MSc Digital Innovation
- A hands-on programme which equips graduates with the frontier knowledge and skills to identify new digital opportunities and lead innovative digital solutions
- Teaches students to develop and manage digital technologies and the delivery of business innovations, so they graduate with the confidence and ability to go directly into industry
- Explore how digital technology innovations (e.g. Internet of Things, 3D printing, Drone Technology, Artificial Intelligence) and leadership can be harnessed to strategically organise and lead people and technology in a digital environment
- Develop a strategic approach and apply the latest and most appropriate theories and models to create a new business value
- Benefit from networking with professional practitioners who teach on the programme
- Our masters graduates secure positions at prestigious employers worldwide, earning competitive salaries. Explore our graduate outcomes.
What you need to know
Overview
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
Studying at Henley | Dhirti's Story
From applying to study at Henley, to the course content and beyond. Dhirti shares her Henley Masters experience.
This Masters degree will equip you with the knowledge, skills and tools to lead, manage, develop, and implement innovative digital business solutions. You will gain the frontier knowledge and skills required to manage digital technologies in the development and delivery of business innovations.
Every type of organisation in every sector is exploring the power of digital technology innovations in building tomorrow's digital world. The Masters in Digital Innovation available at Henley gives students the foundations of working in the continually globalising digital technology and business sector.
"The variability of topics across many technological areas was covered during the course, which definitely helped to raise awareness of the most recent developments and innovations in the market."
Graduate success
Key statistics on our 2023 Digitalisation graduates
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
2023 graduates in this area are working at the following organisations:
- Deloitte
- TP Link
- University of Oxford
- IQVIA
- Competition and Markets Authority
Please note the above statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2024, which was completed by our 2023 graduates, 12 months after graduation.
Respondents are from the following programmes: MSc Business Technology Consulting, MSc Information Management & Digital Business – Big Data in Business, MSc Information Management & Digital Business – Digital Health and Data Analytics and MSc Information Management & Digital Business – Digital Innovation.
Careers support
Prepare for your successful career in digital sectors
The MSc Digital Innovation programme will give you a rigorous academic understanding of real-life and current business issues.
You will be equipped to identify and pioneer new strategic digital business opportunities. Whether this is from the inception or through to the application of existing and new leading technologies and innovations.
A number of our students continue on to our PhD programmes each year.
Receive dedicated support from our award-winning careers team
We have an award-winning careers team that will support you through your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation.
Here is how Henley Careers can help you:
Careers Consultant appointments
Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s CV advice, practicing for an interview, providing feedback if applications aren't successful or support planning your career goals. We are here to help empower you to progress in your career.
Events
Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for. Additionally, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
Alumni support
You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources. For up to four years after graduating we’re here to help and support in your career.
Career Smart
Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK. As well as where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different roles available to you.
For more information please see our Careers page.
How we teach you
Studying at Henley | Wanjun's Story
Find out everything you need to know about studying a Henley Masters. Hear from current student Wanjun about her experience, from group study projects to meeting people all from all over the world.
A holistic approach
Effective leadership requires more than first-class business acumen, it requires a degree of self-awareness and sensitivity. Our Masters programmes offer you a unique practice-centred approach to teaching equipping you with the tools to become a compelling leader. This approach creates emotionally intelligent graduates who can be fully effective in their chosen careers.
How you will learn
Henley has a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts. We are underpinned by academic excellence and the strength of our research. We offer high-quality technical skills training as well as a deep understanding of the importance of personal development for leaders. This is a thread that is woven through all of our Masters programmes.
Our Masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, tailoring your degree towards your needs and career ambitions. You will complete up to 10 taught modules during your programme, totalling 180 credits. One module usually equates to 20 credits or 10 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures, tutorials, workshops and personal study, with each accounting for 25% of your time on average. This provides you with the opportunity to discuss and explore the material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students.
You will be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings then have the opportunity to challenge those that have created it. You will also explore real-world issues, tackle current business challenges, and interact with guest lectures and speakers from industry. This gives you the opportunity to test, extend and refine your knowledge and skills with confidence.
How we assess you
You will learn and be assessed through a wide variety of teaching methods which vary depending on your chosen Masters programme. These include online materials and multimedia content, guest lectures, individual and group assignments, case studies, field visits, dealing room simulations, presentations, applied projects, consultancy work and examinations.
On average in class tests form between 15 - 25% of the assessed work. The remaining comes from coursework, including a written dissertation or project depending on your chosen programme
Ongoing support
While Masters students are self-motivated and determined individuals, study at this level can present additional pressures which we take seriously. Lecturers are available to discuss the content of each module and your academic tutor can meet with you regularly. Support staff are here to help with anything that may arise during your time at Henley.
Master the Language of Business: Your Competitive Edge at Henley
Success in business isn’t just about practical skills but also how you communicate your ideas, influence others, and collaborate across cultures. That’s why, as a Henley Master’s student, you have the exclusive opportunity to join our Effective Communication: Language Skills for Business module, designed to boost your confidence and fluency in English for academic, professional, and networking success.
This free, non-credit-bearing course runs in parallel with your studies and is delivered by Henley Business School in partnership with the International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) at the University of Reading. It is part of a series of innovations at Henley designed to support your academic and professional development, ensuring you graduate with the skills to succeed in a global business environment.
The course is designed to help you:
- Express yourself clearly and persuasively in seminars, presentations, and discussions.
- Write with impact, from emails and reports to case studies and reflections.
- Master the language of business, learning industry-specific terminology and communication styles.
- Boost your employability with key professional communication skills, from networking to interview preparation.
Who Can Join?
- Students who meet the selection criteria based on their English level will be invited to take part.
- Any other student who wishes to enhance their communication skills can voluntarily join, ensuring everyone has access to this career-boosting opportunity.
Taught in an interactive, business-focused format, this module integrates real-world business scenarios, digital tools, and personalised feedback to help you thrive at Henley and beyond.
Course structure
Exclusively available to Henley Business School offer holders, the Pre-study course suite comprises of innovative short courses designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms.
Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
A course delivered online by Henley faculty and you will receive online support from one of our teaching staff members and be able to interact with other prospective students in your course.
Study skills for success (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
This course will provide building blocks of knowledge to help you prepare for your learning journey in the area of your choice as well as equip you with key employability and study skills for successfully navigating your studies and professional career.
Business Domain and Requirements Analysis (INMR66)
20 [10 ECTS credits]INMR66 is concerned withthe fundamental aspects of business domain and requirements analysis. Its focus is on using a holistic approach which covers the people, processes, technology, and organisation aspects to the investigation and improvement of business situation with a view to develop effective and feasible business solutions to a problem domain.
Business Informatics (INMR91)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module helps the student understand the underpinning theory and methodology of business informatics for information systems and information management; appreciate business principles, organisation, processes and models; identify the user requirements and suitable IT systems solutions; and perform analysis and design of a systems solution using appropriate technologies.
Digital Leadership (INMR94)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module develops critical digital knowledge and skills in digital concepts, leadership, teambuilding, capability and change planning and control to support the development of a digital technology solutions in businesses.
Digital Innovation (INMR93)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module explores how existing and cutting-edge technologies can provide innovative digital business solutions.
Students must choose optional modules up to the value of 60 credits across semester 2.
IT Project Management (INMR65)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The module consists of theoretical foundation for management with practical focus for the topic of IT projects. The module is designed to answer the question why different methodologies are used for different management purposes. It also answers the question how to utilize common project management tools for IT projects. The assessment uses a real-life case scenario asking the students to apply theories and techniques learned from this module. Management theories, principles and most up-to-date methodologies are naturally integrated including planning and delivery for different types of projects. After completing the module, students will be able to carry out project planning with different methods, exercise risk management and quality control techniques. Students will also be able to understand the characteristics of IT projects and measures on how to improve the project management success rate and understand how to use change control procedures to manage changes.
Digital Health and Data Analytics (INMR96)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module focuses on knowledge and hands on skills to leverage information technology, data analytics and machine learning skills in healthcare service delivery, clinical research, hospital operational management and public health.
Organisational Dynamics: Systems Thinking in the Digital Age (INMR98)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The aim of the module is to provide an introduction to ‘System Dynamics’, an approach which uses systems maps and simulation models to understand the complex inter-relationships in organisations and how they lead to organisational dynamics. The approach helps users to explore the consequences of different strategies and to manage complexity.
AI and Data Analytics in Business (INMR81)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The aim of this module is for students to be able to evaluate the business value in utilising AI and data analytics and develop business technology solutions with an appreciation of AI and data analytics methods and technologies.
Marketing Communications in Virtual World (MMM183)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The module considers a variety of marketing communications theories and practices to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop and communicate an effective marketing communications plan.
The Dissertation is taken over semester two and the summer.
MSc Dissertation (INMR99)
40 [20 ECTS credits]The aim of this module is to enable the student to conduct research and apply the knowledge into practice through an independent research project. Students are required to deliver a clearly presented dissertation that: defines a clear research question; uses relevant methods to collect and analyse data; evaluate findings; and develop a clear research contribution.
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.
Fees & funding
2025 entry
UK/Home
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
| £14,500 | £7,250 per year |
International (incl. EU)
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
| £27,000 | £13,500 per year |
Current scholarships
Entry requirements
| Entry requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | A good second class honours degree or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised University |
English Language Requirements
Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask for evidence of proficiency. Alternatively, we may ask you to attend an English language course before you begin your studies with us.
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 with no component below 5.5 in any sub-skills |
Pre-sessional English Programme
The Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements. Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.
Find out about our comprehensive range of Pre-Sessional English courses
Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications
We accept the non-SELT version of LanguageCert (which includes the online version) and DuoLingo as suitable English language qualifications. These can be accepted for direct entry onto Undergraduate (except Speech and Language Therapy), Postgraduate Taught (except Speech and Language Therapy) and Postgraduate Research programmes.
For information on individual programme requirements and other English language qualifications, please visit our English requirement equivalent page.
If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact admissions directly by e-mail or telephone at +44 (0) 118 378 5289.
UK visa requirements
You may need to obtain a UK visa. This visa will allow to live and study in the UK. See the UK Border Agency website.
Graduate Route
The UK's Graduate Route post-study work visa allows you to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with the opportunity to undertake skilled work. Visit the University website for the latest information.
How to apply
Apply for 2025 entry now
Apply online now through the University of Reading’s online application service.
The online application service allows you to complete your application information, attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a facility for an email request to be sent to your referees. This enables the referees to send your supporting references directly to us.
When to apply
We operate a rolling admissions system and it is recommended that you apply early to secure your place. There is no specific deadline and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, to allow us time to process your application we recommend that you apply by the following dates:
| UK/Home applicants | International applicants |
|---|---|
| 1 August | 1 July |
After you apply
You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application form. Your application is then reviewed by a member of staff. If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any necessary entry criteria you will need to meet. You'll then be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer.
If you require a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa, details will be sent by email once all conditions of the offer have been met.
Throughout the admissions process we will keep you updated with key information via email. We also provide opportunities to interact with faculty and staff online.
Find us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with news and events at Henley or ask us a question. In addition, you can speak to a current student, our students are always happy to share their Henley experience.
Chat to our students
Our students and alumni are always keen to share their Henley experience. Whether you are a prospective applicant or already applied to a Masters programme at Henley Business School. You can ask questions to a current student by clicking the “Chat to our students” button below.
When contacting one of our students, please introduce yourself and the Masters programme you have applied for.
Speak to a current student
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at postgraduate@henley.ac.uk or by phone on +44 (0)118 378 7593.
The variability of topics across many technological areas was covered during the course, which definitely helped to raise awareness of the most recent developments and innovations in the market.
I found Digital Innovation and Digital Leadership very insightful and timely. The format was great and the lectures were very interactive. It was a great experience and I learned more than I anticipated.
I very much enjoyed that we were exposed to so many areas of data analysis practices. It has helped me realise what aspects I enjoy and what to focus on in my career.
I especially enjoyed the lectures with interesting insights of our professors and people in industry. Those provided a specific point of view, supported theories we learned in class and were useful in searching for a job in the industry.
The expertise and insights of the professors at Henley Business School deeply influenced me, and the curriculum was well-designed with a strong academic atmosphere. I found that the knowledge and logical thinking skills I acquired at Henley Business School were applicable in interviews and daily work.
I really enjoyed learning about data analytics, which increased my chances of employment. All the professors were knowledgeable and very supportive throughout.
The course gave me an entire platter of specialities that I can choose from and it was great to experience the rich expertise available in each area. Thank you for the pleasurable journey of self-discovery!
