Strategy and Innovation

The MSc in Strategy and Innovation at the University of Oxford is a dynamic and intellectually challenging programme designed for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs who wish to develop their understanding of strategic management and innovative processes. This programme provides students with a comprehensive education that combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, equipping them with the skills to lead change, drive innovation, and craft competitive strategies in complex and rapidly evolving environments.

Throughout the course, students explore key topics such as strategic analysis, innovation management, digital transformation, organizational change, and entrepreneurship. They will critically examine how firms formulate strategies, leverage new technologies, and sustain competitive advantage in a global marketplace. The programme emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from economics, management, technology, and social sciences to prepare students for the multifaceted challenges faced by modern organizations.

The MSc in Strategy and Innovation is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, case studies, and interactive workshops, fostering an engaging and collaborative learning environment. Students benefit from the expertise of leading academics and practitioners, as well as opportunities to network with peers from diverse backgrounds. The curriculum also includes practical projects and a dissertation component, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and develop their analytical and research skills.

Designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals, the programme prepares graduates for careers in consulting, corporate strategy, innovation management, policy development, and entrepreneurship. Graduates leave equipped with a robust understanding of strategic frameworks and innovative practices, enabling them to effect change within organizations or within their own ventures.

As part of the University of Oxford, students also gain access to a rich academic community, distinguished alumni network, and numerous resources that support their professional growth. The MSc in Strategy and Innovation offers a unique opportunity for intellectual development and practical training that can transform careers and contribute to the advancement of innovative practices across sectors worldwide.

In the first term you will follow core courses which introduce the subject of forced migration from anthropological, political and legal perspectives. There is also a course dedicated to research methods relevant to the study of forced migration.

In the second term, you will take a further core course on morality and continue to study research methods. In addition you will choose two options courses from a list which changes from year to year but which usually includes a course on advanced international and human rights law, a course on humanitarianism, and courses furthering regional specialisation.

In the third term, you will write a 10,000- to 15,000-word thesis. This is typically a desk-based study, since there is little time to undertake individual fieldwork within the nine months of the course. Although you may attend other options courses, you will only be examined on the core courses, your two chosen option courses and the thesis.

Teaching

Teaching takes place in small classes of anything from 4 to 25 students, to encourage active participation and to enable students to learn from each other. Teaching styles vary and include lectures, workshops, individual and group tutorials, seminars and student presentations. You will be expected to prepare for each class by reading a selection of recommended books, book chapters and articles. 

Individual supervisors will support your academic development from the start; they are allocated on the basis of your research interests, the expertise of staff supervising on the course and their availability. You will work with your individual supervisor on your thesis throughout the degree, meeting roughly every two weeks in term time. The department’s teaching staff are all leading experts in the field of forced migration, drawn from a range of disciplines including anthropology, geography, international law, history and politics, international relations, sociology and development studies. In addition, you will have a college advisor whom you may consult on issues concerning your personal wellbeing.

Assessment

On-course assessment, which will not count towards your degree, takes the form of regular presentations and short essays. The degree is formally assessed by a piece of practical research methods coursework at the end of the second term, three written examinations on the core and options courses at the start of the third term, and a 10,000- to 15,000-word thesis at the end of the third term.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a social science subject. It is also possible for students who have not specialised in a social science to read for the MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

Entrance to the course is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.8 or above, a first-class degree or the equivalent.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

The admissions committee will occasionally consider a lower degree classification if the first qualification was taken some years ago, if you have gone on to further study since in which you have excelled, or if you have substantive work experience of relevance to the course.

Relevant professional experience is desirable but not required. 

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 to 1,000 words
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The Strategy and Innovation program at the University of Oxford offers participants a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals and advanced concepts related to strategic management and innovative processes within organizations. Designed for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise, this program covers a wide range of topics including competitive strategy, corporate innovation, digital transformation, and strategic leadership. Throughout the course, students explore various frameworks and models used in strategic decision-making, gaining insights into how organizations can sustain competitive advantage in dynamic markets.

The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, encouraging learners to analyze real-world business challenges and develop innovative solutions. Participants benefit from interactive lectures, case studies, and group discussions led by distinguished faculty members with extensive industry experience. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of fostering an innovative culture within organizations, leveraging emerging technologies, and managing change effectively.

Students also explore the role of entrepreneurship in strategy, understanding how startups and established companies can develop disruptive business models. The program aims to build strategic thinking skills and entrepreneurial mindset, empowering professionals to lead transformation initiatives within their organizations. Networking opportunities with peers from diverse industries and backgrounds further enhance the learning experience, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The program's duration, delivery method, and specific entry requirements are tailored to accommodate busy professionals, often delivered in a hybrid format combining online learning with in-person modules. Upon completion, graduates receive a certificate from the University of Oxford, recognized globally for its academic excellence. This qualification can support career advancement, enabling participants to move into leadership roles, consultancy, or entrepreneurial ventures focused on strategy and innovation.

Overall, the Strategy and Innovation program at Oxford provides a solid foundation in strategic management principles, combined with a forward-looking perspective on innovation practices, equipping students with the tools necessary to drive growth and transformation in their organizations and industries.