MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MSc Strategic Innovation Management (with a professional placement year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Strategic Innovation Management (with a professional placement year) at the University of Sussex is designed to provide students with the essential skills to manage and lead innovation in organizations across various industries. Combining academic knowledge with practical, hands-on experience, this program equips students to understand the complexities of strategic decision-making in the context of technological and organizational change. Through an integrated approach that blends theory with industry engagement, students learn how to drive innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute to the sustainable growth of businesses. The inclusion of a professional placement year further enhances the program by allowing students to apply their academic learning in a real-world environment, gaining valuable insights into the challenges faced by organizations and developing the practical skills necessary for success in a rapidly evolving global market.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Strategic Innovation Management program is designed to cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of innovation management. Core modules include topics such as strategic management, entrepreneurship, innovation processes, and organizational change, which provide students with a solid foundation in managing innovation effectively within businesses. In addition to these foundational topics, the program offers specialized modules focusing on technology management, business model innovation, and managing disruptive change, preparing students to address the specific challenges posed by emerging technologies and global market dynamics. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, strategic planning, and decision-making skills, allowing students to tackle complex problems in innovation management. The professional placement year is an integral part of the program, providing students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a real-world setting, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the innovation landscape and enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Research Focus: The MSc Strategic Innovation Management program is underpinned by cutting-edge research that examines how businesses can leverage innovation to gain a competitive advantage. The University of Sussex is renowned for its research in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within its Business and Management department. Research topics include the management of technological change, innovation ecosystems, the role of digital transformation, and sustainable innovation practices. The program encourages students to engage with these research themes, providing opportunities for them to participate in research projects and collaborate with faculty members on innovative studies. Additionally, students are equipped with the skills to conduct their own research, exploring new business models and strategies that can drive success in the innovation space. The program’s research focus ensures that students are not only familiar with current trends but are also prepared to anticipate and address future challenges in the innovation sector.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key feature of the MSc Strategic Innovation Management program. The professional placement year provides students with the opportunity to work with leading companies and organizations, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world projects. Sussex has strong partnerships with various industries, including tech firms, manufacturing companies, and consulting agencies, ensuring that students have access to internships, collaborative projects, and professional networking events. These connections provide students with valuable industry insights, helping them to understand the practical implications of innovation strategies. Moreover, the program features guest lectures, industry workshops, and consultancy projects, giving students direct exposure to the challenges and opportunities businesses face in implementing innovative strategies. The emphasis on industry engagement ensures that graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in innovation management across diverse sectors.
Global Perspective: The MSc Strategic Innovation Management program at the University of Sussex offers a global perspective on innovation. With an increasingly interconnected world, the program examines how global markets, cultural differences, and international regulations impact the strategic management of innovation. Students explore case studies and best practices from leading companies across different regions and industries, helping them understand the global landscape of innovation. The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in innovation, addressing how organizations can implement strategies that are both economically and environmentally viable. With a diverse student body and faculty members with international experience, the program fosters a global learning environment that prepares students to work in multinational organizations and manage innovation projects across borders.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 30000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduating with an MSc in Strategic Innovation Management (with a professional placement year) from the University of Sussex opens up a wide array of career opportunities in various industries. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills required to manage and lead innovation processes across businesses, organizations, and industries. The inclusion of a professional placement year enhances employability by offering valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings. Students are equipped to handle the challenges of managing technological change, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving organizational growth through strategic innovation.
Innovation Manager: Innovation managers play a critical role in identifying and driving new opportunities within organizations. They lead innovation projects, manage product or service development, and help businesses stay competitive by introducing cutting-edge technologies and business models. With the strategic insights gained during the program, graduates can excel in this role, ensuring that organizations stay ahead in the innovation curve. Innovation managers work across industries such as tech, manufacturing, and consumer goods, creating new solutions that align with both market demands and organizational goals.
Product Manager: A product manager is responsible for overseeing the development and lifecycle of a product, from concept to market launch. Graduates with an MSc in Strategic Innovation Management are well-equipped to manage innovation-driven products, ensuring that they meet customer needs while adhering to business objectives. They work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, engineering, and design, to ensure seamless product development. The program's focus on innovation processes and market analysis provides graduates with the tools to make data-driven decisions about product strategy and positioning.
Consultant in Innovation and Strategy: Graduates can pursue careers in consultancy, advising organizations on how to implement strategic innovation processes and improve their competitive edge. As consultants, they work with businesses to develop new strategies for innovation, digital transformation, and business growth. The MSc program’s focus on real-world case studies, strategic management, and the management of technological change prepares graduates to offer actionable insights to companies across industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. Consulting roles often involve working with top-tier consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Deloitte.
Business Development Manager: Business development managers focus on growing an organization’s market presence by identifying new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams. With expertise in strategic innovation management, graduates can lead efforts to build relationships with key stakeholders and explore new avenues for business expansion. They apply their knowledge of strategic management and entrepreneurship to evaluate new business opportunities, analyze market trends, and guide decision-making that supports long-term growth and success.
Technology Strategist: Technology strategists work within organizations to align technological advancements with overall business strategies. They assess new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing, and help companies integrate these innovations into their business models. As technology strategists, graduates analyze how emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive organizational efficiency. Their role is key in ensuring that technology investments align with the company’s long-term vision and strategic objectives.
Entrepreneur: Graduates of the MSc in Strategic Innovation Management are also well-prepared to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Armed with a strong foundation in strategic management, innovation processes, and entrepreneurship, students can start their own businesses or scale existing startups. Whether they are developing new products, launching tech solutions, or creating innovative services, graduates use their knowledge of managing innovation to turn ideas into successful business models. The program also equips students with the skills necessary to attract investors, secure funding, and develop sustainable business strategies.
Corporate Strategist: Corporate strategists are responsible for formulating and executing strategies that help businesses grow, increase profitability, and manage risk. With a focus on long-term goals and innovation management, graduates can work as corporate strategists within multinational corporations, advising senior leadership on business strategies. They identify new market opportunities, streamline processes, and ensure that innovation is integrated into the company’s core operations. This role requires strong analytical skills, an understanding of industry trends, and the ability to manage complex projects.
Change Management Specialist: Change management specialists help organizations navigate the challenges associated with significant organizational change, such as digital transformation, restructuring, or adopting new technologies. Graduates of the MSc program are equipped to lead change initiatives by developing strategies that minimize disruption, enhance employee engagement, and ensure successful implementation. They work closely with senior leadership to design and execute change management programs that foster innovation, improve productivity, and align organizational structures with strategic objectives.
Sustainability and Innovation Consultant: Sustainability is an essential aspect of modern innovation. Graduates of the MSc program can pursue careers as sustainability consultants, helping businesses innovate in ways that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible. They advise on the development of sustainable products, green technologies, and eco-friendly business models, integrating sustainability into the company’s innovation strategies. This role often involves working with businesses in industries like energy, manufacturing, and retail to ensure that sustainability practices are incorporated into their innovation processes.
Market Research Analyst: Market research analysts play a crucial role in helping companies understand market dynamics, customer preferences, and emerging trends. Graduates can work in market research to provide businesses with insights into consumer behavior, competitor activity, and industry developments. With a solid foundation in strategic innovation management, graduates are equipped to design and execute research strategies that inform the development of new products and services. They analyze data and present actionable insights that guide innovation and product development strategies.
