If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by students' English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If their course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Master of Science - Business Analytics Organisations of all sizes must analyse complex business data to remain competitive. Business analytics helps to predict market trends and improve business processes. It empowers managers to make strategic decisions to improve performance in areas such as product development, operations, marketing, sales and supply chain management.

The University of Essex MSc Business Analytics develops student's analytical skills, so they can solve complex business problems. Students get trained to organise, integrate and interpret data, so they can make insightful forecasts into all aspects of business operation and implement appropriate actions.

Students cover topics such as: • statistics and forecasting; • data mining, visual and analytical techniques; • global supply networks; • economic theory; • business management.

The range of optional modules gives students the opportunity to specialise in a variety of complementary business, management and marketing subjects.

Essex Business School, where this course is taught, is home to the ESRC Business and Local Government Data Research Centre, which helps local authorities and businesses across the UK to harness data more effectively. Not only does the centre have expert data analytics facilities, students are taught by academics who are actively involved in researching big data and collaborating with businesses to solve real-world issues.

The School is home to an international community of students and staff. Across the two campuses, current Masters students joined Essex from more than 40 different nationalities.

Essex's expert staff have world-class research reputations, with their work placing Essex 25th in the UK for research quality. They’re at the forefront of real-world management and entrepreneurial issues, ensuring students experience the very latest teaching and thinking to prepare them for the modern business world.

Data is the driving force behind critical business decisions, so data scientists and analysts are in great demand in both start-ups and well-established companies. Becoming an expert in data analytics means students can help businesses gain competitive advantages by becoming better at making decisions and predictions through organising, analysing, integrating and interpreting data.