MSc Decision Sciences: University of Westminster

Introduction

This MSc is designed for those working (or planning to work) in technical support roles in government, business and industry. It covers important areas of management science, statistics, operations research, computing, marketing and finance. Its mathematical and technical levels lie somewhere between those of an MBA and an MSc in Operations Research, but greater emphasis is placed on software and applications than in other courses.

It has been found valuable by students from the Civil Service, marketing, and in decision support departments in industry, banking, insurance and financial services. You will learn to use many software packages such as SAS, SPSS, DATA, Simul8, Crystal Ball, iThink, LINDO, Visual BASIC and ACCESS, and you can cover OLAP and data mining, for example, via optional modules taken from other MSc courses in the School.

Course Content

Core modules

• Business Dynamics and Strategic Modelling
• Computing for Business and Management
• Operations Research Techniques
• Statistical Modelling

Option modules, choose three from

• Advanced Topics in Decision Sciences
• Data Mining
• Management Accounting and Financial Modelling
• Medical Statistics and Experimental Design
• Multivariate Statistics and Marketing Decision Support
• Simulation and Risk in Business and Management

Associated Careers

Graduates have undertaken a wide range of roles as operational researchers, decision support or business analysts in areas such as marketing, finance, operations or strategic planning, in both private and public sector organisations. These include, in the UK, DERA, the Home Office, HM Prison Services, National Audit Office, Royal Mail, London Electricity, BP Gas, Bechtel, British Airways, Dell, Royal Bank of Scotland, Deutsche Bank and Bankers Trust.

Entry Requirements

• You should have an Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a course containing a significant quantitative element. Degrees in the sciences and engineering, and also in subjects such as geography, economics and business studies are suitable.
• You are expected to have some experience in the use of computers (Windows, Word, Excel). If you have extensive experience of working in business and industry, this may outweigh gaps in formal academic experience.
• You will normally be invited for an informal interview, so we can ensure you have clearly understood the course, and to look at your background and suitability. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions. If you live outside the UK you will normally be contacted by email, phone or fax.
• You must show competence in both written and spoken English (equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or above for international students).