Program Overview

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Digital Business (MSc)

Award: Master of Science

Typical Offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

Course Type: Full-time

Campus: Highfield

Next course starts: September 2025

About this course

This MSc Digital Business master’s degree will give you vital insights into the digital economy. You'll explore the latest business strategies and technology, informed by our academics' research.

This course is well suited for students who would like to create their own digital business or advance their careers in tech companies.

Platforms like Uber and Airbnb, along with new and emerging technology, have changed the way we do business.

This master's programme will explore these new innovations and business strategies. You'll learn how to create a successful digital start-up, and help organisations adopt digital technology.

You'll focus on operational and technical aspects of the digital economy and study topics like:

• digital business
• web applications
• digitally enabled venture strategies
• entrepreneurship

You can also specialise your studies with optional modules that fit your academic and professional profile, interests and career goals.

The programme will give you all the knowledge and practical skills that employers look for. We use novel and unique modules taught by Southampton Business School.

We welcome applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. The University of Southampton is a world leader in business studies, with students from across the world choosing to study with us.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Dr. Sunyu Chai is a Lecturer in Digital Entrepreneurship. She earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Boston (2022) and has been conducting continuous research, exploring the dynamic relationships between work, organisation, and technology in contemporary society.

As the leader of the MSc Digital Business programme, she aims to foster creative and practical discussions on the evolving digital landscape, which is bringing both material and cultural transformations in our organisational lives.

Accreditations

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Learn more about this subject area

• Business, accounting, finance and marketing

Learn to succeed in business and shape industry practice. At Southampton Business School you'll develop the skills to understand the real-world issues facing businesses, organisations and government.

Facilities

• Business study spaces

Explore our dedicated spaces where business students can study, independently or in groups, or catch up over a coffee. This includes our MBA suite, an exclusive teaching space for our students.

• Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

• Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

We do not accept pure vocational subjects that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art and design, graphic design, animation, photography, radio and TV directing, theatre, film and TV.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0)

Course structure

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. Every student will learn about:

• new digital business creation
• growth and strategy
• digital entrepreneurship

You’ll also attend talks and masterclasses, learn current industry thinking, practical skills and explore different perspectives on digital issues.

In the second semester you’ll choose from a range of optional modules. These will enable you to enhance your business knowledge.

During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Current Trends in Strategy and Innovation Management
• Digital Business
• Digital Entrepreneurship
• Dissertation (DSIE)
• Managing Digital Design and Web Development

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Consultancy Skills
• Corporate Finance
• Digital Business and Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Systems Management and Strategy
• Information Systems and Digital Technologies
• Innovation and Technology Transfer
• International Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
• Managing Global Challenges
• Marketing in the Digital Age for Business
• Service Innovation Management
• Sustainable and Responsible Innovation

Learning and assessment

Learning

You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, group assignments, case studies and independent study.

As part of your learning, you’ll take part in debates, class activities and problem solving exercises to discuss methods and apply theory to practical situations. These activities will help you understand how business theory and practice are used to apply digital technologies.

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• written assessments
• group work exercises
• presentations
• coursework

Dissertation

As part of this course you’ll need to submit a 15,000 word dissertation project.

Academic Support

We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• EDI leadership

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Consultancy
• Technology
• Business
• Public Sector
• Finance

Careers directly related to this course:

• Management consultant
• Financial analyst
• Account manager
• Financial manager
• Business adviser
• Business development manager
• Business analyst
• Digital marketer

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• External auditor
• Operational researcher
• Data analyst
• Project manager
• Financial risk analyst
• Financial trader
• Investment banker
• Health service manager
• UX designer
• Web content manager

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Digital Business graduates*:

• Project manager
• Digital marketing analyst
• Management trainee
• Sales executive
• Software developer
• Business development manager
• Consultant
• Corporate account manager
• Digital content manager
• Financial analyst

See more

Job prospects for MSc Digital Business graduates

• Average professional salary: £33k
• In a skilled profession or further study: 81%
• Graduate employment rate: 95%

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,800.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship

A scholarship is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship

A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0)

Related courses

Digital Business (MSc) is a course in the Business, accounting, finance and marketing subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• MSc Accounting and Finance
• MSc Accounting and Management
• MSc Business Analytics and Finance
• MSc Business Analytics and Management Science
• MSc Business and Heritage Management
• MSc Business Strategy and Innovation Management
• MSc Digital Marketing
• MSc Digital Strategy and Information Systems
• MSc Finance
• MSc Finance and Econometrics
• MSc Finance and Economics
• MSc Human Resource Management
• MSc International Accounting and Governance
• MSc International Accounting and Sustainability
• MSc International Banking and Financial Studies
• MSc International Entrepreneurship and Management
• MSc International Financial Markets
• MSc International Management
• MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics
• MSc Management
• MSc Management and Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Marketing Analytics
• MSc Marketing Management
• MBA Master of Business Administration
• MSc Operational Research
• MSc Operational Research and Finance
• MSc Project Management
• MSc Risk and Finance
• MSc Risk Management
• MSc Shipping Finance
• MSc Strategic Operations and Supply Chain Management
• MSc Sustainable Finance