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Overview

Business in Tech MSc (online)

This online MSc gives tech professionals the business and leadership skills they need to progress their career in a tech-led world.

Ulster University’s MSc Business in Tech is a business and leadership programme for technologists, designed with industry partners to prepare students to succeed in tech. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this business course is tailored to the specific needs, skills and interests of those working in tech fields.

You will learn strategy, management, and leadership skills, with a particular relevance to technologists woven into the course. Mastering tech-led consultation techniques and business transformation principles, you’ll be ready to take on greater responsibilities and enhance your career.

This Business in Tech course comprises ten 15-credit modules and you’ll also have the opportunity to apply your business leadership and transformation skills to an industry or work-based project on a 30-credit consultancy project.

You’ll be taught by a faculty immersed in technology and business, who are based in a region with an international reputation for excellence in tech development. Online students study part-time, dedicating approximately 20 hours per week, so you can leave with a PG Cert, PG Dip, or the full MSc without having to take a career break.

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  • Type
    MSc, Online
  • Length
    Two years minimum, part-time
  • Faculty
    Ulster University Business School
  • Intakes
    September, November, January, March, May, July
  • Fees
    £9,999

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

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

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

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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About this programme

The modern world is powered by technology and its importance is only going to rise. The Business in Tech* programme was developed to address a skills gap identified by industry, to ensure that those working in the tech roles are prepared to take on greater leadership responsibilities as demand increases in the coming years.

The industry needs professionals who are capable of leading transformation. This programme is geared towards those people who will be at the forefront of business and leadership in this tech-led world, and learning on the course is immersed in this industry need.

Our online MSc seeks to help tech business analysts, IT managers, tech consultants, digital leaders – anyone in a tech-led role – realise their potential and accrue the business acumen, management and leadership skills necessary to progress. This course aims to strengthen students’ knowledge of business analysis, strategy, innovation and transformation management in order to succeed in more senior positions.

Where appropriate, learning is contextualised in the tech field, combining academic theory with practical application. The course has been designed with business and information technology industry figures to ensure all modules and learning outcomes are highly relevant and timely, following the latest market trends and technologies. There will be opportunities to network with other tech professionals and apply your learnings on project-based assignments to your current workplace.

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 the quality of its online teaching, being shortlisted among 4 other institutions 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 programme is suitable for tech professionals who want to boost their careers, whether as business analysts, IT project managers, tech consultants or even chief information officers. It’s also suitable for anyone working in a tech-related role who wants to move beyond their current role into broader business leadership.

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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. 

Discover our top five reasons to choose our Business in Tech MSc

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.

Intakes

Start when it suits you with 2022/23 intakes in September, November, January, March, May and 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 consists of four modules, covers managing clients and stakeholders, as well as practical consulting skills.

Alternatively you can opt for the PG Dip in Transformation Management and Leadership. This consists of eight modules: everything 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, taking you 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 the fastest-growing technology leadership hubs in the UK, the faculty of the Business in Tech MSc is made up of academics with a broad range of industry experience.

The UUBS is invested in spreading business excellence in Northern Ireland, across the UK, and internationally.

Course Director, Helen McKenna, has over 20 years of 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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