Overview
Business analytics is the practice of using data to understand problems and support better decisions in business and government.
Organisations now collect large volumes of data from transactions, digital platforms, operations and administrative systems. Analysts work with these data to identify patterns, measure performance, generate predictions and evaluate the likely consequences of different decisions.
The Business Analytics major teaches students how to work with data in this way. Students learn how to obtain data, prepare and analyse it using modern analytical tools, and communicate results clearly to decision-makers.
The major emphasises practical data analysis skills. Students work with real datasets and learn widely used tools for data analysis, including programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL. They learn how to clean, store and organise data, explore patterns in data, build predictive models, estimate causal relationships and present results through analytical reports, visualisations and dashboards.
Why study business analytics
Data now plays a central role in how organisations operate and make decisions. Many roles in finance, consulting, technology, marketing, operations and government require people who can work with data and interpret analytical results.
Studying business analytics gives you practical skills in acquiring, managing and analysing data, as well as the ability to translate business questions into analytical problems and communicate results clearly to decision-makers.
The major complements other areas of study in the Bachelor of Commerce by providing the data skills needed to analyse problems in fields such as accounting, economics, finance, marketing and operations.
Graduates with strong analytical skills are well placed for roles such as data analyst, management consultant, equity analyst, quantitative trader, supply chain analyst, marketing data scientist, and operations analyst, as well as other data-focused roles in consulting firms, financial institutions and technology companies.
Business Analytics at Melbourne
- The Business Analytics major at Melbourne focuses on practical analytical work alongside conceptual understanding.
- Throughout the major you will work with real datasets and complete applied analytical projects. In the capstone subject, students undertake a substantial analytics project that brings together the skills developed across the major.
- The major can be combined with other Commerce majors to develop domain expertise alongside strong data analysis skills.