Strategy and Innovation

The Oxford Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Strategy and Innovation is a master’s-level graduate qualification designed to enhance your ability to take effective strategic decisions in today’s dynamic business environment, and to innovate for competitive advantage. Designed for senior managers, this intellectually rich programme will extend your knowledge and broaden and deepen your skill base, with a clear focus on practical application.

The programme is based on four taught modules of four days each in the areas of strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship, international business and strategy execution. The modular programme structure allows you to study alongside employment and complete a prestigious University of Oxford graduate-level qualification in one year.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation offers:

• a graduate-level qualification from the University of Oxford which builds on your existing professional development and experience;
• the highest standards of academic rigour with a practical approach to developing strategic thinking and execution, entrepreneurship, and innovation in a global environment;
• access to top-level teaching from world-leading experts, drawing on the University of Oxford’s strengths in strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship;
• membership of a unique network of peers and practitioners from around the globe; and
• lifelong association with the university through the business school, university networks and college membership - and a pathway to Oxford's Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA).

The Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation adopts an assessment regime that requires participants to take four courses and satisfy the examiners in the assessment associated with each core course. Assessment will be a combination of written examinations, and individual assignments.

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.

The University of Oxford offers a variety of funding options for students enrolled in its Strategy and Innovation programmes. Financial support is available through a combination of scholarships, bursaries, grants, and loan schemes designed to assist both domestic and international students. The university’s commitment to accessible education ensures that eligible students can benefit from financial aid to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with their studies. Scholarships such as the Clarendon Fund provide competitive and substantial funding opportunities that do not need to be repaid, supporting outstanding international students across various disciplines, including Strategy and Innovation. Additionally, the university collaborates with governmental and private lenders to facilitate student loans for eligible students, which can be used to support living costs and tuition fees. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including national research councils, industry sponsorships, and charitable foundations that might offer grants tailored to specific regions or backgrounds. The university’s financial aid services provide tailored advice on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines to ensure that students can access the support they need. Furthermore, some programmes may offer teaching and research assistantship positions that provide financial compensation in exchange for work performed. It is recommended that prospective and current students regularly check the official university website and contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information on available funding opportunities, application processes, and deadlines. Overall, the University of Oxford strives to make its Strategy and Innovation programmes financially accessible to meritorious students from around the world, fostering a diverse academic community that advances knowledge and practical application in the fields of strategy and innovation management.

The MSc in Strategy and Innovation at the University of Oxford is a rigorous and innovative programme designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead strategic transformation within organizations. This postgraduate degree is offered by the Saïd Business School and combines academic excellence with practical insights, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking, innovative management practices, and entrepreneurial agility in today’s dynamic business environment. Throughout the course, students explore core themes such as competitive strategy, innovation management, digital transformation, and organizational change, enabling them to develop the capacity to analyze complex business challenges and craft effective solutions.

The programme is tailored for early to mid-career professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of strategic processes and innovation paradigms. It integrates case-based learning, interactive seminars, and collaborative projects, allowing students to engage actively with real-world problems and connect theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Participants gain exposure to the latest research and trends in strategy and innovation, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Students also have access to Oxford’s extensive resources, including world-class faculty members with diverse expertise in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation policy. The programme encourages a global perspective, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and international best practices in strategy formulation and implementation. Networking opportunities are integral to the experience, with interactions across diverse cohorts and access to a wider alumni network of influential business leaders and academics.

Graduates of the MSc in Strategy and Innovation typically pursue careers in management consulting, corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation management across various industries. They are prepared to lead change initiatives, drive organizational growth, and develop innovative business models in a competitive marketplace. The programme’s rigorous coursework, combined with its emphasis on practical application and strategic thinking, aims to produce graduates capable of making a significant impact in their professional domains and contributing to the advancement of strategic practices globally.