Digital Strategy and Information Systems (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree or equivalent qualification in one of the following subjects: 

• business
• management
• economics 
• computer science
• information technology
• engineering  
• a scientific discipline

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.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

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:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September. 

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course. The first 2 semesters are made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. 

Compulsory modules teach theoretical and practical concepts in digital strategy and information systems management. They combine the technological, managerial and social topics of the subject.

Optional modules allow you to personalise your learning to suit your interests and career goals. Topics include: 

• application of simulation techniques in management 
• credit scoring 
• advanced analytics
• managing the commercial potential of technological innovation 
• project (risk) management
• corporate social responsibility and ethics

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.

Learning

You’ll learn in an open, informal environment, where you will have an opportunity to regularly speak with academics.

This course is delivered through a  mix of lectures, seminars, computer workshops and independent study.  

You’ll also learn interactively, through group exercises and discussions, with your lecturers using real-world scenarios and current research to develop your skills.  

The type of group exercises you will undertake include reading a research paper and addressing a series of questions in a group and presenting your findings. 

You’ll learn practical computing skills using industry-standard software packages to extract insights from customer data, and basic web programming. 

Guest industry speakers may deliver talks on relevant issues. 

Assessment

Assessment methods vary from module to module, these will include: 

• exams 
• coursework 
• group assignments 

On some modules you’ll be marked for practical work. For example, our digital design and web development module will be assessed based on a business proposal for a new website or app and a practical web design or coding assignment. This simulates a real-world consultancy process.

Dissertation

As part of this course, you’ll complete a 15,000 word dissertation project on a topic of your choice. It is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a specific area to help you achieve your career ambitions.  

Previous students studied a wide variety of topics, for example: 

• technostress and the dark side of technology 
• the concept of ‘connected cars’ as part of the internet of things 
• cloud computing 
• challenges/opportunities of artificial intelligence
• information security 
• issues relating to online privacy 

Academic Support

You’ll have access to a range of support services within Southampton Business School and the wider University.  

Every student is allocated a personal academic tutor who will advise on course-related matters or direct you to other types of support.  

This course will prepare you for an in-house management role linked to an organisation's IT or digital function, or its information systems provision. You could also work in IT, digital or web consultancy.  

This master’s degree will also prepare you for further study at PhD level. 

Our alumni have gone on to work for organisations including:  

• Citi 
• Daimler AG 
• IBM 
• J.P. Morgan 
• Chase & Co 
• KPMG 
• Hootsuite 

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,800.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship

A scholarship is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School. 

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship

A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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

References are not required for this programme.

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.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000