Leadership in the Digital Age MBA

Postgraduate
Conversion course

Two people look at a laptop screen together

Develop strategic leadership and digital transformation skills with real-world insights, CMI accreditation and practical project options; preparing you to lead change across global, tech-driven organisations.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University London (City of London)

Study mode

Full-time
With Professional Placement

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years full-time with professional placement

Course code

LONT145

Start date

November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
July 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Gain a deep understanding of strategic leadership, ethical decision-making, and the financial aspects of digital transformation. Develop practical skills and insights to lead change and drive innovation across industries.

Leadership and strategy: Explore how to inspire teams, manage change and align leadership with organisational goals.
Technology and data: Learn to use AI, Big Data and analytics to inform strategic decisions.
Ethics and finance: Understand the financial, legal and ethical considerations of leading digital transformation.

Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

Icon of human figure in front of a whiteboard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field

Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Lead digital transformation: Develop the skills to drive strategic change and digital innovation across a range of industries and sectors.
CMI-accredited module: Gain a Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice (refer to accreditation section for more information as there is other criteria).¹
Real-world application: Learn through global case studies, hands-on projects and the option of a dissertation or applying for an internship to enhance your employability.²
Personal leadership growth: Take part in workshops that help you take charge of your leadership journey, identify key digital leadership challenges, reflect on and develop your digital leadership style.
Career-ready skills: Build critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to support success in diverse leadership roles.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course is designed¹ to include the criteria set by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice . It is expected that students who successfully pass the module Leadership, Strategy and Change will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the award as an additional qualification. This module is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard and therefore, until this assessment is completed, remains subject to accreditation. Should CMI accreditation not be received by the time you are due to study this module we will write to you to confirm this status.

What you'll study

Throughout this course you will study key topics such as leadership, strategy, and change, developing the ability to align leadership practices with business goals and build high-performing teams. Examine the financial dimensions of leadership, learning how to analyse performance, integrate ESG factors, and use strategic tools like the Balanced Scorecard to support long-term decision-making.

As you progress, gain data-driven decision-making skills, explore the ethical and regulatory challenges of digital technology and apply your learning through a capstone module, either a dissertation or the option to apply for an internship project².

The course also offers you the opportunity to apply for an optional professional placement², giving you the opportunity to extend your studies with real-world work experience. Together, these modules are designed to equip you with the leadership mindset, technical understanding and ethical grounding needed to succeed in a digitally enabled, global business environment.

This course includes four modules at 30 credits each and one final 60 credit module of your choice, totalling 180 credits for this course.

Modules

Leadership, Strategy and Change – 30 credits

Develop the skills to lead strategic change in complex organisations. Delve into theories, models and real-world case studies to understand the drivers and challenges of organisational transformation. Through interactive learning and coaching, you should develop the ability to build high-performing teams, align leadership with strategy and drive sustainable organisational success.

This module is designed to include the criteria set out by the CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice¹.

Compulsory

Strategic Financial Management and Analysis – 30 credits

Develop the financial tools and knowledge to drive strategic decision-making. Learn to analyse financial statements, evaluate business performance and apply advanced techniques like the Balanced Scorecard. Explore the integration of sustainability into financial decision-making, including ESG factors and sustainable investment appraisal. This module is designed to prepare you for a successful career in finance and strategic leadership.

Compulsory

Digital, Data and Decision-Making Skills – 30 credits

Develop cutting-edge skills in digital leadership with this forward-thinking module. Gain hands-on expertise in data analytics, AI, big data, predictive modelling and data visualisation, empowering you to extract insights and drive strategic decisions. Learn to integrate digital tools, manage data ethically and lead digital transformation with confidence, preparing you to solve complex business challenges in a tech-driven world.

Compulsory

Ethics and Challenges in Digital Technology – 30 credits

Sharpen your ethical decision-making skills in the digital era. Explore the ethical, legal and societal challenges posed by technologies like AI, big data and blockchain. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning and leadership skills to navigate digital dilemmas and promote responsible innovation in modern organisations.

Compulsory

Master's with professional placement

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.

Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
You’ll be assessed on your learning through the 60-credit Professional Placement Project (dissertation). This project will be linked to your professional placement experience.
The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.²

For full terms and conditions please visit the extended master’s landing page.

Optional

To complete your master’s, you will complete one of the following 60-credit modules:

Dissertation – 60 credits

Apply key learnings through an in-depth research project on a chosen topic. You will be guided by an academic supervisor to identify a research problem based on a literature gap or a real-world organisational issue. Through independent research, you will select appropriate methods, critically evaluate findings, and deliver meaningful insights and recommendations.

Building on research methods classes, you should strengthen skills in literature analysis, data collection and interpretation, supported by one-on-one supervision. Completing the dissertation should equip you with expertise in critical analysis, specialised knowledge in your topic, and the ability to present research findings clearly and logically.

If you have completed either a professional placement² or professional practice experience, your dissertation will be linked to it and will assess this experience.

Internship Project – 60 credits

Apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Through a supervised nine-week internship, you will work on challenging and hands-on projects with industry mentors. You should develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, while building a strong professional network. Our dedicated careers and employability team will guide you every step of the way from internship sourcing and application to completion.

You will be responsible for sourcing your nine-week internship by the end of semester two of your course. All internships are subject to university approval and will be completed during semester three of the course. Your final 60-credit project will be based on this experience.

Internship experiences are subject to additional living costs, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical studio sessions
practical lab sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

Assessment methods may include:

design portfolio
modelling
coursework
essays
reports
projects
phase tests
group work
presentations
laboratories
posters.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree (2:2 or above) in any subject.

Where the entry requirements have not been met but professional qualifications (equivalent to level 6) can be evidenced, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Any Business/Management-related work experience in private, public or third sectors (a minimum of two years would be desirable) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's course. Upon successful completion our course should provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree (2:2 or above) in any subject.

Where the entry requirements have not been met but professional qualifications (equivalent to level 6) can be evidenced, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any Business/Management-related work experience in private, public or third sectors (a minimum of two years would be desirable) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC per year with EU Support Bursary £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC per year without EU Support Bursary £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Academic Skills Support

This can be used if you’re looking to improve your academic writing and research skills. These services can be accessed remotely or as part of the library services provided at University House.

recruitment session two ladies and one man

Career and employability support

Our dedicated team is on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements and graduate-level jobs and offer skills development workshops. The team also aims to organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts (subject to availability).

Male student standing in finance district of London

Library services

Featuring around 100 study spaces including silent study areas, our library features a wide array of resources including books, journals, and online databases to support your studies. You’ll also benefit from expert staff guidance and tailored workshops to give you essential research skills. Services can be accessed remotely and as part of the library provision at University House. 

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Completing an MBA in Leadership in the Digital Age can open up a variety of exciting career opportunities. Here are some potential paths you might consider:

Chief Technology Officer (CTO): As a CTO, you may be responsible for overseeing the technological direction of a company, ensuring that technology investments align with business goals.
Digital Transformation Consultant: This role may involve helping organisations integrate digital technologies into all areas of their business, improving efficiency and value delivery.
Product Manager: This role may involve overseeing the development and management of products, ensuring they meet market needs and align with the company's strategic goals.
Data Analytics Manager: This role may involve leading teams that analyse data to help businesses make informed decisions and improve their operations.
Cybersecurity Manager: With the increasing importance of digital security, this role could focus on protecting an organisation's data and systems from cyber threats.
Innovation Manager: Drive the development and implementation of new ideas, products, or processes within a company.
Digital Marketing Director: You may look to create and oversee digital marketing strategies to enhance a company's online presence and engagement.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University London, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

How to apply

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 024 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an postgraduate degree view our International hub.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

(+44) 024 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.