Global Strategy and Innovation Management MSc

Strategy and innovation are essential as firms aim to achieve superior performance and competitive advantage in the global marketplace. In today’s dynamic business environment, managers are challenged to be actively engaged in strategy initiatives whilst providing innovative ideas for new products, services, markets and business models.

This Masters degree will equip you to understand the fundamentals of strategy in organisations, and to design, lead and implement all types of innovation, whilst offering a solid understanding of strategy and innovation in a global context.

Through a combination of theoretical and practical teaching, you will be equipped to identify the strategies and best management practices that enable firms to implement innovation initiatives. You will also acquire the necessary critical thinking skills to analyse both the benefits and problems that arise from the globalisation of innovation networks.

The course is ideal if you wish to gain expertise in leading strategic innovation initiatives, developing new ventures, products and services, and also to those interested in strategy and innovation consulting.

Academic excellence

Our research makes an important contribution to your learning on this course, as academics bring their expertise to you in the classroom.

The Centre for Technology, Innovation and Engagement is based at the Business School and brings together researchers and practitioners interested in addressing a broad range of strategy and innovation topics.

Some of our leading academics are key players in research networks such as ManETEI (Managing Emerging Technologies for Economic and Social Impact) and COINS (Complex and Open Innovation for Networked Society), which bring together leading European Business Schools, research institutes and partners from different sectors and countries.

Watch the video below for an introduction to innovation from Professor Krsto Pandza, Professor in Strategy and Innovation at Leeds University Business School.

The course introduces you to the fundamental concepts and techniques of strategic management and innovation management. Core modules will emphasise the importance of strategy as organisations strive for competitive advantage in today’s rapidly changing business environment, whilst also exploring different types of innovation and how they interact with each other, as well as the challenges of commercialising ideas and practical aspects of leading innovation teams. A grounding in international business theory and the globalisation of innovation will put this into context, and you’ll develop your knowledge of research design in the subject.

You’ll expand your knowledge during modules that focus on the practice of innovation management. An additional module will cultivate your professional skills, allowing you to undertake fieldwork and develop research of your own.

You’ll also focus on a specific topic of your choice during your dissertation project in the third semester. This is an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired and can be either a research dissertation or a practical consultancy project.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Global Strategy and Innovation Management MSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials.

Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including exams, group projects, written assignments and essays, in-course assessment, group and individual presentations and reports.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in any subject.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component . For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business Management and Enterprise (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Business Management and Enterprise (10 weeks).

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Application deadline:

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.

If you do not receive an offer in a particular round, you will either be notified that your application has been unsuccessful, or we will carry your application forward to be considered in the next round.

Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.

Apply

Documents and information you’ll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
• Two academic references
• A personal statement
• An up-to-date CV
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

• UK/EU: £12,000 (total)
• International: £22,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.

Read more about Business School scholarships.

This Masters degree prepares you to lead strategic management and innovation initiatives in a range of organisations. It is ideal for those seeking a managerial or consulting career in industries that have a fast pace of change and a high degree of creativity.

As a graduate of this course, you will be well-equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge, and have the necessary skills to lead innovation.

Thanks to our strong corporate links, we will help you to connect with leading global organisations involved in strategic management and innovation management, to understand the variety of exciting roles and careers that are available to you as an innovation professional.

Links with industry

Senior figures in strategy and innovation are often invited to deliver guest lectures at the Business School, providing a practitioner's view of the latest industry developments. We also host regular speakers as part of our Corporate Wisdom Event Series, bringing together innovation experts in industry with our academic and student community.

Students on this course also have the opportunity to engage with senior leaders from the world of business as part of our Leaders in Residence initiative. Successful and established business people will share their experience at speaker events and guest lectures to help you connect the theory of your course to real world practice.

The course also organises a yearly one-day study trip in which students have the opportunity to engage with business leaders and see and participate in live technology demonstrations. Previous trips have included visits to IBM Research offices and to the Hartree Centre for high performance computing, data analytics and artificial intelligence research.

Careers support

We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support as part of the course. You benefit from our professional development tutor, who will help you to develop the academic skills to successfully progress through the course, and also the professional skills you will need to start a successful career.

Read more about our careers and professional development support.

The Careers Centre also provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.