Masters in Digital Business and Data Analytics
This Masters programme prepares you to transform data within information-rich enterprises, supporting career aspirations such as a data analyst or information manager.
At a glance
- This programme equips you with hands-on, practical skills in data analytics, computing and business to enable you to transform data and ultimately improve business processes and decision making
- Learn the skill set required to manage a business in today’s digital world
- Discover how to analyse digital business problems and explore topics such as machine learning and artificial intelligence and acquire hands-on data analytics skills
- Produce usable business intelligence to create competitive advantage in organisations
- Gain up-to-date knowledge on the latest data analytics tools
- Benefit from networking with professional practitioners who teach on the programme
- Locations
- Henley Whiteknights
- Subject area(s)
- Digital Business
- Start Date
- September 2024
- Duration
- 12 months full-time or up to 36 months part-time (maximum length)
- Attendance
- Full-time , Part-time
- Programme Director
-
Dr Yin Leng Tan
Overview
This Masters degree equips you with the hands-on skills in data analytics, computing and business to transform data into increased value to customers and improve business processes.
It will enable your understanding of the role of data and analytics in decision making, organisation management and policy shaping. You’ll be well prepared for technologist and analyst roles.
The Henley pre-study course suite
Exclusively available to Henley Business School offer holders, the Pre-study course suite comprises of innovative short courses designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms.
Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance (-)A course delivered online by Henley faculty and you will receive online support from one of our teaching staff members and be able to interact with other prospective students in your course. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty to introduce you to the world of coding in Python. According to recent employer surveys, coding is a top 5 employability skill in the new world of work. The World Economic forum includes technology design and programming in the top 10 skills of 2025. Coding is an extremely powerful skill to have going forward in all areas of business and finance. Due to the importance of coding skills in your future, you will be using coding in some of your courses depending on your choice of programme at Henley Business School. So, this pre-study course can be seen as a stepping stone in your learning journey. Even if coding is not directly utilised as a part of your programme, completing this course, earning the certificate and complementing this with some further independent learning, could set you apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Python is the most utilised programming language in the world and so the purpose of this course is for you to learn the fundamentals of Python, and how to use it to solve practical problems in your area of interest. |
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Study skills for success (-)This course will provide building blocks of knowledge to help you prepare for your learning journey in the area of your choice as well as equip you with key employability and study skills for successfully navigating your studies and professional career. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty, the University of Reading Study Advice Team and the International Study and Language Institute. The course aims to prepare you for your learning journey at Henley and focuses on helping you build important study skills to succeed in your Masters and beyond. Skills such as curiosity and independent thinking, effective communication and collaboration, digital capabilities, storytelling, empathy and professional integrity are not only important in your course itself but are also sought after by employers in all areas of business. Therefore, they are instrumental in succeeding in your professional career. The learning journey of our Masters programmes is designed in a way that allows you to build such skills and this course intends to demonstrate exactly how, and therefore help you to make the most of your Masters. |
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Semester 1
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Business Data Analytics (INMR95)Module aims and purpose This module introduces key concepts, methods, and tools for business data analytics. Data analytics are a fundamental tool for any organisation that plans to make strategic use of their data assets, and enables data-driven decision making. Core concepts that lend themselves to the three stages of data analytics (i.e., descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive) will be covered, including: data management; descriptive statistics; inferential statistics; exploratory data analysis; regression modelling; machine learning; programming data-driven solutions; and developing data-driven recommendations. Finally, workshops will give students experience in using an industry standard programming language. To satisfy this general aim, students will acquire key knowledge and skills in: • Accessing, storing, and handling univariate and multivariate data • Exploring and analysing data • Visualising data • Developing and comparing predictive models • Formulating data-driven decision-making strategies Academic authors
Dr Markos Kyritsis
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Business Domain and Requirements Analysis (INMR66)Module aims and purpose Summary module description: INMR66 is concerned with the fundamental aspects of business domain and requirements analysis. Its focus is on using a holistic approach which covers the people, processes, technology, and organisation aspects to the investigation and improvement of business situation with a view to develop effective and feasible business solutions to a problem domain. Aims: This module is designed to provide linkages to information systems, project management and development. It aims to provide students with the theory and practices of capturing and analysing business needs in relation to organisational contexts, business strategies, stakeholders, and business processes. The analysis results can be transformed into business requirements which can be used to improve business performance and maintain the sustainability of organisations. Methods and techniques for articulation and evaluation of business needs will be introduced for business domain and requirements analysis.
Academic authors
Dr Yin Leng Tan
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Business Informatics (INMR91)Module aims and purpose This module helps the student understand the underpinning theory and methodology of business informatics for information systems and information management; appreciate business principles, organisation, processes and models; identify the user requirements and suitable IT systems solutions; and perform analysis and design of a systems solution using appropriate technologies. Aims: To develop an in-depth understanding of the nature, structure and function of information in the business domains. To build a knowledge foundation in business organisation, processes and operations that are supported by information technologies and systems. To gain knowledge of information requirements and presentation, working alongside the users and subject specialists, to support their business functions. To acquire the ability of planning, implementing and evaluating IT based solutions with due consideration of ethical and professional grounds.
Academic authors
Professor Kecheng Liu
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Career and Professional Development (MMM132)What am I going to do when my course ends, and how am I going to achieve it? This module has been designed to help Accounting, Informatics and Business Management students answer those two questions, and empower them to take the actions required. It’s a suite of sessions that pays close attention to the general pathways Business Management, Accounting and Informatics students tend to take, and their aspirations as expressed during pre-sessional career activities & induction surveys. Students will choose this the mix of custom-made sessions that best suit their stage in life and supplement them with the open careers programmes offered at the University, the online content on the Henley Careers Blackboard site and 1-2-1 careers consultations. |
0 [0 ECTS credits] |
Business Intelligence and Data Mining (INMR77)Module aims and purpose INMR77 is concerned with using business intelligence and data mining techniques for managerial decision making. Data mining is the process of selection, exploration and analysis of large quantities of data, in order to discover meaningful patterns and rules which in turn, structure business intelligence in context. In another words, data mining transforms/coverts the raw data into useful information/knowledge required to support decision-making. This module aims to provide students the essential data mining and knowledge representation techniques that transforming data into business intelligence. Application areas covered include marketing, customer relationship management, risk management, personalisation, etc. Academic authors
Dr Yin Leng Tan
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Semester 2
Students must choose optional modules up to the value of 60 credits across semester 2.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
IT Project Management (INMR65)Module aims and purpose The module consists of theoretical foundation for management with practical focus for the topic of IT projects. The module is designed to answer the question why different methodologies are used for different management purposes. It also answers the question how to utilize common project management tools for IT projects. The assessment uses a real-life case scenario asking the students to apply theories and techniques learned from this module. Management theories, principles and most up-to-date methodologies are naturally integrated including planning and delivery for different types of projects. After completing the module, students will be able to carry out project planning with different methods, exercise risk management and quality control techniques. Students will also be able to understand the characteristics of IT projects and measures on how to improve the project management success rate and understand how to use change control procedures to manage changes.
Academic authors
Professor Yinshan Tang
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Digital Health and Data Analytics (INMR96)This module focuses on knowledge and hands on skills to leverage information technology, data analytics and machine learning skills in healthcare service delivery, clinical research, hospital operational management and public health. The students will have blended learning experience including in-class lectures, machine learning and data analytics exercise as well as case studies from NHS hospitals, community and social care organisations, local authority and companies who provide digital health and data analytics solutions, in UK and internationally. Academic authors
Professor Weizi (Vicky) Li
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Organisational Dynamics: Systems Thinking in the Digital Age (INMR98)Information is everywhere – but how should we use it? This module is about using information to make decisions which steer an organisation effectively. Digitalisation and globalisation have created tidal waves of data and globe-spanning organisations. The result is that it is hard to know what information to use to make decisions and hard to know what the consequences of our decisions are. Organisational dynamics – what could happen as time rolls forward - are hard to understand, hard to anticipate. Whilst all managers know that their organisations are complex, inter-connected things, they lack the cognitive ability to activate this knowledge when making hard choices. This module provides a set of systems tools for individuals and management teams to use which help improve thinking about organisational change and policy interventions, and so create and steer organisations of all types. The examples studied range across countries and sectors and the module draws significantly on the research and practical experience of the Convenor. Academic authors
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
AI and Data Analytics in Business (INMR81)The aim of this module is for students to be able to evaluate the business value in utilising AI and data analytics and develop business technology solutions with an appreciation of AI and data analytics methods and technologies. This module focuses on the methods and techniques of using AI and data analytics in business. Given the availability of large amounts of data in business and organisation, there is an increasing need for organisations to assess how effectively AI and data analytics can be utilised for business. In this module, students consider how organisations can benefit from AI and data analytics, and analyse business and technological requirements to create value though AI and data analytics. Students will also explore recent developments in technologies surrounding AI and data analytics such as machine learning, text analytics, cognitive analytics and visualisation, and assess types of tools that can be utilised, including the use of state-of-the-art analytics tools. Academic authors
Professor Keiichi Nakata
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Marketing Communications in Virtual World (MMM183)The module considers a variety of marketing communications theories and practices to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop and communicate an effective marketing communications plan. |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Summer term
Dissertation is taken over semester 2 and summer term and is 40 credits.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
MSc Dissertation (INMR99)Module aims and purpose A dissertation project i) is an independent piece of research work in MSc programmes in Digital Innovation and Digital Business and Data Analytics, ii) is the most important element in the MSc as it demonstrates the knowledge and skills acquired both in terms of the subject area and academic research, iii) is normally conducted by an individual student, guided by an academic supervisor, in the chosen specialised domain, iv) gives students the opportunity to undertake a substantial applied research project that draws upon knowledge and skills acquired from the past experience and during the taught part of the MSc programme. The dissertation module enables students to practise writing of a scientific report, allows students to develop problem-solving skills, and enables students to manage research activities and critically assess the outcomes from the project. The aim of this module is to enable the student to conduct research and apply the knowledge into practice through an independent research project. Students are required to deliver a clearly presented dissertation that: defines a clear research question; uses relevant methods to collect and analyse data; evaluate findings; and develop a clear research contribution. Moreover, the student should show, via written and oral channels, a detailed understanding of a particular subject field, a survey of recent developments in the field, a critical analysis of these developments, and a prognosis of future developments. Academic authors
Dr Stephen R Gulliver
|
40 [20 ECTS credits] |
*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.
A holistic approach
Effective leadership requires more than first-class business acumen, it requires a degree of self-awareness and sensitivity. Our Masters programmes offer you a unique practice-centred approach to teaching equipping you with the tools to become a compelling leader. This approach creates emotionally intelligent graduates who can be fully effective in their chosen careers.
How you will learn
Henley has a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts. We are underpinned by academic excellence and the strength of our research. We offer high-quality technical skills training as well as a deep understanding of the importance of personal development for leaders. This is a thread that is woven through all of our Masters programmes.
Our Masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, tailoring your degree towards your needs and career ambitions. You will complete up to 10 taught modules during your programme, totalling 180 credits. One module usually equates to 20 credits or 10 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures, tutorials, workshops and personal study, with each accounting for 25% of your time on average. This provides you with the opportunity to discuss and explore the material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students.
You will be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings then have the opportunity to challenge those that have created it. You will also explore real-world issues, tackle current business challenges, and interact with guest lectures and speakers from industry. This gives you the opportunity to test, extend and refine your knowledge and skills with confidence.
How we assess you
You will learn and be assessed through a wide variety of teaching methods which vary depending on your chosen Masters programme. These include online materials and multimedia content, guest lectures, individual and group assignments, case studies, field visits, dealing room simulations, presentations, applied projects, consultancy work and examinations.
On average in class tests form between 15 - 25% of the assessed work. The remaining comes from coursework, including a written dissertation or project depending on your chosen programme
Ongoing support
While Masters students are self-motivated and determined individuals, study at this level can present additional pressures which we take seriously. Lecturers are available to discuss the content of each module and your academic tutor can meet with you regularly. Support staff are here to help with anything that may arise during your time at Henley.
2024 entry
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
| £14,100 | £7,050 per year |
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to support high-potential students. All applications are automatically considered for a scholarship. No separate scholarship application is necessary. Simply submit your application for a Masters programme starting in 2024 and you will be automatically notified if you are successful. Shortlisting and selection are based on academic merit and the candidate’s potential as demonstrated in the application form. For more details, visit our scholarships webpage.
Current scholarships
| Entry requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | A good second class honours degree or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised University |
English Language Requirements
Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask for evidence of proficiency. Alternatively, we may ask you to attend an English language course before you begin your studies with us.
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 with no component below 5.5 in any sub-skills |
Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications
We accept the non-SELT version of LanguageCert (which includes the online version) and DuoLingo as suitable English language qualifications. These can be accepted for direct entry onto Undergraduate (except Speech and Language Therapy), Postgraduate Taught (except Speech and Language Therapy) and Postgraduate Research programmes.
For information on individual programme requirements and other English language qualifications, please visit our English requirement equivalent page.
If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact admissions directly by e-mail or telephone at +44 (0) 118 378 5289.
Pre-sessional English language programme
UK visa requirements
If you are not a national of the European Union (EU), you may need to obtain a UK visa. This visa will allow to live and study in the UK. See the UK Border Agency website. Contact the University's International Office with any questions: intoff@reading.ac.uk.
Graduate Route
The UK's Graduate Route post-study work visa allows you to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with the opportunity to undertake skilled work. Visit the University website for the latest information.
To enable our students to tailor their learning to their interests and career ambitions, we design assessments that reward originality and new perspectives.
“The assignments allowed total creative freedom, which helped me develop confidence in my ability to carry on original projects.”Information Management and Digital Business (Health) graduate
Where are our 2021 graduates now?
2021 graduates in this area are working at the following organisations:
KPMG
Barclays Bank
Accenture
Salesforce
Telefonica
AstraZeneca
TP-LINK
Please note the above statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2022, which was completed by our 2021 graduates, 12 months after graduation.
Respondents are from the following programmes: MSc Business Technology Consulting, MSc Information Management & Digital Business – Big Data in Business, MSc Information Management & Digital Business – Digital Health and Data Analytics and MSc Information Management & Digital Business – Digital Innovation.
How can Henley Careers work with you?
We have an award-winning careers team that will support you through your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation.
Here is how Henley Careers can help you:
- Careers Consultant appointments: Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s CV advice, practicing for an interview, providing feedback if applications aren't successful or support planning your career goals. We are here to help empower you to progress in your career.
- Events: Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for. Additionally, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
- Alumni support: You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources. For up to four years after graduating we’re here to help and support in your career.
- Career Smart: Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK. As well as where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different roles available to you.
For more information please see our Careers page.
Continuing your career
The MSc programme will give you a rigorous academic understanding of real-life and contemporary business issues. You will be equipped with current knowledge on digital business and data analytics and confident to work in a variety of roles dealing with data, from business analysts to data analysts.
A number of our students join our PhD programmes each year.
Apply for 2024 entry now
Apply online now through the University of Reading’s online application service.
The online application service allows you to complete your application information, attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a facility for an email request to be sent to your referees. This enables the referees to send your supporting references directly to us.
When to apply
We operate a rolling admissions system and it is recommended that you apply early to secure your place. There is no specific deadline and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, to allow us time to process your application we recommend that you apply by the following dates:
| UK/Home applicants | International applicants |
|---|---|
| 1 August | 1 July |
After you apply
You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application form. Your application is then reviewed by a member of staff. If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any necessary entry criteria you will need to meet. You'll then be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer.
If you require a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa, details will be sent by email once all conditions of the offer have been met.
Throughout the admissions process we will keep you updated with key information via email. We also provide opportunities to interact with faculty and staff online.
Find us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with news and events at Henley or ask us a question. In addition, you can speak to a current student, our students are always happy to share their Henley experience.
Our students and alumni are always keen to share their Henley experience. Whether you are a prospective applicant or already applied to a Masters programme at Henley Business School. You can ask questions to a current student by clicking the “Chat to our students” button below.
When contacting one of our students, please introduce yourself and the Masters programme you have applied for.
Speak to a current student
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at postgraduate@henley.ac.uk or by phone on +44 (0)118 378 7593.
“I very much enjoyed that we were exposed to so many areas of data analysis practices. It has helped me realise what aspects I enjoy and what to focus on in my career.”
“I found Digital Innovation and Digital Leadership very insightful and timely. The format was great and the lectures were very interactive. It was a great experience and I learned more than I anticipated.”
“I really enjoyed learning about data analytics, which increased my chances of employment. All the professors were knowledgeable and very supportive throughout.”
The variability of topics across many technological areas was covered during the course, which definitely helped to raise awareness of the most recent developments and innovations in the market.
The course gave me an entire platter of specialities that I can choose from and it was great to experience the rich expertise available in each area. Thank you for the pleasurable journey of self-discovery!
I especially enjoyed the lectures with interesting insights of our professors and people in industry. Those provided a specific point of view, supported theories we learned in class and were useful in searching for a job in the industry.
