Frequently asked questions 

A good undergraduate degree (at least 2:1) is usually required. Applicants may also be considered if they hold a relevant professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CPA or CFA.

This programme is designed for people with at least 5 years' professional experience. However, most participants have in excess of 10 years professional experience.

There are no age restrictions, but applicants need to demonstrate they have the intellectual ability and relevant professional experience to join in strategic level group discussions.

The programme is designed for finance professionals, general managers looking for an advanced understanding of corporate finance, and representatives from professional services firms. Applicants are expected to be familiar with the challenges of business strategy, competitive analysis and organisational change. You should also be confident in using common financial terminology and quantitative methods.

Please complete the online form, following the link below. You will be asked to outline your objectives for the programme and to prepare a personal statement of up to 500 words. Please provide details of two people who will be contacted to supply a standard reference form. All applications are subject to review and approval by the admissions committee.  www.sbs.oxford.edu/apply

There is no deadline for applications, but you are advised to apply as early as possible. Applications are considered individually on their merits until places are filled. Once the programme is full we operate a waiting list.

Participants complete a project report of up to 10,000 words as part of the programme. This typically applies an aspect of the programme to a participant’s organisation, or researches a finance related topic of particular personal interest.
For your personal statement, please provide a 500 word overview of a strategic or financial issue that you plan to address with the help of the Diploma, or the topic you plan to research.

We do not offer bursaries for the Diploma. One full-fee scholarship is offered, in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers, for an outstanding woman candidate from within the EU. For further details about this, please click on the PriceWaterhouseCoopers Scholarship link on the left.

The Diploma starts in January each year, and cannot be joined at other times. Participants are required to attend and successfully complete all 4 modules and assessments. The final project is due for submission in January of the following year.

Diploma students come from a variety of backgrounds and sectors. Participant groups are a global mix of experienced professionals, providing a unique opportunity to network and discuss perspectives at the highest level. For a breakdown of this year's class profile view the Diploma Candidate page. To view profiles of individual past participants view the Student Profiles page.

You can contact the Diploma admissions office on +44 (0) 1865 422727 or send an enquiry to finance-exec@sbs.ox.ac.uk

Yes. Professional associations and bodies such as the CFA Institute, ICAEW and ACCA award CPD points for completing the programme.

The programme fee for 2013 is £17,500. The fee includes all tuition, materials, daytime meals and some evening dinners at historic Oxford colleges. A 20% deposit is payable on acceptance to guarantee your place on the programme. The balance is then required in full 2 months before the programme commences.

Accommodation is not included in the programme fee. Participants are required to make their own arrangements with local hotels for their stay in Oxford. A list of suitable accommodation is provided.

No. The Diploma requires participants to attend all four modules in Oxford.

Yes. We welcome visits from prospective students. To arrange a visit please contact the admissions office on +44 (0)1865 422727 or via email at finance-exec@sbs.ox.ac.uk

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Diploma please call Steve Brewster on + 44(0)1865 422727 or email:

finance-exec@sbs.ox.ac.uk