Programs

Master's in Business Analytics

Master’s in Business Analytics

The Program

The world is increasingly dependent on algorithms and data to inform and support decision-making. Organizations, private and public, for-profit, and non-profit, are keen to introduce data-driven systems and methods to support management functions but lack the knowledge and the people to integrate new technologies and adjust their systems and culture to leverage them. 

About the Program: 

  • 3 semesters. All classes fully taught in English 
  • The program curriculum is innovative, corresponding to the needs reported by all types of organizations, at a national and international level 
  • The program brings together the technical and personal competencies of management with technology 
  • Involves specialized and research-active renown Faculty 
  • Program performed in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science of NOVA School of Science and Technology 
  • Total of 90 ECTS needed to finish this Master’s Program 
  • Can be combined with CEMS MIM or an Exchange Program (requiring an additional semester) 

The Master’s in Business Analytics aims at the development of solid technical, organizational, leadership, critical thinking and communication competencies for future managers and leaders of organizations (public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit). 

  • Students from bachelor’s programs with knowledge in mathematics and programming (at an entry-level of a 1st cycle program), i.e. science, technology/computer science, engineering, economics, finance, or management. For those with limited programming skills, it will be mandatory to attend the Python/Coding for the Business bridging course in August. 
  • Keen on understanding how to design and manage data-driven organizations, how to transform hard data into storytelling and frameworks that improve human decisions and inspire commitment. 
  • Students that aspire to understand organizations and the managerial problems they face, how to use technology and leverage data to solve them, how to set up internal and external systems that enable the required ecosystem, and how to lead projects and interdisciplinary teams to solve complex problems and implement complex decisions leveraging data. 
  • Aim at comprehending also on the limitations of data-driven decisions and the role of human cognitive systems and the ethical and legal constraints. 

Program Overall Structure

Find out what this Master’s degree will offer you during the 3 semesters at Nova SBE! 

You will have to follow mandatory courses, but you will also choose from a wide range of electives, allowing you to tailor-make your curriculum according to your own goals. 

Everything together should give you the necessary ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) to graduate. 

  • Nova SBE Discovery Week.

1st Semester (30 ECTS) 

  • Mandatory Courses 
  • Electives 
  • Skills Accelerator Modules 
  • Study Trips 
  • Career Development Program - Mastering Your Career (MYC) 
  • Mentoring Program 
  • Regular Seminars, Networking Events, Business Forum, Conferences 

2nd Semester (30 ECTS) 

  • Mandatory Courses 
  • Electives 
  • Skills Accelerator Modules 
  • Study Trips 
  • Regular Seminars, Networking Events, Business Forum, Conferences 
  • Work Project 
  • Regular Seminars, Networking Events, Business Forum, Conferences 

In addition to the regular program, international programs such as the CEMS MIM or Exchange may require an additional semester. 

* Please note that for the academic year of 2024/2025 this information may be subject to changes. 

Applications Fall Intake 2024/25

Applications to the Master's programs are open between November 15, 2023 (12 pm, Lisbon time), and April 30, 2024 (except for IMM, IMF, CEMS, and Double Degrees, which close on March 22, 2024).

For more information, please contact us by emailing leadyourfuture@novasbe.pt or calling +351 213 801 699.

Get to know the Mandatory courses and Electives

  • Introduction to Python​ for Data Analysis​ 
  • Research Methods for Business Analytics​ 
  • Digital Strategy and Markets​ 
  • Data Curation for Business Analytics
  • Data Visualization for Business Analytics ​ 
  • Optimization​ 
  • Data Ecosystems & Governance​ in Organizations​ 
  • Machine Learning​ 
  • Digital Experimentation​ & Causal Analysis​ 

* Please note that for the academic year of 2024/2025 this information may be subject to changes. 

  • Advanced Programming for Data Science 
  • AI Impact on Business 
  • Algorithmic Governance 
  • Applied Entrepreneurship 
  • Asset Management 
  • Big Data Analysis 
  • Blockchain fundamentals 
  • Business Analytics Special Project 
  • Business Model Innovation 
  • Circular Economy:  Eliminate, Circulate and Regenerate 
  • Competition Policy 
  • Competitive Strategy: an analytical approach 
  • Corporate Strategy and Transformation 
  • Cracking the Sales Code 
  • Customer Relationship Management 
  • Data Analytics for Finance 
  • Derivatives 
  • Design and Construction of Data-Centric Apps  
  • Design Thinking for Social Innovation 
  • Digital Marketing 
  • Economics of Health and Health Care 
  • Energy and Climate change 
  • Entrepreneurial Finance & Venture Capital 
  • Entrepreneurial Strategy 
  • Financial Modelling 
  • Fintech Ventures 
  • Game Theory 
  • Innovation Management 
  • Marketing Analytics 
  • Modelling Business decisions for Operations 
  • Network Analytics 
  • Open Innovation 
  • Operations Management 
  • Product Design and Development 
  • Project Scoping 
  • Quality Management 
  • Science-Based Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
  • Strategic Foresight and Scenario Planning 
  • Sustainable Operations 
  • Technology Strategy 
  • Web 3, a new frontier in business and finance 
  • Web and Cloud Computing 

* Please note that for the academic year of 2024/2025 this information may be subject to changes.

Selection Criteria 

STEP 1 – Grade on the Technical Quiz: A Quiz, during T1, to evaluate students’ skills in statistics and programming 

 STEP 2 – If you want to apply for Project-Based Learning (PBL) you must enroll in the ‘Project Scoping’ course (elective, T1). Intermediate/ Final grades in this course will be considered.  

STEP 3 – Soft Skills & Interview (if needed).  

Advantages For Students 

  1. Get 12-18 months of work experience with a data-driven organization; 
  2. Improve your skills with a real-world data challenge; 
  3. Learn with your peers and Data Science Professionals; 
  4. Understand how to use data to solve some of the world's pressing challenges; 
  5. Improve your chances to get hired and to connect with business professionals. 

How does it work 

  • Each project will be developed by a team of 3-5 Master's students from diverse backgrounds, for 12 months; 
  • Each team will be supported by a Data Science Mentor, a senior professional with a strong technical background that will uphold the team’s major decisions; 
  • Each team will also be supported by a Business & Management Mentor (PM)/Translator, a senior professional with strong experience managing technical projects. The Project Manager will contribute to the team’s understanding of the partner’s needs, facilitate interactions between all the parties and make sure the project is performed according to the timeline; 
  • Data Science Projects will be developed together with a Project Partner (Company/NGO/Government Agency), that will share a data challenge to be scoped and developed by the team. 

Examples of Potential Data Challenges 

  • Identifying children at risk of not being vaccinated to improve vaccination rates (Health); 
  • Defining a data-driven approach to sustainable tourism management (Tourism); 
  • Predicting long-term unemployment to support people reenter the workforce (Employment); 
  • Predicting credit default risk in the banking sector (Banking); 
  • Reducing corruption in public procurement processes (Government Transparency); 
  • Improving incident response to optimize traffic safety (Transports). 

* Available Data Challenges for 2023/24 will be shared with Students at the beginning of the program. 

The Skills Accelerator is composed of 4 areas and students must complete 1 module in each area, according to their Master’s program. 

Digital 
Technology for business: concepts, tools, and software. 

Ethics 
The concept of ethics and its importance in life (personal and professional). Exposure to ethical challenges and practical discussions on how to address them 

Market Links 
Activities career and job market related. Organized by Careers office, student clubs, or faculty. Depending on the module selected, corporate partners and other companies are invited to participate. Competencies you might acquire and/or accelerate: self-awareness, collaboration, teamwork effectiveness, critical thinking and problem-solving, job market knowledge, Alumni networking 

Leadership 
Leadership concepts and tips: self-leadership and leading others. 

* Please note that for the academic year of 2024/2025 this information may be subject to changes.

As part of the degree requirement, students must carry out a work project (thesis) in their final semester. There are three formats available: 

Field Lab 
Students focus on a specific theme or topic of more applied nature to propose solutions to solve an existing local real-world problem in a specific setting (group setting). 

Directed Research Internship 
Students carry out a problem-based issue to help address an identifiable problem in a company setting relevant to the course of study. 

Directed Research* 
Students showcase their knowledge and expertise by investigating a research problem of scientific nature in a relevant area of interest. 

* This format is generally reserved for those intending on further pursuing their studies. 

Grading is based upon the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), a grading scale developed to better understand and compare grades given, according to different national systems.  

We did the math for you and the awarding of ECTS grades breaks down as follows: 

33.5 ECTS 
in Mandatory Courses including the Mastering Your Career (MYC) Activities 
(Bridging courses not included) 

24.5 ECTS 
in Elective Courses (minimum) 

2 ECTS 
in Skills Accelerator Modules 

30 ECTS 
in the Work Project 

90 ECTS in total do graduate 
You need a minimum of 90 ECTS to complete your Master’s, but if you need 120 ECTS to proceed with your studies, you can extend your Master’s by one semester with courses (28 ECTS) and modules (2 ECTS). 

Study Abroad

Complete your Master’s in Business Analytics with international experience

You can choose from an Exchange Program or a CEMS MIM. 

(This requires an additional semester) 

Master's Talks

Master's Talks

Attend one of our many Master’s Talks and learn all about this program, its Academic Director, the teams that can help you on your journey to Nova SBE and clear any doubts you may have.