Online courses

Overview

Business in Tech MSc (online)

This online Masters gives tech professionals the strategic management skills needed to lead in their field. 

Features and benefits of the course: 

  • Readying IT professionals for senior leadership roles – Our unique programme is designed specifically to upskill technologists for management positions. 
  • Industry-aware and practical training – the curriculum is designed around the current needs of employers, providing practical training to bridge the skills gap. 
  • Tailored learning – study towards the qualification that meets your goals, be it the PG Cert in Business Analysis and Consulting (in a minimum of 8 months part-time), PG Dip in Transformation Management and Leadership (16 months) or the full MSc Business in Tech (24 months). 
  • Flexible part-time study – taught 100% online, this programme allows you to fit your studies around work life and other commitments, accessing materials 24/7, from wherever you are in the world. 
  • Type
    MSc, Online
  • Length
    Two years minimum, part-time
  • Faculty
    Ulster University Business School
  • Intakes
    September, November, January, March, May, July
  • Fees
    £9,999

Ulster University’s Business in Tech MSc is a first-of-its-kind business and leadership programme helping tech and IT professionals level up into middle and senior management positions. 

The programme covers advanced strategy, management and leadership skills, with particular relevance to technologists and a practical approach. You’ll master tech-led consultation techniques and business transformation principles, in preparation to take on greater responsibilities and enhance your career in tech. 

As an online student, you’ll dedicate approximately 20 hours per week to complete a total of 11 modules over two years, inclusive of a final work-based consultancy project. Entry and exit points are flexible, allowing students to study towards a PG Cert, PG Dip, or full MSc without having to take a career break. 

If you’re looking for an innovative, industry-relevant programme with excellent student support and career-focused outcomes, this programme could be right for you. 

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Entry Requirements

Typical Entry Requirements

Applicants are expected to have:

EITHER

  • a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard.

OR

  • an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma; postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma or an approved alternative qualification.

AND

  • evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).Entry requirements are set at this level as the team’s experience shows that students without this tend to be unable to cope with the demands of the course.

English language requirements

  • The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement. Ulster University also recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
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Modules

Modules

The programme comprises ten core 15-credit modules and a 30-credit Consultancy Project. The course can be completed as a PG Cert, PG Dip or MSc.

Carousel 1 (PGCert)

Business Analysis and Consulting (15 credits)
Stakeholder and Client Management (15 credits)
Tech & Data Science in Consulting (15 credits)
Consultancy in Practice (15 credits)

Carousel 2 (PGDip)

Strategy and Transformation (15 credits)
Leadership and Transformation (15 credits)
Tech Operations in Transformation (15 credits)
Transformation in Practice (15 credits)

Carousel 3 (MSc)

Business Research Skills (15 credits)
Complex Project Management (15 credits)
Transformation Consultancy Project (30 credits)

Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may change in subsequent academic years. The order of modules will vary depending when you start the course.

*The official title of the programme, which will appear on your graduation certificate upon completion of the full programme, is ‘MSc Business in Technology’.

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Fees & Funding

Fees

Total Course fees: £9,999

Fees are payable on a module-by-module basis. Fees shown above are applicable for the 2022/23 academic year of entry. Fees illustrated are subject to increase at the start of each academic year. Terms and conditions apply.

Funding

Flexible options allow students, sponsors or their employers to make payment as easy as possible. A 10% Alumni Discount is available for eligible candidates.

Additional costs

As well as your tuition fees above, you should budget for the following additional costs associated with university study. These include (but are not limited to) computer equipment, learning materials, books, journals, graduation ceremonies, exam resits, etc.

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Faculty

Academic Expertise

Dr John King

Dr John King

Dr Gillian Armstrong

Dr Gillian Armstrong

Helen McKenna

Helen McKenna

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Make an enquiry

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About this programme

Technology is the main driver of growth in the modern world and having skilled leaders to implement technical innovation is key to organisational success.  

The Business in Tech MSc programme aims to prepare tech professionals for successful leadership careers in a wide range of technical industries. You’ll develop the latest skills in business analysis, transformation management and strategy in order to meet the needs of your industry and future-proof your organisation. 

The programme combines academic theory with practical learning specific to the tech field. All modules and learning outcomes are highly relevant and timely, having been built upon industry insights following the latest market trends and technologies. Students will have the opportunity to network with other professionals and apply their technology leadership training on project-based assignments within their workplace. 

Our online MSc seeks to help aspiring professionals at all stages of their career, including technical professionals such as engineers and architects, but also IT managers and consultants looking for career progression. Wherever you’re at, the Business in Technology MSc will help you accrue the business acumen, management and digital leadership skills necessary to succeed in senior roles, confident in leading digital transformation through tech innovation. 

The course is built for busy tech professionals who can study part-time alongside their jobs and other commitments. Students can choose to apply for the full MSc or our PG Cert and PG Dip options.  

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Frequently asked questions
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Why choose this programme?

Ulster University is renowned for its world-class research and quality of its online teaching, shortlisted for University of the Year award (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022). Ulster University Business School collaborates with the Harvard Business School and helps the Northern Ireland region become a centre of excellence in fintech. 

This is a digital leadership course suited to all tech professionals who want to boost their careers, whether you are in a technical role or already hold a management position. 

This tech leadership course has been designed using insight from professional services firms and tech-led industries with the aim of producing highly employable graduates with the relevant and practical skills needed to succeed in a rapidly transforming sector. 

Ulster University has more than 20 years of experience delivering online courses. As an Ulster Online student, you’ll receive support from Student Success Advisors throughout your time on the programme – from enrolment to graduation.  

You’ll find all learning materials, readings, and discussion boards via our online learning portal, which is accessible 24 hours a day. Ulster University’s distance learning approach makes this Masters in business and technology an ideal choice for busy professionals to study alongside their jobs. 

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Distance Learning

The Business in Tech MSc distance learning programme is designed to give working professionals the flexibility to fit their studies around other commitments, 100% online and part-time. 

With more than 20 years of experience delivering online courses, Ulster University’s tutors are well-versed in delivering effective and engaging online learning experiences.  

Ulster’s online Business in Tech MSc has been built by industry experts and offers an immersive curriculum, with interactive study sessions, 24/7 access to materials and opportunities to network with skilled professionals around the world. 

As a distance learning student, you’ll receive support from course academics and a Student Success Team, who will be on hand from day one right through to graduation. 

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Fees

Cost per module: £833.25  

Cost of Consultancy Project £1,666.50 

Total Course fees: £9,999  

Course fees are payable flexibly on a module-by-module basis. 

A 10% Alumni Discount is available for eligible candidates. 

Fees above apply for the 2022/23 academic year of entry. Fees illustrated are subject to increase at the start of each academic year. Terms and conditions apply. 

Fees are payable on a module-by-module basis. Fees shown above are applicable for the 2022/23 academic year of entry. Fees illustrated are subject to increase at the start of each academic year. Terms and conditions apply.

Funding

Flexible options allow students, sponsors or their employers to make payment as easy as possible. A 10% Alumni Discount is available for eligible candidates.

Intakes

Start when it suits you with intakes in the 2022/23 academic year in September, November, January, March, May, July. 

Entry Requirements

Applicants are expected to have:

EITHER

a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard.

OR

an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma; postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma or an approved alternative qualification.

AND

evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

Entry requirements are set at this level as the team’s experience shows that students without this tend to be unable to cope with the demands of the course.

English language requirements

  • You will need to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
  • If English is not your first language, the minimum requirement is Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no band score less than 5.5), or a Trinity ISE Pass at level III. Ulster University also recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Modules

Carousel 1 (PG Cert)

Business Analysis and Consulting (15 credits)
Stakeholder and Client Management (15 credits)
Tech & Data Science in Consulting (15 credits)
Consultancy in Practice (15 credits)

Carousel 2 (PG Dip)

Strategy and Transformation (15 credits)
Leadership and Transformation (15 credits)
Tech Operations in Transformation (15 credits)
Transformation in Practice (15 credits)

Carousel 3 (MSc)

Business Research Skills (15 credits)
Complex Project Management (15 credits)
Transformation Consultancy Project (30 credits)

Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may change in subsequent academic years. The order of modules will vary depending when you start the course.

Our PG Cert in Business Analysis and Consulting is a business analysis course consisting of four modules, covering client and stakeholder management, as well as practical consulting skills.  

Alternatively, you can opt for the PG Dip in Transformation Management and Leadership. This digital transformation leadership course consists of eight modules – everything included in the PG Cert, plus four additional modules in transformation, tech operations, strategy and leadership.  

Or, if you want to complete the full MSc in Business in Tech*, you’ll do all 11 modules above, honing your tech leadership skills while progressing into an advanced study of business research and management of complex projects. Speak to one of our Enrolment Advisors about which option is right for you.

*The official title of the programme, which will appear on your graduation certificate upon completion of the full programme, is ‘MSc Business in Technology’.

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Programme Outcomes

Through our course, students will:

  • Critically analyse complex business problems and systematically apply knowledge and understanding to implement sustainable change and deliver sustainable outcomes.  
  • Apply the principles and practices of transformation management and leadership to complex business issues, implementing sustainable change and delivering sustainable outcomes.  
  • Apply the principles and practices of business analysis and consulting, transformation management and leadership through the completion of a complex capstone work-based project.  
  • Learn the theoretical and professional aspects of business in technology to bridge the theory-practice-gap.    
  • Prepare for a leadership career in the professional environment by developing the necessary transferable, intellectual and interpersonal skills.    
  • Enhance lifelong learning skills, resilience and personal development to be able to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to business and society as a whole.  

Careers

The Business in Tech MSc is designed for tech professionals to develop the right skills for management careers within tech-led organisations.

The programme will enhance your business acumen and prepare you for progression beyond your current role and responsibilities into senior management and leadership positions. This is particularly crucial for business innovation and strategic transformation in tech-led businesses.

Depending on the needs of yourself and/or your organisation, you can graduate sooner with a PG Cert or PG Dip, or the full MSc in around two years. Graduates will then have the tools needed to successfully lead transformation, manage stakeholders and achieve ambitious business objectives in the constantly changing tech sector.

Read our blog to learn if the Business in Tech MSc is for you

The Faculty

Ulster University Business School (UUBS) is the 6th largest business school in the United Kingdom. Based in Northern Ireland, one of Europe’s fastest-growing technology leadership hubs, UUBS is invested in spreading business excellence in the region, across the UK, and internationally.  

The faculty of the Business in Technology Masters is made up of academics with a broad range of industry experience. Course Director, Helen McKenna, has over 20 years of experience designing and teaching business and management courses, and maintains strong links to industry figures and organisations.

Meet your faculty

Dr John King

Dr John King

Lecturer in Transformation Leadership

John teaches leadership from the perspective of the complexity sciences. He uses reflective and critical research methods combined with techniques from theatre and group analytic psychotherapy. 

He completed his doctorate at the University of London and previously led the MSc in Clinical Leadership as well as numerous bespoke leadership programmes at Ulster University Business School.  

John’s research interests include organisational behaviour, group analysis, organisational research methods and sociology. He is currently researching the application of Complex Responsive Process theory to leadership development.

Professor Gillian Armstrong

Professor Gillian Armstrong

Professor of Business Education and Director of Business Engagement

Gillian joined Ulster University in 1997, becoming chair in Business Education in 2013 and department head of Accounting, Finance and Economics between 2010-18. She has been actively involved in the development of excellence at the business school, aligning teaching with priority sectors to support Future of Work requirements and skills supply.  

Committed to developing the regional economy, Gillian implements work-based learning and innovative educational models to enable employment, upskilling and graduate retention in a range of sectors. She has worked in partnership with Deloitte to develop the Degree Apprenticeship programme and is currently leading a Business School initiative to support Future of Work requirements. 

Gillian is an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) and a Council member of the NI Chamber of Commerce (NICC). Her research interests lie in marketing; in particular, the use of big data consumer analytics, with ongoing support from DAERA and Invest NI. 

Helen McKenna

Helen McKenna

Senior Lecturer and Director of the MSc Business in Tech

Helen is an experienced consultant, working on transformation, innovation, business growth and capital build projects. She has advised government, industry and academic institutions on issues relating to entrepreneurship, advancing business skills and knowledge, and curriculum design.  

She works collaboratively with industry leaders to design and develop postgraduate business and management curricula and courses, most recently the MSc Business in Tech. 

Helen’s research interests include omnichannel education, microlearning, integrated curriculum design and developing business acumen and leadership capability in the tech sector. 

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