Overview
As companies increasingly depend on data to drive strategy, proficiency in Business Analytics has become essential for managers, analysts, and consultants alike. From enhancing operational efficiency to fuelling innovation and guiding growth, data-driven decision-making is now a core competency for modern business success.
The MSc in Business Analytics is designed to meet this growing demand. The programme equips students with both advanced analytical skills and strong business acumen, fostering a dual competency that is highly sought after by employers. Students learn to bridge the gap between complex data and strategic leadership—preparing them to thrive in roles that require both technical expertise and business insight.
Graduates emerge as versatile professionals, ready to add immediate value in data-driven environments across a wide range of industries.
Why DCU
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
The MSc in Business Analytics is designed to prepare students for impactful careers at the intersection of data and decision-making. By integrating analytics with strategy, leadership, and planning, the programme equips graduates for roles such as:
- Business Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Data/Analytics Project Manager
As industries continue to undergo digital transformation, the demand for professionals with a blend of technical, analytical, strategic, and communication skills is rising. This programme meets that need by combining academic rigour with practical, real-world application.
Whether you’re aiming for a role in management consulting, technology, or a data-driven enterprise, DCU graduates are highly sought after for their ability to bridge the gap between analytics and action.
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MSc in Business Analytics, candidates must hold:
An NFQ Level 8 2.1 Honours degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline, such as Business, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or an equivalent international qualification.
Applications from candidates with a 2.2 may be considered in exceptional circumstances, where there is strong supporting evidence of potential to succeed in the programme. Such applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the availability of places.
Applicants without a directly relevant degree or who do not hold an honours degree but have significant relevant industry experience will also be considered under DCU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here
Recognition of Prior Learning candidates may include those who meet the following criteria :
- Chartered membership of a professional body or institute (Institute of Engineers of Ireland, Chartered Accountants Ireland).
- A level 7 qualification in a relevant discipline or non-chartered membership of a professional body, along with at least three years of relevant work experience in a managerial, business analytics, quantitative analysis, or related role.
- A Level 8 qualification in a non-relevant discipline, along with at least three years of work experience in a managerial, business analytics, quantitative analysis, or related role.
- Evidence of substantial relevant work experience in a managerial, business analytics, quantitative analysis, or related role.
Non-native English speakers must submit evidence of competency in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
Programme Structure
Through a variety of teaching and learning approaches, with a significant emphasis on Challenge Based Learning in partnership with industry, the DCU MSc in Business Analytics equips students with the skills and expertise that contemporary organisations demand.
You will benefit from access to business analytics software in our new Analytics Lab and immersive communication training in our Virtual Reality Lab.
In semester one, students are introduced to the fundamentals of SQL, Python, and core analytics concepts. You will enhance your Excel skills for analytics, explore data visualisation tools such as Power BI, and develop your critical thinking abilities.
The second semester builds on this foundation by exploring advanced analytics topics such as deep learning and generative AI. Modules focusing on strategy at both the corporate and business unit level will also enhance students’ business acumen.
Guest lectures from industry experts will offer valuable insights into current and emerging trends in analytics.
Students on this programme will also develop a critical awareness of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of business decisions by leveraging advanced analytics to inform sustainable and ethical strategies.
Fees and Funding
Fees
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
- Provide certified Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study, with English translation if applicable.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
- Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 31st August 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU are advised to apply as early as possible. All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025.
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Does DCU have partner universities around the world to go to?
Yes, see the full list of the universities you can travel to (depending on your course). For further specific information you should contact the course contact.
For the business courses how big are class sizes like and are there work placements?
There are some large lectures for common modules but these are supported by smaller weekly tutorial groups of approx. 30 people. There are work placements in our Business school.
What are some of the companies that students from the BSc multimedia have gone on to work for?
Some companies include: TV3, BBC, Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Yahoo, Setanta Sport & independent production companies.
See where your future career could be.