Course Summary
With digital innovation at the heart of transformation across the global business spectrum, the MSc in Digital Innovation champions the vital qualities to lead the strategic development and deployment of new technology and systems. Designed to equip future business and technology leaders with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the digital age, this programme addresses technology-centric transformation in business and society.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Please review the entry requirements below. The UCD Smurfit Admissions Office staff have expertise in reviewing international qualifications from around the world and will be able to assess your application's comparability to the Irish entry requirement.
A minimum second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
OR
A primary degree with a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, an English language qualification is required for admission to all of our programmes. The exception to this rule is if you have completed your primary degree or an entire third level qualification through English, in an English speaking country. https://www.smurfitschool.ie/admissions/internationalapplicants/englishlanguagerequirements/
Non-EU students cannot typically study part-time in Ireland if they require a student visa, as student permission is granted for full-time courses on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Non-EU students who are not residents of Ireland can apply for part-time courses that are 100% online, and in this case, a visa is not required.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/
Application Details
Apply online
Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
B551 Digital Innovation Master of Science Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
(UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School)
B552 Digital Innovation Master of Science Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
(UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School)
Fees
How To Apply
Step 1: Collating Documentation
The first step is to collate the required documentation needed to assess your application*. These can include but are not limited to:
Transcripts
CV
English Language Test
References
Additional Documentation
Step 2: The Application Process
Once you have collated the required documentation and reviewed the entry requirements for your programme of interest, you can now apply online.
Apply Online
You must apply online using our dedicated student information portal. You will be required to enter contact details, upload your documents and answer two essay questions (each approximately 300 words). We would ask that you seriously consider both essays and answer these in the context of the programme you are applying to. Try to not replicate your CV and demonstrate what makes you different from other applicants. There are no right or wrong ways to complete these essays.
Application Deadlines:
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis and courses will close once they are filled. We advise you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Please note certain scholarships may require you to apply before a certain date – please refer to our scholarship page here. If you have any questions in relation to deadlines or availability please email [email protected].
Application Fee
You will then be asked to submit your application and pay the €50 application fee. No application can be assessed until the fee has been paid. You can apply for multiple programmes with the one application fee, but please be sure to mark your preferred course.
Application Review
Once submitted, it usually takes 2-3 weeks before a decision is made on fully completed applications. This time period can sometimes be longer and can vary at different times in the year and in different regions. We may offer you a conditional place based on the completion of a number of criteria, such as degree, English test, or another qualification. This reserves you a place on the course and once you have fulfilled this criteria we will issue you a full offer.
Deposit
Acceptance is completed by paying a non-refundable deposit (varies from either €500 or €1000 depending on the programme. Most of our programmes require a €500 deposit). Your offer email will detail the exact deposit amount required. Once you have accepted you will then be supported by the Programme Office who will contact you with further course and start details.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The MSc in Digital Innovation has been designed to equip future business and technology leaders with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the digital age. Our students are taught by internationally-recognised researchers and can engage directly with the technology companies that have made Dublin the “Digital Hub of Europe”. Our graduates emerge as insightful, reflective and critically-minded individuals with a unique understanding of the discovery, development, diffusion, and impact of digital product, process, and business model innovations.
Potential careers for our graduates are exciting and varied. Think consultant brains, product-manager hearts, and data-scientist hands—our graduates translate emerging tech into real-world change for names like Google, AWS, Deloitte and Microsoft in positions including:
Analyst (Data/ICT/Business)
Software Engineer
Project Manager
Product Manager
Software Development
IT Support
Webmaster
IT Internal Auditor
Corporate Security Analyst
Consultant
83% of our graduates from this programme were employed after 6 months (Latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, published in September 2025).
Discover the impressive range of industries and companies employing our graduates and the roles our alumni have taken on.
Duration
B552 - 2 years part-time.
Delivery: On Campus