About this course
Learn the knowledge and skills to develop and manage new products, services and business models on this Business Strategy and Innovation Management master’s course. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the latest concepts in strategy and innovation, with a focus on business growth and sustainability issues.
With this master’s in strategic management you can go into any organisation that is interested in developing new products or business models.
On this UK master’s course at the University of Southampton, you’ll explore how different aspects of strategy and innovation can be used to:
- help companies become more competitive
- drive change in industries
- create new business opportunities
You'll also learn about the strategic and management challenges of developing, implementing and marketing new products and services.
Among the latest topics that you’ll cover are:
- the sharing economy
- disruptive technologies
- service innovation concepts
- social, environmental and economic sustainability
- growth, innovation and technology transfer
You can fit this master’s in strategy and innovation to your own interests or career plans by choosing optional modules on subjects such as marketing, retailing in the digital age, or entrepreneurship and new business venturing.
You’ll also benefit from:
- strong links with businesses such as Sainsbury’s and Rolls-Royce
- visits to businesses to find out how they innovate
- guest lectures by industry partners
The course content is directly informed by the work of academics who are carrying out research into digital innovation, new business models and sustainability through our Centre for Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Course lead
Your course leaders are Dr Dorrie Chao and Dr Hang Do.
Dr Chao is Departmental Head of Teaching in Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and International Exchange Coordinator. Her research interests include academic/sustainable entrepreneurship, university knowledge/technology transfer, and absorptive capacity. Visit Dr Dorrie Chao's staff profile to learn more about her work.
Dr Do is a Senior Teaching Fellow in Strategy and Entrepreneurship. Her research interests include international entrepreneurship, innovation management within SMEs and the strategic management of small firms. Visit Dr Hang Do's staff profile to learn more about her work.
Accreditations

MSc Business Strategy and Innovation Management Taster Lecture
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
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.
We do not accept the following subjects:
- Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
- Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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?
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
Course structure
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.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
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.
Careers
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 2020). 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 thriving 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £12,608.
- EU and international students pay £24,060.
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 students: £250
- EU and 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 any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 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.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
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'll 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