About This Course
This degree programme provides the opportunity to follow the prestigious CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) specialist pathway and acquire the skills to complete the CFA Level 1 examination (for both September-intake and January-intake students).
Data analytics attracts considerable international attention, with the current and forecasted demand for skilled graduates in data analytics far outstripping the supply. There has been a phenomenal recent growth rate in the need for expertise in data analytics (e.g. relating to big data, in financial technology, and in marketing). Strong and sustained trends in the ever wider proliferation of data have led to employers in varied industries and businesses seeking staff with postgraduate level skills in data analytics.
Our MSc programme is particularly focused towards employability and equipping students with the attributes to succeed in a range of potential career roles. Bangor Business School’s MSc Business Data Analytics delivers a distinct offering due to our established strengths in banking, finance, investment and marketing subjects.
As a graduate of this programme, you understand that data is increasingly important in many aspects of our everyday lives and careers. The skillsets developed in data analytics, statistical methods and quantitative applications will be highly valued and sought after in a range of business sectors. We will instill an appreciation of how different industries use data analysis, how to model data using advanced tools and coding languages, and how to communicate your insights to deliver meaningful change. You will also possess the ability to work independently to produce valuable insights for your employer or in your own business.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- Market demand exceeds supply for MSc graduates in data analytics.
- Develop skills that are sought after in many business sectors.
- An appealing choice of summer projects and dissertations.
- Bangor’s renowned expertise in banking and finance is integrated within this programme.
- January and September intakes.
Chartered Financial Analyst Pathway
Many of our degree programmes provide the opportunity to follow the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) specialist pathway and acquire the skills to complete the CFA Level 1 examination (for both September-intake and January-intake students). The CFA has become the most respected and recognised professional qualification in finance in the world.
Students undertaking this pathway will take a new module titled Financial Research & CFA Series during the summer period. Students will attend research seminars in June to be followed by specialist training for the Level 1 CFA exam provided by Fitch Learning, who are a well-recognised and accredited provider of CFA education. The teaching will include two days of Research Seminars in June and five two-day blocks of training, plus an additional two-block of revision provided across July and August. Assessments will follow the seminars and the CFA training.
No additional fees are charged for students undertaking this pathway.
However, students will be required to enrol with the CFA Institute and register for the exam. Payment of enrolment and examination fees is to the CFA Institute.
You will be able to register on this CFA pathway after arrival in Bangor. If you wish to make any enquiries in advance, please contact owain.apgwilym@bangor.ac.uk.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
The programme is delivered using a range of learning settings including lectures, small group classes and tutorials, computer labs, and supervision by academic staff. There will be opportunities for collaborative and group work among a wide range of assessment methods. In addition to the two main semesters, the summer period provides essential opportunities for project work, dissertations and further independent study.
This programme provides a core of modules in coding/programming, data science, financial technology, research methodology and statistical techniques. Moreover, there is a focus on developing the necessary skills to utilise these tools in a range of business and finance applications.
Optional modules in entrepreneurship, financial markets, knowledge management and portfolio management allow you to blend the technical skills with expertise in other areas where your interests may lie and develop. You will acquire technical skills and learn about the practical applications of these skills to business problems across a range of industry sectors like finance and investment, marketing, and health.
The summer project offerings are varied and include the option to undertake Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) training. The CFA is a globally recognized qualification in the finance and investment industry. A Bangor MSc graduate with expertise in both data analytics and the CFA syllabus will be uniquely well placed for a career in finance or investment.
Entry Requirements
Candidates should have a good first Honours degree of 2(ii) or higher or equivalent from a university or another approved degree-awarding body. Alternatively, possession of an approved professional qualification and relevant practical experience may also be considered. Candidates who do not have a formal degree or professional qualification, but have minimum 3 year of approved management experience will also be considered.
We ask that all candidates submit their CV with their application system to confirm eligibility for a specific route.
If your native language is not English, you must provide satisfactory evidence that you have an adequate knowledge and understanding of written and spoken English: IELTS score of 6.0 (no component below 5.5) or equivalent.
Please note: It may be necessary for applicants falling short of minimum English language levels to attend an intensive Pre-sessional English Language course. Such courses are available at Bangor.
Careers
The field of data analytics is full of opportunities and has guaranteed future growth, which naturally leads to excellent career directions and rewards. Graduates of this MSc programme will be well prepared for potential roles in a wide range of sectors of the global economy. The rapid expansion in the generation and use of data creates growing demand for qualified experts with the ability and skills to extract the benefits and meaning from the data. Several reports have confidently indicated that the vast majority of companies will adopt data analytics technologies during the next decade. A background in data analytics can open opportunities in many departments and functions within both private and public sector organisations. Future roles may include: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Architect, Business Systems Analyst, Financial Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Healthcare Analyst, Social Media Analyst, Political Data Analyst.
