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Study Business Analytics at Otago

    Learn how to interpret complex data and help organisations make better business decisions.

    You’ll gain an understanding of the theory and practice behind business analytics, giving you essential skills that are in growing demand.

    Why study Business Analytics?

    Vast amounts of data are generated every day by businesses and organisations, social activity, video streaming, medical imagery and more. The ability to sift through this data and extract useful information is in hot demand.  

    On this programme, you’ll learn how to apply analytics skills and techniques to organisational data to obtain useful insights. You’ll develop sought-after skills that are required in every area of business including accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics and tourism.

    You’ll have the opportunity to learn about artificial intelligence and machine learning, which underpin a range of online platforms, such as Google and ChatGPT. You’ll also gain an understanding of how these techniques are used in online marketing – for example, to serve up relevant ads when browsing on a social media platform.

    With an emphasis on a hands-on approach to analysing data and extracting insights, you’ll gain up-to-date skills in commonly used data analysis platforms, including Excel, R and Python.

    Career opportunities

    The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field of business analytics to grow by 11 per cent from 2021 to 2031 (Forbes) meaning that graduates of this degree will be highly sought after.

    Potential careers include:

    • Data analyst
    • Business intelligence analyst
    • Marketing analyst
    • CRM analyst
    • Financial analyst
    • HR analyst

    How you will learn

    Data analytics concepts and techniques are delivered through lectures, labs, tutorials and practical workshops. You’ll develop skills in core analytics skills including data cleaning, wrangling, visualisation and reporting, as well as analysing specific business problems based on available data and proposing solutions using learned techniques.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    None. Business Analytics will suit anyone who has an interest in data and computing.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    testimonial-image

    A significant part of my current role involves using Power BI – a tool I was introduced to in my Business Analytics papers. Having prior experience with this software gave me a competitive edge during the hiring process and allowed me to hit the ground running.


    Brooke Callon

    Bachelor of Commerce (Major: Information Science, Minor: Business Analytics)
    Business Intelligence Analyst, Pareto Toolbox

    Gain hands-on experience and set yourself up for success

    Our Business Analytics programme is closely aligned with industry needs, ensuring graduates are well prepared for the workplace and highly competitive in the job market.

    You’ll have the opportunity to develop key professional skills throughout your degree. Your studies could include work experience placements, learning through case studies and working on projects with industry partners. You’ll also get the chance to network with business professionals, take part in guest speaker events, and participate in the business case competition series.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    YearPapersPoints
    100-levelBSNS 112 Interpreting Business Data18
    BSNS 115 Financial Decision Making18
    COMP 121 Computer Programming18
    DATA 101 Computing and Society18
    200-levelACCT 260 Introduction to Accounting Analytics18
    COMP 220 Advanced Programming Techniques18
    DATA 202 Database Systems18
    one of ECON 210 , FINC 203 or STAT 21018
    300-levelACCT 360 Advanced Accounting Analytics18
    DATA 303  Data Management18
    MANT 331 Business Ethics18
    one of COMP 322, DATA 301, DATA 302, ECON 375, MANT 337, MANT 340, MART 308 18
    Total 198

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    2025

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    INFO 130 Fundamentals and practice of spreadsheets

    COMP 120 Practical Data Science

    18

    18

    200-level

    INFO 204 Introduction to Data Science

    One of ACCT 260, ECON 210, FINC 203 or MART 212

    18

    18

    300-level

    One of INFO 304, ACCT 306, ACCT 310, ACCT 360, FINC 302 or ECON 375

    18

      Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 200- and 300-level papers when selecting papers.
    Total   90

    2026 onwards

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    COMP 121 Computer Programming

    DATA 101 Computing and Society

    18

    18

    200-level

    DATA 202 Database Systems

    One of ACCT 260, COMP 220, ECON 210, FINC 203 or STAT 210

    18

    18

    300-level

    ACCT 360 or DATA 303 Data Management

    18

      Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 200- and 300-level papers when selecting papers.
    Total 90

    More information

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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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