MPhil in Innovation, Strategy & Organisation

A group of students discussing a textbook over their laptops.

The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy, and Organisation (ISO) is a nine-month programme for those pursuing a research career in applying the ISO domain to the interdisciplinary study of organisations.

A number of scholarships are available, from ESRC scholarships to University of Cambridge and College scholarships.

It’s an integral part of the route to a PhD via both the Strategic Management and the Organisational Theory & Information Systems pathways.

For those continuing to the PhD, admissions are handled during your MPhil year. This is subject to your performance on the programme and the availability of a suitable supervisor.

Applications closed

Applications for entry in 2022/23 have now closed.

Applications for entry in October 2023 will open in September 2022.

Fees & scholarships

Programme cost: £13,002 (Home status) or £31,734 (Overseas/international status)

Visit the Postgraduate Admissions website to learn about course costs, your fee status and more.

There are a range of scholarships available to MPhil students at Cambridge Judge Business School.

View MPhil Scholarships

“

The MPhil in ISO prepares students to think about organisations and their role in society through a rigorous programme. This programme stands out for its emphasis on management studies in a modern world, reflecting on how scholars can make an impact through studying grand challenges and issues that matter to organisations beyond traditional theory. Students develop essential research skills to tackle meaningful research, and are well-prepared to continue to PhD studies. My research will be in contexts that are both unconventional and impactful for the communities I seek to understand. ”

Jonah Zankl (MPhil ISO 2018), Canada

After receiving the MPhil ISO, Jonah joined the PhD programme in 2019 as a Benavitch Scholar at St Catharine’s College. His research aims to answer how healthy entrepreneurial ecosystems are developed in communities – whether they are globally connected or geographically and economically isolated.

Curriculum

The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy & Organisation is an interdisciplinary programme exploring innovation and change through three interconnecting themes: innovation and work practices, innovation and strategic change, and new organisational forms.

The programme seeks to provide the methodological and theoretical foundation for further research and is specifically aimed at students intending to continue to a PhD degree, whether in Cambridge or elsewhere. Students who complete the MPhil and proceed to the Cambridge Judge Business School PhD programme can apply to have their MPhil year counted towards their residence requirements for the PhD.

The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy & Organisation programme consists of:

three core courses, one for each of the three areas of Innovation, Strategy and Organisation
two research methodology core courses
a specialist elective
12,000 word dissertation

Assessment

Assessment will be by written examination, project, or course work, depending upon the nature of the particular course. Each course carries the same weighting towards the final mark. The 12,000 word dissertation is equivalent to three courses.

“

The MPhil in ISO is the ideal stepping stone for a career in academia. Compact and rigorous, this nine-month programme allows students to focus on their areas of interest from an early stage in their career onwards and equips them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the competitive environment of management scholarship. The small class sizes and fantastic supervision render this programme a unique experience in a beautiful setting. My fellow students at CJBS constitute a supportive network of inspiring companions and, most importantly, great friends. ”

Tirza Gapp (MPhil ISO 2018), Germany

Tirza’s research focuses on environmental sustainability and organisational culture – in particular, on how individuals can leverage organisational culture in order to advance issues of sustainability in their organisations.