The aim of the course is to equip students with the concepts, techniques and knowledge required to analyse problems and improve the decision-making processes in industry, business and the public sector.

The course recognises the integration between Decision Sciences, Statistics and Information Technology in an increasingly data-rich society.

Many employers recruit Decision Scientists and Operational Research analysts, and an MSc in the subject is generally accepted as highly desirable for developing an initial career in areas such as business analysis, business modelling and operational research.

In addition to preparing students for work, the course is also a valuable preparation for further study and for research degrees such as an MPhil and PhD.

Course Structure

(all taught course units are 15 credits)

Semester 1
- Applied Statistics and Business Forecasting
- Mathematical Programming and Optimisation

and at least one and no more than two of the following ‘specialist’ electives:
- Advances in Database Systems
- Computationally Intensive Statistics
- Data Analysis I
- Data Analysis for Business Economics
- Natural Language Processing
- Statistical Interference
- Text Mining
- Time Series Analysis
- Scientific Computing

and one at most from:

- Distributed Systems and Internet Technology
- e-Business
- Foundations of Computing
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Quality Management
- Supply Chain and Logistics Management I

Semester 2

- Risk, Performance and Decision Analysis
- Simulation and Risk Analysis
- Data Analytics for Business Decision Making

and at least one and no more than two of the following ‘specialist’ electives:

- Credit Risk Management
- Data Analysis II
- Database Systems
- Decision Support Systems
- Digital Technologies in Marketing
- Information Management
- Multivariate Statistical Methods
- Statistical Analysis of Designed Experiments
- Survival Analysis

and one at most from:

- Business Improvement Tools and Techniques
- Computer-Supported Co-operative Working
- Decision Support Systems
- Human Computer Interaction and Web-user Interfaces
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Interest Rate Derivatives
- Organisational Change
- Patterns for e-Business Applications
- Project Management and Systems Modelling
- Relationship Marketing
- Supply Chain and Logistics Management II
- Web Applications

By agreement, one course unit may be taken from other masters courses.
All electives units are subject to timetabling constraints, and the marketing and advanced mathematical/statistical units are also subject to your previous background in these areas.

Summer Research Period Research dissertation (60 credits)

You must complete a satisfactory dissertation. Dissertation topics reflect the expertise of your lecturers and you may be asked to choose from a list of options. Subsequently you will be allocated to one of these options. Supervision often starts with small groups of students studying similar topics meeting with their supervisor, who then guides students in deciding on the focus for their individual dissertations. The dissertation itself normally consists of a literature review followed by a piece of empirical work, involving either qualitative or quantitative research.

Recent projects include:

• Non-linear programming and a heuristic approach for a dairy product range optimisation
• Evaluation of forecasting and supply chain issues in a major Indian FMCG manufacturer
• Structural equation modelling
• Prioritisation of product groups for carbon labelling for a leading UK supermarket
• Depot location, fleet sizing and demand forecasting for car rental.

Home/EU £9,800
Overseas £15,500

Rolling admission - please apply as early as possible.

Entry requirements
We look for a first or upper second class honours (2:1) degree from a UK university or the overseas equivalent, in a quantitative subject such as mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, computing, management science or economics.

Application details
We’re delighted that you are considering applying for one of our postgraduate courses. Please view the most up-to-date admission information on the MBS website and follow the How to Apply guide to submit an online application. Our guide is designed to make the application process as straightforward as possible for you, and to ensure that your application is correct and submitted in plenty of time. All courses start on 21 September 2015.

English Language requirements If English is not your first language, you are required to take an English language test to prove your level of proficiency.