Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Leadership (Online)*

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Structure
  • Career Opportunities
  • Fees
  • Next Steps

Overview of MSc in Digital Leadership Programme (Online)

AI is changing how organisations operate. The leaders who will matter most in the next decade aren't necessarily the most technical - they're the ones who understand what AI makes possible, can make sound decisions about it, and know how to bring people with them through the change.

This programme is for professionals who need to lead or influence digital and AI-enabled transformation in their organisations. Whether you're a manager moving into a strategic role, a public sector leader navigating digital change, an entrepreneur driving digital growth, or a professional from any background looking to build specialist capability in this space, the online MSc in Digital Leadership programme at Dublin Business School is designed around what that job actually requires.

It's fully online and structured so you won't need to step back from your career to complete it.*

Who is this programme for

This programme is deliberately open in its entry requirements. Unlike more technical postgraduate programmes, such as Master of Science (MSc) in Data Analytics (Online)*, it's designed for professionals from any undergraduate discipline - the focus is on leadership capability and strategic judgement, not a specific technical background.
 
It suits managers and professionals moving into digital or AI strategy roles, those working in innovation, change, or transformation functions, public sector leaders building digital capability, entrepreneurs and SME leaders responsible for digital growth, and early-career graduates looking to develop specialist leadership skills from the outset.
 
International professionals seeking a recognised postgraduate qualification in digital transformation are also welcome to apply.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is a Level 8 honours bachelor's degree with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 (2.2) in any discipline from a recognised third-level institution. A Level 6 EQF bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is also accepted, as is an equivalent professional qualification such as ACCA or CIMA.
 
Applicants without a Level 8 qualification at 2.2 but with at least three years of relevant professional experience may be considered through DBS's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. These applications are assessed individually and may require an interview or GMAT examination.
 
If English is not your first language and your undergraduate degree was not taught in English, you'll also need to provide:
 

●    Evidence of B2+ proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

●    A recognised test certificate (IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE, or DBS English Assessment) dated within the last two years
 

Non-EU applicants living outside Ireland should apply directly to the DBS International Admissions Office.
 
*Programme subject to validation.

FAQ

What are the entry requirements for the MSc in Digital Leadership (Online)?

To apply for the MSc in Digital Leadership (Online), you typically need a Level 8 honours bachelor’s degree (2.2 or higher) in any discipline. Applicants without this qualification may still be considered if they have at least three years of relevant professional experience through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Can I study the MSc in Digital Leadership online while working?

Yes, this online master’s degree is designed for working professionals. The flexible structure allows you to balance your career and studies through a combination of structured learning and online delivery.

Do I need a technical background to study Digital Leadership?

No, a technical background is not required. This programme is designed for professionals from any discipline who want to develop leadership skills in digital transformation, AI strategy and organisational change.

 

What you'll develop

The programme builds capability across four dimensions that define effective digital leadership.

●    Strategic and governance literacy - you'll develop the frameworks to lead AI strategy, manage digital risk, and navigate the governance and ethical responsibilities that come with digital transformation at scale.

●    People and culture leadership - modules in leading people in the age of AI and AI-native business model innovation address the human side of transformation - the part most organisations find hardest.

●    Technical fluency - you don't need to be a technologist to lead digital change, but you do need to understand it. Modules in AI foundations, cybersecurity ethics, and applied analytics give you the working knowledge to make informed decisions and ask the right questions.

●    Research and applied problem-solving - a dedicated research methods module and a substantial capstone develop the evidence-based thinking and independent judgement required at senior level.
 

Modules

The programme is 90 ECTS, delivered across four taught semesters followed by a capstone in semester five.


Number

Module Name

Semester

1

AI Strategy and Governance for Digital Leaders

1

2

Leading People and Culture in the Age of AI

1

3

AI Foundations and Frontier Technologies

2

4

Project Management for Digital Transformation

2

5

Cybersecurity Ethics and Policy in Digital Organisations

3

6

AI-Native Business Models and Innovation

3

7

AI-Powered Analytics and Executive Storytelling

4

8

Research Methods for Digital Transformation

4

9

Applied Research Project in Digital Transformation / Digital Transformation Simulation (elective)

5

 

The capstone gives you a choice of two paths. The Applied Research Project develops and implements an evidence-based solution to a real digital challenge in your chosen field. The Digital Transformation Simulation is an interactive, scenario-based environment where you apply strategy, lead change, and demonstrate judgement under conditions that replicate the complexity of organisational transformation. You choose based on how you learn best and where you want to go next.

How it's delivered

Teaching combines live, scheduled online sessions with self-paced content you work through in your own time. The split varies by module credit weight - 5 ECTS modules typically involve four live sessions of 1.5 hours supported by eight asynchronous sessions of equivalent length; 10 ECTS modules scale proportionally.
 
The programme is designed for people in full-time professional roles. You won't need to relocate, take a career break, or attend a campus.

You'll need a laptop or desktop computer with a supported Windows operating system, 8GB RAM, and a reliable internet connection.

 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Digital Leadership move into roles where strategic leadership and digital capability intersect. Common destinations include:
 

●    Digital Transformation Project Manager

●    Head of Digital Product and Strategy

●    Change Management and Communications Lead

●    Digital Communications Manager

●    AI Governance Lead

●    Digital Transformation Roadmap Manager

●    Project Portfolio Manager

 
These roles are in demand across financial services, technology, retail, and the public sector - anywhere organisations are managing the complexity of digital and AI-enabled change.

The programme's emphasis on AI strategy, governance, and data-driven decision-making positions graduates particularly well for executive and senior leadership roles that require both strategic vision and the technical fluency to make it credible.

 

Fees 

The fee for the full programme is €8,000.

If you're an Irish income tax payer, tax relief is available at the standard rate of 20% on fees above €1,500 and up to €7,000. Our Admissions Team can walk you through the options available to you.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner.   More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Next Steps

Our Virtual Open Days are a good way to get your questions answered before you apply. You'll speak directly with academics from the programme and the admissions team.

EU applicants should complete the online application form and submit the following:

●    Academic transcripts (with certified English translation where applicable)

●    Proof of identification

●    Curriculum Vitae

●    Proof of English proficiency where required
 

Non-EU applicants resident in Ireland should also include a copy of their GNIB Card, work permit if applicable, and Passport.

International applicants outside Ireland should contact the DBS International Admissions Office directly.

Advanced entry to any stage of the programme is not permitted. 

Categories:
  • Postgraduate Programmes
  • Online
  • Information Technology
  • DBS Online
  • Business & Management
  • 9

Course overview

Awarding Body: 
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
QQI AWARD LOGO (1)
Award: Masters Degree
NFQ Level: 
Level 9
Award Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Leadership (Online)
Award Type: Major
Duration: 
Online, Part-time: 2 Years
Next Intakes:

September 2026
January 2027

Contact Us

Email: admissions@dbs.ie
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday
8:45am to 5:15pm