Business Development & Innovation

This course is aimed at providing you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a range of business-related disciplines, with a particular focus on business development and innovation. The course covers several relevant topics and has links with institutions such as Harvard Business School and Babson College.



If you are coming to the course with considerable existing industrial experience, it will support career progression - for example, moving from a technical discipline to a wider management role.



If you're a more recent graduate, the course will significantly enhance business knowledge and skills to provide you with an increased knowledge of up-to-date and innovative organisational practice, based on a solid grounding in a range of relevant business disciplines.



Conversion Course

Are you looking to pivot your career or expand your expertise?

This programme provides the perfect opportunity to transfer your skills to a different sector with no need to have a background in the subject area.



One of the features of the MSc in Business Development and Innovation is that each of the eight taught modules is delivered using Block Learning. This means each module is delivered over three full days, with a follow-up day, usually a week later. Classes do not follow the traditional weekly lecture/seminar format.



During the three days (plus the follow-up) you will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, seminars, case studies and guest speakers. You would also be expected to complete your own, individual learning, outside the classes.

• Creativity

• Global Business

• Competitiveness

• Management Research Dissertation

• Strategy for Business Development

• Strategic and Applied Digital Marketing

• Entrepreneurship

• Innovation in Practice

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a degree with at least 2:2 Honours standard or equivalent.



Exceptionally, applicants who do not possess academic qualifications at the appropriate level but have substantial relevant work experience may be considered for admittance in accordance with the Faculty’s Accreditation of Prior Learning policy.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Start Dates:

September 2025

January 2026

Career options

The course provides the foundation for opportunities in a wide range of careers, across a number of business areas. These include, for example, business development, strategy, innovation, business analysis, research, and consultancy.



The course also helps develop competencies for career change/progression, while also providing the necessary tools to enable participants to set up their own business.