Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

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Employers are actively seeking managers who possess the ability to leverage emerging digital advancements. Our postgraduate course in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation equips students with advanced knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology-driven business environments.

Through a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications, you will delve into topics such as business intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as Blockchain. With a focus on managerial perspectives, you will learn to harness the power of information systems to drive innovation, enhance organisational performance, and gain a competitive edge in today's digital economy. This course will prepare you for leadership roles in technology management, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

Throughout the course, you'll acquire practical skills and conduct research tasks, with support from our experienced tutors. Emphasis is placed on nurturing critical thinking, analysis, reflection, and honing research and academic writing abilities. Modules are structured around contemporary methodologies and techniques in programme and project management.

You'll benefit from interacting with both your peers and a qualified faculty, who bring extensive qualifications to the table. Given that many of our students possess significant work experience, class discussions and collaborative projects offer valuable networking opportunities and avenues for career exploration.

Interested in the course, but don't have a background in business? No problem! We embrace students from diverse undergraduate disciplines, recognising the richness of perspectives they contribute to our classroom environment.

There is an option to choose a Project/Placement year for this course, at an additional cost.

What You'll Study

The MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation course comprises seven modules: six modules worth 20 credits each, along with a 60-credit Research Dissertation module. Successful attainment of 180 credits is necessary to achieve the MSc qualification.

If you choose a placement or project year, the Research Dissertation module will be replaced by a placement or project module.

Core Modules

This module focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to leverage data analytics and business intelligence in project management. It covers key areas such as data exploration, predictive modelling, decision analytics, and risk assessment, enabling students to make informed, data-driven decisions. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, governance, and quality, are also emphasised. Through a combination of lectures, lab exercises, and real-world projects, students gain hands-on experience in applying analytics tools to business scenarios, preparing them to optimise project outcomes and enhance strategic decision-making in a data-driven world.

This module investigates tools and techniques to extract, transform and load (ETL) data for further analyses or analytical processing (OLAP). Students will be guided step-by-step through the ETL process using Python, API's and SQL to show visualisation and analysis. The module will also discuss the ethical implications of data, data processing, laws and standards. 

The module is about Information Security Management and it will develop the student's understanding of the implications of cybersecurity to today's businesses, how businesses can gain market advantage by leveraging simple and yet robust cybersecurity principles, and the government's cybersecurity strategy for businesses in the UK. As the Cybersecurity programme is designed with conversion students in mind, this module will prepare students with useful cyber skills to lead or easily be part of cybersecurity efforts in their organisations.  The learning content will include:

  • Core security standards (e.g., ISO27001, ISO27032), policies and governance etc.
  • Information Risk Management and Business Continuity Management
  • Audit, Assurance and Review
  • Understanding the threats and risks businesses face today. Illustrative part of how this (or what) might be covered include:
    • Through problem based learning and possible industry collaboration
    • Exploring Social Engineering, the Least Resistance Path, Incident Response, Defence Indepth etc.
  • Government strategy on Cybersecurity

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of programme and project management to enable students to recognise the importance of the discipline in a variety of organisational and functional contexts. Students should develop a critical understanding of the concepts employed in programme and project management at strategic, systems and operational levels, and an appreciation of the knowledge and skills required for successful programme and project management. Theory is constantly grounded in examples and case study exercises. By utilising examples and case studies, both from their own backgrounds and from the literature, the student is guided to an understanding of the benefits, and power, of well-run projects and programmes.

This module explores the principles, applications, and challenges of blockchain in business environments. It covers distributed ledger technology, smart contracts, consensus mechanisms, and decentralized applications, with a focus on real-world use cases in finance, supply chain management, and digital identity authentication. Students will analyse the benefits, risks, and regulatory considerations of blockchain adoption while developing strategies for enterprise implementation. Through lectures, lab exercises, and group projects, students gain hands-on experience in evaluating and applying blockchain solutions. By the end of the module, they will be equipped to integrate blockchain into business and digital innovation strategies.

In this module, students will gain knowledge required for conducting research. This includes: developing research questions, study design, participant sampling, consent, confidentiality, ethical considerations, and data analysis.

Optional Modules

The Research Dissertation module is designed to develop students' ability to conduct independent, in-depth research in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation. It provides an opportunity to explore a significant research problem, applying theoretical frameworks, data analysis, and critical evaluation to generate new insights. Students will work closely with a supervisor to define research objectives, review relevant literature, design methodologies, and present findings in a structured dissertation. The module emphasizes academic writing, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, preparing students for careers in digital innovation, research, and consultancy, or further academic pursuits such as a PhD.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

If chosen, your second year of study will consist of your Project or Professional Placement

This module forms part of the 2 year pathway along with a preparation module - WB7102 Advance Professional Practice. The preparation module forms part of year 1 study and is completed before this module commences.

Students studying the 2 year full time course will not undertake a traditional dissertation module this Project module replaces that option instead, this module is completed in Year 2, starting at the beginning of year 2, for a minimum of 30 weeks over 3 terms on a full time basis with the exception of university scheduled vacations which equates to a minimum of 1000 work based project hours.

This module forms part of the 2 year pathway along with a preparation module - WB7102 Advance Professional Practice. The preparation module forms part of year 1 study and is completed before this module commences.

Students studying the 2 year full time course will not undertake a traditional dissertation module this module replaces that option instead, this module is completed in Year 2, starting at the beginning of year 2, for a minimum of 30 weeks over 3 terms on a full time basis with the exception of university scheduled vacations which equates to a minimum of 1000 work based project hours. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

Instruction will primarily occur through in-person interactions

Assessment is by written assignment

This course is designed around in-person study

There may be some online learning activities

An aerial photograph of Exton Park with the text 'How we teach at the University of Chester'

How we teach at the University of Chester

We facilitate the development of learning outcomes and enhance student learning experiences through various teaching methods:

Lectures and workshops serve as the primary channels for delivering academic content, often adapting to suit specific topics with a hybrid approach. These sessions include a blend of student and teacher-led activities such as demonstrations, case studies, discussions, and individual or group exercises in design and implementation.

Guided independent study and literature review are integral components across all modules, emphasising research methods and dissertation preparation while also being integrated into subject-specific coursework.

Coursework assignments, tailored to the subject matter, require students to seek additional information to demonstrate their understanding. Various forms such as portfolios, essays, literature reviews, and technical reports are utilised to foster critical thinking and research skills, with some modules employing coursework as the primary assessment method.

The Research Dissertation, under individual supervision, challenges students to work independently, develop comprehensive knowledge in their chosen subject area, and make original contributions to the field.

Formative assessments, including diagnostic, in-class, and online tests, serve as monitoring tools for student progress without contributing to final module marks. They also provide opportunities for feedback and skill development in oral presentations during tutorials and workshops.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Graduates from the MSc Management Information Systems and Digital Innovation programme can explore a variety of employment opportunities in the following areas:

  • IT Consultant: Provide expertise to organisations on how to use information technology to meet their business objectives.
  • Data Analyst/Scientist: Analyse and interpret complex data to help businesses make informed decisions.
  • Systems Analyst: Evaluate and design information systems to enhance organisational efficiency.
  • IT Project Manager: Oversee the planning and execution of IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect organisations from cyber threats by implementing security measures and monitoring for potential risks.
  • Business Intelligence Analyst: Use data analysis tools to provide valuable insights into business performance and support decision-making.
  • Digital Innovation Specialist: Explore and implement innovative digital solutions to enhance business processes and strategies.
  • Technology Consultant: Advise businesses on how to leverage technology for strategic growth and competitive advantage.
  • Database Administrator: Manage and maintain databases to ensure efficient storage and retrieval of information.
  • Digital Marketing Analyst: Utilise digital channels and analytics to develop and implement effective marketing strategies.
  • Enterprise Solutions Architect: Design and implement complex IT systems that align with an organisation's overall business strategy.
  • Innovation Strategist: Devise and implement strategies to foster innovation within organisations, leveraging digital technologies.

These opportunities showcase the diverse career paths available for graduates with expertise in Management Information Systems and Digital Innovation. The specific roles may vary based on the individual's interests, specialisation, and the evolving needs of the industry.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

Honours Degree

• Applicants with a 2:1 or higher in any of the following subjects: Business OR Management; Computer Science OR Information Technology; Engineering; Economics; Science; Mathematics; from a university on the approved list or a UK university are sent to the IC and are offered a place.
• Applicants with a 2:2 or higher in any of the following subjects: Business OR Management; Computer Science OR Information Technology; Engineering; Economics; Science; Mathematics; are sent to the PL for consideration.
• Applicants with a 2:2 or higher in any subject other than the above, but some Science/Mathematics at Level 3 qualifications or above are sent to the PL for consideration.

Other Admission Requirements

In some cases applicants may be required to pass an aptitude test or attend a short interview to determine their suitability for the course.

Students from outside the UK are expected to hold qualifications broadly equivalent to UK standards - a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study.

To help you interpret these equivalents, please select your country/region of residence. This will provide details on equivalent entry requirements, as well as information about local representatives, events, and key contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and assess all applications on an individual basis. Relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration where appropriate.

For more information on English entry requirements, including accepted qualifications, please visit International Entry Requirements.

IELTS

6.5 (Min 5.5 in each sub-skill)

Honours Degree

• Applicants with a 2:1 or higher in any of the following subjects: Business OR Management; Computer Science OR Information Technology; Engineering; Economics; Science; Mathematics; from a university on the approved list or a UK university are sent to the IC and are offered a place.
• Applicants with a 2:2 or higher in any of the following subjects: Business OR Management; Computer Science OR Information Technology; Engineering; Economics; Science; Mathematics; are sent to the PL for consideration.
• Applicants with a 2:2 or higher in any subject other than the above, but some Science/Mathematics at Level 3 qualifications or above are sent to the PL for consideration.

Other Admission Requirements

In some cases applicants may be required to pass an aptitude test or attend a short interview to determine their suitability for the course.

Switch combined course content

Optional 2-year Master's To Suit Your Needs

Choosing a Professional Placement MSc is a win-win for your career, giving you the chance to get real experience, apply your cutting-edge skills in the workplace and stand out to future employers.

In the first year you will have help from the University to find a placement, whilst developing your expertise. You will then spend your second year out in industry on placement, getting the chance to work with industry professionals and grow your network of industry contacts. Bringing your university-acquired knowledge and insights to industry, you will get to make a difference to the workplace and make lasting links with your employer.

Students need to find and secure their own placement, supported by the University. A preparation module will also help you to get ready for your placement.

Please note, this course is available as a one-year master degree course, or as a Two-Year Master's Course with a Professional Placement or Project. Please carefully consider your options when applying for our one year or Two-year routes as successful international applicants will not be able to change between courses after a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) letter has been issued or after arriving in the UK.

Fees and Funding

£9,090 for a full-time course (2026/27)

The tuition fees for home students studying courses in 2026/27 are £9,090 per year.

The professional placement/project year will cost an additional £2,750, due at the start of the second year of the course.

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

£15,500 (2026/27)

The tuition fees for international students studying courses in 2026/27 are £15,500 per year.

For courses where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

For more information about International fees for Postgraduate study, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

Who You'll Learn from

Dr Mohammad Samar Ansari

Senior Lecturer
Dr Mohammad Samar Ansari

Dr Sufian Fannoun

Senior Lecturer
Dr Sufian Fannoun

Dr Toyosi Oyinloye

Deputy Head
Toyosi Oyinloye

Ashley Wood

Senior Lecturer
Ashley Wood

Paul Underhill

Senior Lecturer
Paul Underhill

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