MSc Business Strategy and Innovation Management (1 year)
This masters degree covers the latest concepts in strategy and innovation, with a focus on business growth and sustainability issues. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and manage new products, services and business models in a range of sectors.
Introducing your
degree
Innovation is crucial if businesses are to survive and thrive, and graduates with the skills to generate and implement new ideas are increasingly in demand in the private and public sectors. On this masters course you will explore different aspects of strategy and innovation and how they can be used to help companies become more competitive, to drive change in industries and to create new business opportunities. You’ll also look at how innovation impacts on the economy and society. The programme includes a forward-looking module, Trends in Strategy and Innovation, which will ensure you are up to date with the latest ideas and approaches. You will also learn about the strategic and management challenges of developing, implementing and marketing new products and services. The course content is underpinned by the extensive research expertise of our academics in the areas of business growth and sustainability – themes that are integrated throughout the programme.
Programme Overview
Innovation is the fuel of companies’ competitive strategies; radical innovations can challenge established ways of working and revolutionise the business models of entire industries.
This course examines strategy and innovation in the context of growth, including the growth of established companies through the introduction of new products, services and business models, as well as new business growth. It covers contemporary topics such as the sharing economy, disruptive technologies and service innovation concepts. There is also an emphasis on sustainability, including social, environmental and economic sustainability, reflecting current global trends. These themes also reflect the considerable research expertise of our staff, some of whom are world-leaders in their field.
We welcome applicants who have just completed their undergraduate studies as well as those with substantial professional experience who are looking to advance their current career or move into a new sector. The diversity of our student community adds another dimension to the learning experience, offering the opportunity to develop a global network.
This is a one-year, full-time course. During the year you’ll study compulsory and optional modules and complete a dissertation.
The compulsory modules will introduce you to core strategy and innovation concepts and approaches. They cover topics including global strategies for growth, innovation and technology transfer and service innovation management. You’ll gain a sound understanding of the concept of business strategy, how it is developed and executed, and how this links to business growth via an innovation strategy. You’ll learn about the challenges of executing a growth strategy that includes the development, implementation and marketing of new products and services. You’ll also explore how strategy and innovation impact on the economy and wider society.
Distinctive modules that are found on few other UK masters courses include:
Current Trends in Strategy and Innovation, which will introduce you to the very latest research in the subject area of strategy and innovation. It explores contemporary topics such as current ideas around cities as centres of innovation.
Sustainable and Responsible Innovation, which emphasises the social and environmental aspects of innovation as well as economic sustainability.
The course will also enhance your knowledge of key business functions, providing a foundation for your innovation skills. Compulsory modules cover specialist areas of marketing, for example, which is essential for business growth, while optional modules will enable you to understand more about areas such as HR and finance. You can also specialise by choosing modules on marketing, retailing in the digital age or entrepreneurship and new business venturing, which is particularly useful if you want to start your own business in the future.
You can tailor your learning further by choosing a dissertation topic that is industry-relevant and reflects your interests and career goals. A module on research methods will ensure you have the necessary skills to investigate your chosen topic, and you’ll receive support from an academic supervisor throughout the process. Previous projects have looked into the factors behind the success of innovative businesses spun out from the University, and how innovation affects the productivity of small businesses in Vietnam. You could also use the dissertation to develop your own business idea.
Research-led learning
Our academics are active researchers who are involved in a range of projects within the Business School and the affiliated Centre for Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Their areas of expertise include a number of themes that directly relate to strategy and innovation.
One of the UK’s leading experts in the digital and sharing economy, Dr Vadim Grinevich has led projects on upscaling in the sharing economy and business-to-business sharing economy models. His research expertise and professional networks enable him to bring real-world case studies and the latest practice to his teaching. He leads the Service Innovation Module.
Dr Katia Pina’s research on knowledge-intensive business services offers opportunities for students with an interest in working for service firms such as large consulting firms such as Accenture, Deloitte and PwC. Her consulting and project management experience at Deloitte Consulting enhances our teaching through insights into business innovations in the service sector.
Dr David Baxter has a number of research interests relating to the way innovative products are brought to market. He has a particular interest in university-driven innovations, for example how research breakthroughs can be developed to form the basis of successful companies.
Programme leader Dr Pelin Demirel is an expert in digital entrepreneurship and small high-tech companies. She also conducts research into environmental sustainability and enterprise.
Professor Mine Karatas-Ozkan’s research focuses on the social and diversity aspects of entrepreneurship; she brings her insights into the Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship module.
Professor Laura Costanzo’s research interests in social and sustainable entrepreneurship and strategy inform the Global Entrepreneurship module.
Industry links
Our academics are in close contact with businesses through their research, which often involves working with companies’ datasets and interviewing professionals. For example they have strong links with large retailers such as Amazon and Sainsbury’s and global players such as Rolls-Royce, 3M and Tom Cridland.
During the modules you’ll use case studies to explore innovative practice in contemporary businesses. You’ll also visit some of these businesses to see for yourself how they operate and talk to senior staff. For example, students recently visited a London branch of a Japanese restaurant chain that uses innovative ways to engage with and entertain its customers.
In addition, we invite guest lecturers from business to share their perspectives on innovation. One example is a talk from a representative of Arup, a large engineering and technical consultancy, about its innovative practices. You’ll also be able to attend relevant industry talks run by the department.
The University’s own business incubation centre is another valuable resource; many students have collaborated with the start-ups and small high-tech businesses based at the centre to inform their dissertation projects.
Additional enterprise opportunities
There are opportunities for further development outside the course that will enable you to broaden your experience, further develop your skills and enhance your CV. These include UK and overseas summer workshops where students have the opportunity to work with expert staff and students from other universities.
We also run competitions in collaboration with industry, such as a recent programme with Boeing that challenged students to come up with innovative ways to run aspects of its business.
If you are interested in starting your own business, you can take advantage of services such as the Business School’s Small Business Clinic. Run by staff from the Business School and Southampton Law School, with input from local businesses, the Small Business Clinic offers training and the opportunity to work with a mentor from industry to test out your ideas and receive expert feedback.
Key Facts
Gain knowledge of strategy and innovation and develop essential management skills that can be applied in a range of industries and organisations.
Learn to develop and manage innovations that can be critical to the launch of start-ups or to the survival of established companies.
Includes a forward-looking module, Trends in Strategy and Innovation, that covers the latest developments in both fields.
Modules include guest speakers from industry and visits to innovative businesses to give you insights into real-world practice.
The course is informed by our leading expertise in areas such as digital innovation, new business models and sustainability.
You’ll receive personal tutoring throughout the whole academic year and beyond from academics who are experts in the field of strategy and innovation management.
My proudest accomplishment may perhaps be the person I became by being a student here. I came to Southampton to learn about business but I am leaving with a bagful of so much more: a new worldview, new concepts, toolkits, mental frameworks and an incredible network of friends spanning the globe. Coming to Southampton was hands down one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
My time at the Business School was fulfilling. I went looking to learn and gain great work experience in one year and was able to achieve all of that and more.
Dr Pelin Demirel is an Associate Professor of Strategy and Innovation at the Department of Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Pelin is the Programme Leader for MSc Business Strategy & Innovation Management and MSc Entrepreneurship & Management programmes. She is also an Associate Editor of European Management Review.
Acceptable subjects: A wide range of subjects accepted in Business, Economics, Science, Engineering, IT, Management and Marketing, Communication, Education, Political Science, and Sociology
Required module areas: Evidence of essay based study
Excluded subjects: English translation, Art/Performing Art, Vocational Studies
Work experience in a related field can compensate for degree subject/grades.
Selection process
The University’s Admissions Policy, available at www.southampton.ac.uk/admissions_policy, applies equally to all programmes of study. These are the typical entry criteria to be used for selecting candidates for admission. The University’s approved equivalencies for the requirements listed will also be acceptable. The entry criteria for our programmes are reviewed annually by the Faculty. Those stated were correct as of July 2015. Applicants should refer to their specific offer conditions on their offer letter.
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that you have reached a satisfactory standard in an approved English language test.
The following scores are accepted for direct entry:
• IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in reading and writing, 6.0 in listening and speaking
All tests must be no more than two years old at the time of enrolment.
Our pre-sessional English language courses are the best way to prepare for study at the University of Southampton. The courses will improve your capability and confidence in using English language in your studies.
If you do not meet our entry requirements for direct entry to one of our MSc programmes, you could progress to one of them via the University's Pre-masters course
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
If you have professional experience, or credit through prior learning at another institution, you may be eligible to use this experience against some of the programme requirements for period of study. You will need to present evidence that you have met the learning outcomes of the programme. Read the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
You must choose Option modules totalling 30 CATS/15 ECTS. 15 CATS/7.5 ECTS in Semester 1 and 15 CATS/7.5 ECTS in Semester 2. All Option modules are offered subject to availability and timetabling constraints.
MANG6095 Dissertation supervision starts in Semester 2 and should be submitted in September.
Year
1
Semester One
Compulsory
MANG6277Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
List of tuition fees for this course and it's variations
Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you
through your course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or
your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the
University:
Type
Description
Stationery
You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items (eg pens, pencils, notebooks, etc). Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
Books
Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However, due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
Printing and copying
In most cases, written coursework such as essays, projects and dissertations are submitted online and by hard copy. The costs of printing a hard copy for submission of such coursework will be the responsibility of the student.
The cost of photocopying will also be the responsibility of the student. For more information about University printing costs, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing
Travel
Some modules may include optional visits. You will normally be expected to cover the cost of travel and admission, unless otherwise specified in the module profile.
Other
Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570 and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry the University logo.
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
Career Opportunities
Your knowledge of strategic thinking and the innovation process, alongside your management capabilities, will mean you are well placed to go into any organisation that is interested in developing new products or business models. These could be small start-ups or large companies – one recent graduate has gone to work for Procter and Gamble in Vietnam, for example.
This course is also excellent preparation if you are interested in starting your own business.
Learning & Assessment
Our academics use a range of teaching methods, including lectures and seminars as well as hands-on practical exercises, group work and case studies. We provide high-quality lecture materials such as Harvard business reports and case studies. On some modules you’ll be able to choose topics of interest to study for group work and coursework. Guest speakers from industry and visits to innovative companies will further enhance your learning.
As well as recommending research papers and articles, we also encourage students to stay up to date with the latest trends by taking advantage of online material, such as innovation-themed magazines and podcasts.
There is a relatively small student group on this course so your lecturers will get to know you personally and can ensure your learning is on track. You’ll have regular contact with your personal academic tutor and dissertation supervisor, both of whom can offer advice about course-related matters. They can also direct you to other University support services should you need them. An integral part of our academic community, you’ll be invited to staff seminars and departmental events that are relevant to your studies.
