Business Analytics and Decision Sciences (Taught)

Become an expert in data analysis and the psychology of how people make decisions, so you can transform this data into meaningful business action.

In the evolving workplace, employers are looking for people who have technical analytical skills and the ability to apply their knowledge to solve real business challenges.

This course gives you both, along with the expertise to help organisations make the best use of their data and AI to drive growth.

Combining theoretical concepts with practical application, you’ll develop the decision-oriented analytical skills that managers need. You’ll learn how to translate data – such as customer reviews, sales figures and cost-over-time – into actionable insights that have a positive impact on the organisation’s effectiveness.

''The School’s strong connections with industry offered the potential for collaborative projects or a company-based dissertation, providing invaluable hands-on experience.''

Karkala Priya Kamath, Business Analytics and Decision Sciences MSc

Why study at Leeds

• Taught by globally recognised experts: Our globally recognised academics and business practitioners who teach the course are from our  Centre for Decision Research and are actively engaged in advising businesses, governments and international bodies.

• Build a toolkit of technical skills: Gain strong technical skills in business analytics, an understanding of the psychology of decision-making, and the experience of working with various stakeholders: all necessary qualities for a future business leader in a data-driven age.

• Learn the latest development in industry: Not only is your curriculum based on real business applications shaped by our industry links, but you’ll also get opportunities to work with – and learn from – some of the biggest names in the business.

• Global opportunities to broaden your experience: Apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, with company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.

Rankings and awards
Top 60 in the world for Business Analytics, QS Business Masters Rankings 2026

Where this degree could take you
Graduates of this course are highly valued by employers in both the public and private sectors and have contributed to a wide range of roles in business. Some have found employment as:

• Credit Risk Manager, Lloyds Banking Group

• Business Analyst, Transport for London

• Business QA Manager, HSBC

• Associate, PwC

• Analyst, Deloitte

• Data Hunter, Allianz Insurance

• Consultant, EY

• Senior Advisor Data Science, Dell Technologies

• Accountant, Beijing Capital Airlines

• Operational Researcher, Home Office

Career support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.