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Description Contents Requirements Funding

The MPhil in Strategy, Marketing and Operations (SMO) is an intensive nine-month programme that prepares you for continuation to the Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) PhD in the fields of Strategy, Marketing or Operations.

Educational aims of the programme

To prepare students for doctoral work in the fields of strategy, marketing or operations at CJBS (the programme is an integral part of the CJBS PhD programme for these fields)

By:

providing teaching in research methodology, in particular in econometrics and mathematical modelling;
providing teaching in foundational subjects, such as economics;
providing research seminars in which students will learn about the current debates in their field of specialisation and about the canonical literature that underpins these debates;
providing guidance on the structuring, writing and critiquing of academic research papers;
giving students the opportunity to experience research first-hand, either through an individual research project or a dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students should have:

Acquired or consolidated foundational knowledge and methodological skills necessary for research in their chosen field of specialisation;
Demonstrated an ability to critique research papers;
Presented their own ideas in a public forum and learned to contribute constructively within an international environment.

Continuing

Following their application for PhD continuation by the end of the first term, students will be interviewed by a panel of faculty members early in the second term. The PhD admissions committee will make PhD admission decisions on the basis of the interview report, the strength of the overall application with particular weight on academic reference letters and the performance in the Michaelmas term MPhil courses, and the fit of the student's research interest with faculty expertise. Students will receive confirmation of a PhD offer in February. All admitted PhD students are fully funded. PhD offers are usually conditional on the final performance on the MPhil - candidates are required to achieve over 70% in their MPhil.

Students have to complete 9 modules, covering research methodology (e.g. statistics, mathematical modelling, experimental research), foundation courses (e.g. microeconomics, game theory), and research seminars on subjects such as strategy, marketing, innovation, and operations and technology management.

Students may also apply to do a dissertation, in lieu of 3 modules, or a short individual research project, in lieu of 1 module.


One to one supervision	Each student will be assigned supervisors as appropriate for dissertations or research projects, and a faculty mentor to discuss their research interests for their PhD application. Students taking the dissertation option will be allocated a supervisor towards the end of Michaelmas Term. Students will engage with dissertation supervisors over Lent and Easter Term.Supervisors will provide general academic advice to students, and subject-specific advice relating to the dissertation; students and supervisors normally meet about once a month to discuss progress, but meetings may be more or less frequent depending on the project’s progression.
Seminars & classes	Students will normally attend an average of 10 hours of classes per week as well as participating in the research seminars of the subject group pertaining to their field of specialisation, though this may vary depending on the choice of modules.

One to one supervision

Each student will be assigned supervisors as appropriate for dissertations or research projects, and a faculty mentor to discuss their research interests for their PhD application.

Students taking the dissertation option will be allocated a supervisor towards the end of Michaelmas Term. Students will engage with dissertation supervisors over Lent and Easter Term.Supervisors will provide general academic advice to students, and subject-specific advice relating to the dissertation; students and supervisors normally meet about once a month to discuss progress, but meetings may be more or less frequent depending on the project’s progression.

Seminars & classes

Students will normally attend an average of 10 hours of classes per week as well as participating in the research seminars of the subject group pertaining to their field of specialisation, though this may vary depending on the choice of modules.

Feedback

Students receive qualitative feedback on their assessed performance and suggestions for improving their performance on the courses. Several courses have mid-term assessments to allow students to track their knowledge of the subject. Students are also welcome to approach lecturers for informal advice and guidance.

Assessment

Thesis

If dissertation option is chosen: 12,000 words.

Individual research project if chosen; 4,000 words.

In either option an oral examination is not normally held, but may be given at the discretion of the Examiners.

Essays

Assessment across the nine courses will be by written examination, project, or coursework, depending upon the nature of the particular course.

Written examination

Faculty of Mathematics and Faculty of Economics courses offered on the MPhil in SMO as electives are assessed exclusively by written examination.

Practical assessment

Presentation features as an assessment component in a number of CJBS modules offered on the MPhil in SMO.

Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
IELTS (Academic) 7.5
TOEFL Internet Score 110
£50 application fee
First Academic Reference
Second Academic Reference
Transcript
GRE Test. Although not a mandatory requirement, for applicants from universities which may not be well known to members of the admissions committee, a strong GRE test result may provide credibility to the applicant’s strong academic transcript. Please contact the Judge Business School if more information is required. GMAT tests are not accepted.
Personal Reference.