Degree Apprenticeship | MSc Digital and Technology Solutions
- Develop leaders who foster high-performing technical teams.
- Embed digital into the heart of your organisation to reshape strategies, culture, and business practices.
- Specialist pathways in IT Strategy or Data Analytics
- Tech Industry Gold accredited.
What you need to know
Overview
The tech around AI and digital is transforming
Hear from Professor Keiichi Nakata, Director of AI and Automation at the World of Work Institute, on the importance of businesses remaining informed on how the digital world is changing.
The MSc Digital Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship equips IT professionals and those working with digital and technology teams with the skills, knowledge, and tools to drive transformation. The programme blends practical application, theoretical study, online learning, and workplace training to ensure immediate impact.
Apprentices will:
- Master technical and leadership skills to become digital solutions specialists.
- Assess, design, and implement strategic digital solutions that drive business growth.
- Lead high-performing teams and foster collaboration to solve organisational challenges.
- Embed digital at the core of business strategy, modernising operations and culture.
- Understand ethical AI and responsible leadership, ensuring a human, ‘people-first’ approach.
Key benefits for businesses
- Boost leadership and innovation: Equip employees to effectively manage change and implement strategic digital solutions.
- Modernise business strategies: Integrate technology into operations and develop digitally savvy leaders.
- Increase efficiency: Work-based learning ensures apprentices can immediately apply their skills, driving productivity and measurable business outcomes.
Key benefits for individuals
- Become a confident digital leader: Solve complex business challenges with digital strategies.
- Master strategic technology solutions: Learn how to implement innovative digital approaches to disrupt traditional business methods.
- Join a global network: Connect with Henley Business School’s 100,000+ alumni members worldwide.
Act now - funding changes are coming
Recent government announcements have confirmed that funding for Level 7 apprenticeship programmes will be removed for those aged 21 and above. To take full advantage of this funding, it’s essential to act now before any changes to the funding occur.
"This programme offered a skillset that would allow me to transition from the ‘coalface’ of IT towards a more senior, strategic role. I was eager to take on the challenge."
Insight sessions
Discover how the Henley MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist can transform your digital leadership journey. During this session, our Apprenticeship Engagement Team will:
- Outline programme features
- Highlight career benefits
- Share success stories
We will also host a Q&A Session at the end, so bring your questions along. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insights and clarity about the next steps.
Join the next Insight Session on 15 August.
Start dates
Recent government announcements have indicated that funding for level 7 apprenticeship programmes will be removed. Take full advantage of this opportunity before funding changes.
Next open cohort
| Planned programme start date | Nomination cut-off date |
|---|---|
| 8 October 2025 | 16 Jul 2025 |
Contact the Apprenticeship Engagement Team for the latest programme schedule for your chosen start date.
Entry requirements
Employers - How to nominate learners
As the employer, you need to formally nominate learners before they can apply to our apprenticeship programmes. You must also enter a three-way agreement with the apprentice and Henley Business School / the University of Reading.
Find out more about the application process.
Entry requirements for individuals
- A minimum of two years experience in IT, technology, data, or digital roles (or significant use of these in your work).
- A 2:1 degree or higher from a UK institution (or equivalent).
- If no degree, at least five years of relevant professional experience.
- A baseline assessment is needed to demonstrate the need to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard.
Course structure
Core Technical Skills, Knowledge & Behaviours
Informatics in organisations (MQM1IIO)
20This module develops learners' understanding of the principles of informatics and how effective management of information resources can be a source of competitiveness for the business.
Topics include:
- The theory and methodology of information management and systems, including business context, ethics and governance
- How to identify user requirements and suitable IT systems solutions
- How to analyse and design a systems solution using appropriate technologies.
Leading in the Digital Organisation (MMM140)
20The aim of this module is to explore the role of leadership and frontiers in leadership practice in a pervasive digital environment. The module builds awareness of key digital technologies and discusses their impact on managerial practices, processes and strategies.
Digital innovation (MQM1DIN)
20This module explores how existing and cutting-edge technologies can provide innovative digital business solutions. It involves the understanding of digital technology principles, values-based innovation, digital business ecosystems and platform ecosystems, and applies the emerging service science and service logic/thinking approaches to the development of digital business solutions. It covers innovations in processes, products, technology, services, and business models, as well as methods and models to create new business value in highly competitive and technology-rich environments.
At Stage 2, learners will choose one of the following technical specialisms:
- IT Strategy
- Data Analytics
This specialism equips learners with the knowledge and skills to:
- manage the strategic alignment of business and IT capabilities
- drive technology-based change initiatives
- select appropriate tools and engage with senior stakeholders to create digital strategies.
Managing Strategic Alignment of Business and IT (MQM2MSA)
20This module builds the knowledge and skills to gain a strategic alignment perspective of the digital transformation of an organisation at the enterprise level.
Digital business strategy (MQM2DBS)
20This module builds the knowledge and skills to gain a strategic perspective of the digital transformation of an organisation for key initiatives. It connects the enterprise view of digital transformation introduced in the Managing Strategic Alignment module with the strategic technologies used by the enterprise.
Strategic Digital Technology Consulting (MQM2STC)
20This module explores the role and nature of IT consultancy in the context of developing strategic IT solutions to support business strategy.
It develops knowledge and skills around the use of consulting tools for modelling and analysis of technologies, as either an internal or external consultant.
Learners will explore problem-solving methods in conjunction with digital road-map and transformation techniques to help them identify, analyse and develop proposals to meet strategic technology needs.
This specialism equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to:
- analyse business data requirements and create value through big data technologies
- employ analytical software, statistical modelling and machine learning to solve commercial problems
- apply data selection, curation, quality assurance, investigation and engineering techniques in a professional setting.
Data Analytics Strategy in Business (MQM2DAS)
20This module focuses on the strategic use of data analytics in business in the era of Big Data.
Learners will consider how organisations can benefit from Big Data and analytics, and analyse business and technological requirements to create value through these technologies.
Students will also explore recent developments in technologies surrounding Big Data and analytics, evaluate analytics tools, and assess the legal and ethical implications of data analytics in business.
Data Management (MQM2DTM)
20This module highlights the importance of data management from both a management and enterprise perspective.
Learners will consider information theory, data storage solutions, enterprise and systems architecture, traditional information systems use, and critical decision-making approaches.
Business Data Analytics (INMR95)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module introduces key concepts, methods, and tools for business data analytics. Data analytics are a fundamental tool for any organisation that plans to make strategic use of their data assets, and enables data-driven decision making. Core concepts that lend themselves to the three stages of data analytics.
In Stage 3, learners will work on their personal development and prepare for a final work-based research project.
Capstone project (Digital Technology and Solutions) (MQM3CSP)
60In Stage 3 learners will demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the apprenticeship programme by undertaking an independent work-based research project.
Guided by an academic supervisor, learners will conduct research - for example, user experience surveys - then develop, implement and evaluate a solution to a typical business challenge within their chosen specialism.
Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.
Learning and support
Integrated learning approach
- Combines on-the-job learning with formal and informal off-the-job training.
- Includes taught sessions, workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and self-study.
Off-the-job training
- Minimum 6 hours per week (equivalent to working hours).
- Delivered through activities both at Henley and work like attending workshops or meetings, taking on new responsibilities, shadowing, or attending conferences.
Workplace application
- Apprentices continue their day job, applying their new knowledge, skills and behaviours in real-time.
Line manager support
- Line managers play a vital role in the apprentice’s success.
- Engage with Henley tutors to facilitate training opportunities and work-based projects.
Read more on how to support an apprentice with the Henley Essential Apprenticeship Guides
"The tools and techniques gained from all the Digital and Technology Solutions modules gave me the confidence both to manage and deliver the project and talk about it to senior stakeholders."
Programme director
Dr Nico Biagi
Programme Director – MSc Digital and Technology Solutions
Dr Nico Biagi is a Lecturer in Business Data Analytics at Henley Business School.
He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Science at the University of Reading.
Dr Biagi’s journey at Henley began with a postdoctoral research role, where he investigated predictive analytics for dialysis outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease.
See full profileAwards
This is a Tech Industry Gold accredited programme. Tech Industry Gold is the industry-recognised accreditation for all tech-related education and training programmes.
On successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be awarded:
- MSc Digital and Technology Solutions
- Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist degree apprenticeship.
Fees
The MSc Digital Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship’s fee is £21,000. You can fund this with your organisation’s apprenticeship service account. All employers must have an account to access the apprenticeship service.
Recent government announcements have indicated that funding for level 7 apprenticeship programmes will be removed. To take full advantage of this funding it’s important to act now before any funding changes.
Location and facilities
Location
For clients wishing to run a closed cohort, we have the flexibility to deliver the programme at locations nationwide. If you do not wish to use your organisation's facilities, we are happy to arrange an alternative teaching venue that may be more convenient for your staff.
Open cohort workshops are typically taught at our Greenlands campus near Henley-on-Thames. Set in sweeping parkland on the banks of the River Thames, this beautiful campus provides an inspiring and reflective environment for focused work and study.
Facilities
Through the Henley Business School Library and the virtual learning environment, learners can access a multitude of resources including books, journals, market research reports, dissertations, working papers and company information.
Find out more about our facilities and how to find us
Why choose Henley?
For 80 years, Henley Business School has developed confident and resilient business leaders. Find out more about our approach to working with you
Our Apprenticeship programmes are rated Good by Ofsted across all areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
To ensure that apprentices’ work and training are well co-ordinated and effective, Henley’s tutors and line managers collaborate fully with employers and apprentices.
At Henley, we offer a full portfolio of programmes from early career all the way up to board level, and it’s this broad experience that enables us to have a clear and complete vision for our apprenticeship provision.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our apprenticeship programmes, please contact:
Telephone: 0118 378 4030