MSc Business Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis
Year of entry: 2026
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Duration
- 1 year
- Entry requirements
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We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent. Your degree background must be in a quantitative subject such as mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, computing, management science or economics, and we require you to demonstrate study of quantitative modules (e.g. maths, statistics, calculus) consistently throughout each year of your studies and achieve good grades. Study of programming is desirable, but mathematical-related modules are essential.
When assessing your academic record we take into account your grade average , position in class and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. We particularly welcome applicants from institutions of high ranking and repute.
- How to apply
-
NOTE: There is a non-refundable application fee of £60. You should be prompted to pay this within the application portal before you can submit your application. We cannot consider applications until you have paid the application fee.
Course options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | Y | N | N | N |
Course overview
This course has been reviewed and relaunched from September 2026, with an increased emphasis on AI for Business; MSc Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence >>
Open days
Have questions about this course?
Join one of our upcoming webinars or in-person events to learn more about the programme and speak directly with our team.
Whether online, on campus in Manchester, or at events worldwide, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and get advice on your next steps.
At these events you can:
- Learn more about this programme and related Master’s courses
- Get guidance on eligibility, applications and funding
- Discover student life, careers and studying in Manchester
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. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Scholarships will be available for 2026 entry, information will be updated on our scholarships page .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Alliance Manchester Business School
- Contact name
- Master's Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 306 1339
- pgadmissions.ambs@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/msc-business-analytics-operational-research-and-risk-analysis/
- School/Faculty overview
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Alliance Manchester Business School was established in 1965 as one of the UK's first two business schools. Today, we are the UK's largest campus-based business and management school, and 'Original Thinking Applied' is at the heart of everything we do. Find out more .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
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. Your degree background must be in a quantitative subject such as mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, computing, management science or economics, and we require you to demonstrate study of quantitative modules (e.g. maths, statistics, calculus) consistently throughout each year of your studies and achieve good grades. Study of programming is desirable, but mathematical-related modules are essential.
When assessing your academic record we take into account your grade average , position in class 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
Other international entry requirements
Application and selection
How to apply
NOTE: There is a non-refundable application fee of £60. You should be prompted to pay this within the application portal before you can submit your application. We cannot consider applications until you have paid the application fee.
Staged admissions
We operate a staged admissions process for this course, see more information on how to apply and our deadlines.
Tuition fee deposits
If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be required to pay a tuition fee deposit of £2,500 by the deadline stated in your offer letter to confirm your place. We ask for the deposit as competition for places is high and there is limited availability. The deposit amount is then deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.
Advice to applicants
Your statement of purpose should cover the areas outlined below:
- 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:
- valid English language qualification
- first and second year transcript (scanned copies are accepted at the time of application)
- statement of purpose (this is included as part of your application form, you do not need to email your statement of purpose directly to the Admissions Team)
Deferrals
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
This course has been reviewed and relaunched from September 2026, with an increased emphasis on AI for Business; MSc Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence >>
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 Enterprise packages as part of the `Data Analytics for Business Decision Making' unit.
- 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 Enterprise Guide and Enterprise Miner and other specialised software tools.
Recent highlights included guest talks and dissertation projects with a wide range of industry partners.
The course is closely linked with the Centre for AI and Decision Sciences , 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 is normally undertaken.
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 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
- Data analytics in sports
- Data analytics on the net-zero carbon goals of sustainable cities
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 |
| Machine Learning for Business | BMAN60422 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Applied Statistics and Business Forecasting | BMAN71791 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Python Programming for Business Intelligence and Analytics | BMAN73701 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Operations Management | BMAN70081 | 15 | Optional |
| Simulation & Risk Analysis | BMAN73942 | 15 | Optional |
| Financial Data Analytics & AI in Finance | BMAN74222 | 15 | Optional |
| Digital Strategy | BMAN74531 | 15 | Optional |
| Data Strategy and Visualisation | BMAN75432 | 15 | Optional |
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
There are many potential career roles for postgraduates with an understanding of analytical approaches in business and management - including job titles such as operational research analyst, systems analyst, risk analyst, financial analyst, performance analyst, business analyst, data analyst, marketing analyst, data scientist, business modeller, and operations, logistics, production, project, risk, quality, performance, or general manager.
Employers include general and specialist consultancies, the finance, retail and manufacturing sectors, government analytics units, defence and major 'solution providers' in IT systems, outsourcing and telecoms.
In many of these areas an MSc is generally accepted as highly desirable for developing an initial career in the field. In addition to preparing you for specialist professional work, the course is also a valuable preparation for further study and for research degrees.
Recent recruiters
America Veintiuno, Aon, Bank of East Asia, BIP Consulting, Dell, Deloitte, Google, Goldman Sachs, Hainan Airlines, HMR, HSBC, IBM, PwC, Bank of China, Royal Bank of Scotland, Saudi Aramco, Disney Analytics, Sky, Swiss Re, Infosys and Peak AI.
Read more about graduate career destinations >>