Master of Science
MSc Management and Information Systems: Change and Development
Due to high demand for this course, we operate a staged admissions process with multiple selection deadlines throughout the year, to maintain a fair and transparent approach.
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Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:
-
MSc (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £14,700
International, including EU, students (per annum): £30,500
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs.
Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information .
Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.
International student CAS deposit
Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.
- Learn more about - student finance options for UK students .
- Learn more about - fees and finance for international students .
- Graduates of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University can receive a 10% discount on their master's degree tuition fees as part of our Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount scheme.
Course unit details:
Innovation and Digital Transformation in Organizational Contexts
| Unit code | MGDI71112 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
This course unit critically explores the intricate and evolving relationship between digital technology and organizations from an HRD perspective. In an era where digital technologies are reshaping every facet of organizational life, this course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how these changes are influencing organizational practices. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage organizations in a digital environment.
The unit will critically examine how cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data analytics, augmented reality and cloud computing are transforming traditional organizational functions. It will explore the implications of these technologies for key organizational and HRD practices such as strategic talent management, workforce planning, learning and development, employee engagement, and performance management. Students will gain insights into how digital transformation can enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency, and how it can be leveraged to foster a more dynamic, agile, and responsive organizations.
Furthermore, the course unit addresses the ethical, legal, and social implications of digital transformation. As digital tools and platforms become more prevalent in the workplace, issues such as data privacy, security, and the digital divide become increasingly important. The course will equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate these complex issues and make informed, ethical decisions in their professional practice.
Practical components of the course will involve case studies, simulations, and project work, where students will apply their learning to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach will help students develop practical skills in implementing digital transformation strategies and using digital tools effectively in various organizational contexts.
Overall, this unit is not just about understanding the digital transformation in organizations; it is about preparing students to be leaders and innovators in the rapidly evolving digital world. It aims to develop a cohort of HRD and other professionals who are not only technologically savvy but also ethically grounded and strategically minded, capable of driving digital innovation in organizations while maintaining a focus on human-centric values which is a fundamental focus of HRD.
Aims
The unit aims to equip students with the understanding and skills necessary to navigate and effectively lead innovation and digital transformations in organizational contexts. As the digital era reshapes the landscape of work, organizational leaders, managers, and human resource professionals face unique challenges and opportunities. This course will explore how new technologies and processes, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality and big data, are transforming traditional organizational practices from an HRD perspective. Students will learn to design and implement digital transformation processes and strategies within organizational context with emphasis on development organizations, understand the ethical implications of digital tools in real life contexts, and develop skills to foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within organizations.
Syllabus
Week 1: Overview of digital transformation in organizations: Trends and implications.
Week 2: Integrating digital technologies in practice: Tools and applicationshnologies in organizations, including AI, machine learning and augmented reality.
Week 3: Beyond Digitalization: Planning, developing, and implementing digital strategies.
Week 4: Cultivating a digital learning culture: Techniques and best practices.
Week 5: Data analytics in practice: Measuring impact and informing decisions.
Week 6: Ethical considerations in digital transformation: Balancing technology and human factors.
Week 7: Global perspectives in digital transformation.
Week 8: Leading innovation and digital transformation: Navigating virtual and hybrid teams, and new organizational forms.
Week 9: Case studies in digital transformation: Successes and lessons learned.
Week 10: The future of digital transformations in organizations: New work, emerging technology trends and predictions.
Note: These sessions will be complimented by Tutorials and Workshop Sessions aimed at developing students’ practical skills.
Teaching and learning methods
This course unit employs a blend of teaching and learning methods designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Digital Transformation in Organizational Contexts. The methods are tailored to facilitate both theoretical comprehension and practical application, ensuring that students are well-equipped for real-world challenges in digital HRD.
The course unit’s delivery strategy is designed to leverage both traditional and digital teaching methods, with a balanced mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities to cater to diverse learning styles and provide flexibility. The incorporation of e-learning elements ensures that students are exposed to and become adept in the digital tools and platforms that are central to the course’s focus.
Knowledge and understanding
- Grasp the dynamics of digital transformation in organizations and its impact on traditional organizational practices.
- Understand the role of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning in reshaping organizations and the HRD function in particular.
- Comprehend the ethical and legal considerations involved in the application of digital tools in organizations.
- Recognize the global trends in digital transformation and their implications for future practices.
Intellectual skills
- Critically analyze the effectiveness of digital technologies in organizations.
- Synthesize information from various sources to develop comprehensive digital transformation strategies
- Evaluate the ethical implications of digital tools and practices.
- Develop an analytical framework for assessing the impact of digital initiatives in organizations.
Practical skills
- Design and implement innovation and digital transformation strategies in organizational settings.
- Utilize digital tools effectively for training, development, and organizational learning.
- Apply data analytics to measure and enhance the effectiveness of organizational initiatives.
- Demonstrate competence in managing digital change processes and innovation within organizations.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Develop leadership and project management skills specific to digital transformation initiatives.
- Enhance communication and collaborative skills in a digital context.
- Cultivate adaptability and resilience in the face of technological changes in all contexts.
- Foster a mindset of continuous learning and innovation in professional practice.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 70% |
| Project output (not diss/n) | 30% |
Assessment 1: Group Digital Transformation Strategy Development (1,500 words per group) 30%
This task will involve students working in groups in a dedicated collaborative digital space to develop a comprehensive digital transformation strategy for an organization. Students will work together to analyze an organization's current digital capabilities in relation to people resources and create a detailed plan for integrating digital technologies to all HRD operational areas within the organization.
Assessment 2: Individual Case Study Analysis (1,500 words, +/- 10%) 70%
In this individual task, students will analyze a real-world case study of digital transformation within an organizational context. They will evaluate the strategies used, the challenges faced, the outcomes achieved, and lessons learned, providing recommendations for future initiatives.
Feedback methods
Assessment 1
Written feedback will be provided to students in-line with the University’s guidelines via Turnitin®UK GradeMark.
Assessment 2
Written feedback will be provided to each group in-line with the University’s guidelines.
All members of the group will receive the same marks for this assessment, reflecting the collaborative nature of the task and the collective effort put into developing the digital transformation strategy.
Recommended reading
This course unit will rely mainly on journal articles, and this will be updated on an ongoing basis to reflect current developments within the field.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 4 |
| Tutorials | 7.5 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 118.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Kelechi Ekuma | Unit coordinator |
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