Project Management, Leadership and Skills: Planning and Control
Managing Innovation and Information Technology
Salford Business School
Full-time
Part-time
One year
Two year
March 2024
In a nutshell
This programme is no longer accepting applications. For future 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 technology for the benefit of their business.
Suitable for graduates or professionals with a background in computer science or 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.
The programme is research-informed and delivered by academics from the University’s active Disruptive Technologies Cluster. Through regular visits from industry speakers, the Industry Collaboration Project and the chance to take part in University entrepreneurship projects and competitions, you’ll gain experience and an insight into Greater Manchester’s growing tech scene.
The digital skills gap has been highlighted as a key issue for businesses regardless of size or sector (Manchester Digital Strategy 2021-2026). By focusing on real-world applications of emerging technologies and the development of practical skills, you’ll graduate with the credentials and experience that employers are looking for.
Six good reasons to choose Salford Business School:
- Salford is a city focussed on using innovative digital technologies to transform lives
- We have excellent industry links into the dynamic Greater Manchester business community, a hub for digital enterprise
- Real-world learning on the unique Industry Collaboration Project
- Multiple start dates to fit with your life priorities
- Our beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
- Focus on the digital, ethical and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century
To find out more, register for one of our Postgraduate Open Days or learn more about our master's courses in business, finance and law.
You will:
- Develop your managerial and technical IT skills
- Explore emerging and disruptive technologies and business models
- Work with a range of technologies and tools in our purpose built Makerspace
- Learn to plan business transformation by using information systems and technology
- Put learning into practice through the Industry Collaboration Project
options available
students accepted
This is for you if...
You have an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset
You have a background in technology or IT
You are a problem solver
You are passionate about emerging technologies
You are interested in the way tech impacts how we live and work
You have aspirations of a managerial career
All about the course
The programme is block delivered and there are several entry points throughout the year. You will study the modules below in a sequence dependent on your start date.
The course is delivered in four blocks of intensive study periods. For each block, you study a single module for a six-week period. Teaching is delivered for six hours each week. In addition, you will attend weekly Supporting Student Success sessions to support your learning. You will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
The Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree. You will have the opportunity to select between a placement, internship or dissertation, all of which are designed to accommodate your career aspirations and enhance your professional experience. You can choose to work with your own or another organisation on a live brief.
You will be allocated a supervisor who will mentor you through the ICP. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the Student Hub and askUK. askUK can help with pre project/placement support for students and opportunities for those going on placement to participate in training workshops to ensure best practice. You are responsible for finding your internship, placement or live project but the Student Hub can help you.
Part time students study alternate modules (one module on, one module off) to complete their degree in two years.
You will learn about the approaches, skills and methods of effective project management, and the tools and techniques required for planning, control, teamwork, leadership and other key processes. You will develop knowledge and application of the techniques of estimating, forecasting and resource management.
All of these qualities will develop your ability to lead complex projects.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Small group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
50% Individual assignment
50% Portfolio of business proposal, exhibition and business plan
Innovative Problem Solving
This work-based module has been developed to ensure that you will gain an awareness and appreciation of the innovative, exploitative nature of emerging and disruptive technologies and open-source possibilities. You will learn from problem analysis, to design creative solutions to meet information needs of defined and potential user communities. This might include the elderly, disabled or the third sector groups.
You will be tasked with innovative problem solving using real life case studies. For this, you will have access to a range of technologies (raspberry pi, sensors,) tools (3D scanners and printers, laser cutters) and our purpose built developmental spaces (Makerspace) to support your development process.. This exciting module has a continuous digital portfolio assessment to showcase the progress of your innovative designs.
Teaching:
- Practice-based sessions to experience and learn appropriate tools, techniques and applications
- Industry guest speakers (including graduates) give you valuable insight and advise on current practices, career advice and networking opportunities
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments (based on real-life briefs):
30% ‘Meet the brief’ presentation to key stakeholders who will form part of the assessment panel.
70% Digital portfolio to showcase a proof of concept that is seeking external funding or support
Digital Marketing Analytics and Strategy
The module combines two interesting topics in the field of digital marketing:
(i) Digital Marketing strategies
(ii) Marketing/Digital Analytics.
To start the module, we look at digital marketing strategy development, the critical components of a digital marketing strategy and its strategic significance. Interesting topics like digital marketing intelligence, social media and search analytics, big data, customer centric digital strategy etc. will form this part of the module. You will be required to develop a digital marketing strategy for a company of your choice. This provides a platform to apply the principles and frameworks that you have learned.
Next you will work with business simulation as part of your learning process for strategic decision making. Working in a group of fellow students, you will act as an entrepreneur of your own company and, as a group, will actively make strategic decisions on a weekly basis for all components of business. Your decision-making will include digital elements to ensure they align with the overall strategy.
Teaching: you will learn through:
- Interactive lectures, seminars and business simulation activities
- Group working on a case study or article with group presentation of solutions
- Industry guest speakers and live project case studies to develop campaigns for
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
40% Group Simulation Performance score
60% Individual Strategic Marketing Plan
Information Systems and Digital Transformation
Most businesses are undergoing some form of digital transformation, this module has been designed in partnership with business leaders to take a critical overview of the processes that are involved. You will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the needs of organisations when strategically planning transformation and integrating business information systems. You will also achieve a holistic knowledge of the critical role of Information Technology/ Systems (IT/S), both at corporate and business levels, enabling you to be ready to support and deliver professional, ethical and legal services in IT/S transformation.
The module is divided into six topic specific blocks. Each block will introduce the topic, via interactive/participatory lecture and tutorial/seminar sessions and close with a reflection and synopsis of the topic area. Each block will inform the following block.
Teaching is delivered via:
- interactive lecture sessions, timed tasks, panel discussions, round table debates and quizzes. These will be explored in greater detail by students, working individually or in small groups on a case study, or articles/whitepapers from associated business resources. Groups will be asked to present their solutions to the larger class and these will be openly discussed.
- guest speakers (including graduates) from industry provide you with valuable examples of current practices, career advice and networking opportunities.
- additional guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
100% Digital portfolio
Work Placement
This is a paid industry placement and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 6-month employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally.
You will source your own placement; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your placement, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work on an organisational issue, working with the client on a full-time basis.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your placement, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The ICP work placement will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word project report that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your placement. Your project report will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word project report
Internship
This can be a paid or unpaid internship and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 3-month internship with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally.
You will source your own internship; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your internship, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue up to 20 hours per week.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your internship, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The ICP internship will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word project report that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your internship. Your project report will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word project report
Applied Dissertation
A 3-month Applied Dissertation provides you with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to you and this should fit in with your programme of study. This is an advanced-level applied research pathway that can be based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The Applied Dissertation route provides you with the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge you have gained from the taught elements of your course to a current organisational issue. You will implement and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical self-reflection and methodical, systematic research. It is a very good option to choose if you are considering moving into academic research or PhD upon completion of your master’s programme.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your Applied Dissertation, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The Applied Dissertation will be assessed in the form of a 15,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
Entrepreneurship
A 3-month entrepreneurship dissertation involves analysing business opportunities and writing a business plan including critical reflection on opportunities, challenges and strategies. This will lead you on to establish a new business or incorporate your entrepreneurial thinking into the management of existing organisations. You should demonstrate an understanding through the development of an enterprise idea in a specific sector or industry, together with evidence of critical and analytical evaluation. You may find the entrepreneurship dissertation both challenging and rewarding, as it is a practical module in an area which you should have an interest in.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout the entrepreneurship dissertation route. They will assist you in developing your skills and reasoning to support entrepreneurial action while working on the development of your own innovative business idea. In doing this, you will prepare a proposal, ethical considerations for your data collection and field work to support the development of your business plan.
The Entrepreneurship route will be assessed in the form of an 8,500-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your entrepreneurial business idea. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 8,500 word dissertation
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.
Why choose Salford Business School
Situated at the heart of Greater Manchester's £5 billion-pound business, finance and digital sector, Salford Business School stands as a dynamic hub for the development and exchange of knowledge. We combine cutting-edge learning with strong industry connections, preparing you to lead change in the fast-paced world of business and management.
Our expert-led and industry-informed programmes provide highly practical teaching enriched with real-world learning opportunities. Most of our programmes offer various work placements locally, nationally, and internationally, allowing you to practice and develop your learning.
Throughout your journey, we will equip you for a fulfilling life and professional career, fostering curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to tackle 21st-century challenges.
Business: Science or art?
Our postgraduate degree award is a Masters of Science (MSc), reflecting our commitment to data-driven, evidence-based business decisions, even in innovative and creative endeavours.
At the beating heart of it
You will study at our green Peel Park campus, just a short five-minute journey from central Manchester with close transport links, and our state-of-the-art campus at MediaCity is just a short bus ride away.
Our dedicated student hub on the sixth floor of the Maxwell Building provides areas for collaborative and independent study and break-out spaces. Additionally, here you can find our in-school progression and careers teams to support your journey.
Getting here
Our campuses are easily accessible, with Salford Crescent train station at the centre of our Peel Park campus. Whether travelling to us by bus, rail, bike, car, or plane, our campus is easily reached 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.
Programme Leader
Dr Marie Griffiths
Dr Marie Griffiths is the Business School’s Director of Post Graduate Research (PGR) and Programme Leader for digital-focused modules at UG and PG levels. As a key member of the Women in Tech sub cluster of the Research Cluster for Disruptive Technology at Salford Business School, she ensures that internationally recognised research informs the teaching on this programme. Marie is also the former President of the UKAIS (UK Academy of Information Systems) and a Digital Trustee at Emmaus Salford.
Her research focuses on how emerging technologies impact work, communication, play, and learning. She is particularly interested in issues of privacy, digital identities, and data accumulation. Marie has a successful track record of working with SMEs on digital transformation and has co-authored a book titled ‘Strategic Digital Transformation: a results driven approach’. Additionally, she has been part of the academic team on ten Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
Dedicated support
Starting or continuing to study at university is a big decision, and we are committed to supporting you throughout your time with us.
Our in-school Student Progression Assistants address programme and workload matters, whilst the Careers and Employability team, along with in-school advisors, offers personalised career support. The Library provides diverse learning support beyond your course, and for non-course matters, our university-wide support service, askUS, assist with topics from financial management to wellbeing.
If entrepreneurship appeals to you, Launch @Salford, our start-up incubator, offers expert insight and support. Additionally, our Business School's Postgraduate Mentoring Scheme connects new master's students with existing ones, providing valuable guidance during your transition.
These integrated support methods aim to help you seamlessly transition into your postgraduate course and ensure success during your time with us.
A global community
Salford Business School is home to a diverse global student-staff community. Our teaching team consists of active researchers, academics, and industry experts who offer the latest in theory, research, and industry expertise.
Furthermore, our diverse student community brings together individuals from various backgrounds and experiences, providing you with a well-rounded perspective, knowledge, and friendships that will shape you into a future leader and global citizen. This equips you to thrive in life and your career, instilling curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to confront the digital, ethical, and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
What about after uni?
There is a real shortage of good digital skills within the business sector which means excellent employment opportunities for graduates with good IT and digital management skills.
Our graduates are highly sought after in many different sectors as the technical expertise developed through the programme cuts across a variety of industries. You can look to a role leading a development or transformation team. Other graduates progress to become business owners and consultants.
This course will provide you with flexible employment opportunities leading to potential roles with a variety of management-level national and international sectors.
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. The Industry Collaboration Project, which forms the final third of your study, is designed to give you real-world experience so you can apply the theory you have learned.
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 a project management role. It may also appeal if you are a graduate from another discipline wanting to move into project management.
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.
Find out about dedicated support for international applicants.
Undergraduate degree
Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent. A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted, either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of 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).
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,550.00per year |
Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,750.00per year |
Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,550.00per year |
Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,560.00per year |
Part-time | 2024/25 | £1,425 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. For more information please see our funding section.
Industry placement fees
Students completing the industry placement will be subject to an admin fee of £1,700.
International applicants
If you are applying from overseas and are accepted onto the programme with placement, there will be additional costs associated with visa extensions. These include:
- Extending your student visa fee (visit gov.uk for more information). Please note, this is in addition to your original student visa fee.
- Tier 4 biometrics enrolment fee.
- Immigration Health Surcharge 12 month fee (visit gov.uk for more information).
Visit Immigration and Visa FAQ and read the section on extending your Tier 4 visa for further information.
International scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our international scholarships.
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