Semester 1

Core modules

• International Operations and Supply
• Performance Management
• Data Analytics and Databases

Research workshops
A series of workshops is run across the academic year on a bi-weekly basis, providing additional support as part of a structured programme designed to explore links between the computing and business aspects of the course. Intended to develop the research and applied skills required for your dissertation/consultancy/placement/entrepreneurship project and subsequent employment These workshops will introduce research concepts and provide a series of guest lectures covering different areas of business e.g. HRM, Marketing, Accounting etc. Challenges related to these different areas of business will be set to help develop applied analytics skills. The ultimate aim of these workshops is to develop the research and applied skills required for the final semester and subsequent employment.

Data Analytics and Databases
Provides an overview of database operations and knowledge of a variety of tools and statistical techniques to help you better understand and make sense of the exponential growth of big data and related issues. You will learn advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques, enabling you to determine how best to analyse and extract information from a set of data typically available in a modern business or research organisation.

Optional modules

Based on your knowledge of computer programming and recommendation from the School of Computer Science and Mathematics staff, you will choose one of the following:

• System Design and Programming
• Mathematics for AI and Data Science

If you are joining us from a non-mathematical background, this module provides an introduction to the mathematical concepts relevant to AI and data science. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle real-world AI and data science problems, including: quadratic equations; vectors, matrices; linear questions and multiple variables; functions and probability.

Semester 2

Core modules

• Creativity and Personal Development
  This module provides a practical introduction to the study of creativity in a business context and encourages you to effectively and creatively solve problems. The module critically determines the cultural, individual and organisational barriers that may inhibit creativity and evaluate the advantages of collaboration in learning processes and in the development of business organisations.
  
  
• Visualisation for Data Analytics
  The information age is characterised by large amounts of data generated as part of an ever-widening range of day-to-day activities. When properly analysed this data can lead an organisation to better decision-making, insight, and competitive advantage. The module will help you understand how data analytics is used to interpret big data within areas such as health, security, science and business.
  
  
• Applications of AI, Machine Learning and Data Science
  This module covers a variety of cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques, showing how they can be applied to real-world problems and datasets and the associated legal, ethical and social aspects. You will explore a variety of different areas and techniques including: decision making and behaviour control; reinforcement learning and deep learning; machine learning applied to areas such as social media; recommender systems used for entertainment and e-commerce; and voice and facial recognition.

Optional modules

You will choose one of the following modules:

• International Financial Reporting
• Fintech and Mobile Banking
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Strategy and Information Management
• Contemporary Challenges in Global Business
• Strategic Marketing in a Global Context
• International Marketing Communications

Semester 3

Core module:

• Research Methods

After you have completed the taught core module, Research Methods, you will also undertake a large project to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of applied business analytics such as: dissertation, management consultancy, placement project, entrepreneurship project. You will choose one of the options below:

The dissertation is a formal written academic project of between 15,000 and 20,000 words, making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests, and with support throughout from a supervisor with relevant expertise, you’ll choose a topic to research in the field of business analysis. For example, you might explore how new analysis techniques could improve aspects of performance, assess the impact of new data collection technologies e.g. IoT on operations and decision-making or critically evaluate how digitalisation impacts business models and organisational structures. 

During June and September, you will spend 8 to 12 weeks undertaking a management research project on behalf of an organisation (chosen by Keele Business School). You’ll put into practice what you’ve learned, developing and applying your skills to solve a business problem, issue or focus on a specific project. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. For example, you might choose to critically evaluate the value of implementing a new technology or analyse the impact of the changes to an information system.

Please note that participation in the Consultancy Project is only available after a comprehensive selection process. Please view our terms and conditions to find out more.

An excellent opportunity if you have an idea for a new business venture, this module will provide you with the time, space and expertise to develop it. For between eight weeks to 12 months, you’ll be given the option of a base within the University’s incubator and have access to workshops and guidance from a network of entrepreneurs and business advisers. During this time, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence on your idea and present this to an external stakeholder. Places are limited, and you will be required to undertake an interview prior to acceptance on this module.

Please note: The Entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK Students only

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are looking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and workplace experience. With support from the Faculty Placement Officer, you will gain first-hand professional experience on a suitable, paid work placement for between eight weeks to 12 months. During your placement, you will be required to complete an extended project on behalf of the organisation. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. Your placement can be based anywhere in the UK giving you the opportunity to work with local, national and international organisations.

Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work, including placements they can undertake.