For best experience please turn on javascript and use a modern browser!
You are using a browser that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade your browser. The site may not present itself correctly if you continue browsing.
uva.nl
The Business Analytics specialisation track focusses on solving business problems using state-of-the-art analytics tools. You will see business problems from more application areas than in the Data Science specialisation.

The programme

The academic year is divided into 2 semesters, each with 3 periods. You complete each period with an examination. In the first semester, you follow the course Supply Chain Analytics instead of Econometrics for DSBA, which is compulsory for the Data Science specialisation. In the second semester, you will follow at least one elective that centres around an application area. 

  • Compulsory courses

    Advanced Analytics for a Better World

    Apply mathematical optimisation and machine learning for better decision making. Model relevant societal problems into the framework of optimisation and machine learning and solve them in small teams.

    Data Science Methods

    Understand fundamental methods used in data science. We also help you develop the skills to apply these methods to economic and econometric data sets.

    Machine Learning and Optimisation

    Understand the interaction between machine learning and optimisation at an advanced level. Develop the skills to deal with large datasets in order to solve complex global business issues.

    Privacy, AI, Law & Ethics

    Understand EU personal data protection (privacy) legislation. Put your insights into practice through in-class assignments: an assessment of a hypothetical project that deals with issues like a new app or AI-system that involves the processing of personal (sensitive) data.

    Applied AI Research Seminar

    Apply deep learning techniques for computer vision, information retrieval and multimedia. Use the knowledge from this and previous courses to address a relevant business or societal challenge. The challenges are provided by our governmental and corporate partners in the Amsterdam Data Science network, such as the City of Amsterdam.

    Reinforcement and Deep Learning

    Understand the exploration/exploitation trade-off via the study of multi-armed bandits and of Markov Decision Processes. Implement various reinforcement algorithms (Monte Carlo & temporal-difference) for more complex problems.

  • Track specific course

    Supply chain analytics

    Understand and improve supply chains. The success of a supply chain depends on decisions made at all levels, from the network design to chosen routes. Get acquainted with analytical tools to optimise a supply chain regarding efficiency, quality, and responsiveness.

  • Electives

    You can choose from a selection of electives from both the Amsterdam School of Economics and the Amsterdam Business School to tailor the programme to your interests:

    • FinTech: Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies & Smart Contracts - gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying concepts, methodologies and application domains.
    • Advanced People Analytics - identify relevant managerial questions and how to answer them using people-related data with appropriate methods.
    • Economic and Financial Network Analysis - learn about network theory, simulation and empirics from both an economic and data science point of view.
    • Machine Learning in Finance - study and apply advanced machine learning techniques suitable for the context of financial time series and option price data.
    • Advanced Marketing Analytics - solve marketing-related problems using consumer and/or firm-level data.
    • Trustworthy AI for Business & Society – understand and apply algorithms devised for explainable machine learning and data privacy.
  • Thesis

    The Master’s thesis is the final requirement before you can graduate. It is often combined with an internship at a company, institution, public sector agency or semi-governmental organisation. This is your chance to dive deep into a new development or idea that you are enthusiastic about. When writing your thesis, you have the chance to explore it fully while simultaneously training your ability to independently conduct relevant research. You will be awarded the title Master of Science (MSc) upon graduation.

  • Honours programme

    If you are a student of the Master Data Science and Business Analytics and you have a record of academic excellence, a critical mind and an enthusiasm for applied research, then our Honours programme is a great opportunity for you.

Copyright: UvA
We’ve designed this new Master's with input from leading companies. These companies increasingly rely on professionals who can apply data science in various business fields to optimise operating results. Prof. Cees Diks
What is the Master's Data Science & Business Analytics about?
What is the Master's Data Science & Business Analytics about?

Programme Director Cees Diks and student Hania explain.

Supermarket
Real-life case: optimal use of shelf space in supermarkets

Ideally, a supermarket has the perfect assortment available at every moment. Optimising shelf space allocated to each product category entails understanding customer behaviour and accurately predicting customer demands based on available data. You will be using transaction data and customer data to model and understand customer demands at the level of individual stores. This is an example of a timely research topic within current applied business analytics based on the huge amounts of customer level data currently available.