Digital Leadership

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.



Overview

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 MSc in Digital Leadership 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.*



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.

Module Name



1 AI Strategy and Governance for Digital Leaders



2 Leading People and Culture in the Age of AI



3 AI Foundations and Frontier Technologies



4 Project Management for Digital Transformation



5 Cybersecurity Ethics and Policy in Digital Organisations



6 AI-Native Business Models and Innovation



7 AI-Powered Analytics and Executive Storytelling



8 Research Methods for Digital Transformation



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



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.

This programme is deliberately open in its entry requirements. Unlike more technical postgraduate programmes, 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.

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

Next Intakes:

September 2026

January 2027

Career Opportunities

The rise in employment opportunities in the area of data science is a global trend. Data Science is set up as a priority area of focus in the discipline of ICT for 2018-2023 in particular in automation and digitalisation including Data Analytics, Management, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (including Machine Learning), Digital Platforms, Content and Applications etc.



Graduates from Master of Science in Data Analytics programme have the potential to excel in roles such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, AI Manager, IT Manager, Data Analytics Managers in a wide variety of industries.



Within the Data Analytics space, there is a diversity of jobs requiring various levels of expertise:



Core industry roles include:

Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Data Engineer

BI Analyst