Programme outline

Overview

The diploma combines the highest standards of academic rigour with a practical approach to strategy and innovation.

Central to the design of the Oxford Executive Diplomas is the dual focus on the academic theory (and 'thinking') behind current organisational and global challenges, and the practical approaches ('doing') through which to successfully navigate them.  

Led by Dr Tim Galpin, the Oxford Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation offers a unique focus on the relationship and interdependencies between these two concepts over four core modules.

You can choose to apply to study the diploma programme either in person or fully online. You should ensure you are able to attend classes on the module dates for your chosen stream. Changing streams is not permitted.

Modules

Strategy

In-person stream: 5-8 February 2025
Online stream: 3-7 March 2025

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

Innovation strategy

In-person stream: 30 April-3 May 2025
Online stream: 26-30 May 2025

  • Emerging technologies and nascent markets
  • Strategy going forward: exploit-explore ratio
  • Thinking entrepreneurially; entrepreneurial networks
  • Organising for innovation
  • Open innovation, crowdsourcing, platforms
  • Strategies to sustain innovation

Globalisation and strategy

In-person stream: 16-19 July 2025
Online stream: 8-12 September 2025

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

Strategy in action

In-person stream: 15-18 October 2025
Online stream: 10-14 November 2025

  • 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
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Preparing to study online

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If you choose to study online, we will help to ensure you make the best possible start.

Online stream participants will benefit from two virtual preparation sessions before beginning their first module.

Orientation (Self-paced learning) 

Topics include: Getting ready to learn, your digital identity, module essentials, participating, collaborating and communicating and assessment and plagiarism.

Gateway (Live online sessions) 

Sessions include: A programme overview, team building/networking exercise, introduction to relevant teams at Oxford Saïd and an IT support clinic.

In-person participants will also benefit from support and sessions on the relevant areas above during their first module in Oxford.

Assessment

Diploma in Strategy and Innovation graduation

Both streams of the diploma programme are assessed in the same way.

Modules one, two and three are assessed by submissions and/or examinations. Module four is assessed by an extended Final Integrative Assignment (FIA) related to your organisation or industry.

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.

Study commitment

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Both streams of this Executive Diploma involve the same study commitment.

Previous participants have estimated that the study commitment in between modules is approximately six to eight hours per week for the duration of the diploma programme. This time is spent completing the allocated pre-reading prior to each module and preparing for the four assessments.

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Potential changes to this programme

There may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary to make changes to the provision of the programme, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to programme requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your diploma. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

Further information about changes to programmes and provisions of the student contract.

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