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Emerging Digital Technologies MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Blockchain technology and disruptive applications are revolutionising industries. This one-year MSc brings together computing, new applications and business strategy, enabling you to drive innovation and challenge the status quo. Designed by the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, this is an exceptional Master's on which to become a practitioner in this transformative field.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, or a similarly quantitative subject.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

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



Join us on this MSc for a deep immersion into technology, innovation, finance, and business. This programme was developed to train the next generation of sector experts.

You'll explore topics such as blockchain, cloud computing, AI, machine learning, business strategy, and entrepreneurship, preparing you for a technology-focused role in complex business environments. 

Designed by the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies — a large and internationally renowned research centre in the field — this programme leverages extensive connections with leading technology companies.

You will gain core knowledge in data science, blockchain technologies, and the intersection of digital technologies and business strategy. You can also choose from optional modules that cover topics like entrepreneurship and applied deep learning. 

What's more, a significant project — either with a company on a real-world problem or as an academic research project — will form a key part of your studies.

Who this course is for

If you have a keen interest in blockchain and other emerging technologies and want to apply this knowledge in business settings — whether for a company or as an entrepreneur — then this programme is for you.

This MSc is ideal for those with a background in computation, finance, economics, or a combination of these fields

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

What this course will give you

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 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. Additionally, UCL was named the Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.

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: UCL is ranked 1st in the UK and 7th globally for Blockchain education and research by the latest CoinDesk University Rankings. 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.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
UCL Portico building with welcome sign between columns.

Case study: Blind updates

Our research shed light on how app releases can be designed to maximise impact

The foundation of your career

Graduates of this programme are equipped with in-demand skills in data analytics, computer security, fintech, and digital policy. You'll be prepared for roles in the financial industry, technology consulting, or start-ups, or to pursue further academic research. 

Alumni have gone on to successful careers as data scientists, bankers, technology consultants, and developers, among other roles.

I was drawn to the Blockchain Technologies module, as UCL is one of the few universities offering dedicated blockchain courses. The UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies is well-regarded in industry and provides opportunities to engage with the latest research and applications through workshops and events.

Alumni student Ruoyi sitting at desk with laptop

Ruoyi Zhao

MSc Emerging Digital Technologies

Read more about Ruoyi

Employability

The programme is designed to provide you with the skills needed to forecast trends in technology, manage emerging technologies, and apply data science, machine learning, and blockchain in business settings. Depending on the optional modules you choose, you will also gain expertise in digital innovation, fintech, cybersecurity, and network analysis, making you highly employable in a variety of fields.

Networking

You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with peers and members of academia and industry as part of your Master’s, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.

  • During the programme, you have ample opportunity to network with peers and members of academia and industry, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.  
  • As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to the UCL Careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.  
  • UCL also has a large number of clubs and societies, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals.  
  • Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company. 
  • London’s Tech scene is vibrant and has regular networking events.

Teaching and learning

This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab classes, and self-directed learning supported by online resources.

You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, projects, exams, and a final research project/dissertation.

For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 16-18 contact hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.

Outside of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.

Modules

The Emerging Digital Technologies MSc is a one-year programme.

In Term 1, you will study topics in digital technologies and business strategy, blockchain technologies, and the fundamentals of database systems. You will choose from specialist optional topics, including machine learning and computer security.

In Term 2, you will study data science. You will choose further optional topics, which may include entrepreneurship, networks and systemic risk, further machine learning, people and computer security, digital finance, innovation and strategy, and matters relating to digital technology policy. You will also begin preparation for your final research project/dissertation.

In Term 3, you will primarily focus on your final research project/dissertation and any examinations that take place in the main examination period.

Compulsory modules







Optional 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.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Emerging Digital Technologies.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Where you'll study

Two small wheeled remote control vehicles on floor with group of students in background

UCL Computer Science boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to enhance your learning experience. Our recently renovated labs, with 55 high-performance PCs, ample laptop space, and versatile power options, create an optimal study environment. UCL East is home to our Intelligent Robotics Lab, a hub of innovation and cutting-edge technology. Facilities include the new Innovation Lab, which combines a computer cluster, advanced manufacturing equipment (such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and power tools), and an electronics manufacturing and testing area, all within a single space. The lab also features a motion capture system for conducting experiments on robot and human movement. Additionally, UCL boasts an award-winning Student Centre and 18 specialist libraries, ensuring you have access to top-tier resources and study spaces.

Find out more

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders 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.

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications of 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage with a camera and microphone. However, we recommend at least 16GB RAM and 0.5-1 TB SSD storage. If you are considering undertaking a machine learning project, there will be computational capability available to you from within the Computer Science department, but you may nevertheless find it helpful to have a capable GPU in addition to the above.

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 £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. 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

For more information about funding opportunities for UCL Computer Science taught postgraduate programmes, please see the department's scholarships webpage.

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

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 26 June 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £16,000 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver. Your application will be judged entirely on the evidence you provide.

When we assess your application, we wish to learn:

  • why you want to study Emerging Digital Technologies at postgraduate taught level
  • why you want to study Emerging Digital Technologies at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • what programming experience you have
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree
     

Programming experience in a language such as Python, C++ or MATLAB is an advantage but is not mandatory. Some programming experience means that you have experience of working on projects deploying code or have taken modules/assessments in your previous education with coding components. If you do not have this knowledge, there will be tutorials offered at the beginning of the programme, but you will be expected to get up to speed rapidly. A self-assessment test will be available to determine if you will need additional support for coding. A good knowledge of linear algebra, statistics, and probability theory will be assumed. Relevant work experience will also be taken into account. Examples of relevant work experience include roles that require working with, applying and understanding digital technologies in roles such as product management, development, management and operations.

Due to competition for places on this programme, no late applications will be considered. Students with visa requirements or applying for scholarships are advised to apply early.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (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: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Computer Science
Computer Science

cs.pgt-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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