University of Southampton, BSc, Business Analytics with a placement year

Business Analytics is a relatively new discipline that helps organizations make sense of the huge amount data that is being collected through a variety of sources such as web and social media. It uses a combination of mathematics and data analysis techniques to uncover information in the data, enabling organizations to improve their operational efficiency and customize their products, services, and their prices based on customers’ priorities. Hence, if you like maths, interested in web and social media and would like to know how they are used for creating value, this is the right programme for you.This three year program will train you in using traditional and contemporary data management systems, such as the widely used analytics package SAS, and give you the mathematical skills needed for decision making informed by data analysis. You will also learn a range of qualitative skills required for successful problem formulation and problem solving as well as strategy implementation.

The career opportunities are wide and varied in this discipline, covering almost any organization that is investing in data and data usage. In addition, many consultancy companies as well as government agencies need competent business analysts. Considering the shortage of skilled workers in the area of business analysts both in the UK and internationally, it is expected that students will be attracted by the industry soon after the graduation.

This course is with an added placement year in an approved industrial setting, giving you a chance to understand how the theoretical side of the qualification is applied in a real business setting.

Programme Overview 

This programme structure is consistent with other undergraduate programmes in the business pathway portfolio. You will study eight modules in each year of the degree, divided equally between the semesters. In the first year of your study (Part I), you will study a common year to gain with a basic overview of analytical techniques, skills, theory and knowledge relevant to a business degree.

In the second year (Part II), the programme will provide intermediate-level training in SAS, the widely used analytic software packages in the industry, which will be used for performing computations and analysis in the majority of the courses that follow. You will also learn forecasting methods and simulation techniques. You will be able to choose two optional modules in each semester of Part II to broaden your horizons.

Basics of data mining and knowledge management as well as some advanced topics in analytics and optimization will be taught in the third year (Part III), along with a double-weighted project. The project will run in a more structured way compared to other dissertations as it will be data-driven and involves applying the knowledge and skills developed on the programme. You can also take one optional module in each semester of Part III.