About this course
This MSc Digital Business master’s degree will give you vital insights into the digital economy. You'll explore the latest business strategies and technology, informed by our academics' research.
This course is well suited for students who would like to create their own digital business or advance their careers in tech companies.
Platforms like Uber and Airbnb, along with new and emerging technology, have changed the way we do business.
This master's programme will explore these new innovations and business strategies. You'll learn how to create a successful digital start-up, and help organisations adopt digital technology.
You'll focus on operational and technical aspects of the digital economy and study topics like:
- digital business
- web applications
- digitally enabled venture strategies
- entrepreneurship
You can also specialise your studies with optional modules that fit your academic and professional profile, interests and career goals.
The programme will give you all the knowledge and practical skills that employers look for. We use novel and unique modules taught by Southampton Business School.
We welcome applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. The University of Southampton is a world leader in business studies, with students from across the world choosing to study with us.
Course lead
Dr Heli Helanummi-Cole is a business leader with 15 years' experience in business development, financial and operational management, and luxury retail and product development.
Heli's research interests include entrepreneurial systems, innovation, technology strategy and venture failure. Visit Dr Helanummi Cole's staff profile to learn more about her work.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. Every student will learn about:
- new digital business creation
- growth and strategy
- digital entrepreneurship
You’ll also attend talks and masterclasses, learn current industry thinking, practical skills and explore different perspectives on digital issues.
In the second semester you’ll choose from a range of optional modules. These will enable you to enhance your business knowledge.
During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module has been developed to connect cutting-edge research in the field of strategy and innovation to teaching in the classroom. Particularly, this module leverages state-of-the-art research from tutors in the Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurshi...
The emergence of the digital economy has unlocked new opportunities for businesses, while simultaneously creating new modes of competition in both ‘traditional’ and new sectors of the economy. Many organisations are becoming increasingly more ‘digital’, i...
The emergence of the digital economy has unlocked new opportunities for entrepreneurs, leading to the creation of new business models, innovations and value in data driven sectors. The digital economy initially stemmed from the technology sector, but as n...
The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 3000 word of research proposal and a15,000 word dissertation. You will attend 12 sessions where...
In today’s IT and digital marketing landscape, and with the growing popularity of cloud computing, web and mobile applications are often the technologies of choice for organisations to deliver content and services, either externally or internally. The ai...
You must also choose from the following modules:
Consulting is a major global industry and understanding how consulting works is important both for students who might be interested in a consulting career and also for students who may need to purchase consulting and work with consultants in their career....
This module provides a deep insight in some key theories and topics in Corporate Finance. The module looks at how firms and corporation manage financial investment and decisions in the long term and short term. The module will discuss topics ranging fro...
The first part of this module aims to provide you with some insight into the complexity and diversity of human interaction with technology and user centred design – but it is not simply about computers! Every day we interact with a wide variety of system...
The purpose of this module is to equip students with a useful grounding in digital strategy and information systems (IS) management. After introducing the characteristics and concepts of systems and IS, the module will provide an overview of strategic pl...
The module aims to introduce you to the fields of information systems and the digital aspects of management in the contemporary organisations. You will be introduced to the key definitions and conceptualisations of information systems. The distincti...
The UK government has recognised the importance of innovation and technology transfer in sustaining competitive advantage in the global knowledge economy. If successful innovation management is to take place, it is necessary to recognise when technology ...
This module gives an overview of moral philosophy and shows how such ethical theories apply in a business context. This module also covers the development of the concept and the meaning of the terms ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR) in a business co...
This module is a general introduction to ‘Marketing’ as a management function and activity for students not studying marketing as their main discipline. It looks at the role of marketing in enabling organisations to meet their strategic and operational go...
Much of the debate surrounding innovation and innovation management has focused on products. Yet, services have increasingly become a major driving force for successful businesses and economic growth, not only in advanced economies but also in emerging ma...
In the light of global challenges such as climate change or uneven development, there is an increasing need and demand for products or services that contribute value through enhancing ecological sustainability (e.g. low-carbon or renewable energy) or soci...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, group assignments, case studies and independent study.
As part of your learning, you’ll take part in debates, class activities and problem solving exercises to discuss methods and apply theory to practical situations. These activities will help you understand how business theory and practice are used to apply digital technologies.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- written assessments
- group work exercises
- presentations
- coursework
Dissertation
As part of this course you’ll need to submit a 15,000 word dissertation project.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
You’ll have many career prospects from studying this master’s degree in digital business. Graduates are employed in private, public and third sector organisations in many industries, such as:
- services
- retail
- consultancy
- digital businesses
Other possible next steps include working for a digital consultancy, joining an industry research team or continuing your studies at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £12,608.
- EU and international students pay £24,060.
Deposit
When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:
- UK students: £250
- EU and international students: £1,000
Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
You must submit your application by the end of the day on 31 July 2021. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
We cannot guarantee you'll be able to start your course if you do not meet these deadlines.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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