Financial Strategy

The Oxford Diploma in Financial Strategy is an opportunity for you to accelerate your career to the most senior levels whilst gaining a University of Oxford qualification. Designed for experienced finance practitioners and managers it provides its graduates with highly-developed financial acumen, strategy techniques and business knowledge.

Rigorous, selective and intellectually challenging, the programme delivers the finance and strategy components from Oxford’s Executive MBA. It is taught in four modules of four days each allowing you to study alongside employment and complete the qualification in 13 months.

The Diploma in Financial Strategy offers:

• The ability to apply expert analysis techniques in corporate and business strategy, investment appraisal, capital structure and corporate valuation
• Access to top-level teaching from world-leading experts, drawing on Oxford University’s  strengths in finance and strategy
• Membership of a unique network of peers and practitioners from around the globe
• A postgraduate-level qualification which builds on your existing professional development and experience
• Lifelong association with the university through the Business School, university networks and college membership - and a pathway to the Oxford Executive MBA.

The Diploma in Financial Strategy draws on Oxford University's strengths in finance and strategy and offers a distinct intellectual edge. Led by Academic Director, Dr Ken Okamura and other world-leading faculty in the areas of strategy and finance, the four programme modules combine the highest standards of academic rigour with a practical understanding of business and wealth creation:

1. Strategy

This module explains the process and practice of formulating competitive and corporate strategy. You will develop the analytic skills of a strategy consultant and the ability to present, defend and interrogate proposals in strategic decision making. 

Topics covered:

• Goals and strategies
• Competitive advantage
• Industry analysis
• Strategy and change
• Diversification
• Global strategy
• Managing the multi-business company
• Strategy process and practice.

2. Business finance

This module identifies the sources of investor value, and uses them to think about portfolio composition, investment choices, and corporate financial decisions.

Topics covered:

• Discounting and bond maths
• Capital budgeting
• Capital Asset Pricing Model
• Capital structure and tax
• Options
• Initial public offerings

3. Financial strategies for growth

This module is a practical examination of the various methods used by companies to expand their businesses. You will develop a solid and applied awareness of the best ways to grow organisations given a particular situation and the pitfalls to avoid.

Topics covered:

• Developing a strategy
• Financial analysis and due diligence
• Mergers and acquisitions
• International growth
• Combining growth strategies

4. Corporate valuation

This module incorporates the knowledge developed throughout the programme and provides the in-depth understanding and ability to make optimal strategic investment decisions.

Topics covered:

• Fundamentals of valuation
• DCF and project analysis
• Valuing human capital 
• Value creation
• Relative valuation
• Valuation in a competitive environment
• Valuation under financial distress
• Valuation in a private equity setting.

Business project report

The Diploma concludes with a Business Project Report that integrates new insights from the four course modules: Strategy, Business Finance, Financial Strategies for Growth and Corporate Valuation. Consisting of no more than 10,000 words, it provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge learned on the programme. The completed project is due for submission by the end of the January after the last module.

1. Academic ability

We recommend that applicants have a first-class or an upper second class undergraduate degree or equivalent international qualifications (GPA of 3.5). Applicants who do not hold such a qualification may be considered if they have a very strong employment record demonstrating a high degree of responsibility. Professional qualifications may also be taken into consideration.

All applicants are required to supply transcripts of their previous higher education qualifications as part of the online application. A transcript is an official document showing the modules taken and the marks/grades awarded. A certificate of completion is not sufficient. If receiving an offer on the programme, we will ask you to forward us hard copies of your transcripts.

We do not seek a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT score.

2. English language proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English  may be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. 

• TOEFL iBT 110
• IELTS 7.5

3. Relevant work experience

Applicants normally have a minimum of five years' work experience, this is essential to making the candidate a valuable contributor to the student group and the learning experience of the Diploma.

4. Quantitative skills

You may be required to provide evidence of your quantitative analysis skills.

The MSc in Financial Strategy at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the field of financial management and strategic decision-making. Tuition fees for the program are competitive and aligned with other postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School. The program's fee structure is annually updated and typically includes costs related to instruction, course materials, and access to university facilities. Additional expenses such as accommodation, living costs, and personal expenses should be considered by prospective students.

Funding opportunities for the MSc in Financial Strategy are varied. The University of Oxford offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and grants aimed at supporting both domestic and international students. These financial awards are often merit-based, need-based, or targeted towards specific applicant groups, such as those from certain geographical regions or with particular professional backgrounds. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the university's official scholarship database and apply accordingly, as competition for these resources can be intense.

Apart from university-specific funding, students are advised to seek external scholarships and sponsorships offered by government agencies, private foundations, and industry organizations. Many financial institutions and corporations also provide sponsorship opportunities for students pursuing advanced finance degrees, particularly those aimed at developing future leaders in finance and strategy. Students may also consider taking private loans or financing options, though these should be carefully evaluated in terms of interest rates and repayment terms.

The program duration typically spans one year of full-time study, with part-time options being less common. The cost structure remains relatively fixed, but students should plan for additional costs such as travel, insurance, and personal expenses during their course of study. The university also provides guidance and resources on financial planning and student support services to help students manage their finances throughout their studies.

In summary, the MSc in Financial Strategy at Oxford is a significant investment in one’s professional development, backed by a range of financing options and supports designed to make the program accessible to talented candidates from diverse backgrounds. Prospective students are encouraged to thoroughly research all available funding sources, plan their finances carefully, and take advantage of the university’s resources to ensure a smooth and successful academic journey.

The MSc in Financial Strategy at the University of Oxford is a highly regarded postgraduate program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles and strategic decision-making processes within the context of global financial markets. The program aims to develop advanced skills in financial analysis, risk management, corporate strategy, and financial modeling, preparing graduates for leadership roles in finance, consulting, and corporate sectors.

Students undertake a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, often involving case studies, simulations, and project work. The coursework covers a wide range of topics including corporate finance, investment analysis, financial regulation, government policy impacts, and innovative financial instruments. The program emphasizes integrating financial theory with real-world strategic challenges faced by organizations and institutions, fostering a nuanced understanding of how financial strategies influence and are influenced by economic environments.

The program typically attracts students from diverse backgrounds including economics, business, engineering, and law, creating a vibrant learning environment that encourages cross-disciplinary perspectives. It usually spans one academic year for full-time students, with options for part-time study depending on the specific arrangements offered.

Institute-led seminars, guest lectures from industry experts, and networking events are standard features, providing students with access to influential practitioners and thought leaders in finance and strategy. Collaborative projects and internships may also be integrated into the curriculum to enhance practical experience and employment prospects.

Admission requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree with strong academic records, a clear motivation to pursue careers related to financial strategy, and competitive scores in standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT. Proficiency in English language testing (such as IELTS or TOEFL) is also necessary for non-native speakers.

Graduates of the MSc in Financial Strategy often proceed to senior roles in financial analysis, consultancy, hedge funds, asset management, or corporate finance departments. The program is designed not only to impart technical knowledge but also to develop strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical awareness, aligning with Oxford’s broader educational objectives of fostering responsible global leaders.

The faculty comprises experienced academics and practitioners from top financial institutions, ensuring that instruction remains relevant, innovative, and grounded in current industry practices. The university’s extensive alumni network further supports students through mentorship, career guidance, and global networking opportunities, empowering them to thrive in competitive financial sectors worldwide.

Overall, the MSc in Financial Strategy at Oxford is a rigorous, comprehensive program that combines academic excellence with practical relevance, making it a distinguished choice for individuals aiming to excel in the complex and dynamic field of financial strategy and decision-making.