Emerging Digital Technologies MSc - Virtual Open Day

About this programme

The Emerging Digital Technologies MSc brings together computing, new applications and business strategy, enabling you to apply your knowledge and disrupt the status quo in your future career. Taught at UCL and designed by the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, this is an exceptional place to become a practitioner in emerging digital technologies.

Blending technology, innovation, finance and business, the Emerging Digital Technologies MSc is creating the next generation of experts in a growing field. Incorporating topics such as blockchain, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning – along with business strategy and entrepreneurialism – if you want a technology-centric role in complex business environments, this is the programme for you.

This programme was designed by the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, the largest centre of its kind in Europe, which has extensive connections with some of the world’s leading technology companies.

Why study this programme?

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities. 

• Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
• High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
• Blockchain leadership: This programme leverages UCL’s strengths in blockchain via the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, providing you with advanced knowledge in one of the most transformative technologies in the financial sector.
• Strategic location: Studying in London, a global financial and technology hub, places you in proximity to top technology companies, entrepreneurial projects, and industry practitioners, enhancing your learning and career opportunities.
• Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the UCL Industry Exchange Network (IXN), giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights. Our relationships with industry are extensive, including Fidelity, Ripple, NatWest, Santander, BNP Paribas, and many more.
• Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL’s strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You’ll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in finance and technology.
• Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.

Modules

Compulsory modules

• Data Science
• Blockchain Technologies
• Digital Technologies and Business Strategy
• MSc Emerging Digital Technologies Project
• Database Fundamentals

Optional modules may include: 

• Algorithmic Trading
• Advanced Machine Learning in Finance
• Digital Finance
• Innovation and Strategy in Finance
• Machine Learning with Applications in Finance
• Software Engineering and Product Management in Financial Technology
• Distributed Ledger Technologies Seminar

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment, and module content and availability are subject to change.

Who is the programme for?

Entry requirements

This programme is for you if:

• you have a minimum of an upper-second class UK Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, or a similarly quantitative subject.
• if you have a computational background, a background in finance and economics, or both.
• you have a keen interest in blockchain and other growing technologies and a drive to apply it to business settings, either for a company or as a start-up entrepreneur.

Employability 

The programme is designed to equip you with demonstratable skills in forecasting current and future trends in technologies, business strategy and management of emerging technologies, data science and machine learning, and blockchain technologies. Depending on the optional modules chosen, you may also gain skills in digital innovation and policy, fintech, cybersecurity and network analysis.

Computer Science Postgraduate students earned on average £53,000* per year.

(*This figure is the mean salary taken from the most recent aggregated Graduate Outcomes Data (2018-2023) for postgraduate taught graduates from UCL Computer Science.)

Career destinations

Graduates of this programme will develop skills in great demand in the financial industry, particularly in data analytics, computer security, fintech, and digital policy, or to pursue further study or a career in academia. They will also be well-equipped to apply their skills to the start-up world.

Recent alumni are now working as data scientists, bankers, technology consultants, and developers, as well as a range of other roles.

Future Events 

We’re planning two exciting in-person events for early 2026. To receive a personalised invitation once the booking form goes live, fill out the form below. 

In-person Open Event, Bloomsbury

• Date: Thursday 5th February 2026
• What to expect: Meet staff and students from UCL Computer Science to learn more about our MSc programmes.  

In-person Open Evening, UCL East 

• Date: Wednesday 25th February 2026
• What to expect: Meet staff and students from UCL Computer Science based at UCL East and visit our new state-of-the-art campus. This event is for students interested in the following programmes: Disability, Design and Innovation MSc; Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc; Software Engineering for the Internet of Things MSc.
• Once registrations open, you’ll receive an email inviting you to sign up for the event. To ensure you receive an invitation, please select Graduate Studies as your Intended Level of Study and agree to be contacted via email.

To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus