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 renowned 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) 

  • Students from bachelor’s programs with knowledge in mathematics and programming (at an entry-level of undergraduate program program), i.e. science, technology/computer science, engineering, economics, finance, or management. For those with limited programming skills, we will offer an optional bridging course on Python/”Coding for Business”, taking place 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 to understand 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. 

Please note that the information in this page may be subject to changes during the 2026/2027 academic year.

  • Nova SBE Discovery Week.

1st Semester 

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

2nd Semester 

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

Master's Programs 2026/27

Applications open on November 13, 2025.

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​ ​

Discover some of the most popular electives:

  • Advanced Programming for Data Science
  • Advanced Topics in Machine Learning
  • AI Impact on Business
  • Big Data Analysis
  • Business Model Innovation
  • Design and Construction of Data Centric Apps
  • Engineering of Data Analysis
  • Network Analytics
  • Product Design and Development
  • Technology Strategy

Explore the program brochure to learn more about all available options.
 

Each program has two compulsory modules to be completed by students:

  • Ethics
  • Sustainability
 

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

Project-Based Learning (PBL) *

The Data Science PBL is an exclusive and unique opportunity for the Master’s in Business Analytics students. Students will be part of an interdisciplinary team and assigned to a specific real-world data challenge, in which the team will work throughout the course of their master’s program. After this period, they will be invited to present in their master thesis their main findings and methodology used. 

Advantages for students 

  • Get 10-18 months of work experience with a data-driven organization; 
  • Improve your skills with a real-world data challenge; 
  • Learn with your peers and Data Science professionals; 
  • Understand how to use data to solve some of the world’s pressing challenges; 
  • Improve your chances to get hired and connect with business professionals. 

 

* Available Data Challenges for each cohort will be shared with Students at the beginning of the program. 

 

Field Labs

Students work in groups studying a company/sector, integrating distinct knowledge areas. Most work is team based, although students must present individual reports on specific developments around the core research program. 

Directed Research Internship 

Individual dissertation carried out in the organization where the student is doing an internship. The student will have an advisor from Nova SBE and a Company tutor. The project must be approved by the Academic Director.

Directed Research* 

Individual dissertation where 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 pursuing their studies.

Mastering Your Career (MYC) is a mandatory Master's graduation requirement, worth 2 ECTS. It offers a valuable opportunity to expand learning beyond the classroom and empowers students to make the most of their journey at Nova School of Business & Economics.

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: 

31.5 ECTS 
in Mandatory Courses  

24.5 ECTS 
in Elective Courses (minimum) 

2 ECTS 
in Mastering Your Career activities 

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 elective courses (30 ECTS).

Q&A Sessions

Q&A Sessions

Watch the info video about the program, and attend one of our live Q&A sessions to learn more about the program and clear any doubts about the program and its curriculum that you may have.

Check the agenda

Study Abroad

Complete your Master’s in Business Analytics with international experience. 

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

(This requires an additional semester) 

Learn more