Aston Business School (United Kingdom) Double Degree Program Study Abroad Report: Lovesh Sharma, MSc Business Analytics

Introduction
My journey as a Double Degree Program (DDP) student at Aston University, UK (Sept 2024 – Sept 2025), while enrolled in the MBA at NUCB Business School, Japan, has been a deeply enriching chapter in my academic and personal life. The year spent in Birmingham provided an ideal environment to strengthen my analytical skills while enjoying a vibrant, multicultural experience that complemented my MBA journey at NUCB.

Background
Since starting my MBA at NUCB, I aspired to broaden my international exposure and strengthen my technical skills for data-driven decision-making. NUCB’s DDP opportunities aligned perfectly with this goal, and after researching programs that complement management education with practical analytics, I chose MSc Business Analytics at Aston University.
Aston’s reputation for industry-connected, practical analytics training and its location in the dynamic city of Birmingham made it an ideal choice. The university’s strong ties with industry, hands-on teaching methods, and a supportive environment resonated with my vision of becoming a data-driven decision-maker.

Preparation for DDP
Preparation for the DDP started during my second semester at NUCB in early 2024. Balancing coursework at NUCB with preparations for the DDP required clear planning, including:
•    Submitting application documents through NUCB’s Global Office
•    Preparing for visa requirements for the UK
•    Arranging accommodation in Birmingham
•    Completing pre-arrival tasks such as reviewing Python and statistics basics
In September 2024, I arrived in Birmingham, ready to begin this new learning journey while carrying the experiences and learning mindset cultivated during my MBA at NUCB.
Arrival and settling in Birmingham
Birmingham, with its blend of modern architecture, historic sites, and cultural diversity, provided a welcoming environment. I booked the student accommodation near the University which was conveniently located, providing easy access to the campus, city centre, and supermarkets for daily needs.
The Aston onboarding sessions covered essentials such as health insurance, GP registration, banking, and city navigation, making the transition smoother. I found Birmingham’s public transport network efficient, with student discounts making travel affordable for exploring the city and beyond.

Program Overview: MSc Business Analytics at Aston University
The MSc Business Analytics program at Aston University offered a balanced structure, integrating technical skill development with real-world applications, aligning perfectly with my MBA learnings at NUCB.

Taught Modules
•    BNM854 – Descriptive Analytics
Provided a solid foundation in data summarisation and interpretation, using Power BI and Tableau for business reporting.
•    BNM860 – Decision Models
Focused on applying quantitative models to decision-making, including linear programming, simulation, and scenario analysis for operations and strategic planning.
•    BNM868 – Data Mining and Visualisation
Offered hands-on experience with clustering, association analysis, and predictive modelling, coupled with effective visualisation techniques for stakeholder communication.
•    BNM869 – Programming for Data Analytics
Developed coding proficiency in Python and R, focusing on data manipulation, statistical modelling, and process automation for business analytics.
•    BNM872 – Machine Learning for Business Analytics
Introduced practical machine learning algorithms, including decision trees, random forests, and ensemble methods for classification and regression tasks, applied to business datasets.
•    BNM817 – Effective Management Consultancy
Sharpened problem-solving, stakeholder communication, and project management skills, directly applicable during my digital marketing internship and group consulting project.
•    BNM863 – Business Analytics in Practice
Bridged technical knowledge with real-world application through case studies, emphasising the integration of analytics in business strategy.
•    BNM867 – Research Project Design Practice and Ethics
Prepared me for the dissertation phase, equipping me with research methodologies, ethical considerations, and project scoping.
•    BPG130 – The Aston Global Advantage

Provided opportunities for personal development and networking, enhancing my leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration skills during my time at Aston.
Dissertation: BDM200 – MSc Business Analytics Research Project
My dissertation focused on “Predictive Analytics for Retail Demand Forecasting,” applying ARIMA, XGBoost, and Random Forest models to forecast demand for perishable goods while linking insights with inventory management strategies.
Consulting Project and Digital Marketing Internship
During my time at Aston, I undertook a Digital Marketing internship with a startup in Birmingham, applying my analytical and strategic skills in a real business context.
Our project involved analysing the company’s website to identify gaps and build a plan to enhance its brand image and customer journey. Collaborating with peers from other universities, we developed a comprehensive strategy to update the website, focusing on content alignment, SEO improvements, and user experience enhancements to increase engagement and trust.
This project helped me understand the critical role a company website plays in the customer journey and allowed me to apply data-driven insights in a digital marketing context. It strengthened my skills in cross-functional teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and project planning, complementing the consultancy skills developed during my MBA at NUCB.

Life at Aston University
Aston University offered a vibrant and supportive environment for learning and personal growth, with resources such as:
•    24/7 Aston Library access
•    Gym and sports facilities
•    Career support and LinkedIn Learning access
•    Networking and cultural events
I actively participated in events such as the Diwali celebration on campus, enjoyed the Birmingham Christmas markets, and explored local parks and cultural sites with classmates. These experiences allowed me to create lasting friendships and gain a deeper appreciation of diverse cultures while studying.
Key Learnings and Skills Developed
•    Proficiency in Python, R, Power BI,  Arena, SQL
•    Application of machine learning and forecasting models to business cases
•    Storytelling and visualisation skills for stakeholder presentations
•    Understanding of website analytics and digital customer journey mapping
•    Enhanced teamwork, time management, and cross-cultural collaboration

Advice to Prospective Students
•    Prepare with basic Python and statistics knowledge for a smoother academic transition.
•    Engage actively in group projects and consulting assignments to build practical skills.
•    Participate in Aston’s career fairs and cultural events to network and gain a holistic experience.
•    Balance studies with exploration of Birmingham and UK culture for a rich DDP journey.

Conclusion
The DDP at Aston University while pursuing my MBA at NUCB has been a transformative experience, expanding my academic capabilities and equipping me with practical analytics and management skills for a data-driven career.
I am grateful to NUCB and Aston University for enabling this opportunity, providing supportive environments for growth, and allowing me to form lifelong friendships and professional networks. As I continue my MBA journey at NUCB, I carry forward the learnings, insights, and diverse perspectives gained at Aston, preparing me for future professional challenges and opportunities.