Nanyang Business School MSc in Business Analytics Review: Curriculum, Careers & ROI

The importance of business analytics has never been greater. As organizations increasingly rely on data to drive strategic growth, data skills are becoming indispensable. 

According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI)  are the fastest-growing workplace skills, with 90% of cross-industry employers expecting these skills to increase in use across nearly all sectors, making it the ideal field for ambitious professionals. 

Recognizing this demand, Nanyang Business School, part of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), offers an MSc in Business Analytics (MSBA) designed to train the next generation of analytics-driven business leaders, equipping students with the skills required to turn data into profitable outcomes. 

So, who is this cutting-edge program designed for? What does the curriculum look like? And what are students’ career prospects after graduation?

Nanyang Business School MSc Business Analytics | Who is it for? 

Merging technological training with practical business knowledge, the Nanyang MSc in Business Analytics targets students who are eager to learn how to use data analytics to tackle business problems. 

With a focus on real-world application, the program is aimed at early or mid-career professionals. Ben Choi, academic director of the MSBA program, stresses the importance of having some prior experience before enrolling in the program. 

“We encourage students who have graduated with two to three years of work experience in the industry, ideally in programming or a technology-related department, to apply. Having work experience before pursuing the program will help you better understand how the theories taught can be implemented in real-world business scenarios. 

“Business analytics is a multi-disciplinary domain, so we are particularly interested in students who are keen to get stuck into every aspect of the program,” he adds. 

As evidence of the universal importance of data analytics, the degree attracts a diverse cohort: the typical class profile consists of 110 to 120 students, made up of 90% international students and 52% women, with an average age of 23. 

Nanyang Business School MSc Business Analytics | Curriculum

The MSBA program, which can be completed in one year on a full-time basis, offers a unique curriculum combining technical training in areas such as advanced statistical techniques and programming with broader business strategy.

“You need to speak the technical language of analytics while being able to speak to the business user. We are trying to equip students with both these skills, so they can serve as a bridge between the two worlds for businesses,” says Ben. 

The program is designed to prepare students for the evolving landscape of business analytics. Curated with the future in mind, the curriculum features innovative modules such as Analytics and Machine Learning in Business, designed to provide students with an understanding of the technologies that will impact future businesses, preparing them for long careers in the industry. 

“The technical skillset is good for individuals looking for a job immediately but after 10 years it is going to become obsolete. Business knowledge however is timeless, ensuring that we continue to drive our students forward for some time,” explains Ben. 

With the industry rapidly changing, primarily driven by advancements in technology such as AI and the growing complexity of data, Nanyang has also recently introduced concentrations in Marketing, Finance, and Technology and Operations within the MSBA program. 

“Previously we adopted a more general approach to address the needs of the industry. However, with the industry changing very rapidly, and the application of analytics entering its maturity, we began to see a clear demand from businesses for differentiation and specialization. 

“To enhance the employability of our students, we introduced concentrations, meaning students can focus on the areas that take their interest,” he adds. 

Nanyang Business School MSc Business Analytics | Career impact 

Designed in partnership with industry leaders, the MSBA program seeks to reflect the needs of the industry today, equipping students with the skills required to transition from the classroom to the workplace. The program’s industry collaborators also provide students with project and internship opportunities, offering the chance to network, explore careers, and gain valuable real-world experience. 

“Shaped by our industry partners, our program offers students the most in-demand skills, making them highly sought after by employers upon graduation,” Ben explains. 

The program frequently features guest lecturers, providing students with insights into potential career paths and helping them build their professional network. 

“[This] has proven to be a very useful mechanism, granting students the opportunity to hear from and speak directly with industry professionals. It helps students identify the direction they want to take after graduation,” he explains. 

Enrolment in the program also includes access to the business school’s state-of-the-art career office, which offers career advisory and coaching services. Starting from their first week on campus, the careers team works with students to develop a strong resume, research employers and job opportunities, and hone their skills. 

“Having this support in place from the start ensures that students feel well-prepared ahead of graduation.”

Offering both technical and business training, pioneering new modules that grow in relevance, providing networking opportunities, and strong career guidance, the MSc in Business Analytics at Nanyang Business School offers valuable opportunities for those looking to kickstart a career in business analytics.