Programme outline

What you can expect

The Oxford Executive MBA is a transformational programme, that will challenge you to explore the answers to complex business issues. During the programme you will:

  • learn how to make the most of connections between decision-making processes within a complex organisation 
  • analyse global complexity in depth, experiencing cultures first-hand during international modules 
  • become an 'Oxford' strategic leader 
  • learn how to think entrepreneurially through a group venture project 
  • be a part of a global exchange of ideas and knowledge, in the Oxford tradition 

You will study with participants from all over the world, from a wide range of sectors and organisations, allowing you to forge powerful connections lasting beyond the programme. 

Modular format

  • intakes starting in January and September 
  • taught over one-week long modules, depending on the electives you choose 
  • modules run approximately every five weeks in Oxford or internationally 
  • you can continue your work and life commitments and make an immediate impact in the workplace as you learn 

Three core themes

  1. Entrepreneurial thinking
  2. Strategic leadership
  3. Global complexity and risk

Programme structure

The Oxford Executive MBA is taught over 14-18 one-week modules occurring approximately every four to six weeks. These modules make up courses, for which you gain academic credits on successful completion. Modules typically start on a Monday morning and end on a Friday evening; however, some module weeks include weekends. Most modules are delivered in person either in Oxford or internationally, with occasional modules delivered online.

Part 1 

In part 1 you will study nine core (compulsory) courses during modules, designed to provide you with a broad perspective of key business areas, so that you can make decisions that align with all areas of an organisation. You will also partake in an integrative project - the Entrepreneurship Project, to develop your entrepreneurial mindset, completed across several modules:

Core courses

  1. Analytics
  2. Leadership Fundamentals
  3. Governance and Ethics
  4. Firms and Markets
  5. Strategy
  6. Accounting
  7. Technology and Operations
  8. Business Finance
  9. Marketing

Integrative project

Entrepreneurship Project 

Part 2 

In part 2 you will study two core courses. You will then take four electives, many of which offer you the chance to mix with participants studying on the parallel Executive MBA cohort. The international module weeks for the Global Complexity courses are compulsory and held for two weeks in two different locations. You will be given some location choice. International modules have previously been in South America and Asia. 

Core courses

  1. Global Complexity
  2. The Oxford Leader

Electives

Electives provide the opportunity for you to tailor your learning journey to suit your interests and aspirations. Confirmed during part one of the course, electives are updated regularly in line with student feedback and industry advancements. You will choose four electives. Examples of previous electives are:

  • AI for Executives 
  • Business History 
  • Corporate Turnaround and Business Transformation 
  • Corporate Valuation 
  • Entrepreneurial Finance (international) 
  • Evidence-based Inclusive Leadership 
  • Fintech and AI in Finance 
  • Global Opportunities and Threats: Oxford (GOTO)
  • Identification: The Art & Science of Separating Causation from Correlation 
  • Inclusive Innovation in Africa (international) 
  • Innovation Strategy 
  • Mergers and Acquisitions 
  • New Approaches to Strategy Work 
  • Private Equity 
  • Psychology, Economic Decisions, and Financial Markets 
  • Real Estate 
  • Systempreneurship: Innovate for Impact 

Electives are either based in the UK, online or internationally. As above, international elective options have previously included courses in South Africa and the US.

View module dates

Supervision 

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of Saïd Business School and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Business School. 

Changes to courses 

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out above. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after you commence your course. These might include significant changes made necessary by any pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. For further information, please see the University's Terms and Conditions and our page on changes to courses.

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