Business Strategy and Innovation Management (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of these areas: 

• business 
• economics 
• science 
• engineering 
• management and marketing 
• communication 
• education 
• political science 
• sociology 
• IT 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

This is a full-time master’s course. Your studies will last a full 12 months, from September to the following September. 

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of the course. Some of your modules will be compulsory, others we will ask you to choose from a list of options. 

You’ll have exams at the end of each semester. 

For the rest of the course, you’ll work independently on your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include: 

• lectures 
• seminars 
• practical exercises 
• guest speakers 
• group work 
• case studies 
• problem-solving tasks 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• essays 
• reports 
• presentations 
• exams

Dissertation

Over the summer you’ll research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on an industry-relevant topic of your choice, to be  agreed with your project coordinator. 

The dissertation is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show your expertise in a particular area of business strategy and innovation management. You could also use the dissertation to develop your own business idea. 

You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process. 

Academic Support

You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor. 

With this degree you’ll be well placed to go into any organisation interested in developing new products or business models. These could be small start-ups or large companies.  

You’ll also be great position to continue your studies at PhD level. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £11,950.
• International students pay £20,728.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:

• UK/EU students: £250
• International students: £1,000

Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000