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Digital Innovation MSc

London, Canary Wharf

The Digital Innovation MSc combines academic rigour with industry relevance, enabling you to master the latest digital innovation theories and practices and respond to the challenges of constant digital change. This one-year programme will prepare graduates for careers in diverse fields and sectors worldwide, and is aimed at those aspiring to work in sectors such as consultancies, banks, retail companies and digital business companies.  

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£42,700
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£42,700
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Strong evidence of work experience in digital businesses may be accepted for students with a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree (2:2) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. In this case, the candidate must show evidence of having created a successful company in digital businesses or of having worked for substantial amount of time in a relevant digital business (e.g. Alibaba, Alphabet, Baidu, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA or similar) in the innovation of products, services, process or organisation design, with evidence of successful and relevant impact. The decision on what constitutes strong evidence of work experience is to be made by the Admissions team and cannot be appealed.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The MSc Digital Innovation combines engaging content and practical exercises, providing you with a balanced foundation in theory, research and application. The programme aims to provide you with a solid understanding of the digital technologies disrupting organisations and give you the analytical skills to think critically to inform strategic decisions and future-proof organisations.  

You will first develop a detailed understanding of multiple technologies and how these can be applied in business innovation. Then you’ll learn about theories and conceptual frameworks, adding a layer of depth to your knowledge and enabling you to plan for potential future changes.  

The programme also equips you to make effective decisions on how to innovate products, services, processes and organisational structures. A fundamental part of this approach is combining an in-depth understanding of technology and cutting-edge research with quality data analysis.  

You will develop your skills in using digital tools and software packages, as well as your communication skills as you report your ideas. With these solid foundations, you’ll be able to develop an adaptable approach to address market needs.  

Who this course is for

We do not have requirements for previous education in digital innovation, but you should be passionate about digital innovation and interested in working with digital innovation.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Acquire the skills and knowledge required to lead organisations, not only to drive business success, but also promote a healthier society and work environment. 

Develop excellent analytical skills to inform strategic decisions and navigate a broad range of organisational issues, steering positive change through a people- and human-centric approach.

Benefit from a bespoke Careers and Employer Engagement Programme and a dedicated careers team who will help you present yourself to leading graduate employers with confidence.

Learn from expert faculty, producing research rated as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). The teaching team is comprised of academic leads and practitioners, exposing you to cutting-edge research and industry knowledge.  Build a strong global professional network, with support from our dedicated careers team. 

Study on levels 38 and 50 of Canary Wharf’s iconic One Canada Square in state-of-the-art lecture theatres, with the backdrop of some of the most unique views in London. Enjoy purpose-built student facilities, hubs, and quiet study spaces. https://www.mgmt.ucl.ac.uk/about/canary-wharf 

If you want to learn more about the programme and life at the UCL School of Management. Speak to a current student now. 

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates from the UCL School of Management primarily go onto work in sectors such as accountancy and financial services, IT, technology and communications, and consultancy. Companies where our graduates have gone onto include Deloitte, PwC and Google (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2022).

Employability

This programme leverages the outstanding research strengths of the UCL School of Management – technology, innovation, data analytics and entrepreneurship – and combines them with the department’s strong industry connections.  

It equips you with the skills and understanding to lead digital innovation, manage change, and leverage emerging technologies, enabling you to make a vital contribution to your future employer.  

Networking

You will have the advantage of the UCL School of Management’s dedicated careers team as well as UCL Careers. UCL Careers hosts over 1,000 events each year, ranging from fairs and presentations to themed weeks, bridging the gap between students and employers and offering a window into diverse industry landscapes. Furthermore, our dedicated careers team offers you additional opportunities to engage effectively and confidently with top-tier graduate employers, with exclusive industry insight sessions and employer-led events to help inform your career choices and foster networking opportunities with UCL students and professionals from the industry.

UCL School of Management also works with the dedicated Alumni Relations team committed to cultivating meaningful connections for our students via international engagement events and programme student and alumni mixers. Through a spectrum of networking and employer events, students can engage with accomplished alumni representing the diverse portfolio of School of Management programmes. These interactions provide invaluable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential career pathways.

Find out more about the School of Management’s latest New Technologies & Innovation Speaker Seriesand Business Leader Speaker Series, designed with the support of UCL’s global network to help you develop a deeper understanding of the world of business, its challenges and opportunities, and learn directly from the experience of others at the forefront of their fields.   

Accreditation

UCL School of Management is proud to be AACSB accredited -a global mark of excellence that recognises our commitment to innovative, research-led teaching, rigorous academic standards, and preparing students for impactful global careers in business and management.

Teaching and learning

Teaching includes lectures by experienced staff, case studies, group work, and peer learning. You will engage through in-class discussions, exercises, quizzes, and receive ongoing feedback.

The programme incorporates a variety of summative assessments, including individual assignments, group assignments, group presentations, exams, and the final research project.

Contact hours per week on average are 12 hours in Terms 1 and 2. These are the hours for students to attend lectures and related seminars and workshops. Contact hours in Term 3 are reduced in some weeks, when you are conducting your own research.

Students will also display a level of independent study (25-30 hours per week), engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted in the programme.

Modules

The MSc Digital Innovation at UCL follows the Connected Curriculum, combining theory, research, and practical application with a focus on data-driven decision-making. Modules are regularly updated and supported by relevant, current bibliographies. 
 
Central to the programme is a deep understanding of technology. The modules on Digital Technologies & Infrastructures and Artificial Intelligence Practices delve into key digital technologies for modern organisations. The Competing in Digital Markets module explores strategic approaches for success in digital businesses, while the Digital Marketing & Business Economics module explores the economic logic behind the success and failure of digital innovation. The Innovation & Project Management module helps you understand how to identify the best results in the context of innovation investments; meanwhile Digital Product & Service Design focuses specifically on digital innovation in products and services. The Change Management module explores the impacts of digital innovation, and the Ethics & Governance in Digital Businesses module explores the choices that organisations, societies and governments must make. 
 
The Digital Innovation Project in Term 3 allows you to hone your knowledge in your area of interest, either researching digital innovation problems and solutions, or developing a business plan for a digital innovation project. Supervisors will provide full support, guiding you in the choice of your projects for a better match with your career plans and professional aspirations. 

Compulsory modules











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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Digital Innovation MSc

In this series of online events by UCL School of Management, discover our rigorous MSc programmes in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership, Management, Digital Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, as well as our UCL MBA. Hear our academics and students discuss the skills gained in creative problem-solving, leadership, and digital ecosystems. Our students experience hands-on venture building, interdisciplinary modules, industry engagement and practical projects, later excelling in global careers.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £42,700
Tuition fees (2026/27) £42,700

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

This programme may include opportunities for students to undertake optional international study trips and summer school programmes. The costs of such trips are usually covered by students although some elements may be subsidised depending on the destination, organisational and support responsibilities. On average, costs would be around £1,500 to £2,500 depending on the trip location, personal flight preferences and spending habits, as well as the prevailing exchange rates. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

The Director’s Excellence Scholarship. Scholarships of up to £10,000 are available for all PGT School of Management Students. These will be awarded by the Director of the school alongside a panel of Senior Management and will be based on your outstanding academic excellence and achievements.  

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Sparck AI Scholarship

Deadline: 1 May 2026
(Check course is eligible before applying)
Value: Full tuition fees plus £22,780 stipend (1 year)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 25 June 2026
Value: Tuition fees plus £17,096 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

We are looking for applicants who have clear career plans and give evidence of having taken steps to pursue them. You should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of how the programme will contribute to your career goals including the industry or function you are interested in. Additionally, we look for evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong analytical skills. 

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

UCL School of Management
UCL School of Management

Mgmt-postgraduate@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.