Gain a real-world perspective of the UCL's School of Management MSc Business Analytics programme from current student Divyam Thapliyal. He details how he balances core technical skills taught on the programme, like Python, machine learning, and FinTech, with the daily realities of student life, all within the supportive environment of the UCL School of Management. He also shares his lessons in time management and staying fit during his studies, covering everything from efficient daily scheduling and weekend productivity to ensuring you make the most out of the extracurricular activities at UCL and London's professional network.
Learn how to benefit from London's vast opportunities and why careful planning is key to thriving in this fast-paced, career-boosting environment. Want to ask Divyam a more detailed question about student life at the UCL School of Management or the MSc Business Analytics programme?
A modern approach to business analytics: balancing Python, FinTech, and student life
Studying for an MSc in Business Analytics at UCL’s School of Management is an experience that has been both thrilling and, at times, slightly intimidating. On some days, I confidently delve into Python, R, machine learning, FinTech, and marketing analytics, all of which are impressive additions to any LinkedIn profile. On other days, I spend a great deal of time deciphering error messages in Notebook.
It really is all about balance!
Before beginning this journey, I was told many times: "It's an intense programme, you've got to be sure of what you're going into", but I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing my Master’s here. Having been a student on the programme for a while now, juggling coursework, group projects, networking, and remembering to eat during the day, it all seems too real sometimes. Despite the sometimes daily chaos, with the support available for students and the exciting opportunities ahead of me, everything always falls into place at the UCL School of Management.
MANAGING YOUR TIME ON THE BUSINESS ANALYTICS MSC: STRUCTURING YOUR DAY DURING EARLY VS LATE STARTING CLASSES
My daily schedule depends entirely on whether I have a morning class (9 AM - 12 PM) or an evening class (4:30 PM - 7:30 PM), and how I structure my day around them. My day almost always ends up following a pretty predictable pattern of lectures, assignments, caffeine, and somehow fitting in social time with friends - 24 hours in a day is really not enough sometimes, but you have to make the most of the time.
Early class days (09:00-12:00)
06:00: My alarm goes off, undoubtedly the worst part of anyone’s day!
07:30: I leave for Canary Wharf, where UCL’s School of Management campus is located. Walking through Canary Wharf in the morning is surreal—it’s where most of us want to work after graduation, so it’s a motivating (and slightly intimidating) environment surrounded by the global headquarters of the largest companies in the world. Being in this environment helps ease us into the exciting but hectic business world.
Seeing top executives grabbing lunch can be daunting, but the School of Management provides a supportive environment where these daily occurrences now seem second nature."
Once I've made it to the campus, the day usually continues something like this:
09:00-12:00: Lectures, lectures, lectures. Depending on the day, this could be Predictive Analytics, FinTech, or Operations Management. Some days, I find myself so zoned into the content that I feel like a data scientist in the making. Other days, I find myself just staring at London from the big windows on level 50 in One Canada Square, taken aback by where I am.
12:00-17:00: Time for a post-class study session. I head to the study rooms and try to make sense of machine learning models and master regression analysis – some days are better than others!
17:00-18:30: My precious gym time, where I try my best to counteract the hours of sitting and grinding I spend with my textbooks.
19:00- 22:00: It’s finally time to wrap up coursework, group projects, and anything else that’s due. Let’s unwind and try to fit in some social time!
Late Class Days (16:30-19:30)
09:00-13:00: These are the blissful, slow, and relaxed mornings (mixed with some light reading and coding assignments).
14:00: I make my way to Canary Wharf (thankfully missing the morning train rush!), settle into a study space, and work on assignments before starting class.
16:30-19:30: Evening lectures – thankfully, I manage to sleep in (slightly) on these days, so I have the energy to power through these!
20:30: Finally, home time. At this point, I try to give myself a rest or convince myself that watching YouTube videos about algorithmic trading somehow counts as studying. Either way, it’s a win!
Weekends: MAXIMISING MY PRODUCTIVITY
Weekends are less chaotic, but somehow still end up being busy – that's London for you! I try to use this time productively (try is the keyword here!) by catching up on extra study materials, planning assignments, and reviewing lecture notes that I somehow remembered to make a note to come back to.
Top tip: planning ahead for days where you’ll have spare time is key—otherwise, deadlines will sneak up faster than you expect.
BALANCING STUDY AND EXTRACURRICULARS: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE UCL EXPERIENCE
When I’m not focusing on schoolwork, I make time for rock climbing at UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus. I find rock climbing to be incredibly therapeutic, focusing your mind on the present moment – a perfect mental reset, or you risk falling!
Besides the physical activities, I try to attend as many networking events, career workshops, and business meetups offered by the School as I can. London is an incredible city for professional growth, and meeting people from different industries often leads to unexpected opportunities.
Many of our students have joined and held leadership positions in UCL's Finance and Enterprise Societies, including the Business Society, Consulting Society, FinTech Society, Investment Society, Leadership and Management Society, Women in Finance Society, and others. As a student with us, you'll also join the UCL School of Management Society. Find out more about the societies and sports available at UCL.
TIPS FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS IN THE MSC BUSINESS ANALYTICS PROGRAMME
It’s been an exciting journey so far. Here’s some wisdom I’ve collected along the way
1. Plan, plan, plan
This programme is not for last-minute heroes. The workload builds up quickly, and trying to understand machine learning in one night is a mistake you’ll only make once. The School’s practical application focus also prevents you from cramming, a strategy all students (including myself) have used before!
2. Anticipate a steep learning curve
I still remember my first Predictive Analytics class. The syllabus looked terrifying. But after weeks of coursework, practice, and support from professors and TAs, things started making sense and I was thrilled with my own ability to perform the analysis.
3. Use London’s prestige and resources to your advantage
London is a goldmine for networking. Whether it’s conferences, guest lectures, or alumni events, take advantage of every opportunity to connect with professionals. People in London are genuinely helpful; you just need to ask. The School of Management Careers Team is a great resource for support here – use it!
4. Find the right outlet for you (that doesn’t involve more screens)
For me, it’s rock climbing. For you, it might be running, music, or a walk around London. Whatever helps your mind disconnect, make time for it.
5. Network without sounding like a robot
Messaging someone with "Hi, can you refer me?" is not a great strategy. Instead, start genuine conversations. People remember personal interactions, not generic requests.
Final thoughts: embracing the challenge and reward
The MSc Business Analytics programme at the UCL School of Management is challenging, fast-paced, and incredibly rewarding. It pushes you academically and professionally while also throwing you into the deep end of the technical skills that will propel your career forward in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. But only if you’re prepared to work hard, adapt quickly, and embrace the challenges of debugging Python scripts.
So, if you’re considering this programme—buckle up. It’s going to be one intense, unforgettable ride.
You can find more student and alumni blogs here!
UCL School of Management Student Recruitment: Additional information
Are you interested in one of our programmes? We want to hear from you!
We'd be happy to discuss your fit and aptitude for our range of programmes, including how the School can help you to develop the skills necessary to fulfil your career potential and set yourself up for a thriving career as a future business leader.
This is your exclusive opportunity to outline your education and career aspirations, your background and suitability for your programme of interest, and discuss any questions you may have about UCL, the School of Management, student life in London, our campuses, careers, applications, and more.
Meet the Student Recruitment Marketing Team at an event near you.
Want to experience student life at the School of Management from our campus in the clouds?
Register for an upcoming Campus Tour
The UCL School of Management Industry Advantage
Taking advantage of our global network and strategic campus location in London's financial and business district, the UCL School of Management recently launched three new speaker series.
Our speakers come from a range of industries and backgrounds to showcase their experiences and skills. Explore what you can gain from our Speaker Series below:
Business Leaders Speaker Series
