Data Analytics for Business

/ Overview

The Graduate Degree Programme in Data Analytics for Business (Master of Science, MSc) is an interfaculty programme developed jointly by the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, combining quantitative, statistical, IT and management skills to provide a genuinely interdisciplinary education.

Taught entirely in English, the programme is designed for students who want to work in international environments and in organisations where data informs strategic decision-making.

The programme provides advanced knowledge of statistics, machine learning and data science, enabling students to build analytical, inferential and forecasting models for complex business problems.

Particular attention is given to computational skills, from programming and database management to algorithms and tools for implementing statistical methods.

Quantitative skills are integrated with business and management courses, helping students interpret data and translate it into data-driven business strategies.

The programme also develops professional and technical skills through data visualisation, communicating results and teamwork, which are essential for presenting analytical findings to technical and management professionals.

Learning is reinforced by project work, practical activities and case studies based on real-world problems, while modules in technology law introduce students to the legal and regulatory aspects of data use and digital technologies.

Why choose Data Analytics for Business at Università Cattolica?

The Graduate Degree Programme in Data Analytics for Business is an interfaculty programme designed to prepare professionals equipped to work in international, data-driven environments, combining quantitative, statistical, IT and management skills.

Students acquire advanced tools to develop analytical, inferential and forecasting models for complex business problems, with a strong focus on computational skills, soft skills and practical experience.

Interfaculty expertise

The programme brings together the expertise of the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, combining quantitative skills, programming and the interpretation of business phenomena.

International recognition in Economics & Econometrics

Università Cattolica is ranked among the top 250 worldwide and the top 10 in Italy for Economics & Econometrics according to the QS World University Rankings by subject.

Strategic location

Studying in Milan provides direct contact with leading organisations in business, finance, technology and innovation, facilitating internships and professional opportunities in data analytics.

Applied approach

The programme develops predictive models, algorithms and machine-learning tools directly applicable to business needs.

Decision-making focus

Students learn to integrate data, analysis and strategy to support complex business decisions.

Customisable study path

Students can choose from elective and recommended courses, including Data Science Methods and Applied Business Analytics, to build a tailored profile.

International experiences

Opportunities include semesters abroad, summer programmes, internships and thesis work at partner universities.

Links with employers

An 8-ECTS Project Internship, case studies and support from the Internship & Placement Committee help students transition into the workplace.

94

%

Overall student satisfaction with the degree programme

Source: Satisfaction among students who completed the degree programme, as measured in the latest survey of graduating students, calendar year 2025.

/ Study plan

Programme structure

The Graduate Degree Programme in Data Analytics for Business offers a structured study plan designed to integrate theoretical learning, applied skills and international experience.

Preparatory courses in Mathematics and Statistics provide a consistent foundation for the courses and help address any gaps in students’ prior knowledge, while the 8-ECTS Project Internship provides students with their first direct experience of professional settings.
The Internship & Placement Committee supports students across all subject areas, from Banking & Finance to Marketing, supporting an effective transition into the labour market.

The programme is enriched by numerous international mobility opportunities, including semesters abroad, summer programmes, internships and thesis work abroad, international volunteering and virtual programmes, helping students build a strong, internationally competitive profile.

View the study plan

Teaching approach

The Graduate Degree Programme in Data Analytics for Business, taught entirely in English, provides students with advanced, interdisciplinary training in:

Statistical and machine-learning skills: development of effective models for data analysis, inference and forecasting to support decision-making.
Computational skills and data management: use of tools and programming to implement statistical methods and analytical tools in real-world contexts.
Business knowledge applied to data analysis: integration of quantitative skills to address business challenges, identify opportunities and support management with data-driven strategies.
Soft skills and communication: use of data visualisation tools, teamwork and presentation of results to communicate findings effectively.
Practical experience and digital law: consolidation of skills through real-world cases and an introduction to the legal and regulatory aspects of digital technologies.

The programme also includes preparatory modules in Mathematics and Statistics, designed to ensure that all students have a common knowledge base and to address any gaps before the main programme begins. Classes are held in the second week of September, and participation is strongly recommended to prepare effectively for the courses that follow.

Internship & Placement Committee

The programme provides structured support for students’ transition into the workplace and career planning, with dedicated advisers and tutors for each area:

Accounting
Banking & Finance
Business Policy
Data Analytics
Economics
HR, Organisation & ICT
Marketing & Communication

/ Admission

The admission process

Find admission information based on whether you hold an Italian or international qualification*

To apply for the Graduate Degree Programme in Data Analytics for Business, you must meet the academic entry requirements and follow the admission procedures and deadlines.

Here are the main steps to follow:

01

Check admission dates and procedures

Academic year 2026/27

You can no longer apply for this programme for the 2026/27 academic year, as all places have been filled.

Academic year 2027/28

The admission procedures for 2027/28, including information on how and when to apply, will be available soon.

02

Prepare the required documents

Make sure you have all the documents you need to submit your application.

More information: Required documents

Passport-style photograph – Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Identity document – Identity card, passport or driving licence. Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Fiscal Code – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
English language certificate – B2 level or above.
Residency Permit (if required) – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Self-certification of degree and examinations taken, including SSD and CFU.
Certificate of baptism – If you do not have one, further information on alternative documentation will be provided later.

03

Register or log in to the Enrolment Portal

If you don't have an account yet, register on the Enrolment Portal. If you already have one, log in using your credentials.

04

Check whether you meet the academic entry requirements

As part of the verification of curricular requirements, enter the details of the undergraduate degree you have completed or are currently completing in the Enrolment Portal.

Include the courses/modules in your study plan, specifying the scientific-disciplinary sector (SSD) and credits (CFU) for each one. For exams you have passed, also provide your grades and exam dates.

The outcome will indicate whether you meet the academic requirements for admission to the programme and provide information on the next steps.

05

Reserve your place

If the check confirms that you meet the academic entry requirements, you can reserve your place by paying the first instalment of tuition fees through the Enrolment Portal.

You can do this even before you have completed your undergraduate degree.

06

Complete pre-enrolment or enrolment

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree, you must first pre-enrol. Once you have graduated, you can complete the enrolment process.

At this stage, you will need to provide a self-certification of your degree and examinations taken, along with a certificate of baptism. If you do not have a certificate of baptism, you can submit alternative documentation as specified in the Enrolment Portal.

You must enter your income details by the end of November using the "Income statement" (Compila Redditi) application, available on your personal iCatt page.

* The information provided is subject to the approval of the competent bodies and may be subject to change

Useful information

Alcune informazioni utili per immatricolarsi e vivere con serenità i primi passi in Università.

English Test

Admission to certain degree programmes, or the inclusion of courses/modules taught in English in your study plan, requires an adequate level of English language proficiency.

You can demonstrate your proficiency by submitting one of the recognised language certificates listed in the relevant admission procedures or by taking the English Test organised by the Language Centre of Università Cattolica.

Applicants with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) can access learning aids and adjustments to study and assessment arrangements. Full details are available in the University's Services for Inclusion section.

Learn more about Services for Inclusion

Transfers, programme changes, second degrees and resuming studies

Applicants wishing to change programmes within Università Cattolica, transfer from another university, pursue a second degree or resume their university studies must meet the entry requirements.

Find out more

Notices

View notices

English Test

More information: English Test

/ Fees and funding

Tuition fees and financial support

Tuition fees and scholarships

Starting university often involves questions about fees, deadlines and the support available. Clear information about financial support and accommodation options helps students plan their studies with confidence, allowing them to focus on their academic progress and personal development.

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, through EDUCatt, offers income- and merit-based scholarships and graduation awards, providing financial support to help students continue their studies.

Visit the dedicated section for information on tuition fees and other costs, use the online fee simulator, and find out about available financial support.

Find out more

Students take notes during an outdoor study activity.

Students consult books on the shelves of a library

Student accommodation

Università Cattolica offers a range of housing options to support students throughout their studies.

On campus residences

Nine residences are located on or near Università Cattolica campuses. They offer an educational experience that goes beyond accommodation, with cultural activities, meetings and workshops that complement university study. Residence life also provides opportunities to be part of an active community, exchange ideas and share experiences.

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Residences in the city

Residences located across the city are well connected to Università Cattolica campuses. They offer students greater independence in their day-to-day life, while providing comfortable accommodation and the flexibility to balance study, social life and personal time.

Explore city residences

/ International experiences

Study, internships and volunteering abroad

During your studies at Università Cattolica, you can gain international experience as part of your academic journey. Studying, doing an internship or volunteering abroad gives you the chance to experience new academic, professional and cultural environments, improve your language skills and develop an international perspective that can enrich your studies and support your future career.

Discover the opportunities to study, undertake an internship or volunteer abroad:

Semester abroad

Double degrees

Language courses and certifications

Summer programmes

Internships abroad

International volunteering

Thesis abroad

Short programmes

Virtual programmes

You can include an experience abroad as part of your studies. For programmes involving exams abroad, you can check in advance whether they can be recognised, following the guidance provided by your Faculty and discussing this with the relevant academic staff.

Find out more

/ Internships and careers

Internships and career opportunities

The programme offers a range of internship opportunities, enabling students to apply the skills acquired in real-world professional settings.

Internships and professional training

The internship is a learning experience undertaken within organisations such as institutions and companies, giving students their first direct experience of a professional environment and helping them make informed career choices.

The University recognises the activities undertaken during the internship as an integral part of the programme, complementing classroom teaching and independent study.

The internship is optional and is referred to as the Project Internship. It is worth 8 ECTS and is assessed on a 30-point scale.

The Career Service supports students and graduates as they prepare to enter the job market, providing career guidance and resources to help them navigate different professional and organisational contexts. It supports the development of transversal skills, creates opportunities to meet employers and helps students develop an informed and coherent career path.

Every year, more than 20,000 students take part in events organised with over 100 partner companies, and more than 9,500 undertake an internship with support from the Career Service and internship tutors.

Find out more

Learning outcomes

The programme equips students with advanced skills in data management, analysis and interpretation, combining quantitative knowledge, technological tools and business decision-support skills.

Students develop knowledge and skills in:

Statistics, machine learning and predictive modelling

Application of advanced techniques to develop reliable and interpretable predictive models.

Algorithms and deployment

Ability to develop machine-learning and AI models and deploy them in real-world environments to meet the needs of digital businesses.

Computational statistics and advanced methods for data analysis

Use of quantitative approaches to analyse complex datasets.

Programming and database management

Development of technical skills to process, organise and query large volumes of data.

Development and implementation of data analysis algorithms

Translating statistical models into practical solutions.

Business analytics and decision support

Integrating data into business strategies and decisions.

Data visualisation and effective communication of results

Ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.

Technology law and digital regulation

Understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects related to data and digital tools.

Working in multidisciplinary teams and managing analytical projects

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical projects.

Career prospects

The Graduate Degree Programme in Data Analytics for Business prepares students to work in contexts where data analysis informs strategic, operational and innovation-driven decisions, turning complex information into actionable insights for organisations.

Main employment sectors

Data-driven companies in the manufacturing, services, finance and insurance sectors
Consulting firms specialising in analytics and data strategy
Technology start-ups and AI-driven organisations
Research centres and public institutions

Main professional roles

Data Scientist / Data Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

Machine Learning Specialist

Research Assistant

Policy Analyst

Data Strategy / Analytics Consultant

Graduate employment rates

After 1 year

After 5 years

Source: The percentages relating to employment opportunities refer to graduates in 2024 (if 1 year after graduation), 2022 (if 3 years after graduation) and 2020 (if 5 years old)

Our Alumni

After graduation, alumni of the Graduate Degree Programme in Data Analytics for Business quickly find employment in data-driven companies, consulting firms, technology start-ups and research centres, supporting strategic, operational and innovation-related decision-making.

38 Alumni work at Accenture

33 Alumni work at Deloitte

30 Alumni work at Amazon

22 Alumni work at EY

View our Alumni on LinkedIn

Continuing your studies

The programme provides a solid foundation for students wishing to pursue advanced study pathways or academic and research careers.

Graduates can pursue Doctoral Programmes in quantitative disciplines such as:

Statistics
Data Science
Econometrics and related quantitative disciplines

They can also continue their studies through Specialising Master Programmes and professionally oriented programmes in areas related to data science, AI and digital transformation, developing specialised and applied skills.

Some graduates pursue academic careers or research activities at universities and international research centres, further developing their scientific and technical expertise in international settings.

/ Advising and support

Choosing your programme

Advising events

Take part in events to explore specific degree programmes and learn more about what different Faculties have to offer.

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Open Days

Find out about Università Cattolica Open Days for prospective students who want to learn more about the University and its programmes.

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