When I first heard about the LSE ‘Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation’ (MISDI) programme, many questions popped into my head. At first, I thought this programme was just about studying new technological trends and learning about hardware, software and coding. But after doing more research into the programme, I finally gained an understanding into what it’s really about. Now, as a current MISDI student, I can say that MISDI encompasses a lot more than just the study of technology.  

In this blog, I address the 4 key questions I asked myself before joining the programme and I hope these questions will also be useful for those of you who are looking to apply.

1. Do I need a technical background to join MISDI?

The question of whether you need a technical background for MISDI was one that concerned me before applying. I soon learned that the answer is simple: no, you don’t need a technical background. If you have studied computer science or have experience in programming, that’s great! It will help you understand certain concepts from a technical perspective. If you don’t have that kind of experience, that’s great too! The fact that MISDI is a multidisciplinary course is what makes it unique. There are people that come from a wide range of degrees, such as business management, linguistics, English literature, finance, computer science, and so on. You might think that you are at a disadvantage if your degree sounds somewhat unrelated to MISDI, but the skills you will bring to the cohort are unique and will allow you to see the concepts studied from a different perspective.

So, the bottom line is that whatever your background is, it will give you a unique advantage. The only things you do need in order to study MISDI is passion and motivation. With that, be assured that you have the necessary skills to succeed, regardless of your academic or professional background.

2. What exactly will I be learning in the MISDI programme?

Another question I asked myself is, what exactly will I be learning in the MISDI programme? Now I understand that MISDI takes a ‘socio-technical’ approach to technology. In other words, it combines the technical and social contexts and looks at how technology interacts with and is embedded in the context in which it resides.

3. What are the exit routes after the programme?

There are many exit routes after the programme. A few popular ones include management or technological consulting, business analyst roles, product management and some people also explore the possibility of opening up a business or continuing their studies by pursuing a PhD.

When I compare my initial perception of MISDI with how I understand it now, I see that there is a lot of disparity. I hope that my answer to these 4 questions is useful to MISDI offer holders or to those who are interested in applying but are unsure of what the program entails!