Course overview
Lead your organisation through digital change
The digital age has brought about unprecedented opportunities for businesses to innovate and grow, but it also presents significant challenges and risks. As companies navigate this complex landscape, they must be able to adapt and evolve in order to remain competitive. This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and frameworks needed to successfully navigate the digital landscape and drive business success.
Through a combination of conceptual and methodological approaches, students will gain a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies and will learn how to develop and implement effective strategies for digital business transformation. With a focus on evidence-based research and real-world case studies, this course will provide students and managers with the practical skills and knowledge needed to make informed decisions and drive business success in the digital age. By exploring the latest thinking and best practices in digital business transformation, delegates will be well-equipped to address the complex challenges and opportunities that arise in this rapidly evolving field.
What you’ll learn
On this course, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of digital business transformation, including the risks and opportunities associated with it. You'll learn how to analyse the impact of digital technologies on business models, products, and services, and develop strategies for building and capitalising on new digital capabilities. This will involve exploring the latest thinking and best practices in digital business transformation and examining real-world case studies of companies that have successfully navigated this complex landscape.
Through a combination of conceptual and methodological approaches, you'll discover how to identify and overcome common mistakes that firms make in their digitisation journey and use frameworks and tools to drive successful digital transformation. By the end of the course, you'll be able to think critically and creatively about digital business transformation, and develop original and innovative solutions to complex problems, demonstrating a critical awareness of current issues and applying specialised skills and knowledge to real-world problems. You'll be equipped to deal with complex issues and make informed judgments in situations where data and information are incomplete or inconsistent and be well-prepared to drive business success in the digital age.
Why business transformation in the digital age matters now
The digital age has brought about a profound shift in the way businesses operate, interact with customers, and compete in the market. To remain competitive, companies are embracing digital transformation to improve their operations and capitalise on new opportunities. Effective transformation requires a thoughtful approach, and businesses must be willing to innovate and take calculated risks. By prioritising digital transformation, businesses can enhance their efficiency, innovation, and customer engagement, ultimately driving growth and success.
Who should attend
This course is designed for business leaders and professionals who want to develop a deeper understanding of digital business transformation and its implications for their organisation. It is suitable for those who are looking to drive digital change, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. The course is relevant to individuals from a variety of industries and roles, including those who are responsible for driving innovation, strategy, and growth. Anyone who is interested in gaining the knowledge, skills, and frameworks needed to navigate the digital landscape and drive business success will benefit from attending this course.
How you’ll learn
This is an MBA online course delivered over 12 weeks, with approximately 100 hours of study.
You'll learn through a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, case studies, and online tutorials. The online tutorials are live interactive sessions where you will review the topics covered in lectures using case studies or other materials to help embed and deepen your understanding. These are a great opportunity to share experiences and learn from the other participants. Online tutorials are typically scheduled every 2 weeks on weekdays from 12–2pm, most often on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, with final scheduling confirmed within eight weeks of the course start date.
Participants will be joining the existing Online MBA cohort, which provides an excellent opportunity for networking and idea exchange. The pace is designed to work alongside a full-time role but assumes steady weekly engagement.
Assessment and certification
At the end of the course, you will complete an individual assignment designed to embed your learning and help you practically apply your newly acquired skills and strategies in your workplace. The purpose of this assignment is to help you demonstrate both technical understanding and strategic thinking in the context of digital transformation. You will produce a report analysing how a traditional system can be digitized within a specific organization, quite possibly your current employer. The focus should be on identifying an outdated manual process and designing a digital transformation (DT) solution that improves efficiency, accuracy and accessibility.
On successful completion, you will receive a University of Edinburgh Business School certificate, plus 10 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credits, equivalent to 5 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. These credits can be put towards the University of Edinburgh MBA or Online MBA.
Course impact
This course will have a lasting impact on your ability to drive digital transformation and business success. You will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the digital landscape, identify opportunities for growth, and overcome the challenges that come with digital change. By attending this course, you will be able to make a meaningful contribution to your organisation's digital transformation journey, drive innovation and improvement, and enhance your career prospects as a digital leader. The course will also provide a valuable network of peers and experts, allowing you to learn from others, share experiences, and build lasting relationships that can benefit your personal and professional development.
Course lead – Dr Nkosana Mafico
Nkosana is a Lecturer in Strategy at the University of Edinburgh Business School.
Previously, he co-founded Funetics, an English pronunciation software venture backed by Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company, leading business development across Beijing, San Francisco, and Singapore. He has also worked inside blockchain communities, providing governance and strategic support to emerging digital ventures.
Nkosana's governance work spans heritage, education, and public policy. He serves on the boards of:
- Historic Environment Scotland (HES): Governance of Scotland's cultural and natural heritage, including 300+ historic properties attracting over 5 million visitors annually. Chair of the People Committee (organisational culture, workforce strategy, senior leadership performance). Member of the Audit, Risk, and Assurance Committee.
- Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS): Strategic oversight of a Scottish Government agency distributing £1 billion annually to support 160,000+ students.
Past appointments include four years on the advisory council of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, three years on the Queensland Government Multicultural Advisory Council, and three years as Chair of the Global Shapers Community in Australia, an initiative of the World Economic Forum.
Course dates
2 December 2026 – 3 March 2027
Course fees
£2000
Application terms
Applications are accepted until 5pm UK time on Tuesday 17 November 2026.
Our participants typically hold a 2:1 honours degree or higher. We do, however, take a holistic view of every application. If your academic background does not meet these specific criteria, your application may still be considered if supported by a good professional track record.
Successful applicants must also evidence a minimum of three years’ management experience.
Before applying, please ensure you have gathered all the required supporting documents, including a CV and your sponsor letter (if applicable). For further details, please see the application form.
Cancellation requests must be received by 5pm UK time Wednesday 9 December 2026 to qualify for a full refund. After this date, a refund will no longer be possible.
For more information about this course, please email us: executive@business-school.ed.ac.uk