We're launching a Master of Applied Business Analytics
Melbourne Business School is launching a new business analytics degree with flexible study options for working professionals.
Over the past 10 years, Melbourne Business School’s Full-time Master of Business Analytics has become one of the most popular and acclaimed programs of its kind, consistently ranked as the best in Australia and among the best in the world.
From early 2025, the new Master of Applied Business Analytics degree will make studying cutting-edge business analytics techniques accessible to working professionals as well.
“The full-time version is an intensive format that doesn't offer much flexibility,” says Academic Director Dr Simon Holcombe.
“Now we're opening it up to professionals who want to study without leaving their current role.”
The Master of Applied Business Analytics will offer students the option to study online or through a blended model incorporating regular in-person classes, with multiple entry opportunities including:
- Master of Applied Business Analytics (3 years)
“The pace of these options is adaptable to the learning style and needs of students who may be balancing work and personal commitments, as well as study,” says Dr Holcombe.
Applications for the first intake close on 3 March 2025, with study beginning shortly afterwards. Visit our events page for the details of upcoming information sessions.
High demand for data analytics professionals
Business analytics professionals are in high demand in Australia, with SEEK predicting a 23 per cent jump in employment opportunities over the next five years.
Since launching in 2014, the Full-time Master of Business Analytics has become a popular pathway to success as a data professional, with graduates holding senior data, strategy, analytics and AI roles at some of Australia’s largest organisations.
“Graduates of our full-time program have landed roles at top companies in Australia, including Microsoft, Canva, Bupa, L’Oréal Australia, McKinsey, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, BP, ANZ, Kearney, Deloitte, EY and Accenture, to mention just some,” Dr Holcombe says.
Melbourne Business School is considered a national leader in the field of business analytics partly due to its balanced focus on technical expertise as well as real-world business applications.
“We use a lot of business cases and real data sets so that the students understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ in a business context,” Dr Holcombe says.
“Our programs provide not only practical skills to enter the sector but also ‘soft skills’ around personal and professional development, which is a big reason why some large and well-known companies only hire our graduates.
Data analytics skills a requirement for all leaders
Dr Holcombe says the data skills gained from a degree like the Master of Applied Business Analytics have become an important complement to an MBA for leaders in the digital age.
“An MBA is useful for leaders by design, but it is a generalist degree and can’t reach the technical depths and applications that the Master of Applied Business Analytics offers,” he says.
“The curriculum of our new program covers applicable knowledge of statistics and computer science and business acumen, with the option to specialise in the areas of supply chain, marketing and finance.
“If you’re leading technical teams or driving change through data insights, getting hands-on knowledge of analytics will help you be more effective with your decision-making.”
The benefits of studying at Melbourne Business School also reach far beyond the classroom.
“Just like our MBA students, business analytics students have access to our Career Services team, extensive business networks and powerful alumni community, as well as the Centre for Business Analytics, whose corporate partners include Coles, L'Oreal Australia, REA Group EY, PEXA, Suncorp, and Australian Super, further enhance the learning experience and career opportunities.”
Expand your professional network
Entry requirements for the Master of Applied Business Analytics cater for those looking to enter the field of business analytics as well as those seeking to enhance their existing data skillset.
As a result, students will be able to study alongside experienced professionals from different backgrounds, enriching their learning experience and giving them the opportunity to develop a network of friends and peers.
“If you’re a working professional already using spreadsheets and data in your current role but want to enhance your skills or specialise in a specific area, this program is ideal for you,” Dr Holcombe says.
“The program is designed to prepare you for industry as a highly capable analyst with the most up-to-date skills.”
Find out more about the new degree, as well as flexible study pathways and blended learning options, on the Master of Applied Business Analytics page.
To find out more about studying at Melbourne Business School, visit our Degree Programs and Short Courses pages, or learn about our range of services For Organisations.
