needs. The goal is for students to use the business skills they learned during the program to make a genuine impact. With the help of a mentor, teams of students collaborate with a company, NGO, startup, or institution to solve a Big Data or Business Analytics challenge.

During the Master Electives Period, the students will develop a proposal over the course of two months. The Corporate Project allows students to use their “toolkit” to help solve a real-world problem. The Corporate Project is a course offered as part of the Master of Big Data and Analytics program, an alternative to the Venture Project.

Venture Project

The Venture Project trains and mentors teams to investigate, validate, and develop ready-to-launch start-up ventures in Big Data and/or Business Analytics. It will be created through the Venture Lab. The ultimate goal of the Venture Lab is to finish the program with a short list of fully engaged users of a product/service. The entire focus is on market validation and gathering enough data to move from Pre-Launch to Launch activities. The primary objective of a Venture Project is to give teams the opportunity to create ready-to-launch start-up projects. This is accomplished through first-hand experience in the world of high-impact entrepreneurship. The Venture Project is a course offered as part of the Master of Big Data and Analytics program, an alternative to the Corporate Project.

The business world is just getting started with big data and business analytics. According to “The Quant Crunch,” a study performed by Burning Glass Technologies, Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), and IBM, by 2020 the number of Data Science and Analytics job listings is projected to grow by nearly 364,000 listings to approximately 2,720,000 (18%). Career opportunities continue to grow exponentially and there is no end in sight.

However, the professionals that will be filling these positions must have the right education and experience to be up to par, because according to the same study, 39% of Data Scientists and Advanced Analyst positions require a Master’s or Ph.D. This means that demand – as well as salaries – will skyrocket. There is no better time to prepare for a bright future in the fast-paced and exciting world of data and analytics.

Degree in Business Analytics And Big Data sample positions

Graduates can land roles such as:

• Data Scientist
• Business Analyst
• Business Translator
• Advanced Analytical Consultant
• Machine Learning & Ai Consultant
• Data & Analytics Manager
• Big Data Consultant
• Chief Data Officer (CDO)
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Machine Learning Expert
• Technology Telecommunications
• Data Solutions Architect
• Big Data Analytics Manager