Postgraduate MSc/PgDip/PgCert

Managing Innovation and Information Technology

Salford Business School

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

Course

One year

Two year

Next enrolment

November 2023

Introduction

In a nutshell

For September 2024 and later intakes to this programme, please see MSc Managing Innovation and Information Technology.

International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.

Managing Innovation and Information Technology (MIIT) is a multidisciplinary postgraduate degree, designed to develop multi-skilled managers who can identify and take advantage of the latest developments in information systems and technology for the benefit of their business.

Suitable for graduates or professionals with a background in computer science or business, MIIT not only explores information systems but helps you to develop essential leadership, problem-solving and strategic skills.

Whether you are planning a career in the growing digital economy, leading on digital transformation projects or even starting your own business, MIIT will develop you as a leader and as a creative thinker.

The programme is research-informed and delivered by academics from the University’s active Disruptive Technologies Cluster. Through regular visits from industry speakers, the Industry Collaboration Project and the chance to take part in University entrepreneurship projects and competitions, you’ll gain experience and an insight into Greater Manchester’s growing tech scene.

The digital skills gap has been highlighted as a key issue for businesses regardless of size or sector (Manchester Digital Strategy 2021-2026). By focusing on real-world applications of emerging technologies and the development of practical skills, you’ll graduate with the credentials and experience that employers are looking for.

Six good reasons to choose Salford Business School:

  1. Salford is a city focussed on using innovative digital technologies to transform lives
  2. We have excellent industry links into the dynamic Greater Manchester business community, a hub for digital enterprise
  3. Real-world learning on the unique Industry Collaboration Project
  4. Multiple start dates to fit with your life priorities
  5. Our beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
  6. Focus on the digital, ethical and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century

 Find out more, register for one of our Open Days, explore the Salford campus on our virtual tour or learn more about our Masters courses in business, finance and law.

You will:

  • Develop your managerial and technical IT skills
  • Explore emerging and disruptive technologies and business models
  • Work with a range of technologies and tools in our purpose built Makerspace
  • Learn to plan business transformation by using information systems and technology
  • Put learning into practice through the Industry Collaboration Project
Placement

options available

International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

You have an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset

2.

You have a background in technology or IT

3.

You are a problem solver

4.

You are passionate about emerging technologies

5.

You are interested in the way tech impacts how we live and work

6.

You have aspirations of a managerial career

Course details

All about the course

The programme is block delivered and there are several entry points throughout the year. You will study the modules below in a sequence dependent on your start date.

The course is delivered in four blocks of intensive study periods. For each block, you study a single module for a six-week period. Teaching is delivered for six hours each week. In addition, you will attend weekly Supporting Student Success sessions to support your learning. You will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.

The Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree. You will have the opportunity to select between a placement, internship or dissertation, all of which are designed to accommodate your career aspirations and enhance your professional experience. You can choose to work with your own or another organisation on a live brief. 

You will be allocated a supervisor who will mentor you through the ICP. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the Student Hub and askUK. askUK can help with pre project/placement support for students and opportunities for those going on placement to participate in training workshops to ensure best practice. You are responsible for finding your internship, placement or live project but the Student Hub can help you.

Part time students study alternate modules (one module on, one module off) to complete their degree in two years.

Semester one

Project Management, Leadership and Skills: Planning and Control

You will learn about the approaches, skills and methods of effective project management, and the tools and techniques required for planning, control, teamwork, leadership and other key processes. You will develop knowledge and application of the techniques of estimating, forecasting and resource management.

All of these qualities will develop your ability to lead complex projects.

Teaching:

  • Interactive lectures and seminars
  • Small group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
  • Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments:

50%        Individual assignment
50%        Portfolio of business proposal, exhibition and business plan

Innovative Problem Solving

This work-based module has been developed to ensure that you will gain an awareness and appreciation of the innovative, exploitative nature of emerging and disruptive technologies and open-source possibilities. You will learn from problem analysis, to design creative solutions to meet information needs of defined and potential user communities. This might include the elderly, disabled or the third sector groups.

You will be tasked with innovative problem solving using real life case studies. For this, you will have access to a range of technologies (raspberry pi, sensors,) tools (3D scanners and printers, laser cutters) and our purpose built developmental spaces (Makerspace) to support your development process.. This exciting module has a continuous digital portfolio assessment to showcase the progress of your innovative designs.

Teaching:

  • Practice-based sessions to experience and learn appropriate tools, techniques and applications
  • Industry guest speakers (including graduates) give you valuable insight and advise on current practices, career advice and networking opportunities
  • Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments (based on real-life briefs):

30%     ‘Meet the brief’ presentation to key stakeholders who will form part of the assessment panel.
70%     Digital portfolio to showcase a proof of concept that is seeking external funding or support

Semester two

Digital Marketing Analytics and Strategy

The module combines two interesting topics in the field of digital marketing:
(i) Digital Marketing strategies
(ii) Marketing/Digital Analytics.  

To start the module, we look at digital marketing strategy development, the critical components of a digital marketing strategy and its strategic significance. Interesting topics like digital marketing intelligence, social media and search analytics, big data, customer centric digital strategy etc. will form this part of the module. You will be required to develop a digital marketing strategy for a company of your choice. This provides a platform to apply the principles and frameworks that you have learned. 

Next you will work with business simulation as part of your learning process for strategic decision making.  Working in a group of fellow students, you will act as an entrepreneur of your own company and, as a group, will actively make strategic decisions on a weekly basis for all components of business. Your decision-making will include digital elements to ensure they align with the overall strategy.

Teaching: you will learn through:

  • Interactive lectures, seminars and business simulation activities
  • Group working on a case study or article with group presentation of solutions
  • Industry guest speakers and live project case studies to develop campaigns for
  • Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments:

40%        Group Simulation Performance score
60%        Individual Strategic Marketing Plan

Information Systems and Digital Transformation

Most businesses are undergoing some form of digital transformation, this module has been designed in partnership with business leaders to take a critical overview of the processes that are involved. You will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the needs of organisations when strategically planning transformation and integrating business information systems. You will also achieve a holistic knowledge of the critical role of Information Technology/ Systems (IT/S), both at corporate and business levels, enabling you to be ready to support and deliver professional, ethical and legal services in IT/S transformation.

The module is divided into six topic specific blocks. Each block will introduce the topic, via interactive/participatory lecture and tutorial/seminar sessions and close with a reflection and synopsis of the topic area. Each block will inform the following block.

Teaching is delivered via:

  • interactive lecture sessions, timed tasks, panel discussions, round table debates and quizzes. These will be explored in greater detail by students, working individually or in small groups on a case study, or articles/whitepapers from associated business resources. Groups will be asked to present their solutions to the larger class and these will be openly discussed.
  • guest speakers (including graduates) from industry provide you with valuable examples of current practices, career advice and networking opportunities.
  • additional guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments:

100%      Digital portfolio

Semester three (Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) - choose from)

Work Placement

This is a paid industry placement and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 6-month employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally. 

You will source your own placement; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.  

As part of your placement, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work on an organisational issue, working with the client on a full-time basis. 

You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your placement, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.

The ICP work placement will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word project report that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your placement. Your project report will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.   

Assessment: 10,000 word project report

Internship

This can be a paid or unpaid internship and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 3-month internship with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally. 

You will source your own internship; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.  

As part of your internship, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue up to 20 hours per week. 

You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your internship, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.

The ICP internship will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word project report that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your internship.  Your project report will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.   

Assessment: 10,000 word project report

Applied Dissertation

A 3-month Applied Dissertation provides you with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to you and this should fit in with your programme of study. This is an advanced-level applied research pathway that can be based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The Applied Dissertation route provides you with the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge you have gained from the taught elements of your course to a current organisational issue. You will implement and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical self-reflection and methodical, systematic research.  It is a very good option to choose if you are considering moving into academic research or PhD upon completion of your master’s programme.

You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your Applied Dissertation, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.

The Applied Dissertation will be assessed in the form of a 15,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection. 

Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation

Entrepreneurship

A 3-month entrepreneurship dissertation involves analysing business opportunities and writing a business plan including critical reflection on opportunities, challenges and strategies. This will lead you on to establish a new business or incorporate your entrepreneurial thinking into the management of existing organisations. You should demonstrate an understanding through the development of an enterprise idea in a specific sector or industry, together with evidence of critical and analytical evaluation. You may find the entrepreneurship dissertation both challenging and rewarding, as it is a practical module in an area which you should have an interest in.

You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout the entrepreneurship dissertation route.  They will assist you in developing your skills and reasoning to support entrepreneurial action while working on the development of your own innovative business idea.  In doing this, you will prepare a proposal, ethical considerations for your data collection and field work to support the development of your business plan. 

The Entrepreneurship route will be assessed in the form of an 8,500-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your entrepreneurial business idea.  Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection. 

Assessment: 8,500 word dissertation

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

78%

Pass rates, 2020-21

37%

Merit

30%

Distinction

TEACHING

The teaching on all our postgraduate programmes is based on the following principles:

  • Developing the leader/manager of the future
  • Professional competence
  • Global thinking
  • Ethical, responsible and sustainable practice.

We use a wide range of approaches to teaching to help you learn. Typically a module will include a mixture of activities: generally based around interactive lectures, dealing with a number of specific topics. The tutor introduces and explains key concepts and learning points, which are examined in detail through class discussion. You will on occasion work in small groups on case studies or articles and the group will present their solutions for wider discussion. You will be encouraged to offer examples from your own experience of work.

In addition, you will get an outline syllabus content and associated reading list at the start of the module which will be the basis for your self-directed study.

An important principle of the learning and teaching strategy is to develop you as a reflective practitioner able to understand your own motivations and abilities.

ASSESSMENT

Over the duration of your course a range of assessment techniques will be used. Types of assessment include; essays, assignments, exams, multiple choice tests, online tests, group reports, and portfolio work.

SUPPORT AND MENTORING

Taking the leap from undergraduate study? Returning after a study break? Joining us as an international student? Whatever your circumstance, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your studies. Find out more about our support for postgraduate students.

Why choose Salford Business School

Salford Business School aims to foster the next generation of leaders and create a new vision of innovative and entrepreneurial leadership. We are integrated into the local business community as a hub for knowledge creation and exchange.

This means that our teaching is highly practical and your learning is informed by our industry partners. Every postgraduate course includes a work placement or work experience project in the UK or internationally so you can put your learning into practice before you graduate. We are proud that our industry collaborations and partnerships benefit students, businesses and the community.

With multiple start points for our degrees, you can choose when to start your studies so that they fit with your life priorities. We want you to succeed in your studies and in your profession so we provide the support you need to achieve your aims.

Our goal is to prepare you for a fulfilling life and professional career. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.

 

Is Business a Science or an Art?

At Salford Business School, our postgraduate degree award is the Masters of Science (MSc) to reflect our approach to business knowledge. We believe that business decisions should be data-driven and evidence-based – even when the outputs are innovative and creative.

Where will I learn?

Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s beautiful Peel Park campus and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Teaching facilities include Lady Hale and Chapman buildings, which offer stylish modern spaces with lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays. Throughout campus, there is a choice of individual study areas, communal learning and breakout spaces, plus a selection of food outlets.

The University library isn’t just for reading books.  The ‘library in the park’ is a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, bookable working rooms and café.  It's open 24/7 everyday of the year (except Christmas Day!) so you can study when it suits you. It'll be an important place for you; in 2020, 100% of students asked agreed that the library resources have supported their learning (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data). 

You will have access to a range of study skills sessions to help you get ready for postgraduate  learning and be successful in your studies and in your work. These include academic writing, research and digital skills.

A dedicated Business School Employability team will help you with work placements and work skills. You can access our professional, on-campus employability services at any time – even after you graduate. We can help you to create the perfect CV and LinkedIn page, as well as practice interview techniques and offer career advice.

Interested in starting your own business? Launch@ Salford is the incubation centre for business start ups providing a reception area, hot desk office space, private meeting rooms – and a networking lounge where you can grab a coffee and make those business connections.

Programme Leader

Dr Marie Griffiths 

Marie is the Business School’s Director of Post Graduate Research (PGR) and Programme Leader for this course, teaching across the Business School on a number of digital-focused modules at UG and PG level. Previously Director for the award-winning Centre for Digital Business, Marie is a key member of the Women in Tech sub cluster of the Research Cluster for Disruptive Technology at Salford Business School. This ensures that the internationally recognised research informs the teaching on this programme. Digital business is a critical concern for many business leaders and owners and as a consequence, Marie has co-authored a book ‘Strategic Digital Transformation: a results driven approach’. Marie is the former President of the UKAIS (UK Academy of Information Systems), a 25-year established academy that links industry and academia, and is proud to be a Digital Trustee at Emmaus Salford.

Marie’s research passions are technologies and people; looking at how omnipresent and emerging technologies are transforming how we work, communicate, play, learn and the different spaces that we now exist in. More generally for society is the issue of privacy and digital identities and the data that is amassing. Also more concerning for businesses is, are they digitally ready, do they know what technologies are coming to disrupt them and do they know their customers?

Marie has an excellent track record of working closely with SMEs to digitally transform and has been part of the academic team on ten Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Getting Here

University of Salford is easy to get to with Salford Crescent train station right in the centre of our main campus. Whether by bus, rail, bike, car or plane, Peel Park campus is easily accessed from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond. For international students, Manchester airport is a short ride away and offers regular flights from London and many international airports.

Get more information about your options for commuting

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

There is a real shortage of good digital skills within the business sector which means excellent employment opportunities for graduates with good IT and digital management skills.

Our graduates are highly sought after in many different sectors as the technical expertise developed through the programme cuts across a variety of industries. You can look to a role leading a development or transformation team. Other graduates progress to become business owners and consultants.

This course will provide you with flexible employment opportunities leading to potential roles with a variety of management-level national and international sectors.

A taste of what you could become

An Information systems manager

A Data analyst

A Management consultant

A Digital marketing manager

An Entrepreneur

And more...

Career Links

The University of Salford grew out of the institutes of the late 19th century that provided a talented, technically proficient and professional workforce to support the UK’s rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, this still holds strong. Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focused education is equally relevant today.

We teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.

The curriculum across our postgraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience. Our industry partners give us their input into the curriculum so that the teaching reflects industry’s current and future needs and you develop the skills that employers want. The Industry Collaboration Project, which forms the final third of your study, is designed to give you real-world experience so you can apply the theory you have learned.

Requirements

What you need to know

APPLICANT PROFILE

This course is ideal if you are a graduate from a business or management-related subject, or if you have work experience that has incorporated a project management role. It may also appeal if you are a graduate from another discipline wanting to move into project management.

The MSc is the only route available for international students. Find out more about the dedicated support for international applicants.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5.

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course

Standard entry requirements

Undergraduate degree

Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent.

A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.

Where a student has gained a recognised Honours degree but does not meet the normal entry qualification requirement, they may still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate relevant work experience of a minimum two years duration post study and acceptable level of responsibility.

International Students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative entry requirements

Accreditation Of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2023/24 £8,550.00per year
Full-time international 2023/24 £15,750.00per year
Full-time home 2024/25 £8,550.00per year
Full-time international 2024/25 £16,560.00per year
Part-time 2024/25 £1,425 per 30 credit module

Fees for PgDip (4 x 30 credit modules) and PgCert (2 x 30 credit modules) are based on the fee shown above for part-time per 30 credit module.

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships opportunities

The Aziz Foundation is kindly funding the Aziz Foundation Scholarship at the University of Salford to support British Muslims who wish to advance in their careers and bring positive change to their communities. Learn more about scholarships and bursaries.

Additionally, if you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545

Enrolment dates

November 2023

January 2024

March 2024

June 2024

September 2024

November 2024