Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has introduced a new postgraduate programme, the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MScBA) aimed at equipping professionals with advanced data skills to support strategic leadership in today’s digital-first economy. The launch aligns with the UAE’s broader agenda to foster digitally empowered industries and strengthen its position as a global innovation hub.
A timely response to the UAE’s digital agenda
The MScBA programme has been strategically developed to respond to the UAE’s national priorities around digital transformation. As government entities and private industries continue to digitise operations, the demand for professionals who can interpret data and apply it to decision-making is increasing.CUD’s new offering aims to bridge this gap by producing graduates capable of driving data-informed strategies across various high-impact sectors, including:
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Government services
- Retail
According to the university, the programme fosters a new generation of leadership that can manage complexity and guide organisations using data-backed insights.
Flexible entry with tailored progression paths
Recognising the diverse academic backgrounds of prospective students, CUD has structured the MScBA to be adaptable. Applicants can choose a progression that best suits their experience and goals.Key highlights include:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics
Offered as both an independent qualification and a pathway to the full MScBA degree, this diploma is designed for those seeking foundational knowledge before pursuing a full master’s. - Customisable Learning Tracks
The MScBA accommodates various levels of prior experience by tailoring course delivery to the student’s academic profile. This ensures accessibility while maintaining the programme’s technical and strategic depth.
Core Curriculum and Career Pathways
The MScBA covers a blend of technical competencies and leadership-oriented learning. The curriculum includes:
- Data Management and Visualisation
- Statistics for Data Analytics
- Programming for Data Analytics
- Information Assurance
- Data Sciences
- Data Analytics for Managers
This mix prepares students to take on roles that require both analytical precision and organisational leadership.Graduates can explore roles such as:
Business Intelligence Analyst - Data Scientist
- Chief Analytics Officer
- Chief Operations Analyst
- Information Architect
- Data Modeler
These career paths span both technical and executive domains, reflecting the dual focus of the programme on data fluency and strategic thinking.
Leadership vision behind the programme
Senior university figures have emphasised the role of the MScBA in supporting national development and driving innovation.Dr. Adam Fenech, Provost at Canadian University Dubai, stated that the new degree represents the university’s commitment to aligning academic offerings with real-world industry needs.“Organisations today need leaders who can make sense of complex data and turn it into actionable strategies. This programme develops not only technical skills but also the critical thinking and leadership abilities required to make a tangible impact,” he said.Dr. Mohamed Noureldin Abdelhakim, Programme Director for the MScBA, underscored the significance of the launch in supporting the UAE’s vision for global digital leadership:“Our students will graduate ready to lead data-driven organisations both locally and internationally. This programme is a key contribution to the country’s ambition of becoming a centre for digital innovation, and we are proud to support that through high-quality education and applied research.”