We've launched a Part-time Master of Business Analytics
The degree is one of several new ways aspiring data professionals and leaders can access flexible, hybrid study options at Melbourne Business School.
"The Full-time Master of Business Analytics has become one of Melbourne Business School's most popular and acclaimed programs since we launched it in 2015," says Academic Director Dr Simon Holcombe.
"However, the full-time version is an intensive format that doesn't offer much flexibility. Now we're opening it up to working professionals who want to study without leaving their current role as well."
The new changes include a part-time, hybrid version of the popular degree, as well as stackable qualifications including:
• Part-time Master of Business Analytics (2+ years)
• Professional Certificate in Business Analytics (6+ months)
• Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics (1+ year)
• Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (18+ months)
The first programs start in July 2023 and enrolments close in April. You can learn more about them and the next information session on our business analytics programs page.
"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.
"Depending on what life throws at them, students could reduce their study load, change their configuration or exit with a qualification and return later to complete the full degree."
High demand for data analytics professionals
Since its inception, the Master of Business Analytics has been consistently ranked among the top 20 degrees of its type in the world – with demand for data practitioners particularly high in Australia.
"Graduates of our full-time program have landed roles at top companies in Australia, including L’Oréal, McKinsey, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, BP, ANZ, Kearney, Deloitte, EY and Accenture, to mention just some," Dr Holcombe says.
Part of the reason for that success is due to a focus on personal skills as well as technical expertise, so graduates can use data to provide insight, as well as communicate those insights to senior leaders.
"It provides 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," Dr Holcombe says.
Data analytics skills a requirement for all leaders
Dr Holcombe says the Master of Business Analytics has 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 Business Analytics offers," he says.
"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."
Dr Holcombe says Melbourne Business School also offers a unique mix of strengths for students considering developing their skills in business analytics.
"Studying our Master of Business Analytics leverages all the power that a business school can offer in terms of career management and development," he says.
"Just like our MBA students, business analytics students have access to our Career Services, extensive business networks and powerful alumni community, as well as the Centre for Business Analytics, whose corporate partners include Downer, EY, Deloitte, PEXA, Suncorp, Kearney and Australian Super."
You can find more information about our new flexible pathways and hybrid learning options on the Business Analytics Programs page.
Dr Simon Holcombe is the Academic Director Master of Business Analytics at Melbourne Business School.
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.