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MSc Software Technical Leadership

In a world driven by software, leading technical teams requires more than just coding expertise. It demands a strategic mindset and a deep understanding of how technology shapes businesses.

This programme is designed for experienced software engineers ready to transition from building systems to leading teams and driving innovation. It combines advanced technical insight with leadership strategies, offering a blend of both worlds.

Whether you are managing complex systems or guiding teams through the challenges of rapid technological change, this course will equip you with the tools to make impactful decisions. You will gain the ability to anticipate the needs of a project, understand cutting-edge technologies, and lead your teams with confidence in an evolving digital landscape.

This page is for information about our future provision only. Currently, you cannot apply to enrol in our degree programmes which are subject to regulatory registration with the Office For Students.

MSc Software Technical Leadership

Mode of study

Start dates
Oct 2025 | Feb 2026
Attendance
Full-time Blended
Duration
12 MONTHS
UK fees
£11,900
Overseas fees
£13,900
Location
On Campus | Blended
Start dates
Oct 2025 | Feb 2026
Attendance
Part-time Blended
Duration
24 MONTHS
UK fees
£11,900
Overseas fees
£13,900
Location
On Campus | Blended
Start dates
20/12/2024
Attendance
Flexible Online
Duration
12 TO 60 MONTHS
UK fees
£9,900
Overseas fees
£9,900

What you will learn

True leadership in software engineering goes beyond the code.

This course focuses on the development of skills that are essential for technical leaders in modern industries. You will sharpen your ability to analyse and translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies, empowering your teams to deliver quality results on time.

From mastering project delivery to refining communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, this course builds the competencies needed to manage technical teams effectively. You will develop a strategic approach to technical problem-solving while ensuring you are equipped to guide teams through continuous innovation and adaptation.

Content Structure

For full details please see the programme specification .

Semester 1

In today's fast-paced tech landscape, the ability to rapidly and reliably deliver software is a game-changer. Continuous Integration and Delivery (CI/CD) has emerged as a cornerstone of modern software development, enabling teams to innovate faster,... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Effective requirements engineering is the backbone of successful software development, yet many projects falter due to poorly defined requirements. This module explores the dynamic world of requirements, where clarity, precision, and adaptability... Learn more about this module
Module poster

In today's tech-driven world, innovation leadership requires more than just vision—it demands strategic action. This module delves into the leadership essentials required to navigate and thrive in high-tech environments. You will be equipped... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 2

In an era of digital transformation, mastering the intricacies of digital delivery is crucial. This module provides a robust foundation in managing digital projects, focusing on the skills and frameworks essential for success. From understanding... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Effective digital experiences underpin the intersection of technology, psychology, and design. In this module, you will delve into the principles that transform digital systems into seamless extensions of their users' needs and behaviours. You will... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Artificial intelligence stands at the forefront of modern business transformation, shaping how companies innovate and compete. While AI promises significant advancements, it also challenges traditional business practices, demanding a nuanced... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Pre-trained language models offer remarkable capabilities, but real-world applications often demand tailored solutions within complex workflows. This module explores advanced engineering techniques to customise and integrate large language models... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Organisations today strive for elasticity and resilience in a landscape that demands constant innovation. This module provides you with an extensive foundation for mastering these demands. You'll delve into serverless architectures, multi-cloud... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 3

Understanding the essence of an MSc programme lies not just in the acquisition of knowledge but in the real-world application and demonstration of that knowledge. This module sets the stage for such an enlightening experience, as it demands that... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 1

In today's fast-paced tech landscape, the ability to rapidly and reliably deliver software is a game-changer. Continuous Integration and Delivery (CI/CD) has emerged as a cornerstone of modern software development, enabling teams to innovate faster,... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 2

Effective requirements engineering is the backbone of successful software development, yet many projects falter due to poorly defined requirements. This module explores the dynamic world of requirements, where clarity, precision, and adaptability... Learn more about this module
Module poster

In today's tech-driven world, innovation leadership requires more than just vision—it demands strategic action. This module delves into the leadership essentials required to navigate and thrive in high-tech environments. You will be equipped... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 3

In an era of digital transformation, mastering the intricacies of digital delivery is crucial. This module provides a robust foundation in managing digital projects, focusing on the skills and frameworks essential for success. From understanding... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 4

Effective digital experiences underpin the intersection of technology, psychology, and design. In this module, you will delve into the principles that transform digital systems into seamless extensions of their users' needs and behaviours. You will... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Artificial intelligence stands at the forefront of modern business transformation, shaping how companies innovate and compete. While AI promises significant advancements, it also challenges traditional business practices, demanding a nuanced... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 5

Pre-trained language models offer remarkable capabilities, but real-world applications often demand tailored solutions within complex workflows. This module explores advanced engineering techniques to customise and integrate large language models... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 6

Organisations today strive for elasticity and resilience in a landscape that demands constant innovation. This module provides you with an extensive foundation for mastering these demands. You'll delve into serverless architectures, multi-cloud... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Semester 7

Understanding the essence of an MSc programme lies not just in the acquisition of knowledge but in the real-world application and demonstration of that knowledge. This module sets the stage for such an enlightening experience, as it demands that... Learn more about this module
Module poster

Entry requirements

The information below reflects the current course structure and module details. Updates may be made annually, and revised details will be published in the Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website.

Qualifications or experiences

Applicants must normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math), Any Computing/IT, Software engineering/computer science or have Minimum 4 years of professional experience as a software engineer

English language

In order to complete your programme successfully, it is critical to have a good command of English and be able to apply it in an academic environment. In order to begin your studies, you must have an overall score of 6 on the IELTS Academic test. You do not need IELTS if you study at an English-speaking university or are from one of the majority English-speaking countries.

Essential IT

Sometimes, for example, if you do not already have a qualification in IT, we may make a conditional offer to you, subject to successfully completing our online course for IT Foundation and Programming. This will be provided free of charge to qualifying applicants. Your success in this course will demonstrate your commitment and ability to learn advanced digital skills, leading to an unconditional offer.

Career prospect

Leaders who understand both the technical and business aspects of software development are in high demand across all industries.

This course will set you apart by providing the knowledge and confidence to take on roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Head of Engineering, or Technical Director. You will also be well-positioned for senior roles in digital consultancy and innovation management.

As organisations continue to adopt cutting-edge technologies, the demand for technical leaders who can drive successful projects will only increase.

With this programme, you will have the advanced technical leadership skills required to shape the future of software-driven businesses, helping you advance into leadership roles faster and with a more significant impact.

Why this course?

Real-World Application

Leadership is nothing without real-world impact.

This course is built to ensure the skills you develop can be immediately applied to real-world challenges. Through case studies, practical assignments, and simulated business scenarios, you will learn how to apply advanced digital tools and leadership strategies in your day-to-day professional environment.

You will explore the nuances of managing software delivery pipelines, implementing AI strategies, and driving innovation within engineering teams.

By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation for navigating the technical and strategic hurdles of digital transformation. Each concept and technique is designed to help you lead with confidence in any setting, from established corporations to agile startups.

Personal Growth

Becoming a technical leader is not just about professional skills. It is a journey of personal growth and transformation.

This course will challenge your current way of thinking, pushing you to develop a leadership style that is not only effective but also authentic. You will refine your decision-making abilities, learn to manage complex team dynamics, and build a strong sense of confidence in leading people and projects.

Beyond technical and business skills, you will strengthen your emotional intelligence, gaining a deeper understanding of yourself as a leader. The experience will help you develop resilience, adaptability, and a mindset of continuous learning, ensuring you are prepared for the challenges of a fast-changing digital world. This personal transformation will enable you to lead with clarity and vision, both in your career and beyond.

Your learning journey enhanced with AI

Virtual Private Tutor

Virtual Private Tutor

Experience the future of education today with our state-of-the-art AI-based teaching technology. No, it's not just an AI chatbot. It is your virtual tutor, guiding you through a personalised journey of hands-on learning.

Master the Theory, Personalised with AI

Master the Theory, Personalised with AI

Experience a learning journey tailored just for you. With AI, every lesson is customised to fit your pace and needs, making your education uniquely yours.

Real-World Case-Studies

Real-World Case-Studies

Get deeper through real-world insights. Immerse yourself in practical case studies that bring your learning to life. Understand complex concepts by seeing how they apply in actual scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Discuss, Debate, and Learn

Discuss, Debate, and Learn

Engage in meaningful discussions with your peers as well as AI characters. Analyse case studies together, exchange perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of how things work in the real world. Collaboration and debate drive home key insights, making your learning experience richer and more impactful.

Instant Assignment Feedback

Instant Assignment Feedback

Benefit from real-time AI feedback on your submitted assignments while you wait for teachers' review. Our cutting-edge AI technology provides instant insights, helping you track your progress and focus on areas for improvement, ensuring continuous growth.

Role-Play and Simulations with AI

Role-Play and Simulations with AI

Immerse yourself in lifelike scenarios powered by AI, with role-play exercises that put you in dynamic situations, allowing you to practice and hone your skills. Engage in realistic interactions that challenge your decision-making abilities, preparing you for real-world applications. This experiential learning approach ensures you build confidence and expertise in a safe, controlled environment.

Programme fees

Return On Investment

Average salaries (2024)

Senior Cloud Solutions Architect (London) £90,000.00
Senior Software Architect (London) £80,000.00
Lead Solutions Architect (London) £95,000.00
IT Technical Manager (London) £65,000.00
Lead Software Developer (London) £135,000.00
Director of Technology (London) £87,000.00
Senior Resource Manager (London) £72,000.00
Senior Infrastructure Manager (London) £112,700.00
Lead DevOps Engineer (London) £85,000.00
Director of Software Development (London) £80,000.00
IT Director (London) £140,000.00
Senior Digital Product Manager (London) £85,000.00
Digital Project Manager (London) £60,000.00
Source: It jobs watch

Why London School of Innovation

Specialist: Tech and Innovation

As the UK's only higher-ed institution dedicated to tech, innovation and entrepreneurship, LSI optimises your path to mastery and confidence.

AI-Powered Teaching

Our pioneering AI platform redefines education, with a virtual private tutor leading you through a personalised, hands-on learning experience.

Uniquely Human: Personal Support

Instead of lectures, our pedagogy thrives on routine one-to-one sessions, because nothing can inspire quite like an authentic human connection.

Real Skills: Beyond Theory

Our courses go beyond theory and emphasise practical applications. Students are guided to apply knowledge and skills in realistic scenarios, providing them with knowhow directly applicable to their careers. 

Flexible Learning

Flexible education is in LSI's DNA. Our online learning caters to each student's pace and style. Attend live sessions in-person or remotely, or learn independently anytime, anywhere, using a laptop or smartphone.

Professional Networking

LSI fosters tomorrow's industry leaders. Your peers will be invaluable connections to have, not only for direct support and professional growth but also for enriching future collaborations.

FAQs

To apply for our academic programmes, you will need to use our online application system, the Admissions Portal. As part of your application, you will be required to upload relevant documents, including academic transcripts and personal statements. Under our Admissions Policy, your application will be assessed against the entry criteria.

An unconditional offer may be made if you meet all entry requirements for the programme. Accepting this offer constitutes a legally binding contract between you and the School, meaning you must adhere to the School's regulations and policies, pay tuition fees as scheduled, and complete registration and enrolment, subject to cancellation rights.

If you do not currently meet all entry requirements, you may receive a conditional offer. This offer will specify the conditions you must fulfil to secure your place, such as:

  • Pending qualifications: Completion of specific academic requirements.
  • English language proficiency: Requirements for international applicants.
  • Non-academic requirements: Such as completing a DBS check for certain programmes.

Once you meet all conditions outlined in your conditional offer and accept the offer, you will establish a legally binding contract with the School.

The contract encompasses important terms and conditions regarding your engagement with studies, programme changes, data protection, liability, and cancellation. A copy of the contract is available on our website for your reference.

It is possible to apply for more than one programme at the School. We understand that prospective students may have diverse interests and career goals, and we encourage you to explore multiple options that align with your aspirations.

When applying for multiple programmes, you will need to submit a separate application for each one. Each application will be evaluated based on its own merits, adhering to our Admissions Policy. It’s important to ensure that you meet the entry requirements for each programme and to tailor your personal statement accordingly, highlighting why you are interested in each specific course.

Our Student Success Team is here to support you throughout this process. Should you have any questions or require guidance on your applications, feel free to reach out. We are committed to helping you find the right fit for your educational journey and to facilitating your path to success at the School.

We recommend that all prospective students apply as soon as possible to secure their place in their desired programme. Each programme's prospectus and promotional materials outline specific start dates that align with our effective registration periods. By applying early, you ensure that you have ample time to meet any conditions of your offer and obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if required.

Once you have submitted your application, you will be kept informed throughout the process. You can typically check the status of your application online through the Admissions Portal. Additionally, we will send you status update emails to keep you informed of any progress.

Once a decision has been made regarding your application, you will receive a formal notification via email. This will outline whether your application has been successful or if further information is required.

We understand that waiting for an application decision can be an anxious time, and our Student Success Team is available to answer any questions you may have during this process.

Our Admissions Policy states that interviews may be required for certain applicants as part of the selection process. The necessity for an interview typically depends on individual circumstances, such as the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and the specific programme they are applying for.

Interviews serve as an opportunity for both the School and prospective students to engage in meaningful dialogue, allowing us to better understand your motivations, aspirations, and how you align with our values. Should an interview be required, our Student Success Team will inform you during the application review process and provide guidance on what to expect.

Under our Admissions Policy, the School endeavours to provide constructive feedback to unsuccessful applicants, although this is subject to operational constraints. If you receive an unsuccessful outcome, we encourage you to reach out to our Student Success Team for insights on your application. This feedback can help you understand the reasons behind the decision and improve future applications.

Should you still have concerns after reviewing the feedback, you are entitled to submit a formal appeal in writing to the Director of Student Services. This appeal must be based on the original application to ensure fairness, as introducing new information could provide an unfair advantage. The Director of Student Services will carefully review your appeal and provide a formal response within 15 working days. It is important to note that the Director's decision is final.

This process reflects our commitment to transparency and fairness, allowing applicants to address any concerns about admission decisions.

Once we receive your completed application, including references and supporting documents, we aim to complete the decision-making process within 8-weeks. However, this timeframe may vary during peak periods or if an interview is part of the selection process.

If you have applied for a specific funded opportunity, please note that decisions may take longer than usual. We encourage you to reach out to our Student Success Team if you have not received an update after 8-weeks or if you have any other questions regarding your application. Your journey to joining our School is important to us, and we appreciate your patience as we review your application.

While a CV is not a mandatory requirement for your application, submitting one can provide a valuable overview of your educational background and work experience. Including a CV can help us better understand your qualifications and experiences, which may enhance your application. We focus on your academic achievements and personal statement as the primary components of your application. If you choose to include a CV, please ensure that it is relevant and highlights your skills and experiences that align with your chosen programme.

While we understand that circumstances can sometimes prevent timely submissions, extensions for application deadlines are not guaranteed. Requests for extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific situation and the reasons provided.

To initiate this process, please contact our Student Success Team as soon as possible with a detailed explanation of your circumstances. We encourage prospective students to stay informed about application deadlines and to submit their applications promptly to ensure the best chance of a successful enrolment.

If you find yourself needing to change your application after submission, you can easily request a modification by emailing our Student Success Team. In your message, please include essential details such as the programme you initially applied for and the new course you wish to consider.

We strive to accommodate all change requests, although approval may depend on the status of your application and the admission criteria at the time we receive your request. The team will assess your situation and guide you through the process.

Please be aware that any refunds related to your application will adhere to our Refunds and Compensation Policy. If you have any further questions or require assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.

You can still submit your application even if you have not yet received all of your documents, such as your final transcript or Certificate of English Proficiency. In such cases, you will receive a conditional offer outlining the specific qualifications and grades you need to achieve in order to meet our entry requirements.

Once you have obtained the necessary evidence, you can easily upload it through the Admission Portal. Upon satisfying all the conditions stated in your conditional offer, you will then receive an unconditional offer, allowing you to proceed with your studies at our School.

International applicants need to be mindful of specific conditions related to visa sponsorship. As our Visa Sponsorship and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Policy explains, a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will only be issued once certain requirements are met, such as fulfilling the terms of your offer, providing a deposit or proof of funding, and submitting the necessary documents. For full details, it's essential to review the additional regulatory context outlined by the UK Home Office - Study in the UK on a Student Visa. This sets out the requirements for international students coming to the UK under the Student Visa route.

Register Your Interest

We appreciate your interest in our degree programmes. While applications are not yet open, we are excited to connect with individuals keen on enrolling once our regulatory registration with the Office for Students is complete.