Postgraduate MSc

Managing Innovation and Information Technology - NEW 2024

Salford Business School

Attendance

Full-time

Course

One year

Next enrolment

September 2024

Introduction

In a nutshell

This programme will run from September 2024 and is subject to final approval. For earlier intakes, 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 emerging technologies for the benefit of their business. We explore the intricate intersection of information management and technology leadership. 

Suitable for graduates or professionals with a background in computer science or general 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. 

Why choose Salford Business School?

  1. We provide practical teaching, informed by our industry partners, so you develop the skills employers are looking for.
  2. You can make the programme fit around your life priorities with multiple start dates and a choice of full or part-time study.
  3. We're based on a beautiful, green campus, just minutes from Manchester city centre.
  4. We have excellent industry links with the dynamic Greater Manchester business community.
  5. We focus on the digital, ethical, and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century.

To find out more about this programme, register for one of our Open Days, or learn more about all postgraduate opportunities in business, finance, and law.

You will:

  • focus on real-world application of emerging technologies, developing practical skills that employers are looking for
  • benefit from expert faculty and industry-driven curriculum
  • become equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to drive digital transformation, optimise IT resources, and navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape
  • engage in a hands-on way with data analytics methodologies and tools and a range of IT solutions
  • have the opportunity to acquire additional accreditations alongside your degree
Placement

options available

International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

you want to develop your knowledge and skills to be an effective future leader

2.

you are looking to start or progress a career in information systems and technology and want a rigorous and practice-focused approach

3.

you want to drive change and innovation

4.

you want to work with, and learn from, internationally recognised researchers and subject experts, who interact regularly with businesses and work organisations

5.

you are keen to acquire additional professional credentials embedded within this degree

6.

you want to study in a city and a university that is at the heart of the digital/technological revolution

Course details

All about the course

This course has three entry points per year: January, June, and September. The first intake will be September 2024 (subject to final approval).

You will complete 180 credits in total, comprising core and optional modules. Following completion of the core modules listed below, you will select one elective module as your final piece of work.

Modules

Managing Innovation and Creativity

The Managing Innovation and Creativity (MIC) module offers a comprehensive exploration of the principles and strategies required to effectively manage innovation and foster creativity within organisations. This module delves into the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of innovation management, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to lead and navigate the innovation process. You will learn the different models of innovation and creativity, how to foster a culture of innovation, identify opportunities for innovation, develop and implement innovation strategies, manage creative teams, and leverage emerging technologies to drive innovation. By the end of the module, you will have a deep understanding of the role of innovation and creativity in organisational success and be equipped to drive innovation initiatives in diverse business contexts.

Managing IS and Transformation

Managing IS and Transformation (MIST) module focuses on providing you with a comprehensive understanding and practical skills related to information systems (IS), digital transformation and its alignment with business needs. You will critically appraise alternative transformation solutions to bridge potential gaps between business and digital strategies. You will explore paradigms of philosophical inquiry and systems thinking, emphasising the value of critical thinking in IS and digital transformation. The module also delves into the evaluation of legal and ethical implications arising from new technologies in a business setting. You will develop practical skills in evaluating business requirements, digital and IT solutions, as well as utilising business analysis tools. Additionally, transferable skills for professional development, such as business process modelling, knowledge sharing, problem-solving, communication, and digital literacy, will be developed.

Project Management Plan: Tools & Techniques

Project Management Plan and Delivery: Tools & Techniques module will build-upon theoretical foundations through the practical application of digital capabilities that required to manage complex projects successfully within the digital age. You will have the opportunity to analyse and critique a variety of project management software suites and will practically apply software to develop project plans and monitor project success. You will also have the ability to manage a real-life project through a business simulation suite. This will allow you to gain practical insight into how software is used to facilitate the project methodologies including the traditional project lifecycle through to more modern agile developments.

Responsible Technologies

The Responsible Technologies module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary landscape of technology ethics, include Artificial Intelligence and information ethics. You will develop a critical appreciation of the individual, organisational and societal consequences of technology adoption, together with key ethical frameworks that can support our understanding. Using interactive and inquiry-based teaching approaches, the module will equip you with the skills to evaluate emerging technologies and understand the strategic implications of your introduction to organisations and industries, supporting your own development as an ethical leader. Topics will include ethical theories, regulatory and governance frameworks, sustainability, privacy and equality and inclusion in the context of technology use.

Business Data Insights & Analytics

The Business Data Insights & Analytics (BDIA) module focuses on the utilisation of data to drive valuable insights and make informed business decisions. In this module, you will learn about various data analytics techniques, tools, and methodologies to extract meaningful information from large datasets. You will explore the data lifecycle, the use of data analytic tools, and the role they play in contemporary organisations. You will also learn basic concepts of various Artificial Intelligence (AI) terms and methodologies, as well as how they can be applied on business data to support decision making. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to leverage data effectively and drive strategic business decisions. 

Cyber Security & Information Management

The Cyber Security and Information Management module provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices essential for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets within organisations. You will explore various aspects of information and cyber security including risk management, threat analysis, security policies, incident response, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The content in module will be mapped against the British Computer Society Information Security certificate to prepare you to undertake the certification if desired. Additionally, you will learn about emerging trends and technologies in information security, such as cloud security, mobile security, and data privacy. This module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively protect information assets and mitigate security risks in today's digital landscape.

Research Methods for Managers

This an applied module that focuses on practical research methodologies and techniques for preparing you to conduct research within the workplace, in order to prepare you for your final elective module and future workplace research. 

Following completion of the core modules, you will select one of the following elective modules as your final piece of work:

Work Placement

A full time placement of up to 12 months in a project management related role within a workplace (subject to availability and visa compliance). 

Business Consultancy Project

An experiential opportunity where you will work with clients to solve live business problems.   

Entrepreneurial Development Project

An experiential learning opportunity where you will conduct market and business environment research to identify a business idea or venture and develop a business plan.  

Business Internship

A 3-month experiential opportunity within an organisation, focusing on real-world project management issues.  

Business Dissertation

You will select a particular topic you are interested in for further in-depth study.   

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?

TEACHING

An underlying principle of the learning and teaching strategy is to develop students as reflective practitioners and encourage engagement with continuous professional development. Teaching activities will include interactive lecture sessions, timed tasks, group designed activities, discussions, round table debates, and student-led discussions, where you will be able to apply academic ideas and work with data, tools and techniques, supported by subject experts. 

ASSESSMENT

A range of assessment methods will be utilised across the programme, emphasising the practical aspects such as: 

  • MS Power BI dashboards 
  • Data analytics portfolio 
  • Podcasts 
  • Expo style research poster presentations  
  • Reports  
  • Digital portfolios  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Upon graduating, students will be well-prepared to pursue a wide array of rewarding and high-demand career opportunities: 

  • IT leadership: responsible for managing an organisation's information technology/systems department or teams, overseeing technology projects and teams. Overseeing technology strategies, ensuring alignment with business goals. 
  • IT cybersecurity or data management: contributing to protecting organisations from cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive data and systems, embedding Information management.  
  • Digital transformation: Offering expertise to businesses, leading organisations through the process of adopting and integrating new technologies, optimisation and digital transformation 
  • Data analysis: Analyse data to derive insights and support decision-making, a role in high demand in various industries. 
  • Project management: Manage IT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. 
  • Business analysis: Bridge the gap between business needs and IT solutions, optimizing processes and workflows. 
  • IT auditing: Evaluate and ensure the effectiveness of an organization's IT systems and controls. 
  • Innovation management: Drive innovation initiatives, fostering technological advancements within the organisation. 
  • Entrepreneurship: Launch technology-based ventures, leveraging expertise in IT/IS management. 
  • E-Commerce management: Overseeing online retail operations, optimising user experiences, building business models and driving sales. 

A taste of what you could become

An information systems manager

A data analyst

A management consultant

A cybersecurity manager

An entrepreneur

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. 

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 an IT or digital business-related role. It may also appeal if you are a graduate from another discipline wanting to move into managing IT as we have students from a wide variety of backgrounds.

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

You should possess a minimum of a 2.2 or international equivalent at BSc/BA level. Alternatively, having prior work or research experience, publications, or a strong interest in research can be considered when you apply. 

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).

English language requirements

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses. 

International students

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

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2024/25 £8,550.00per year
Full-time international 2024/25 £16,560.00per year
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

September 2024

September 2025