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BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year

Navigate the rapidly evolving AI-driven landscape with our BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence degree. Explore how AI shapes business strategies by applying AI and analytics to develop innovative solutions.

  Apply via Clearing
  Apply via Clearing
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  Get info and updates
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Gain future-ready skills such as AI and data analytics and master industry tools and applications

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Learn from industry professionals and AI researchers

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Gain real-world experience through live business challenges and study abroad and internship opportunities

Course overview

The BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year is a four-year degree that combines an introductory foundation year with a full honours programme. It gives you the opportunity to build your knowledge, develop the skills needed for university study, and explore how businesses use data and artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress directly onto the degree, ready to make the most of your university experience.

The BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year degree is designed to equip you with the essential skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to thrive at the intersection of AI and business. The curriculum focuses on applying cutting-edge AI and data analytics tools to real-world business challenges, preparing you to excel in dynamic, technology-driven environments. Aimed at students aspiring to build careers in AI and business analytics, the course provides a strong foundation in AI and data-driven decision-making, preparing you for diverse career pathways in a range of industries and roles.

The programme is shaped by extensive consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure it aligns with current market needs and expectations. It prepares you for roles such as business analyst, data analyst, marketing analyst, AI specialist, and digital transformation specialist, equipping you with the skills to drive innovation and success across various sectors. By integrating theoretical insights with practical problem-solving, you’ll be well-prepared to lead and innovate in the evolving field of business analytics and AI.

You will have access to co-curricular activities that enhance your learning and career prospects. Take part in hackathons, AI challenges and competitions to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. Industry guest lectures and workshops will offer insights and networking opportunities, while professional certifications in tools such as Python and Tableau will boost your expertise. If you're interested in research, you can engage in R&D projects with faculty or industry partners to develop innovative AI solutions.

Why choose this course?

The BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year is a four-year degree designed to help you build the skills and knowledge needed for success from day one. The integrated foundation year provides additional time to develop key academic, digital and professional skills, preparing you to begin your honours studies with confidence and a strong foundation for understanding how data and artificial intelligence are used in business.

Employability-driven: Tailored for the future, this programme helps students gain real-world skills, industry certifications and a network of top employers. Careers workshops, placements and strong industry ties ensure readiness for the job market.

Inclusive learning: Learn in a welcoming environment, with academic and personal support allowing you to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

Future-ready skills: Graduate with critical thinking, problem solving and adaptability skills to succeed in the evolving AI and business landscape.

Innovation opportunities: Students are encouraged to innovate through entrepreneurship and collaborative projects that give exposure to emerging technologies.

Co-curricular opportunities: Build confidence, networks and practical expertise through a range of co-curricular activities.

Your future career

BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence graduates will be equipped for careers in AI, data analytics and digital transformation across various industries, including finance, technology, retail and healthcare. Potential roles include:

  • business analyst
  • data analyst
  • artificial intelligence specialist
  • digital transformation consultant
  • product manager (AI-focused)
  • marketing analyst.

What you'll study

The BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year at the University of Hertfordshire blends academic learning with practical, technology focused experience.

In your first year (foundation year / level 0), you’ll develop core academic, digital and professional skills while building confidence and preparing for degree level study in a supportive environment.

Building on your foundation year launchpad, from your second year (level 4), you’ll study alongside students on the main business analytics and AI programme. To support flexible study, teaching is typically scheduled across two days per week, giving you around 10–12 contact hours through a blend of workshops, seminars, group projects, data analysis activities, technology based tasks and independent study. Assessments are focused on real‑world application; expect data projects, business simulations, presentations, analytical reports and collaborative tasks.

You’ll build a strong foundation in business analytics and AI, exploring the business environment, management practices and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. You’ll also examine how social and cultural connections influence business decision-making. Through business simulations, you’ll step into the role of a data‑driven executive, developing the analytical and professional skills needed to progress into more advanced study in business analytics and AI.

In your third year (level 5), the focus shifts to advanced data analysis, leadership development, and practical application. You’ll engage in challenge-based learning (CBL), tackling real-world problems, such as designing machine learning models for fraud detection while balancing accuracy with efficiency. Collaborative projects and career-focused activities will further enhance your skills.

In your final year (level 6), you’ll demonstrate your expertise through capstone projects and advanced modules, applying AI and analytics to tackle challenges in entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and consultancy. You’ll take part in project-based learning (PBL), working on long-term projects such as developing a smart city dashboard, using AI to optimise transport routes or improve energy efficiency.

Throughout the course, design thinking workshops will guide you in exploring AI-powered solutions for process automation and predictive analytics, helping businesses improve decision-making, streamline operations, and enhance customer engagement.

What if I need support?

You'll benefit from an academic support team, wellbeing team and a personal tutor to help you adjust to the demands of university learning and living.

Additional support is available from our Student Success Team focused on inclusive learning and our dedicated Future Success network to help you with work experience, placements and graduate jobs.

You can also join and reach out to the Business School Student Voice community, a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure teaching remains effective.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is open to all Business School students, for extra support with academic writing, numeracy and referencing.

Optional placement year

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd. This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a year in industry, typically between your third and fourth years of study. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience, which is why we believe work placements are career gold. Our Careers and Employment service are here to support you explore your options and make valuable contacts for your future career.

You’ll pay no tuition fee for this year and won’t need to worry about the details of your placement until your third year of study.

Study Abroad offers the opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your third and fourth year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your third year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd. This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a year in industry, typically between your third and fourth years of study. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience, which is why we believe work placements are career gold. Our Careers and Employment service are here to support you explore your options and make valuable contacts for your future career.

You’ll pay no tuition fee for this year and won’t need to worry about the details of your placement until your third year of study.

Find out more about work placements

Study Abroad offers the opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your third and fourth year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your third year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

From the moment you join the Foundation Year, you are part of the Hertfordshire Business School community. Throughout your first year, you'll build academic confidence, develop essential professional skills and immerse yourself in university life on our College Lane Campus, with expert teaching at Hertfordshire International College - with access to the full range of university facilities, support services and learning resources.

For the remaining years of your degree, you’ll be taught on our de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre offering both open and private study spaces. You’ll also have access to online self-study materials to further support your learning.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in an inspiring space.

Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

Your teaching team includes AI, data science and business strategy experts with both academic and industry backgrounds. Many have worked in technology, finance and consulting, bringing real-world insights into the classroom.

You'll learn from active researchers working on cutting-edge AI and analytics projects, keeping you up to date with the latest trends. Faculty members come from diverse global backgrounds, giving you an international perspective on AI and business.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis. This also applies to Clearing applications, so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a Clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2026 Full time Apply via UCAS
Full time with placement year Apply via UCAS
Full time with study abroad year Apply via UCAS

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time
Year 1
£5,760 for the 2026/2027 academic year
Full time 
Year 2 onwards
£10,050 for the 2027/2028 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the Programme Specification.

More about the course

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Business Analytics And Artificial Intelligence with Placement Year with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A Download PDF
BSc (Hons) Business Analytics And Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A Download PDF
BSc (Hons) Business Analytics And Artificial Intelligence with a Year Abroad with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

No

Course length

Full Time, 4 YearsFull Time, 5 YearsSandwich, 5 Years

Not ready to apply?