Studying Data Science and Business Analytics

Businesses have always relied on data to make decisions. But since the early 21st century, there has been an explosion in the magnitude of data there is, due to improvements in and increased access to the internet and computers. (Think of all those website clicks, Facebook links, blogs, digitised archives and archives, opinion polls and card transactions!)

In order to make sound decisions, businesses have to analyse all this information. But it is not easy to trawl through these mountains of facts and figures using traditional methods. That is where data science and business analytics professionals step in. They use sophisticated computers, specially created software and statistical tests to manipulate and analyse large data sets. While business analytics professionals answer questions that improve business performance (targeted advertisements, optimal location for a store), data scientists also answer questions pertaining to scientific, economic and social science research.

By studying a degree in these subjects, you will learn programming and use of specialist software, in addition to enhancing your soft skills.

UK Universities are at the forefront of business analytics and data science teaching, learning and research. There are nearly 80 universities offering programmes in data science and business analytics.

Some of the universities where you could study are:

• Teesside University
• Northumbria University
• Greenwich University
• Middlesex University

Salary and Career Prospects

There is a huge demand for data scientists and business analytics professionals. With an academic background in these disciplines, you could work as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Business Analyst and Transformation Business Analyst.

Salaries vary depending on location, qualifications and experience. As a guide, starting salaries for fresh graduates are in the range £25,000 to £30,000 (23 to 27 lakhs) per annum.

Why Study in the UK?

The UK is a world-renowned seat of learning, teaching and research with 3 universities in top 10 and 7 in top 50 in THE World Rankings 2018.

The UK has a rich heritage of excelling in computer science. In fact, the world’s first digital computer was invented in the UK during the Second World War to decipher secret messages exchanged by German troops.

The UK is home to many of the world’s most leading technology companies. These include the likes of Adobe, Microsoft, Apple and Intel, in addition to energy and fossil fuels (Shell, BP), banking and finance (Barclays, Goldman Sachs), law firms (Linklaters, Allen &Overy) and hospitality companies (Hilton, Marriott).