Business Analytics and AI
Learn how to apply the latest academic thinking and analytical and computing tools to help make business decisions.
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
August 2027
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
2:1 in a quantitative subject such as Mathematics, Statistics, Computer science, Engineering, Physics or a quantitative economics degree
Course overview
MSc Business Analytics and AI equips you to make data-driven and evidence-based decisions and drive transformation within businesses.
Guided by world-class faculty and leading practitioners in this in-demand field, you'll receive rigorous technical and quantitative training, as well as opportunities to apply your learning in a practical setting. There is a careful balance of teaching, hands-on coursework and training in data analysis and business intelligence tools, plus regular seminars by expert external speakers.
Imperial College London is consistently ranked in the top 10 universities globally, recognised as a world leader in the study and analysis of data.
Prepare for your future driving business transformation through data.
You also have the option to complete a four-six month work placement (internship) as part of your programme, extending the programme to 16 months and graduating with 120 ECTS. Please note that additional tuition fees apply.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
Pre-study modules
Before the programme begins, you will be expected to complete some pre-study modules which are delivered via Canvas, Imperial Business School’s virtual learning environment (VLE).
These modules will be available to students who have accepted an offer of admission from July onwards, and are designed to give you a basic knowledge of areas which will be covered by the programme throughout the academic year.
Induction week
You will be invited to a welcome event our vibrant South Kensington campus where you can meet and network with your fellow students, distinguished faculty and dedicated programme staff, forging new connections and getting a taste of life at Imperial.
Core modules rapidly build the theoretical and programming foundations you need for analytics. They are the backbone of the programme and will provide you with a solid combination of tools and knowledge.
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Deep Learning and Generative AI
- Data Wrangling and Visualisation
- Fundamentals of Database Technologies
- Machine Learning
- Maths and Statistics Foundations for Analytics
- Optimisation and Decision Models
- Statistics and Econometrics
Each elective will introduce the main analytical models and questions in the area and you will gain expertise in both the language and tools specific to that business area. Real-world data sets and cutting edge tools and models will allow you to apply your knowledge directly within your chosen industry.
You will take six electives from the Business Analytics electives.
You will also have the choice to take one additional elective from a suite of elective modules made available from other Business School MSc programmes.
Business Analytics electives
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Causal Modelling for Business Analytics
- Data Management and Ethics
- Energy Analytics
- Financial Analytics
- Generative AI and Large Language Models
- Healthcare and Medical Analytics
- Leadership in Analytics
- Logistics and Supply-Chain Analytics
- Networks: Science, Markets and Optimisation
- Retail and Marketing Analytics
- Text Analysis for Business
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Adaptive AI: Learning-Powered Decision Making in Practice
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Digital Marketing Analytics
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Building AI Accelerated Startups
Over the summer term you will choose to undertake either the Analytics in Business Capstone Project (students take either a Work Placement or Consulting Project) or the Individual Research Report.
- Analytics & AI in Business Capstone
- Consulting project
- Individual Research Report
- Extended work placement
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Work placement
If you wish to take a longer (four-six month) internship as part of your programme, you can take an extended work placement with the approval of the Academic Director. This is particularly relevant for (but not exclusive to) internships in France, Germany, and other European countries that require students to have student status for the duration of their internships. Please note that additional tuition fees apply.
- Global Business Challenge (Entrepreneurship)
- Global Business Challenge (Social Impact)
- Global Immersion – Please note, this module will require you to pay additional costs.
Professional accreditation
We are among a handful of business schools worldwide to achieve triple accreditation:
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
We have also been recognised for our work in tackling gender inequality in higher education with a Bronze Athena SWAN award.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Case studies
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Projects
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Presentations and seminars
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Group work
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Virtual learning environment
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Lectures
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Practical classes and fieldwork
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Work placement opportunity
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Workshops
Assessment methods
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Case studies
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Continuous assessments
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Essays
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Formal presentations
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Multiple choice tests
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Reports
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Participation
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Written exams
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
If you are applying to the Business School, this course must be submitted as your first choice in your application to be considered.
Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Tuesday 29 September 2026
We operate a staged admissions process with several deadlines throughout the year. This programme is highly competitive, so early application is advised.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Round 1
Round 1 is for Business School courses only.
- Applications open on Thursday 20 August 2026
- Applications close on Tuesday 29 September 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 25 November 2026
Round 2
- Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 3 March 2027
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 7 January 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 10 March 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 5 May 2027
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 11 March 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 28 April 2027
- Decision by Thursday 1 July 2027
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
For courses starting in 2026-27:
- £125 for all MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
For courses starting in 2027-28:
- Application fees are still to be confirmed for 2027-28 entry.
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
We recognise that circumstances may change for part-time students and exit points are offered upon completion of 30 ECTS (PG Certificate) or 60 ECTS (PGDiploma).
You must successfully complete all 6 compulsory modules to be eligible for the PG Certificate exit award, and an additional 6 elective modules for the PG Diploma award. The maximum period of registration for either exit award is 36 months.
Fees and funding
Tuition fee
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £28,200
Extended work placement option
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £29,700
Students taking the optional extended work placement must pay an additional fee, in addition to the standard course fees.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Tuition fee
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £47,000
Extended work placement option
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £48,500
Students taking the optional extended work placement must pay an additional fee, in addition to the standard course fees.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsHow will studying at Imperial help my career?
Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for a business analytics career.
Become capable of making data-driven, evidence-based decisions and driving business transformation.
As you learn from world-class faculty and leading practitioners in this in-demand field, you'll apply your knowledge in a practical setting.
Data-driven business transformation prepares you for the future.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
- Email: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Imperial Business School website.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications