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Emerging Digital Technologies MSc
The MSc programme merges technology and the management of technology. If you wish to pursue emerging technology-centric careers in complex business environments, then this programme can help you achieve that goal. You will take part in a variety of core modules that develop your hands-on skills with technology in areas such as data science, blockchain technologies and information management systems.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Entry requirements
An upper-second class UK Bachelor's degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, or a similarly quantitative subject. 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.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
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. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
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.
Select your country:
About this degree
By taking this programme, you will be armed with a comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of emerging technologies and how to apply them. You will gain an understanding of their limitations and current boundaries as well as their opportunities and risks. This is supplemented with business strategies and management knowledge on how you can effectively deploy these technologies to innovate within the business environments.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four compulsory modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
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 is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
You will take five compulsory modules that are each 15 credits unless otherwise stated.
- Blockchain Technologies
- Digital Technologies and Business Strategy
- Data Science
- Database and Information Management Systems
- Msc Emerging Digital Technologies Project (60 credits)
Optional modules
All modules are 15 credits unless otherwise stated. Students must take four optional modules from the list.
- Digital Finance
- Innovation and Strategy in Finance
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Applied Machine Learning
- Machine Learning for Domain Specialists
- Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice
- Digital Technologies and Policy
- Security and Privacy
- Computer Security I
- Networks and Systemic Risk
Please note: the availability and delivery of optional modules may vary, depending on your selection, skills and abilities.
- Further information about these modules is available on the department website.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of about 10,000 words or 50 pages. Usually this will be undertaken during a summer placement in an industry environment arranged by the department.
In term three, you get the chance to work on a summer project. This will be an opportunity to undertake a substantial research project that results in a dissertation. It is usually undertaken with an industry partner.
Placement
You have the opportunity to take an Industry-based project, undertaken with an external partner organised by UCL staff as part of our wider Industry Exchange Network (IXN) programme and have both an academic and an industry supervisor. This gives you the experience of conducting project work in a real-life setting, which aligns with UCL's connected curriculum. Both you and the Industry partner will need to agree to work together. Industry partners who have participated in summer projects previously include Intel, NASA, Santander, Ernst & Young, Ripple, HSBC, Bank of England, PWC, AXA, Nomura, among others.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, presentations, written and programming exercises, and project work.
Additional costs
Students will require a modern laptop (PC or Mac). The minimum specifications should be 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage. A laptop with the stated specifications will cost approximately £500.
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at accommodation and living costs.
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
For more information about funding opportunities for Department of Computer Science postgraduate programmes, please see the departmental Scholarships page.
Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.
DeepMind Computer Science Scholarship
- Note:
- Deadline: 7 June 2021 at 9am (BST)
- Value:
- UK Home fees, maintenance grant, plus travel and equipment grants (1 year )
- Eligibility:
- UK
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
As you progress through this programme, you will be able to hone your skills in areas such as machine learning, computer security, fintech and areas including entrepreneurship and digital policy. These skills are highly relevant for working in technology management or development for technology companies or within technology departments at a forward-thinking organisation (agnostic of the sector). In particular, the strong industry partnerships that the Computer Science department and the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies have will be leveraged to help with your career development. If you wish to become more specialised, you could do so by pursuing a PhD with the department.
Employability
By taking this programme, you will gain 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.
Why study this degree at UCL?
The UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies has created this programme. This multidisciplinary research centre focuses on how blockchain and other emerging technologies are impacting the world’s socio-economic systems.
The UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies leverages numerous partnerships with some of the largest technology companies in the world. These relationships exist, for instance, with Fidelity, Ripple, State Street, Natwest, Santander, R3, UN, Oracle, DXC Technology and many other firms. It will also utilise its expertise in blockchain technology to create further blockchain modules in the future and make these available to the entire Computer Science department and others.
UCL received the highest percentage (96%) for quality of research in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014).
Over the years, the three most relevant university rankings (QS, THE, ARWU) have consistently classified UCL among the top 5 universities in Europe and the top 20 universities in the world.
London is a global financial centre and technology hub. Students of the MSc Emerging Digital Technologie programme will benefit from proximity to top technology companies, entrepreneurial projects and practitioners in central London.
Department: Computer Science
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
This programme is designed for graduates pursuing emerging technology-centric careers, combining technology and the management of technology-led complex business environments. This programme is aimed at students with strong science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds looking to enrich their technology-related skills and gain a management toolkit.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 31 May 2021
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Emerging Digital Technologies at the graduate 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 programme
- what programming experience you have
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with the 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.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 10 May 2021
