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Overview
Explore digital economics as you investigate digital online production, consumption and exchange on this Digital Economy Master's.
You'll explore fundamental economic principles and emerging trends in the digital economy, and prepare for a range of careers across the technologically-driven financial and professional industries.
On this digital economy Master's degree, you'll investigate the impact of online markets on key behaviours in society, with a particular focus on the entertainment industry, crowdsourcing and citizen science projects, and develop your specialist knowledge of financial theories and their practical applications.
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Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
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Use the Bloomberg suite and industry-standard data analytics software
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Explore principles and emerging trends in the digital economy and economics
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Discover the impact of the digital economy on society
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Learn from lecturers with professional experience and research expertise
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Hear from industry guest lecturers and experts
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Study alongside students across a range of accounting, economics and finance courses
Accreditation
Accredited by:
The University of Portsmouth has earned business accreditation from the AACSB in recognition of the outstanding quality of its business and management education. Less than six percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
September 2025 / January 2026 start
Qualifications or experience
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification and/or equivalent professional experience.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
- Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
- £12,600 (subject to annual increase)
Including the Transition Scholarship for EU students
- £12,600 (subject to annual increase)
- £19,200 (subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
Funding your studies
Find out more how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government postgraduate loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students and our international student scholarships.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits. On this course you'll study 9 modules worth 15 credits and 1 module worth 45 credits.
Note, these modules are based on courses starting in 2024. We'll confirm 2025 modules soon.
What you'll study (indicative)
Core modules
Students are introduced to key concepts and issues in conceptualising, designing, conducting and communicating research in the general fields of accounting, economics and finance and their sub-fields like financial technology, digital economy etc., informed by best practices across the subject disciplines. The module provides opportunities for students to engage with the practical application of research techniques and the chance to discuss research issues and ideas in an incubator type environment. The teaching sessions enable students to reflect upon the empirical research ideas and concepts introduced throughout the study programme across all units and to discuss, with academic staff field specialists how this prior research may inform their own research project. The module will also provide the opportunity to gain competence in the navigation and use of platforms and secondary data sources such as Bloomberg, Capital IQ etc. and in acquiring independent study skills under guidance of an assigned supervisor.
The ultimate objective of this module is to introduce students to data concepts, ethics, analytics, governance, and management. The students will learn how to collect, clean, organise, and handle massive amounts of data and how to ensure the data security and reliability. The module will introduce students to the world of Big Data and the main theories in data science, which will help to cope with the modern employment requirements.
In a period characterised by rapid technological advancements and digital transformation, this module equips students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex digital landscape, address societal challenges, and shape effective policies.
The module offers macro perspectives on the digital economy and the implications of the ongoing digital transformation for national and global economies. In an era where digital advancements are reshaping the socio-economic landscape, and big tech firms are assuming significant positions not just within the industry but also in terms of influencing the pace and direction of national markets and international business, comprehending today's world necessitates a deep dive into the transformative effects of the digital economy.
This module seeks to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to undertake this exploration.
Lectures introduce key concepts and research findings to support independent learning. Seminars engage in problem-based learning and discussion offer opportunities for formative assessment. Students taking this module achieve the following graduate Hallmarks: Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries. This module contributes towards a degree accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.
Lectures will introduce principles and theory, providing and facilitating a basis for independent learning on the part of the student, contributing to the achievement of all Learning Outcomes. Seminars engage students in formative problem solving activities and discussions addressing all Learning Outcomes.
The Hallmarks that the module seeks to address are:
- Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries.
- Be able to locate, access and critically engage with information, using current and emerging digital technologies.
- Be able to communicate clearly and effectively, in a range of forms and to different audiences.
- Be able to work in a range of environments, responding positively to new situations by being aware, flexible, adaptable and realistic in their expectations.
This rise can be attributed to businesses acknowledging the impact data can have in today's dynamic corporate environment. As such, the aim of this module is to equip students with fundamental concepts across various aspects of data analytics, including data preparation and data analysis, as well as data visualisation. This will enable students to be a key component to bridging both worlds: analytics and business.
This module provides students with a deep insight into the impact of digital technologies on business strategies, market dynamics, and industry structures. The module will provide students an opportunity to explore the micro level theories of digital change and digital business models, and their significance in contemporary business environments. It will offer an analysis of how digital technologies are reshaping traditional business models and market landscapes. The module will equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to navigate and thrive in the digital economy and address real-world digital business challenges.
The module aims to provide students with an overview of the contemporary main principles of innovation dynamics. It will provide an overview of public policies for innovation in the context of learning and decision making. In relation to the innovation dynamics covered in the module, an overview of relevant data science methods to be used in decision-making and analysis in the context of productivity and efficiency in innovation will be addressed.
Optional modules
Students critically evaluate the factors that influence the investment decision-making process and how an understanding of behavioural finance may contribute to better financial decisions. Lectures introduce principles and theory, supporting independent learning. Seminars engage students in formative problem solving and discussions that address all learning outcomes. Independent learning is facilitated by online resources, including Moodle and selected websites.
The module contributes to a course accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.
Lectures introduce key concepts and research findings to support independent learning. Seminars engage in problem-based learning and discussion offer opportunities for formative assessment. Students taking this module achieve the following graduate Hallmarks: Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries. This module contributes towards a degree accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Facilities
Bloomberg Suite
Access data from the world's global financial markets and gain experience using industry standard software.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
On this course you can expect:
- to study full time
- to study over 12 months if you start this course in September
- to study for 13 months if you start this course in January
- to attend roughly 8-10 hours of scheduled teaching activities per week
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- online learning
- workshops
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- exams
- coursework
- reports
- presentations
Full details of assessment can be found in the modules in the 'What you'll study' section.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Career development
You’ll graduate from this MSc Digital Economy Master's with an understanding of the business, finance and accounting industries, and the skills you need to make an impact in the workplace wherever you decide to take your career.
After this course you could work in professional roles from across the marketing, analytics and financial sectors. You may become a financial analyst, work in FinTech or RegTech companies, or pursue a Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI) qualification.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Business and Law Career-Ready Programme. This support will continue for 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Regular emails from the Career Ready Programme sharing job opportunities, application tips and events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Start this course in September 2025
Start this course in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.