The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: PG Cert Indicative duration: 8 months
Start date: Tuition fee: £ For tuition fees see below For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358 Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning

Increasingly, in order to excel in business, there is a need to understand the complexities and possibilities available through effective and ethical use of data. This field can be challenging to master, and this short postgraduate course gives an insight into the key methods a manager can use to analyse data and make decisions concerning it.

The applications of this degree can be used across departments such as finance, customer service, business development, marketing and more, and the skills developed will help you improve as a manager as well as a data analyst.

Over eight months, this course explores key topics within management and analytics including:

  • financial decision-making in the short and long term
  • the theory underpinning data and knowledge management
  • the applications of statistics in contemporary management and decision making

Once you have completed your course, you have the opportunity to advance onto a PG Dip or full Masters degree in business analytics.

Why we’re great

  • Gain a highly recognised postgraduate qualification in just 8 months.
  • Receive your degree from the University of Essex, a top 40 UK university (Complete University Guide 2023)
  • No need to take a break – complete this course 100% online and part-time around your existing work.

The PG Cert Business and Management (Business Analytics) is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 60 credits.

Finance is key to keeping a business on-track and how you decide how to use your budget is crucial. With a strong focus on accounting matters in financial decision-making, this helpful module allows you to successfully analyse management control – as well as the conflicting implications of challenging budgeting decisions. 

This comprehensive module introduces you to the theory behind data and knowledge management. You’ll learn the impact of big data on businesses and how to successfully collect and manage data, while reflecting on its limitations. You'll also find out more about the future direction of the sector, including the emergence of cloud services.  

Gain a thorough introduction to the key aspects of statistics for business and some of the main applications in contemporary management and decision making. On this essential module, you’ll take a critical approach to statistical methodology, while building a foundation for analysing and solving business problems from a quantitative perspective. 

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

In order to meet the technical requirements for this course, students will need access to Microsoft Excel or an equivalent program.

 

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

  • Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
  • You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
  • You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
  • There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
  • You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

 

Study duration

Our PG Cert Business and Management (Business Analytics) has an indicative study duration of 8 months which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one- or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.

All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.

On successful completion of your course, you will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus.

With businesses increasingly relying on the data they gather to better serve their customers, the skills and knowledge gained from this degree are invaluable to any growing organisation. It’s ideal for anyone looking to bring a solid grounding in data analysis to their future career – whether that’s as a manager, C-level executive, business owner, data officer, finance analyst or marketing analyst.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our PG Cert Business and Management (Business Analytics), you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  •  an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our PG Cert Business and Management (Business Analytics), you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least five years’ senior level work experience.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:
£3,945 UK and International (2022-23) Δ
£4,056 UK / £4,143 International (2023-24) Δ 

  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our PG Cert Business and Management (Business Analytics) are experts in the field of business analytics.

What our students say

testimonials

William Annoh - Master of Business Management (MBM)

I was particularly impressed with the way that the online programme was structured. My Student Advisor Rebekah was very helpful in advising me and guiding me through the process. All the faculty who taught the modules were very very helpful; they taught me so much. I've learnt a lot of things and I'm willing and ready to use them in my career path. I particularly loved the discussion forums. It was a platform for us to engage with each other, so it helped us as online participants to get to know each other and think about different things. It helped me open my mind to a lot of different ideas. Now that I've finished my degree, the first thing I plan to do is to better myself in my role at work. I just started a new role last month so I'm looking forward to using my experiences from here to grow that. On the side I do some consultancy as well, and I have helped manage a few...

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