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.
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
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasBusiness, accounting and finance
Study business and prepare yourself for a career in the fast-paced corporate world – or even launch your own start-up
Technology, maths and computing
Study technology, mathematics, or computing to solve real-life problems – harnessing the power of information and data
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.
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 112 Interpreting Business Data | 18 |
| BSNS 115 Accounting and Information Systems | 18 | |
| COMP 121 Computer Programming | 18 | |
| DATA 101 Data Processing and Visualisation | 18 | |
| BSNS 111 Business and Society, BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy, and BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making – must normally be taken in first year of study | 54 | |
| 200-level | ACCT 260 Introduction to Accounting Analytics | 18 |
| COMP 220 Advanced Programming Techniques | 18 | |
| DATA 202 Database Systems | 18 | |
| one of ECON 210 , FINC 203 or STAT 210 | 18 | |
| 300-level | ACCT 360 Advanced Accounting Analytics | 18 |
| DATA 303 Data Management | 18 | |
| MANT 331 Business Ethics | 18 | |
| one of COMP 322, DATA 301, DATA 302, ECON 375, MANT 337, MANT 340, MART 308 | 18 | |
| Plus | 90 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Commerce. | 90 |
Every programme must include BSNS 111-115. At least three of these papers must be passed before enrolling in any 200-level Commerce paper, and all must normally be passed before enrolling in any 300-level Commerce paper. For single-degree BCom students, all five must be attempted in the first year of study or equivalent. STAT 110 or STAT 115 will be accepted as an alternative to BSNS 112 as a required paper or as part of the major subject requirements or as a prerequisite when: Any student who completed PTWY 111 before enrolling in the BCom degree shall be exempt from the requirement to complete BSNS 113. Any student who has completed PTWY 112 before enrolling in the BCom degree shall be exempt from the requirement to complete BSNS 114. A candidate completing the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws is able to satisfy the CPA/CAANZ accreditation requirements by substituting: | ||
| Total | 360 |
Transitional arrangements for students transferring into the BCom in Business Analytics (applies to students who started at Otago prior to 2026).
- COMP161 can be substituted for COMP121
- COSC203 can be substituted for DATA202
- COSC344 can be substituted for DATA303
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
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | INFO 130 Fundamentals and practice of spreadsheets COMP 120 Practical Data Science | 18 18 |
| 200-level | INFO 204 Introduction to Data Science | 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
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | COMP 121 Computer Programming DATA 101 Computing and Society | 18 18 |
| 200-level | DATA 202 Database Systems | 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
Have a question or need support? AskOtago can connect you with the right team for personalised help.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
Not sure what to study?
Take our short quiz to uncover study options matched to your background and interests.
Take the quiz