MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology
Part-fundedMove From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader
Leaders of technology and innovation functions require a unique combination of technical, leadership, and business abilities in order to effectively design, develop, manufacture and distribute products and processes.
The 2-year part-time MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology, delivered in collaboration with the College of Business at Technological University Dublin, is a part-time, applied Master’s for experienced professionals in technology and innovation who want to move beyond technical expertise and lead strategy, teams, change and growth inside modern organisations. It combines leadership, innovation and business capability in a format designed for people already in demanding roles.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is intended for professionals working in technology roles or technology industries that are seeking to develop as technology and innovation leaders in their organisation. The candidates applying should be experienced and either already in a leadership or manager roles or planning on moving into such positions.
Why join this programme?
- Understand how technology and innovation open the way to new business opportunities.
- Gain an understanding of the essential business and management skills for technology and innovation management.
- Prepare yourself for career growth within a range of industries, from manufacturing to services, and for new venture creation, whether you are operating within SMEs or MNCs.
- Become a subject matter expert in your organisation based on completion of a significant and rigorous applied research project.
The programme is highly practical and concentrates on the personal and professional development of learners by honing their analytical, conceptual and critical thinking skills; developing personal, consultancy and research competencies; and building a detailed understanding of the tools, methodologies and frameworks to support advanced management capability.
This programme is delivered via a blended learning approach over two years. Lectures are a mixture of online classes and in-person classes, which take place at the Technology University Dublin Aungier Street campus. In-person classes are not recorded or live streamed and must be attended for peer-to-peer learning. Classes are typically delivered on a Friday from 9am-5pm. A full breakdown of the lecture schedule will be provided following an application.
Two key phases underpin the programme: The first phase includes a suite of six modules that address key development areas for leaders and entrepreneurial professionals in the ICT sector. The second phase involves working on an applied research project. By conducting research in the context of your organisation and specialist area, you build your personal expertise while contributing to important management issues in the organisation.
This programme is delivered via a blended learning approach with 12 full-day workshops.
Hear from Dr. Hugh O’Donnell – Academic Lead for the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology – as he discusses what the programme is about, why it was created, format and structure of the programme and advice to anyone considering the programme.
Year 1: Modules 1-6
The six modules delivered in the first phase allows you to immerse yourself in current management thinking. The work-based assignments will further allow you to test potential ideas for the Applied Research Project to be completed in the second phase of the programme.
- Module 1: Innovation Management and Creativity
- Module 2: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
- Module 3: Personality and Leadership
- Module 4: Strategy Tools for Competitive Positioning
- Module 5: Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation
- Module 6: Team Leadership and Change Management
Year 2: Applied Research Project
The research project will have a structured design with both workshop/ webinar-based training and sequenced outputs that build towards the delivery of a high-quality research project with the potential to deliver real impact.
The research involved will typically focus on research ‘in’ the organisation rather than ‘on’ the organisation. By conducting research in the context of your organisation and specialist area, you build your personal expertise while contributing to important management issues in the organisation.
Each programme participant will be assigned a mentor to advise them through all stages of the research process.
Assessment
The assessment for each of the six modules in Phase 1 will be exclusively linked to work-based project assignments and reflective learning submissions. There will be no examinations.
The final award of the Master’s Degree will be linked to the assessment of the research project undertaken by the participant with the support of the College.
For further information on modules and programme information, please use the Download Brochure button on this page.
Important Notice: In accordance with QQI Awards Standards, this course is presently undergoing a revalidation process. Revalidation is a mandatory requirement for all QQI-accredited courses every five years. As a result, there may be some revisions and enhancements to the modules listed in the brochure. The updated module content will be made available as soon as possible.
Upon completion of this course, you will have gained necessary skills and experience in:
- Leadership Development: Develop advanced leadership skills necessary to lead teams and organisations effectively.
- Collaborative Skills: Enhance collaboration and teamwork skills essential for leading diverse teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
- Innovation Management: Gain proficiency in managing innovation processes within technology-driven environments, including idea generation, development, and implementation.
- Communication Skills: Refine communication skills to effectively communicate vision, strategy, and ideas to stakeholders, including executives, team members, and clients.
- Strategic Thinking: Acquire strategic thinking capabilities to analyse complex technological landscapes, anticipate trends, and formulate effective strategies for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
- Global Perspective: Develop a global perspective on technology leadership, understanding the impact of globalisation, cultural, and international markets.
- Change Management: Develop expertise in managing organisational change processes, including technology adoption, digital transformation, and organisational restructuring.
- Continuous Learning: Cultivate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, staying abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in technology leadership.
- Project Management: Master project-management methodologies and tools tailored to technology projects, ensuring successful execution, resource optimisation, and timely delivery.
- Ethical Leadership: Understand the ethical implications of technological advancements and develop ethical leadership skills to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.
Academic Eligibility
Participants must have a Level 8 Honours Degree in a cognate discipline with a minimum of a 2:2.
For candidates who do not meet this minimum entry requirement, the college operates a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme whereby applicants may be considered based on relevant work or other experiences.
For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.
Fees
We’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of the programme with something extra special this year. To mark the occasion, we’re increasing our usual 20% grant funding to 30%, giving eligible participants even greater support towards the course fee. As a government-backed business support network, we’re delighted to offer this enhanced funding, reducing the standard programme fee from €5,000 to just €3,505 per year for eligible participants.
Full course fee: €5,000 per year
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant: €1,495 per year
Subsidised course fee: €3,505* per year
Subsidised fees are only available to eligible applicants*.
*Funding Eligibility
Applicants must be employed by, or operating as, an eligible business engaged in economic activity in the Republic of Ireland. This includes private companies, sole traders, commercial social enterprises and eligible commercial semi-state organisations. Additional eligibility verification may be required for certain organisation types to avail of grant-aided fees.
Applicants who do not meet our funding criteria may be able to apply directly to the college and pay the full course fee of €5,000 (per year) if there are available places.
Once you have received your offer of a place on the course, please be aware that we have a limited number of subsidised places available. Due to high demand, we cannot hold places without payment. To ensure fairness, priority for these places will be granted to those who have both completed full payment of the subsidised fee and are deemed eligible by the college or training provider.
Complete the Apply Now form on this page to start your application.
Please do not send any documents other than your CV to Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet when completing the form. The Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet team will confirm receipt of your application and follow up with further information.
If you have any questions on the course before making your application, please use the ‘Make an Enquiry’ button found on this page.
The following documents will be required at the second stage of the application process:
- Transcripts of your Primary Degree OR Industry Certifications.
- If you’re an international student, i.e. did third-level education in a different country where English is not the first language then we need your English Language certification. Click here for details about the English Language requirement component.
- A letter from your company confirming your current role.
Student Story
Tony Doherty,
Technical Manager with Blacknight
"The module content is quite condensed but each module is very applicable to shaping modern management thought. I particularly liked the strategy and competitive positioning module and the innovation management module, both of which re-framed how I thought about my own role, whilst the personality module was a fascinating reflective look at my own personal management style."
"It reframed my thinking and personal self-confidence. It reaffirmed to me that my management style and approach was very much in line with current thinking which increased my confidence when dealing with my employers especially when discussing strategy and the holistic nature of innovation."
Learn more about Tony's journeyWhat former students say about the course
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions our team are asked most often about this programme. If your question is not answered here, make an enquiry and we will come back to you.
The MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology programme is delivered through a series of scheduled full-day sessions rather than weekly evening lectures. Classes typically take place on Fridays and occasional Saturdays, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. There is also an initial programme induction and orientation session held in September. Teaching is delivered in a blended format, with sessions taking place either online or on campus at TU Dublin’s Aungier Street location. Full details and confirmed dates can be found on the course page under Delivery.
We offer payment plans starting three months prior to the course commencement. However, all fees must be settled in full before the course begins.
Applicants must be employed by, or operating as, an eligible business engaged in economic activity in the Republic of Ireland. This includes private companies, sole traders, commercial social enterprises and eligible commercial semi-state organisations. Additional eligibility verification may be required for certain organisation types to avail of grant-aided fees.
The final award for the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology is a Level 9 NFQ qualification, equivalent to 90 ECTS credits.
There are no exams on the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology programme. The assessment strategy for each of the six modules in Phase 1 is exclusively based on work-based project assignments and reflective learning submissions. The final award of the Master’s degree is linked to the assessment of the research project undertaken by the participant, with support from the college.
Yes, group projects and assignments are included in the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology. These are designed to promote peer learning.
You may be eligible to apply for tax relief; however, it is the responsibility of each applicant to contact the tax office for further information. A receipt for fees paid can be provided upon request.
Yes, there is a requirement to complete an English Language test for applicants, whose first language is not English. Please consult TU Dublin’s website.
Classes are not recorded. Attendance is expected as part of the peer-learning experience.
Yes. Many assignments on the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology encourage participants to apply concepts directly to their organisation and professional context.
Yes. The MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology programme has been designed specifically for working professionals and is delivered on a part-time basis over two years.
Please note that neither TU Dublin nor Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet provide visa support services for the MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate visa in place prior to applying.
