Global Strategy and Innovation Management MSc

Course overview

In today’s dynamic business environment, managers are challenged to be actively engaged in strategy initiatives while providing innovative ideas for new products, services and business models.

This Masters degree will enable you to understand the fundamentals of strategy in organisations, and you’ll develop the skills to design, lead and implement all types of innovation in local and global business context.

Through a combination of theoretical and practical teaching, you’ll be equipped to identify the strategies and management practices that enable firms to implement innovation initiatives.

You’ll also acquire the necessary critical thinking skills to analyse both the benefits and challenges that arise from the evolution and expansion of innovation networks.

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

Course Highlights

• You’ll have access to the latest knowledge from our specialist research centre, the Centre for Technology, Innovation and Engagement, which is based at the Business School, and brings together researchers and practitioners interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Benefit from guest lectures that bring together corporate speakers who provide real-world insight and experience.

• Take part in visits to organisations that are active in innovation to see theory in practice and learn from real-life scenarios.

• Learn from leading academics who have been key players in the research network ManETEI (Managing Emerging Technologies for Economic and Social Impact) and COINS (Complex and Open Innovation for Networked Society). These networks bring together leading European business schools, research institutes and partners from different sectors and countries.

• Receive support from professional development staff, industry experts and alumni to aid your career planning and employability

Find out more about studying your Masters at Leeds University Business School

Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Course details

The course introduces you to the fundamental concepts and techniques of strategic management and innovation management.

Core modules emphasise the importance of organisational strategy when seeking to gain a competitive advantage in today’s rapidly changing business environment, where digital innovation and transformation are highly valued.

You’ll also explore different types of innovation, the challenges of commercialising ideas and the 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 through modules that focus on strategic leadership and innovation management, and 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 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 more 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

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, allowing you to develop your skills in research and analysis.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help support your studies. This is a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your course and modules.

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. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Applying

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).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadline:

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

International applicants: Thursday 26 June 2025

UK applicants: Friday 15 August 2025

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you’ll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
• Contact details for 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.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,750 (Total)

International: £28,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

We’re offering up to 50 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2024. These scholarships offer a 50% fee reduction and will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.

You do not have to submit a separate application for our Excellence Scholarships - you will be automatically considered when your course application is reviewed.

International Excellence Scholarships (International applicants)

Masters Excellence Scholarships (UK applicants)

Read more about Masters Funding and Scholarships

Career opportunities

From day one, we encourage you to think beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career. This Masters degree prepares you to lead strategic innovation initiatives in a range of organisations – ideal for those seeking a managerial career in fast-paced industries with a high degree of creativity.

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

Our strong corporate links will help you to connect with leading global organisations involved in innovation management and understand the variety of exciting careers available to you.

Links with industry

Senior figures in innovation and strategy 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 guest lecture series and networking events, bringing together innovation experts in industry with our academic and student community.

Students on this course can engage with senior leaders from the world of business as part of our Leaders in Residence initiative. Successful and established businesspeople 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 one-day study trip in which students learn from business leaders and participate in live technology demonstrations. Previous trips have included visits to IBM Research offices and the Hartree Centre for high-performance computing, data analytics and artificial intelligence research.

Careers support

As part of this course, our dedicated Professional Development Tutor will provide tailored academic and careers support to help you achieve your career ambitions.

You can expect expert advice and guidance on your career choices, help in identifying and applying for jobs, support to boost your employability, as well as coaching to support you to develop the professional skills you will need to start a successful career, and how to evidence these to prospective employers.

You’ll also benefit from the University’s Careers Service, where you can access a range of support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions, even after you graduate.

Read more about our careers and professional development support