Programmes

MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation

  • Graduate taught
  • Department of Management
  • Application code G5U4
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Open
  • Home part-time: Open
  • Overseas full-time: Open
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

The MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation (MISDI) programme is an intellectually rigorous, innovative, interdisciplinary programme that integrates established knowledge on the development and management of information systems with the critical study of emerging domains of digital innovation, such as social networking, crowdsourcing platform and ecosystems, big data analytics and AI.

We study digital innovation in business and government across the world. Digital innovations are drastically changing the ways we create and share information, and open opportunities for new business models, new forms of governance, and new ways for public engagement. Managers with the capability to capitalise on new digital developments are highly sought after in the job market. The MISDI programme prepares students for key roles in the shaping of digital innovation and in the management of the business and social transformation that such innovation unleashes. 

The programme involves research led, practice relevant teaching. Our learning approach places emphasis on theory and critical discussion of academic literature from across a range of scientific fields. We include social theories for understanding the processes of information systems and innovation and case studies for illustrating issues in particular instances of management and innovation practice. iSChannel student journal


“Before starting the programme, I did not imagine that technology could be studied at such a level of depth and reflection in regard to its social and human implications. Now that I am back to my professional life, I am realising the full potential and importance of what I have learned. This has been an exceptional learning experience, and I owe a continuing debt of gratitude towards MISDI and towards LSE for the professional and personal enrichment that I received.”
Luigi Rucco, MSc MISDI graduate

Read more about the LSE student experience on our student blog, The Student Lens >

Download to read the latest LSE Information Systems Student Journal, 'iSChannel'

Programme details

Key facts

MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation
Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines
Duration 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
Applications 2022 888
Intake 2022 100
Financial support Graduate support scheme (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement 2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline
GRE/GMAT requirement Not compulsory but will be considered (see GRE and GMAT for further information and exceptions)
English language requirements Standard (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation

Assessing your application

We admit students with diverse academic backgrounds. These include business studies and computer science graduates, but students are also welcome with other degrees where they are wishing to transfer their focus towards management, the internet and innovation.

Your application will be considered on its academic merits. An offer of a place may be conditional on attending additional courses and/or passing qualifying examinations at a suitable standard, in addition to your degree. You should note that there are always many more applications than places available at LSE and possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee that you will be offered admission. It is therefore in your interests to apply as early as possible.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references
 - CV

See further information on supporting documents

Speak to an Admissions specialist

If you have any queries which are not answered on the website or would like to chat with an admissions specialist, we run 1:1 Zoom chats on a weekly basis for prospective students and offer holders:

Book 1:1 session (prospective students)

Book 1:1 session (offer holders)

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Please note that to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below on this page for more details. 

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation

Home students: £35,472
Overseas students: £36,168

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Deposit

To secure a place on the programme offer holders will be required to pay a deposit of 10% of the tuition fee within six weeks of receiving their offer. Detailed guidance, including details around exceptions, will be made available from December 2023.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support SchemeMaster's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. 

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Part-time study
Part time study is only available for students who do not require a student visa.

Programme structure and courses

Curriculum overview

We are ranked #5 in the world for social science and management, and the MISDI programme is founded in LSE’s tradition for academic excellence. The curriculum is designed around three core courses, and you can also customise your programme according to your own interests and career goals with a wide choice of optional elective courses in information systems, digital innovation, management, and a range of other topics from leading academic departments across LSE. 

One of the compulsory elements of the programme is the Sprint Week group project (within the Innovating Organisational Information Technology compulsory course) in which small teams of students engage in a simulation of a real-life technology management consultancy project over one intense week. During this week the groups will all work on their own innovation, supported by world-class consultants and by faculty, for a real-world client.  This sprint-week serves the purpose of sharpening the students’ ability to engage in intense group work around a real-life case using a variety of techniques. Alumni frequently point to the sprint week as a highly valuable preparation for their future careers.

You will complete the programme with an 8,000 word dissertation project during the summer, which will enable you to specialise with in-depth knowledge in your specific area of interest.

Compulsory core courses (2.5 units)

(* denotes a half unit)

Innovation and Information Systems: Concepts and Perspectives*
Provides theoretical foundations for the study and practice of digital innovation and management of information systems.

Innovating Organisational Information Technology*
Explores the theoretical and practical aspects of technologic change integrating a two-week intensive boot-camp project in conjunction with global consultancy firm.

Management and Socioeconomics of Digital Innovation*
Examines contemporary global strategies and management practices of corporations across the world including an analysis of corporate and business strategies, competitiveness, and how organizations set up and manage structures, processes, human resources, and technologies to deliver on their objectives. 

Research Design for Studies in Digital Innovation*
Builds your skills in research design in preparation for your dissertation, including inference, causation and treatment controls; the relationship between theory and data; operationalisation and measurement; fixed versus flexible designs; case study methods; interviews and focus groups; thematic analysis; and the analysis of online and social media.

Dissertation*
8,000-word dissertation based on a project that will cover some aspect of information systems development or management.

Study Skills and Contemporary Topics in Information Systems and Digital Innovation
This compulsory non-assessed course provides students with both a broader context for the study of information systems as well as the essential skills relevant to the MISDI programme.

Optional elective courses (1.5 units)

All students must choose two courses listed below in the Winter Term, and take courses to a minimum of one (1.0) full unit. The remaining half (0.5) unit may be taken from either lists below, or, subject to approval from the Programme Director, from the full list of all graduate level courses.

(* denotes a half unit)

Emergencies Management: Humanitarian Intervention and Digital Innovation

Information Systems for the Public Sector: Digital Government and Service Innovation*

Data Governance: Privacy, Openness and Transparency*

Information Technology and Service Innovation*

eHealth: Policy, Strategy and Systems*

Responsible Digital Innovation: Ethics at Work*

Managing Artificial Intelligence*

The remaining half unit may be taken from the list above, the further options listed below, or, subject to approval from the Programme Director, from the full list of all graduate level courses:

Business and Organisational Ethics*

Digital Marketing*

Deep Learning*

Financial Markets* (FM473L)

Managerial Finance* (FM474L)

Reinforcement Learning*

Supply Chain Management*

Management Accounting, Decisions and Control*

Open Innovation*

Operations Management for Management Consultancy*

Public Management: A Design-Orientated Approach*

Strategy and Change in Public Sector Management*

Organisational Change*

Principles of Pricing*

 


Part-time programme structure

MISDI is a full-time 12 month programme, however, we can admit a limited number of part-time students to complete the programme over 2 years.

Part-time students will follow the standard regulations and classification scheme for a four unit Master's degree. Students are required to take taught courses in the Autumn and Winter Terms of their two years and the work load will be split equally across both years. The dissertation will be completed in the Spring Term of the second year. Below is the structure for each year:

First year

  • Autumn Term:  2x half unit core courses and 1x non-assessed course
  • Winter Term:  2x half unit optional courses
  • Spring Term: None

Second year

  • Autumn Term:  1x half unit core course
  • Winter Term: 1x half unit core course and 1x half unit optional course
  • Spring Term: 1x half unit dissertation

The choice of which core and elective courses you take each year will be made in consultation with the Programme Director.

Please note that we are not able to make special allowances for students in regards to their timetables. Students will be required to manage their time to make sure they can attend the scheduled lectures and seminars.                                     

 To find the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises. 

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page. 

Teaching and assessment

The LSE learning experience

The curriculum is designed to challenge your view of the world, and of technology management as a discipline. You will be asked to read research publications to understand the underlying reasons why today’s organisations and technological structures exist as they do across the world, and the practical implications for managers in practice. You will critically assess trends, conflicts and patterns in organisational practice, and form your own opinions to defend and debate with your classmates in seminars. You will learn how to develop and communicate well-reasoned arguments, and to tackle complex decisions and problems in the context of the socioeconomic and geo-political conditions in which organisations operate.

Teaching and assessment

Courses are taught in lecture and class or seminar format. Lectures introduce the core theoretical and technical concepts whilst their associated classes allow students to discuss and apply these concepts through exercises and in-depth study. Seminars allow for the focused study of key concepts in a more informal style and often involve presentations by students on selected course materials. Many teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods to deliver their courses such as class exercises, team presentations, individual or group work, or case study discussions.

Given the high level of academic performance expected from students, a significant amount of independent study and preparation is required to get the most out of the programme. Half-unit courses can be assessed by two hour unseen examinations, coursework assignments, class participation or group/individual project work.

You can view indicative details of hours and assessment for all courses listed in the online Programme Regulations.

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Faculty

Programme Director

Dr Antonio Cordella
Dr Antonio Cordella
Associate Professor of Management

Teaching team

Professor Chrisanthi Avgerou
Professor Chrisanthi Avgerou
Professor of Information Systems

 

Cheng-A3-200x200
Dr Aaron Cheng 
Assistant Professor of Information Systems

 

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Dr Francesco Gualdi 
LSE Fellow

 

Jannis_Kallinikos170x230
Professor Jannis Kallinikos
Professor of Information Systems

 

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Dr Ela Klecun
Assistant Professor in Information Systems

 

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Dr Boyi Li
LSE Fellow

 

Dr Shirin Madon
Dr Shirin Madon
Associate Professor in Information Systems 

 


Professor Susan Scott

Professor of Information Systems
(On sabbatical in 2021-2022)

 

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Dr Carsten Sørensen
Associate Professor (Reader) of Information Systems and Innovation

 

Dr Will Venters
Dr Will Venters
Assistant Professor in Information Systems

 

 Dr Edgar Whitley
Dr Edgar Whitley
Associate Professor (Reader) in Information Systems

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget

Student stories

Student profiles

Aimee, South Africa

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Cathal, Ireland

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Class profile

The MISDI programme attracts a diverse range of students, and each year we carefully select a vibrant cohort from a wide variety of backgrounds and international locations. A core part of the learning experience is the exposure to a wide variety of cultures and international perspectives, as well as diverse expertise from our students’ wide ranging academic and employment backgrounds.

The programme is well suited to both early-career graduates and mid-career professionals with experience to share.

Read more about the LSE student experience on our student blog, The Student Lens >

Careers

Career development with MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation 

We will develop your intellectual and practical skills as a talented and well-rounded manager, with the ability to thrive and innovate with challenges in today’s complex and fast-moving technological world. 

With a strong foundation of knowledge in organisational information systems and management of digital innovation, plus practical skills developed with case studies and the practical MISDI Bootcamp project, you will graduate with a unique and well-rounded portfolio of skills and knowledge to set you apart in the job market.

Your practical and professional management skills will be developed and polished during the programme, including communication and presentation skills, team working, cultural intelligence gained from close collaboration with classmates from around the world, and client management experience from the MISDI Bootcamp project.

LSE Careers

LSE Careers will provide tailored individual support with your professional development and job search throughout the programme. They offer one-to-one Career Consultant sessions, access to employers with career fairs, seminars and workshops, a vast database of employment opportunities via the LSE Career Hub, and help with job hunting, CVs/resumes and interviews. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

Graduate destinations

LSE is ranked #5 in the world for its reputation with employers, and our graduates are in high demand by employers. MISDI graduates have taken roles across a wide variety of sectors, in companies across the globe. A popular career path is to enter management consulting or finance, with graduates taking up roles with employers such as KPMG, Accenture, EY, PwC, Barclays, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Beyond this, opportunities are extremely broad, and MISDI graduates have also gone on to excel in careers in a wide range of other industries. 

Here are some examples of the companies and organisations which our alumni now work for: 

  • Accenture
  • Bank of America
  • Barclays Capital
  • BNP
  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • Goldman Sachs
  • London Stock Exchange
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Paribas
  • PWC

Contact us

Programme and admissions enquiries

With questions related to your application or the admissions process, please check our admissions frequently asked questions page.

If you have any queries which are not answered on the website, please contact the Programme and Admissions Team:

Email: dom.msc.admissions@lse.ac.uk

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