MSc Business Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

• Business and Management

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.

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements see entry requirements for your country .

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows:

• MSc (full-time)
  UK students (per annum): £20,000
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £35,700

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

Refund Policy

Due to the competition for places and limited availability, our courses require a deposit of £1000 to cover non-recoverable costs and secure your place. The deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:

• you fail to meet the conditions of your offer (see below for further information); and/or
• you are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK (proof must be submitted)

If an offer has been made specifying an English Language condition which you do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken after the date of offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions for a refund to be approved. The English Language test certificate provided with your application documents will not be accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions as such a certificate will predate the offer.

If an offer has been made specifying an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require the official university documentation showing that you have not met this academic condition from the institution at which you have studied, as evidence for a refund to be approved.

The Admissions Team reserves the right to refuse to refund of any deposit that does not meet with the requirements outlined above.

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 will be available for 2026 entry, information will be updated on our scholarships page .

We operate a staged admissions process for this course, see more information on how to apply and our deadlines.

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)

To defer your offer to the following year, you must contact your admission officer to get a copy of the deferral form. You can only defer your place for one year.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

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

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk