Oxford Executive Diploma

in Strategy and Innovation

Developing innovative strategies to make a dynamic impact

Executive Degree Programmes at Oxford Saïd

2 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

Contents

Introducing the Oxford Executive Diplomas

The Oxford Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation
Why choose the Oxford Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation?
Your learning, your way
You and your class
Oxford academic rigour and assessments
Your in-person learning journey
Your online learning journey
What you will study
Learning from world leaders
The Oxford experience
World-class alumni networks
Where will your Executive Diploma take you?
How to apply
Fees and funding
Build your business case
Your admissions journey
3 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

Introducing the
Oxford Executive Diplomas

Deliver unparalleled performance Executive Diploma in

Strategy and Innovation
Executive Diploma
in Financial Strategy
with an Oxford Executive Diploma
Offering a deep dive into specialist areas also covered
by the Oxford Executive MBA, our five postgraduate,
master’s-level Executive Diploma programmes are
designed for experienced professionals to refine their
advanced expertise and drive superior performance. Executive Executive
Diploma Diploma
Delivered in a part-time format of four modules over in AI for in Global
one year, the diploma programmes enable busy Business Business
executives to continue working full-time without
compromising on the learning experience.

Executive Diploma in
Organisational Leadership

‘The Oxford Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation offers

you the insight and understanding needed to lead organisations in
a complex, everchanging global business environment. Whether you
are working in a commercial, non-profit or public sector context, the
programme provides you with the knowledge and skills needed at the
most senior levels of management, and throughout organisations of
all sizes from startups to large-scale global entities.’
Tim Galpin
Academic Director and Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Innovation

‘The Oxford Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation offers

actionable understanding of cutting-edge ideas and frameworks to
help you develop strategy and lead innovation in your organisation.
Oxford has been educating leaders from around the world for over
800 years, and we take pride in educating leaders for the centuries
ahead. Those who take part in this diploma become part of that
distinguished tradition of excellence.’
Tom Lawrence
Academic Director and Professor of Strategic Management
4 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

The Oxford Executive Diploma

in Strategy and Innovation

Quick facts

One year Part-time, 4 modules

Duration Format

Oxford or online In person: 65 professionals

Online: 35 professionals
Module location (dependent on chosen stream)
Estimated class size
February or March 2025
Master’s-level
Starting month (dependent on chosen stream)
Postgraduate Diploma
EQF Level 7 qualification

£33,900
Programme fees
5 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

Why choose the Oxford Executive

Diploma in Strategy and Innovation?

You will Your organisation will

• Gain a unique understanding of the intersection • Gain the specialist knowledge to formulate and
and interdependencies between strategy and execute transformative strategies that drive
innovation growth, maximise value and make a dynamic
impact in our changing world
• Combine practical tools for effective strategic
implementation with creative approaches to • Acquire the professional best practices for a
tackling organisational challenges wide variety of complex strategic scenarios and
maintain a competitive advantage
• Develop an advanced strategic toolkit and a
revitalised creative mindset to proactively respond • Equip their senior talent with the advanced ability
to any future challenges that arise to select, tailor and develop their own innovative
frameworks to solve any future challenges
• Join one of the most prestigious alumni networks
in the world and benefit from lifelong association • Gain practical solutions to address their greatest
with an Oxford college challenges, through the findings from your Final
Integrative Assignment

• Benefit from participant diversity that encourages

thinking beyond the bounds of individual
organisations, sectors and geographies

• Retain and develop top achievers and high-

potential employees

‘The return on investment has been significant and

extremely valuable and will continue to shape my
decisions moving forward. Heightened awareness
of the core concepts studied has accelerated my
decision-making, and broadened my perspective
and my ability to think objectively with the applied
lenses of the modules studied on the Executive
Diploma in Strategy and Innovation programme.’

Bijna Kotak Dasani MBE

Executive Director, Morgan Stanley
6 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

Your learning, your way

You can choose to study this diploma either in person or fully online
By studying with us in person, you will join us in can access the benefits of a world-class Oxford
Oxford for four modules over the course of the year. education and globally renowned network from
anywhere in the world.
If attending Oxford physically might not be practical
for you, our online format, combining live, virtual
classes and self-paced learning, ensures you

In-person study Online study

• Study part-time and experience Oxford in person • Study part-time and access an Oxford education
four times a year anywhere

• Gain practical tools that can be applied • Benefit from a flexible combination of live, online
immediately classes and self-paced learning

• Develop strong relationships with your global • Gain practical tools that can be applied
cohort immediately

• Gain prestigious Oxford postgraduate credentials • Develop strong relationships with your global
cohort
• Enjoy exclusive Oxford experiences
• Gain prestigious Oxford postgraduate credentials

• Enjoy exclusive Oxford experiences

Scan to view
You should ensure you are able to attend classes the module
on the module dates for your chosen stream, as dates for our
changing cohorts is not permitted. 2025 cohorts:
7 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

You and your class

You and your peers will be experienced professionals A typical class at a glance
with strategy and innovation-related roles in private,
public or not-for-profit sectors around the world who
seek to: In person: 65 professionals
• deepen their knowledge and develop an innovation
mindset to advance their careers 2025 projected class size

• sharpen their strategic approach to successfully

steer complex business growth initiatives Online: 35 professionals
• connect with other leaders to expand their global
2025 projected class size
network and formalise their strategic capabilities,
ready to pivot into a new industry
• operate across sectors, connecting with colleagues 40
in other industries to learn from their experience and
refresh their approach Average age

• launch and scale their startups and ventures at pace

25
The programme is designed for experienced
executives, typically with an upper-second class Nationalities
undergraduate degree or equivalent at a minimum,
and at least five years’ relevant work experience.
21
Employment sectors

40%
Female students

(trend data from our 2022-2024 cohorts)

‘The animated teaching style and programme format

encouraged me to challenge myself by nominating
my organisational challenges to be examined as
part of a live case study exercise on two occasions.
Having over 30 different perspectives on the biggest
challenges I’m facing right now was absolutely
priceless.’

Bobur Nazarmuhamedov
Programme Officer, International Labour Organization,
United Nations
8 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

Oxford academic rigour

and assessments

‘Oxford thinking’ and ‘Oxford doing’ Programme structure

Central to the design of the Oxford Executive This part-time programme is designed for busy
Diplomas is the dual focus on the academic theory working professionals and consists of four
(and ‘thinking’) behind current organisational and immersive modules taught over one year, allowing
global challenges, and the practical approaches you to combine full-time work with your studies.
(‘doing’) through which to successfully navigate them.

The rigour behind this structure is what makes these Study commitments
programmes uniquely Oxford – a nod to our global Previous participants have estimated that the study
reputation of academic excellence for over 800 years. commitment in between modules is approximately
six to eight hours per week for the duration of the
Participants graduate from the diploma programmes
diploma programme. This time is spent completing
with the word-class credentials, credibility and
the allocated pre-reading prior to each module and
capabilities to make a meaningful impact in their
preparing for the four assessments.
organisations and beyond.

Teaching approach Assessment

The first three modules are assessed by
The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation submissions and/or examinations. The final module
is taught through a combination of lectures, case is assessed by an extended Final Integrative
studies and syndicate group discussions. The Assignment (FIA) related to your organisation or
content is highly interactive, and students are industry.
encouraged to contribute throughout.
Participants must pass all four modules to be
awarded the diploma certificate (an accredited EQF
Level 7 qualification) at a traditional University of
Oxford end of course ceremony.

‘If you want to tackle complex global challenges,

gain new tools, new ways of thinking and expand
your network with like-minded peers across very
different sections and industries – you’ll find your
place here on the Executive Diploma in Strategy
and Innovation.’

Lisa Berthelot
Stakeholder Involvement and Communication Officer,
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), United Nations
9 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

Your in-person learning journey

Participants joining us in person will

follow the learning journey below. Online
Executive
Insights
session

Graduation
Ceremony

The first three modules are assessed by

submissions and/or examinations.
Online
Executive
Insights
Online
session Module 4 Executive
Impact
session
Online
Executive
Insights
session
Final
Module 3 Integrative
Assignment*
Online
Executive
Impact
Online session
Executive
Insights * Related to your
session Online organisation or
Module 2 Executive industry
Impact Assessment
session

Module 1 Assessment

Online
Executive
Impact
session

If you join our in-person stream, you will be invited

Assessment to attend an online welcome event to meet your
cohort and receive your programme onboarding
information. This includes an introduction to the
Welcome
programme, key members of staff, pre-reading,
networking with your cohort and more.

You will be able to keep in touch with your

classmates throughout the diploma programme,
and will complete approximately six to eight hours
of independent study at home in between modules.

The balance and frequency of the Oxford Executive Insights

and Impact sessions may be subject to change.
10 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

Your online learning journey

Participants joining us fully online will

follow the learning journey below. Online
Executive
Insights
session
Reunion Graduation
Ceremony

The first three modules are assessed by

submissions and/or examinations. Online
Executive
Insights
Online
session Module 4 Executive
Impact
session
Online
Executive
Insights
session
Final
Module 3 Integrative
Assignment*
Online
Executive
Impact
Online session
Executive
Insights * Related to your
session Online organisation or
Module 2 Executive industry
Impact Assessment
session

Module 1 Assessment

Online
Executive
Gateway Impact
session

Assessment If you join our online stream, you will be invited

Orientation to attend an online welcome event to meet your
cohort and receive your programme onboarding
information.

Online stream participants will benefit from two

virtual preparation sessions before beginning their
Welcome first module: Orientation and Gateway. Orientation
involves self-paced learning on topics such as your
digital identity, module essentials and assessment
and plagiarism. The live, online Gateway session
includes a programme overview, team building/
The balance and frequency of the Oxford Executive Insights networking exercise, introduction to relevant teams
and Impact sessions may be subject to change. at Oxford Saïd and an IT support clinic.
11 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

What you will study

Module 1 Strategy
Strategy is concerned with the long-term success of an organisation, defining
its direction and scope to gain competitive advantage. This module is designed
to equip you with a sound understanding of the principles of both competitive
and corporate strategy. You will build your capacity to speak confidently about
strategic goals and operate successfully alongside other senior executives.

The module will cover:

• Competitive strategy
• Strategy in complex organisations
• Decision-making analysis
• Strategy processes
• Advocating for strategic change

Upon completion:
You will have developed the ability to analyse key issues in strategic
decision-making, and to understand, in depth, the strategic decision-making
process itself.

Module 2 Innovation Strategy

Module two provides a detailed understanding of value creation and
capture in unsettled spaces, focusing on the critical role of emerging
technologies and nascent markets, on platform technologies, regulation
and the challenges to organise for innovation. The module integrates
insights from recent theories of new markets, managing technology and
building organisation capabilities, developed in discussion cases such as
open innovation, ecosystem strategies, crowdsourcing, digital energy
services and space debris mitigation.

The module will cover:

• Emerging technologies and nascent markets
• Strategy going forward: exploit-explore ratio
• Thinking entrepreneurially; entrepreneurial networks
• Organising for innovation
• Open innovation, crowdsourcing, platforms Scan to view
the module
• Strategies to sustain innovation
dates for our
Upon completion: 2025 cohorts:
You will understand why so many incumbent firms stumble in changing
strategic contexts, how ventures claim/demarcate/control in unsettled
opportunity spaces, the challenges of platforms, and how intermediaries
play a critical role in two-sided markets.

As part of our continuous review process and commitment to excellence, module content is subject to
development. Any updates to programme content will be communicated at the earliest opportunity.
12 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

What you will study

Module 3 Globalisation and Strategy

Today’s global business environment is challenging, with geopolitical
instability, climate change, cyber security and other issues that know no
national borders. This module is designed to develop your understanding of
critical trends in global business, and the factors that underlie these trends,
including non-market (i.e. political, social and regulatory) factors. Formulating
and implementing global strategy involves the development of strategies for
corporate responsibility and reputation management.

The module will cover:

• Global trends
• Global expansion strategies
• Capturing value in global value chains
• Corporate diplomacy and reputation
• Innovation in emerging markets

Upon completion:
You will understand how to effectively evaluate the opportunities and
risks of global expansion, and how to use the practical tools available to
implement a global strategy.

Module 4 Strategy in Action

Strategy in principle, without practical implementation, offers little in
the way of sustainable advantage. In too many cases, a good strategy
fails due to poor execution or a lack of understanding of the political and
organisational dynamics. With a clear focus on practical application, this
module draws the programme together to examine how you will execute
strategy effectively in your organisational context.

The module will cover:

• Building organisational capabilities for innovation and transformation
• Developing the capacity for ongoing innovation
• Leading for strategy and innovation
• Managing change and helping employees cope with innovation
• Delivering success Scan to view
the module
Upon completion: dates for our
You will understand how to lead strategic renewal in the context of 2025 cohorts:
ambiguity, complexity and internal and external challenges, and deliver
real success for your organisation.
13 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

Learning from world leaders

Meet the faculty

Tim Galpin
Eric Thun
Academic Director of the
Peter Moores Associate
in-person stream and Senior
Professor in Chinese
Lecturer of Strategy and
Business Studies
Innovation

Tom Lawrence
Mari Sako
Academic Director of the
Professor of Management
online stream and Professor of
Studies
Strategic Management

Marc Ventresca
Victor Siedel
Associate Professor of
Associate Scholar
Strategic Management

Pinar Ozcan
Teppo Felin
Professor of Entrepreneurship
Associate Scholar
and Innovation

Scan to view our

full faculty listing:
14 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

The Oxford experience

Immerse yourself in Oxford traditions Executive Insights and Impact series

In the words of our students, the Oxford experience Thoughtfully developed alongside the Executive
is both ‘unparalleled’ and ‘indescribable’. Diploma modules, our online Executive Insights and
Impact series is available to all diploma participants
In-person stream experiences and aims to both enrich your learning and enhance
your impact in the workplace in the long term.
• Programme dinners with your cohort at historic
Oxford colleges Executive Insights sessions
• A traditional Oxford Union-style class debate Led by selected faculty, our co-curricular Executive
Insights sessions aim to complement your diploma
• Social and networking events studies. Drawing on the faculty expertise and
synergies present throughout the portfolio, this
• Associate college membership series is intended as an opportunity for participants
• Membership of the prestigious University of to connect and collaborate across the Executive
Oxford alumni network and Oxford Business Diplomas through discussions on topical trends.
Alumni (OBA) Network Topics could include reflective leadership and
strategic approaches in our changing world.
• A traditional Oxford end-of-course celebration
event Executive Impact workshops
Our diploma-wide Executive Impact workshop series
is focused on supporting students to expand their
professional networks, achieve their ambitions and
Online stream experiences
elevate their presence at board level. We recognise
• An Oxford Union-style class debate that each participant is at a different stage in their
career journey, and we have therefore carefully
• Online networking events
curated these sessions to appeal to a range of
• Associate college membership different development goals. These lively and
interactive workshops are delivered in instalments
• Membership of the prestigious University of over the course of the year, focusing on practical
Oxford alumni network and Oxford Business topics. Examples from previous years include:
Alumni (OBA) Network
• Managing your career: setting a vision and taking
• A special, in-person end-of-course Oxford action
experience event
• Building your personal brand
• A traditional Oxford end-of-course celebration • Personal impact and storytelling
event

Scan to hear first-hand

The topics covered by the Oxford Executive Insights and Impact what makes the Oxford
sessions may be subject to change. experience so special:
15 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

The Oxford experience

Associate college membership Benefit from Oxford Executive MBA

Whilst the Oxford Executive Diplomas are non- assessment exemptions
matriculated programmes, meaning that students
are not required to be full members of a college, Whilst the Executive Diploma in Strategy and
participants benefit from a lifelong association with a Innovation is a stand-alone postgraduate qualification,
traditional Oxford college. the programme offers a route towards the Oxford
Executive MBA. Should diploma participants choose
Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation students to pursue the Executive MBA, and gain a place on the
are associated with St Edmund Hall, or ‘Teddy Hall’ programme, they will receive assessment exemptions
as it is affectionately known – one of the University of across four modules, as well as a fee reduction.
Oxford’s oldest colleges, dating back to medieval times.

Scan to find out

more about the
Oxford Executive
MBA pathway:
16 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

World-class alumni networks

Studying at Oxford not only means joining a long- • Access the network directory – an invaluable tool
standing tradition of academic excellence, but an for networking with individuals and organisations
extensive alumni community. As an Executive Diploma throughout the world
graduate, you will become part of three exclusive
• Benefit from extensive library resources
networks:
• Access a range of lifelong learning opportunities
Your cohort
Many of our alumni comment on the lasting friendships The University of Oxford alumni network
they have with their peers and are still in touch with Following in the footsteps of centuries of exceptional
each other on a daily basis, often years after graduation. graduates, you will become part of a prestigious
community of over 350,000 University of Oxford
Oxford Saïd Alumni Community alumni across the globe.
Upon graduating, you will join 27,000 members in 159
countries around the world who have studied at Saïd
Business School, University of Oxford. This lifelong
membership entitles you to: Scan to find
out more about
• Join a Regional Chapter (local group) in your region
the Oxford
or city
Saïd Alumni
• Attend exclusive events Community:
17 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

Where will your

Executive Diploma take you?

‘During the programme, I became increasingly convinced that I

needed to change job and reinvigorate my career. This ended up being
the impetus for my Final Integrative Assignment, and I decided to
specifically focus on a fintech innovation ecosystem for my employer at
the time. Fast forward to December 2021 and I secured a new job with
a scaling fintech – a career move that I have been targeting for seven
years. It is what I’ve wanted to do for so long, to join a fintech company
and help scale it, and achieving this ambition can be directly attributed
to my experiences and learnings from the Executive Diploma in Strategy
and Innovation and my cohort.’
Alastair Pike Head of Product Management, CellPoint Digital

‘The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation has already equipped

me with a much more advanced, holistic view of strategy and structured
approach. It means that I can support my clients with a wider set
of strategic tools and add greater value to projects by applying the
learnings and innovations I have gained from my classmates. The
diploma programme has also helped to boost the creativity of what I
do and how I do it, which in turn enables me to pivot between different
ideas and into different directions.’
‘In the long term, I hope to invest more time into my social impact side
project: a mentoring initiative for refugee-led businesses. I hope to
establish this more in Oxford and to develop it into a business that can
benefit others and give back to the community. Everything I have learnt
through the Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation I will reflect
back into my current business and this side project.’
Meric Sevgi Eren Founder, MSE Comms
18 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

‘Looking back on what I have learnt through the diploma programme,

if I had the tools that I have gained now when I started my role as
Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, my approach would have been
very different.
Sure, the decisions I made during my tenure would have probably
stayed the same, but I would have so much more confidence in the
strategies and actions we chose. Working in an innovation environment,
often we’d find that we had to take a leap of faith, cross our fingers and
just go for it. If I knew what I know now, my team and I would have
had a variety of tools and frameworks in our arsenal to not only bring
structure, clarity and confidence to a project but to easily gain the buy-in
from top management for what we were trying to achieve. The rigorous
and logical frameworks that I learnt on the programme would have
given me and my team more persuasive powers, the ability to articulate
our vision in a more confident way and generally reinforced our belief in
the success of the project.’
Yu-Ting Kuo Former Corporate Vice President, Microsoft

‘I recently changed roles in cyber security, and I am now also

responsible for handling customer identity and access management,
from an architect standpoint, to support approximately 10 million
customers worldwide. I would have struggled to connect the dots if I
hadn’t studied the Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation. Now
that I have the strategic tools, I know how to think more broadly to bring
clarity and success to my role.’
Sujatha Yaramsetti Enterprise Architect, Digital Security, BP

Scan to read
the latest
views from the
classroom:
19 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

How to apply

Entry requirements English language proficiency

The programme is taught in English. If English is not
In order to be considered for the Oxford Executive
your native language, an English test score of IELTS 7.5,
Diploma in Strategy and Innovation, you must be
TOEFL iBT 110, or TOEFL 630 is required. Alternatively,
able to demonstrate the following:
a previous degree or work experience in English may
Professional experience be sufficient.
You should have at least five years’ relevant professional
experience and be familiar with the challenges of
business innovation and corporate strategy.

Intellectual ability
Typically, a minimum of an upper-second class (2:1)
undergraduate degree from an accredited institution Scan to view
or equivalent is preferred, though we will consider the application
applicants who do not hold such a qualification but can rounds and
demonstrate a particularly strong employment record deadlines for our
and/or hold certain professional qualifications. 2025 cohorts:
20 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

Fees and funding

Fees We also offer three scholarships for talented female

candidates. These include:
2025 programme fees are £33,900. The programme fee
covers tuition costs, course materials, essential reading • Two Women’s Scholarships in each diploma cohort
texts, assessments and associate college membership.
• The Mark Le Page Africa Diploma Scholarship
For in-person participants, lunch and refreshments are for Women, recognising one candidate across all
provided daily and a special dinner is arranged for your diploma programmes who resides in an African
cohort during each module. Accommodation is not country
included in the fee. You should make arrangements to
stay in Oxford during the modules. Each of our scholarships for women cover 50% of the
programme fees.
Once an offer has been made, you must secure your
place by making a 15% deposit payment within 30 days. Our Director’s Awards are open to outstanding
candidates who can demonstrate how they will
enhance the learning experience of the cohort through
the diverse experience they have accumulated to date.
Scholarships Three Director’s Awards are typically available per
programme, covering up to 50% of the fees.
In keeping with our rich academic heritage, we are
pleased to offer a variety of prestigious awards to Members of the Oxford Saïd Alumni Community,
recognise outstanding talent. candidates who have previously completed a degree-
bearing programme at the University of Oxford or
Candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic who are employed by the University, can apply for
excellence are welcome to apply for the Rewley an Oxford Community Scholarship. Typically, three
Scholarship. We offer one award in each diploma of these scholarships are awarded per programme,
class which includes financial support for 50% of the including a financial contribution equivalent to 20% of
programme fees. the programme fees.

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for multiple

awards can apply for more than one scholarship but
would only be able to take up one award. Scholarship
funding amounts can differ. The maximum school
funding available to any one candidate is 50% of
programme fees, as per individual award allocations.

Scan to learn more about

our scholarships and view
the application deadlines
for our 2025 cohorts:
21 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

Build your business case

If you are seeking support from your organisation, it Diversity to drive innovation
is important to carefully build your business case and
demonstrate the potential return on investment for Central to the structure of the Executive Diploma
your employer. programmes is the diversity of background, experience
and thought present. We work hard to carefully
Immediately applicable learnings curate a learning experience that is global in context,
perspective and representation. This diversity enables
When creating your case to study the Executive students to share ideas and develop best practices
Diploma in Strategy and Innovation, we recommend outside of the confines of traditional sector, industry
carefully researching the programme modules and and geographical boundaries.
assessments and tying these back to your role.
When building your business case, we would
For example, perhaps your organisation is looking to therefore recommend focusing on how Oxford
expand globally, and you are responsible for formulating Executive Diploma participants are able to gain ideas
and executing the strategy to achieve this. You may, and inspiration which they can drive as innovation
therefore, choose to focus on the benefits and learning initiatives in their own organisations. Understanding the
outcomes from module three, Globalisation and Strategy. challenges of your peers could also help you to better
support the needs of your stakeholders or clients.
It is also worth highlighting the Final Integrative
Equally, the programme offers many opportunities to
Assignment (FIA). The final assignment focuses on
share your own challenges as case examples, which
applying your learnings to your own organisation or
you can then work through with your peers. As one
industry, and can be used to address a key challenge
alumna once put it, ‘it was like having a room full of
or support an upcoming project/initiative. Past
friends to consult and seek advice from about how to
students often refer to the return on investment that
navigate the business challenges you were facing.’
this assignment has delivered for them and their
organisation, with some commenting how it has This would also be a good opportunity to reference
‘become a playbook’ and that they are now ‘literally the networks that you will become part of by studying
living their FIA’. the programme, including your cohort, the Oxford
Saïd Alumni Community and the wider University’s
community.
22 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

Oxford-calibre credentials Types of organisational support

Oxford credentials are widely recognised throughout There are many different types of company support,
the world as a sign of excellence, authority and so it is important to clearly define what you are looking
credibility, which could be particularly valuable for for in your business case. For example, is it financial
your organisation. Having your specialist capabilities sponsorship, study leave, or a combination of these?
formalised with an accredited Oxford qualification
could help to boost both your personal brand and The business cases with the greatest chance of
employer’s brand externally, particularly if you work in success are the ones which clearly articulate both the
an international or business development role. return on investment and how this could be achieved
through the support required. If possible, we also
Past students have also found that the diploma recommend being flexible to find the best outcome for
programme has boosted their presence internally, you and your employer.
as colleagues frequently look to them for advice and
support on projects. Your employer could benefit both
from your transfer of knowledge to other colleagues,
as well as retaining you as top talent. You may find it
helpful to perform a skills-gap analysis to support this
point. Think through where you currently fit in your
organisation and how the diploma will enhance the
contribution you make.
23 www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy

‘The humanitarian fallout from the conflict in Ukraine

meant that rapid action needed to be taken to accommodate
the millions of refugees crossing the border into Poland.
Leveraging digital technologies was essential to working
through such a fast-moving situation, on such an enormous
scale. It was here where what I had learnt from the Oxford
Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation really came
to help in advancing our operations and adapting quickly.
The diploma programme has been incredibly useful and has
informed so much of my decision-making throughout my
career. I can’t wait to return to the business school and learn
more.’

Jacek Siewiera
Secretary of State for Poland

Scan to read
Jacek’s story
in full:
24 The Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

Your admissions journey

We recognise that our programme participants are busy executives, so our

admissions journey has been designed to be as smooth and simple as possible.

1 Introduce yourself to Recruitment Manager Marta Scholfield to discuss

your motivations for joining the Executive Diploma in Strategy and
Connect Innovation. You can do this by visiting sbs.oxford.edu/dipstrategy and
with us submitting your CV for review or by contacting Marta directly:
[email protected]
+44 (0)7860 949183

2 The application process for all diploma programmes is competitive, and we

would therefore encourage you to complete your submission as early as
Submit your possible. Applications are considered on a rolling basis for all programmes.
application
All applications are submitted online. To complete your submission, you will
need:
• An up-to-date CV
• Academic transcripts
• Evidence of English language ability (for non-native speakers)
• Two short essays
• Two references (at least one professional)

Please note: If you would like to apply for a scholarship, you will also need
to upload a supporting statement (maximum 500 words) answering the
essay question for the award for which you are applying (where appropriate).
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for multiple awards are able to
apply for more than one scholarship, but would only be able to take up one
award. The maximum school funding available to any one candidate is 50%
of programme fees, as per individual award allocations. Find out more by
visiting sbs.ox.ac.uk/scholarships-and-funding.

3 Admissions are processed through a system of review

before a final decision is reached. Each application is
Receive your considered individually, and a waiting list will operate
decision once any programme is fully subscribed.

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Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford is a vibrant and innovative business
school, embedded within a 900-year-old world leading university. We create programmes
and ideas that have global impact and reach. We educate leaders, change makers and
innovators across every industry and sector. Our groundbreaking research and exceptional
teaching transforms individuals, who transform businesses, which transforms the world.
We create impact from within.

Taught Programmes Open Executive Education Custom Executive Education

• MBA We provide leaders and Bespoke learning solutions for

• 1+1 MBA organisations a place to evolve – to organisations to help address critical
step back from the intensity of day- business challenges and to drive
• Executive MBA
to-day operations and to think about change.
• MSc in Financial Economics the future in both on-campus and
• MSc in Global Healthcare online programmes.
To learn more visit:
Leadership
Our programmes cover a broad www.sbs.oxford.edu/custom
• MSc in Major Programme range of topic areas:
Management
• Digital Transformation
• MSc in Law and Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Executive Diploma in Artificial
Intelligence for Business • Finance

• Executive Diploma in Financial • Social Impact

Strategy • Innovation
• Executive Diploma in Global • Leadership
Business • Strategy
• Executive Diploma in • Sustainability
Organisational Leadership
• Executive Diploma in Strategy
To learn more visit:
and Innovation
On-campus
• BA in Economics
www.sbs.oxford.edu/oncampus
and Management
Online
www.sbs.oxford.edu/online
Research Programmes
• DPhil in Management
• DPhil in Finance

Saïd Business School

University of Oxford
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Oxford, OX1 1HP
United Kingdom All information is correct at the time of
going to press. Please check our website
for the most up-to-date information.

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