Course Structure

The MSc Digital Business is a one-year programme structured across 3 semesters.
Students who successfully complete eight taught modules (120 CATS) and an International Business Capstone module in semester 3 are awarded an MSc in Digital Business.

Exit qualifications are also available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS from taught modules.

Introduction

An MSc in Digital Business will prepare students for a wide range of career paths in areas like digital marketing, e-commerce, data analytics, FinTech, and more. Students will explore the latest technologies shaping the business world, from artificial intelligence and blockchain to big data and machine learning. This programme goes beyond theory. The students will gain hands-on experience through case studies, simulations, and real-world projects, equipping them with the practical skills employers seek. The programme will also feature guest lectures from industry experts, giving students valuable insights and a chance to build connections.

Semester 1

Semester 1 - is structured through a 60 CATS package in the same manner as other MSc programmes offered by QBS. This package consists of 4 core modules, each worth 15 CATS. Semester 1 modules include Digital Business Strategy, which explores the strategies implemented in the context of digital business; Generative AI and Business Intelligence, covering the application of generative AI for data analysis and business insights; Marketing in the Digital Age covering the nuances of marketing in the context of digital business; and Technology for Good, focusing on the potential for AI and digital technologies to promote social and environmental objectives.

Semester 2

Semester 2 - is structured through a 60 CATS package. Building on the foundational knowledge provided in Semester 1, Semester 2 enables students to deepen their expertise in digital business, focusing on areas like data-driven strategy, cybersecurity, digital supply chain management, and emerging digital technologies. Semester 2 includes 3 core modules: Analytics with AI, which covers the use of AI for data-driven decision making; Cyber Security & Digital Risk Management, covering different types of cybersecurity risks confronting organisations and the role of different stakeholders in managing them; and Digital Supply Chain Management, exploring the role of digital technologies in transforming global supply chains. Additionally, students can choose one optional module from AI Entrepreneurship and Consulting, and Emerging Technologies for Business, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests within AI and digital business.

Semester 3

Semester 3 – is structured around a 60 CATS module called Digital Business Capstone. The Capstone represents the culminating independent piece of research of the MSc Digital Business programme. This substantial research work allows students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired over previous semesters to design, develop, and propose digital technology-driven solutions for real-world business challenges.

Teaching Times

For semesters 1 and 2, students will have 4 classes per week, all 3 hours long.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

Teaching Methods

Classes will be delivered as a mix of seminars, lectures and workshops and they will be interactive and discussion-based blending theory with practical examples.
Learning and engagement approaches will involve a range of styles such as case studies, software demonstrations, practical workshops, role plays, groupwork, scenario discussions and organisation visits.
Semester 3 is structured around independent and applied learning through the capstone project. Students are assigned dedicated academic support for these projects.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• There is an emphasis on assessments that are applied and practical in focus where students are encouraged and supported to produce actionable recommendations to address real-world scenarios and problems.
  There is a broad range of assessment types including presentations, reports, podcasts, game-based simulations, analytics practicals, teamwork and business plans. This variety is balanced with a streamlined approach to assessment submissions and feedback across the programme that is manageable for students. Feedback which is tailored and timely is provided to students on all assessments.

Modules

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

An MSc. in Digital Business will prepare students for a wide range of career paths in areas like digital marketing, e-commerce, data analytics, FinTech, and more.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£25,800 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)
International	£25,800 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)

£6,000 Scholarship available for 2025 entry. Click this link to view the Terms and Conditions.

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:

1.1  Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 

1.2  International applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure their place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI). 

1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/deposit-refunds-policy/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus