Business Analytics
Full-time
Part-time
Two year
Four year
September 2025
In a nutshell
Business Analysts play an important role in many organisations, working with stakeholders to improve business processes and to successfully plan and deliver business change projects. By studying this programme, you will develop a range of both technical and communication skills which will enable you to successfully fulfil the role of a Business Analyst. The programme has been designed in collaboration with major employers and throughout, you will have the opportunity to work with employers on simulated and live projects, in order to develop your skills, knowledge and experience.
The programme is mapped to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Occupational Standard for Business Analysts, meaning it develops in students the skills, knowledge and behaviours demanded by employers in this sector. Demand for Business Analysts within the UK and specifically the Greater Manchester city region has increased significantly over recent years and this programme aims to produce highly skilled and knowledgeable graduates who are able to fill this skills gap.
What is a 'DipHE'?
A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) at Level 5 is awarded after two years of full-time study at university. Our DipHE programmes are hands-on and practical, with flexible learning options available so you can choose to study full or part-time.
You can take a DipHE straight from college when you have completed qualifications like BTECs or A-Levels. Some people choose to take a gap year first or spend some time working before they start a DipHE.
Diplomas of Higher Education are perfect for people who want a university experience, but do not want to take a full undergraduate degree qualification. You get the support and teaching quality of a degree but don’t have to commit to three years of study before you begin. A DipHE can lead directly to a career as you will have gained valued skills and experience, or you might choose to continue with further studies.
This is for you if...
- You enjoy working with people to solve problems and present solutions
- You have an enquiring mind and are keen to know the reasons behind business issues
- You want to develop the skills to use common software to analyse and present data
All about the course
At level 4, the modules are designed to support effective transition to higher education, embed important academic and professional skills and to lay the foundations of the technical knowledge required to succeed as a Business Analyst. There will be two 30-credit modules which introduce you to the crucial fundamental topics, providing an effective grounding in the role and purpose of business analysts within the wider business environment, alongside the important digital and analytical skills required. In addition, there will be one 60-credit module which will enable you to practice and apply the knowledge and skills developed in the other modules. You will undertake a range of practically focussed tasks and authentic formative and summative assessments, which will enable you to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required.
Level 5 will build on the skills, knowledge and behaviours developed at level 4 and introduce you to more strategic approaches to managing business change, project management, and more advanced skills in data analysis and visualisation. This will be done through two 30-credit modules, with a larger 60-credit live business analysis project enabling you to demonstrate the full range of knowledge, skills, and behaviours required of business analysts. Throughout all modules, you will continue to develop your academic and professional skills and will be required to demonstrate them through a range of authentic assessments.
Business and Professional Skills
This modules will introduce you to the role of the business analyst, their function in a business and the key tasks they perform. You will learn and apply various techniques and approaches for analysing the business environment and business problems, along with potential approaches to forming solutions.
Fundamentals of Data Analysis
In this module you will be introduced to key software used in business to undertake analysis and present solutions, as well as supported to develop your knowledge and skills in finding, cleansing, analysing, interpreting, and presenting data to a range of possible audiences.
The Professional Business Analyst
This highly applied and practical module will enable you to apply your knowledge from other modules on the programme to real-world business challenges and issues. Working with other students, you will develop you skills of project and time management, alongside other crucial skills and behaviours.
Managing Projects and Business Change
In this module you will learn key approaches to project and change management within a business and why these are important for business analysts. You will apply common techniques in order to ensure change projects remain on target for success.
Data Analytics and Visualisation
This module builds on your studies from Level 4 and will introduce you to more advanced data analysis techniques, alongside developing more advanced skills in the presentation and visualization of complex data sets, in order to enable you to effectively communicate this to non-technical audiences.
Business Analysis Live Project
In this final module, you apply all of your learning from across the programme to a live project, working closely with an employer to analyse and present solutions to a problem. This module will develop a wide range of technical and employability skills, meaning you will be well-placed to find employment as a business analyst upon completion.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
GMIOT PARTNER
Located across England, Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are a national network of partnerships between local colleges, universities, and leading employers.
We are a proud partner in the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology. This means as a student on this course you will benefit from being part of the University of Salford community, with access to our facilities and support, and taught by our tutors. You will also be part of the GMIoT network, with access to additional events and activities.
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Salford Business School aims to foster the next generation of leaders and create a new vision of innovative and entrepreneurial leadership. We are integrated into the local business community as a hub for knowledge creation and exchange. We are proud that our industry collaborations and partnerships benefit students, businesses and the community.
Our goal is to prepare you for a fulfilling life and professional career. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
What about after uni?
FURTHER STUDY
Upon completion of this programme, you may wish to continue your studies to level 6 to achieve a full Honours degree. The programme will position you well to continue your studies in areas such as business information technology, project management, or general business management.
EMPLOYMENT
Upon completion of this programme, you will have developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by major employers in the field of Business Analysis. You will be confident to apply for a variety of roles in this sector, in both large and smaller organisations.
Career Links
The programme has been designed in collaboration with major regional employers and is aligned to the national Occupational Standard for Business Analysts, published by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. This means the programme will enable you to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are demanded by employers and will position you to take advantage of the many career opportunities in the discipline.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
This programme is ideal for anyone looking to develop their skills of data analysis whilst also developing the ability to make data meaningful, present solutions and work collaboratively with other people. You may already be in employment, and looking to retrain or upskill, or you may be in education and looking to take your next step towards a rewarding career. The programme has been designed to ensure flexibility and enable you to complete the programme and progress on to employment or further study in the shortest time possible.
UCAS Tariff Points
72 UCAS Tariff Points
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply!
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545