Master of Science Degree in Digital Services Management (MSc. DSM)
Duration
Minimum of two (2) academic years and a maximum of four (4) academic years, divided into four academic semesters Years
Mode of study
Online
Academic school
School of Science & TechnologyJoin a world-class institutional environment designed for the digital age. This programme offers a direct pathway to global career outcomes through technology-enabled learning.
Academic overview
The Master of Science in Digital Services Management programme prepares professionals to lead and manage digital services in a rapidly evolving technology-driven economy. The programme combines digital services management, research, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship with a strong focus on practical application.
The programme responds to the growing demand for skilled digital services professionals driven by digital transformation, online service delivery, technological advancement and cybersecurity.
What You Will Gain
Through the programme, learners will develop the ability to:
Lead and manage digital services operations and teams.
Analyse emerging trends and developments in the digital services sector.
Design evidence-based solutions to real-world digital services challenges.
Apply research and analytical methods to support informed decision-making.
Drive digital transformation and innovation within organisations.
Develop entrepreneurial skills for creating and scaling digital services ventures.
Apply principles of sustainability, leadership and strategic management in digital services.
Contribute to policy development and industry advancement through applied research.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue leadership, management, consulting, research and entrepreneurial roles in digital services companies, technology firms, call centres, corporate organisations, government agencies, outsourcing companies and emerging enterprises.
Potential career paths include:
Digital Services Manager
Digital Transformation Manager
Digital Operations Manager
Customer Experience Manager
Outsourcing Services Manager
Digital Services Consultant
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Manager
Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialist
Digital Services Researcher or Policy Specialist
Digital Services Entrepreneur
Expected outcomes
- PLO1: Identify business opportunities in the digital services sector using research frameworks and market analysis tools.
- PLO2: Analyze digital services trends and market dynamics through advanced research methodologies, including data analytics and predictive modeling.
- PLO3: Design leadership and management strategies for digital services innovation, grounded in research-driven insights and ethical decision-making.
- PLO4: Develop entrepreneurial solutions and strategic business plans for digital services enterprises, incorporating data-driven research and emerging theoretical frameworks.
Entry requirements
- Holders of a Bachelor's degree with at least an upper second-class honor in any discipline of the Open University of Kenya or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Open University of Kenya Senate.
- Holders of a Bachelor's degree with at least a lower Second Class honors or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Senate plus two years relevant work experience.
- Holders of a Bachelor's degree with at least a pass degree of the Open University of Kenya or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Senate plus four years relevant work experience.
- Any other qualifications that may be determined by Senate recognizing prior learning leading to equivalents of the identified criteria, experience and skills of learners.
- Eligible candidates are required to fill in an online application form available from the University's website, attach relevant documents as proof of eligibility, and pay an application fee determined by the University Senate.
Credit and Entry pathways
Programme structure
The programme shall be offered in 4 semesters spanning two academic years. The total course credits for the programme are 56 and the total course contact (instructional) hours required for graduation is 840 hours.
Assessment methods
The course will be assessed through content embedded quizzes, online practical work, open book tests, project reports, and end of course online examination.
The projects will be assessed through e-portfolios and students will present their work to an evaluation panel.
All taught course units shall be examined at the end of the respective semesters.
Each course unit or its equivalent shall be marked independently out of a maximum of 100 marks and the pass mark shall be 50%.
A written examination for a course unit shall have a minimum duration of two hours and a maximum of three hours.
The complete assessment of a taught unit shall consist of coursework (assignments, laboratory practicals, and continuous assessment tests) and a compulsory written examination, with the contribution towards the unit aggregate being 50% for course work and 50% for written examination.
The project shall be conducted in accordance with the School of Science and Technology MSc Project guidelines and graded independently out of a maximum of 100 marks with a pass mark of 50%.
Grading: 75-100 = A (Excellent); 60-74 = B (Very Good); 50-59 = C (Good); Below 50 = F (Reattempt).
A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners in any unit(s) may be allowed to take up to two supplementary examinations in the failed unit(s).
Global careers
Application hub
Typical duration
Delivery mode
Online
Accreditation info
Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognised globally for digital-first excellence.
School of Science & Technology
Related programmes
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Explore programmeUndergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Agritechnology and Food Systems
Explore programmePostgraduate
Master of Science in Mathematical Innovation
Explore programmeUndergraduate