Business in Technology programme - FAQs

The Business in Tech programme offers flexible routes to graduation and various qualifications to meet your organisational and personal goals. The full Masters programme requires two years of part-time study to complete, but you can graduate earlier with either a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma, depending on your needs. 

The full list of qualifications on offer are as follows: 

• Postgraduate Certificate in Business Analysis and Consulting (PG Cert, 4 modules) 
• Postgraduate Diploma in Transformation Management and Leadership (PG Dip, 8 modules) 
• Masters in Business in Technology (MSc, 10 modules and a final project) 

Each qualification leads on from the last, with a total of 10 modules plus a final consultancy project. 

In order to provide a tailored learning experience, we offer various course lengths to meet your personal and business needs. The Business in Tech MSc programme can be broken down into three stages, with flexible entry and exit points and the option to pause your studies if needed. 

The PG Cert in Business Analysis and Consulting takes around one year to complete, part-time without breaks. The PG Dip in Transformation Management and Leadership takes 18 months and the cumulative MSc in Business in Technology can be completed in a minimum of two years. 

Our Business in Tech programme is applicable to a wide range of professionals seeking management training. The early stages of the programme (the first four modules of the PG Cert) have a broad focus on business strategy and consulting, while the later stages (modules 5-10, PG Dip and MSc) focus more specifically on the application of technology in business, helping aspiring managers implement digital systems and processes within tech-led organisations. 

Please note, this isn’t an IT or computer course, and the curriculum doesn’t cover computer programming or any other technical topics. All modules are aimed at improving business skills specifically for those with a solid foundational understanding in technology. Learning outcomes are tailored to professionals in the industry, with a view to practical application in tech roles. 

If you are a freelancer or wish to make a career transition by enhancing your understanding of the tech sector, this course might also be for you. 

No. This online programme is designed to teach you everything you need to know, from strategy and management, to business transformation and leadership.  

The PG Cert in Business Analysis and Consulting will ensure your business knowledge and know-how are at a good base level before progressing onto more advanced modules on the PG Dip and MSc. Although the PG Cert is for everyone, be aware that the latter stages of the course are geared towards tech professionals and those working in tech-led organisations.

Come with an open mind, entrepreneurial mindset, and willingness to apply the course practically to your organisation, and you’ll be supported throughout – no previous business qualification or knowledge is required.  

Business in Tech is not a technical programme. While the modules do include some technical aspects, such as looking at the role big data plays in operations, this is a business-focused course – with tailored case studies and learning outcomes for the tech sector.

The course is taught by the Ulster University Business School, not by an IT, technical or science faculty, so expect business expertise rather than computer knowledge to be the main theme of the programme modules.

Of course, our tutors are plugged into the tech industry, and the course is designed to be up to date and relevant for technical professionals. However, it’s a business course for tech people, not a tech course for business people.

The Business in Technology programme covers all relevant aspects of business – much like an MBA does, but more specifically tailored to the tech industry.

You’ll study everything you need to know to progress your career in the tech sector and be eligible for a wider, business-oriented role, with the ability to handle complex projects, lead teams, and make big decisions.

The key elements of the course are improving your skills and knowledge in:

• Strategy
• Management
• Leadership
• Business Transformation
• Business Analysis
• Business Consultancy

You can see a full list of our modules via our course page.

You’ll learn to be a more effective manager, team leader, business strategist and consultant within the technology realm.  

The programme is split into three sections, or carousels. The first carousel (PG Cert) concentrates on business analysis and consulting, covering theory and the practical application of consulting principles. You’ll learn to manage clients and stakeholders and make effective decisions that drive sustainable change.  

The second carousel (PG Dip) focuses on leadership and business transformation. You will master strategic principles in order to take a leading role in changing big tech organisations and make them adaptable for future innovations.  

And the final part of the programme (MSc) involves business research, managing complex projects, and culminates in an extensive Transformation Consultancy Project. You’ll put all your previous learnings into advanced practice to earn the full MSc qualification. 

Our course tutors have consulted with industry figures and leading organisations to ensure that all learning outcomes are relevant and timely. You’ll learn from recent, real-world case studies, and you’ll have the chance to apply your learnings directly to current issues in your organisation through course project work.

You’ll learn to be a more effective manager, team leader, business strategist and consultant within the technology realm.

The programme is split into three sections, or carousels. The first concentrates on business analysis and consulting, from theory to practical application of consulting principles. You’ll learn to manage clients and stakeholders and make effective decisions that drive sustainable change.

The second carousel focuses on leadership and business transformation. You will master strategic principles in order to take a leading role in changing big tech organisations and make them adaptable for future innovations.

And the final part of the programme involves business research, managing complex projects, and culminates in an extensive Transformation Consultancy Project. You’ll put all your previous learnings into advanced practice to earn the full MSc qualification.

Our course tutors have consulted with industry figures and leading organisations to ensure that all learning outcomes are relevant and timely. You’ll learn from recent, real-world case studies, and you’ll have the chance to apply your learnings directly to current issues in your organisation through course project work.

If you’re ambitious and driven to prove yourself in a more senior role, this programme will improve your abilities and confidence to achieve those goals. Ulster University, and the Business School especially, are geared towards helping students achieve their career aspirations.

The MSc Business in Tech was purpose-built to prepare a specific level of tech professionals to step up into managerial and leadership roles and take on more responsibility.

Beyond career progression, you’ll boost your personal and interpersonal skills, develop a network of tech peers across the UK and internationally, and develop your professional abilities and reputation as both an IT and business expert.

The achievements you’ll earn on the programme will make you a more versatile and rounded employee in your organisation, and improve your earning potential. You’ll also learn skills and knowledge that’s scrupulously up to date, future-proofing your CV and ensuring you keep up and stay competitive with a new generation of tech graduates.

Digital leaders, tech consultants, and ambitious technologists. The programme will suit any tech professional who has aspirations to manage a team, make bigger business decisions, plan strategies, lead complex projects or deliver transformational change.

It’s a part-time, online course for anyone who can’t take the time or expense to stop working to earn a higher education qualification on a full-time basis. But if you can spare 20 hours a week to study from home to advance your career, make your CV stand out, and learn more about the business side of the tech industry, then you’ll be right at home on our MSc.

Yes. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills taught on the Business in Tech programme are applicable for any size of organisation and relevant to all projects you might work on.

We don’t just teach best practice to apply to the majority of companies. Whatever your business, your role, and your projects or placements, you’ll learn appropriate tools that are transferrable to any situation. From the smallest start-ups to the biggest tech giants, the takeaways from our course will work for your organisation.

Ulster has been running online programmes for over 20 years, so we know how to deliver efficient, engaging, and effective education courses to distance learning students.

Online students earn an equivalent qualification to their on-campus peers. At Ulster we also ensure that you feel like you’re being taught by humans. You’re not just given the readings and left to your own devices. You’ll have proper contact time with your course tutors and the chance to interact and work with your fellow distance learning students – wherever in the world they may be.

All learning takes place through our e-learning portal, through a series of readings, exercises, group projects, and interactive assessments. Most importantly of all, the online learning experience is totally flexible. You can study whatever time of day or night suits you, using whatever device you have (we recommend a PC, laptop or tablet rather than a smartphone, but it’s up to you). You can even take a study break if you need to – and pay module by module rather than in one lump sum.

Learning online, you’ll be properly supported throughout the programme by a dedicated Student Success Advisor. They’ll check in to make sure you’re managing your studies and have everything you need, and if you ever need help, they are on hand to arrange a chat.

Not at all. There are no classes on campus and all readings and resources are accessible online. You’ll get thorough training and support on using the e-learning platform, and everything you need is there, including readings from our extensive e-library.

However, if you do find yourself in Ulster and fancy a visit – whether for graduation or just to use our facilities, you are of course welcome. You’re a UU student after all!

We recommend 20 hours per week during term time. We recognise that our programme is part-time and our students are often balancing work and busy lives alongside their studies.

You’ll be notified how much time you have to submit assessments, and there is support to manage your time more effectively if you find yourself falling behind at any point.

You can start your application by clicking here and filling in your details.

There are several steps of the application process and before you start you will need the following:

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript (along with an official translation if this is in a foreign language)
• A copy of your driving licence, passport or other proof of identity
• Proof of your English language proficiency if English is your second language

Non-standard applicants will also need to provide:

• Their CV as evidence of relevant work experience
• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) form
• Evidence of any extra relevant qualifications or memberships
• A portfolio of written evidence to demonstrate they have the necessary graduate qualities

Our Enrolment Advisors will guide you through the application process and will let you know more details of all the relevant documents and certifications required.

You can apply for courses starting in January, March, May, July September or November.

Tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are £9,999 for UK, EU and International students. Fees are subject to increase at the start of each academic year.

You’ll be able to pay your fees in module-by-module instalments, spreading the cost out throughout your course, as follows:

Carousel	Module	Cost
1	Business Analysis & Consulting	£833.25
1	Stakeholder & Client Management	£833.25
1	Tech & Data Science in Consulting	£833.25
1	Consultancy in Practice	£833.25
	PG Cert total	£3,333
2	Leadership & Transformation	£833.25
2	Strategy & Transformation	£833.25
2	Tech Operations in Transformation	£833.25
2	Transformation in Practice	£833.25
	PG Dip total	£6,666
3	Business Research Skills	£833.25
3	Managing Complex Projects	£833.25
3	Consultancy Project	£1,665.50
	TOTAL	£9,999

For more information about fees and any financial support available, contact us.

You’ll earn a maximum of 90 credits per year, equivalent to six 15-credit modules, or four regular modules plus the final Consultancy Project (worth 30 credits).

If no breaks are taken, the programme can be completed in around 2 years. However, there is some flexibility to take time off and study the same credits over a longer period.

As an online student at Ulster, you’ll be fully supported. Firstly, your course tutors will be on hand to answer academic queries and lead you through the module materials, sharing their expertise and insight into the business and tech fields.

You’ll also be part of an engaged student community from around the UK and beyond. Peer groups participate in interactive seminars, group tasks, and mutually support each other throughout the programme, coming from a varied range of perspectives and backgrounds.

And for anything outside of your day-to-day questions and issues with the academic side of the MSc Business in Technology, you’ll be assigned a Student Success Advisor. This team is trained to advise on all pastoral and wellbeing issues that may arise during your studies. From meeting deadlines to guiding you through payments and using the e-learning portal, your Student Success Advisor will be a constant and helpful companion throughout your time at Ulster.

For more information on the programme and how to apply, visit our Business in Tech online masters course page or get in touch with one of our enrolment advisors who can answer any queries you may still have.

Call +44(0)20 3467 3225 or email admissions@online.ulster.ac.uk and one of our advisors will do their best to help to inform you to make your important application decision.