Business Analytics in the UK

Yes, according to QS World University Rankings, the UK is ranked second in the world for business analytics, with four of its programs listed in the top 20.

The UK also has a renowned reputation on the world stage for its programs in business and business analytics. As a student from Canada, you will get the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and develop skills in real-world scenarios that can help facilitate a successful career for you in the future.

Yes, there is a high demand for business analysts in the UK, with projected growth to continue as noted by a recent World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report. In fact, 73% of businesses identify effective data usage as an obstacle, especially for creating more data-driven decisions for their companies. For the foreseeable future, business analysts will continue to be in high demand, especially in the light of the big data revolution and increased popularity of AI.

The field of business analytics is highly competitive, so pursuing a master’s in business analytics is strongly recommended. This gives you a significant advantage and will help you secure a lucrative career at a higher level.

That said, it is possible to become a business analyst with an undergraduate degree in marketing, business administration, information technology, or finance, but you may experience limited career growth.

If you have questions about options, or programs that can help you become a business analyst in the UK, speak to an education counsellor at IDP Canada.

Starting out, business analysts will gain general experience before deciding to pursue a more specialized career path such as:

• Business project manager

• Consultant

• Business process analyst

• Business systems analyst

According to Prospects, the UK’s graduate career website, your professional development will include training in areas including:

• Information systems

• Effective communication

• Project and change management

According to human resources firms, business analysts will generally tackle these tasks during their day:

• Identification of business needs

• Development and implementation of business strategies

• Creation of financial models for forecasting

• Budget support

• Cross-functional collaboration and communication

• Stakeholder presentations for project approval

To help you narrow down your choices, here are the top 10 universities for a master’s in business analytics in the UK, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

Entry requirements for a master’s in business analytics will vary from school to school, but according to the UK’s National Careers Service, students from Canada will generally need:

• Grade average of 75%-85%

• Undergraduate degree in relevant subject

• On average, an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in all areas

• Tier 4 student visa

To get full support on creating a competitive application, reach out to IDP Canada’s British Council-certified counsellors.

For the top 10 schools for a master’s in business analytics in the UK, fees for Canadian students will range between CAD $49,000 - $78,700. These fees are subject to change though, which is why students should always consult a school’s current fee schedule for the most accurate tuition information.

According to The British Council, the cost of living for students living in London is around CAD $28,800 - $31,200 annually, with anywhere else in the UK seeing costs between CAD $19,200 - $31,200 every year. However, this number may shift depending on your location and lifestyle.

IDP Canada also has a Cost of Living calculator that can help you estimate how much you will need to cover all your expenses as an international student in the UK.

Your school is a great place to start to secure funding for your studies. Check their current fees and funding page for scholarships available for international students. For example, the University of Glasgow offers a Business Analytics scholarship that is awarded to 9 students every year and waives the equivalent of CAD $27,700 from tuition fees.

You can also find scholarships from these following sources. Please note that international student funding is highly competitive in the UK.

• Chevening Scholarships

• British Council UK Scholarships

• Scottish Government Scholarships

• UK and Wales Scholarships

• Student Action for Refugees Scholarships

• Displaced Student Opportunities UK

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

You can also use IDP Education’s Find a Scholarship tool to look for funding opportunities.

According to the UK Government, international students from Canada will need the following to apply for the tier 4 visa, which is mandatory in order to study in the UK.

• Up-to-date passport

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

• Proof of substantial finances

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, as required by your program and nationality

• Tuberculosis test results

• Additional documents and requirements dependant on your unique situation

For full information on what may be required for your situation, consult the UK Government’s student visa page.

UK businesses have indicated a high demand for business analysts to future-proof their companies for shifts in big data and AI. For domestic and international students from Canada interested in pursuing a master’s in business analytics in the UK, there will be ample opportunities post-graduation to fulfill this growing need. The UK is ideal to begin your studies, with top schools providing world-class education and experience, as well as networking opportunities to jump-start your career in business analytics.

For more information and guidance on studying business analytics in the UK, reach out to IDP Education Canada’s student counsellors. Book a free call now.

Want to learn more about studying in the UK? Check out our international student resources or book a free call with IDP Canada’s British Council-certified student counsellors. An IDP counsellor can help you create a personalized study abroad plan that covers everything including:

• Applying and getting accepted

• Securing your Visa

• Arranging accommodations, banking, and health insurance

• Lining up any other service you may need to succeed.

Best of all, because of our partnerships in the UK, these services are offered by IDP at no cost to you!

Book your appointment with IDP Canada now!