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.

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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

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

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 2022). 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £13,704.
• EU and international students pay £26,352.

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 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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

Southampton Business School Deans International Scholarship

A scholarship of £8,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Excellence in English Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau who are studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business Excellence in English Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

The deadline for applying for your course for the 2023 year of entry depends on where you’re domiciled (where your permanent home is and where you have the closest ties).

This is because:

• students from different countries tend to apply at different times of year
• we want a diverse and balanced mix of international students with exceptional academic ability

We must receive new applications by midday GMT.

Applications for 2023 are now closed to those domiciled in China. The deadline for applicants domiciled in other countries may still move to:

• an earlier date if we have already received enough applications before the deadline
• a later date if there are still places available on the deadline

We receive many high-quality applications, so places for many of our courses are very competitive.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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 certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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.

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 will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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