Hi all, I have recently become interested in Oxford’s executive diplomas (particularly on the strategy and innovation course). I already hold an MBA, but since I have moved to an innovation-related position, the curriculum of the course is of interest to me.

I would like to get some opinions on whether it’s worth pursuing such kind of program. On the positive side, this is a for-credit course, I’d become an alumnus of Oxford, and the course itself is very focused towards my interests. On the negative side, not being a full master's course, I’m not sure how it could be perceived by employers, and whether the benefit that I’d get is worth the investment.

Many thanks for your opinions!

It's a course of four modules of four days each. Sure, it will improve your knowledge in innovation but it's unlikely to make you stand out that much to employers. Having worked on and managed some innovation programmes, I think more practical experience would probably trump a short course diploma. I did a short executive leadership course with Oxford a few years ago. I'd say it had little impact on employer attractiveness.

Thanks for your reply, aslamo. 

When you talk about “practical experience”, I guess you are referring to work experience, right? 

I am already working as an innovation manager, so I’m looking for a good course to hone my skills and knowledge. There are other cheaper options out there, but since this is a for-credit program and it grants alumnus status, I thought it might be a nice complement to my work experience and with an Oxford label. 

Regarding the quality of the course that you did back then, would you say it was worth the investment?

Focus on your goals. You can get the HEC masters in innovation for a fraction of the Oxford price.

Thanks, Duncan. I had a look at the HEC masters, the problem is that it seems very oriented to general management from what I’ve seen, with only one or two electives related to innovation. The Oxford program, in contrast, is very oriented to innovation and entrepreneurship (and I’d be competing for a 50% scholarship).

I have also seen an executive masters from Esade on innovation, at a competitive price (24k), but this is very related to digital transformation which isn’t my focus either.

The university of Illinois graduate certificate in entrepreneurship and strategic innovation also seems very focused on my interests, for under 4k. Then again, not sure if the in-person experience at Oxford (which I understand is a very entrepreneurial school) is worth the price difference.

I think this really depends on what you are looking for. The general management approach is as important for new as for established firms, for example https://www.edx.org/masters/micromasters/iimbx-entrepreneurship?index=product&objectID=program-ad0784ed-d5a7-4388-8523-2e4b2047be1d&webview=false&campaign=Entrepreneurship&source=edX&product_category=micromasters&placement_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edx.org%2Flearn%2Fentrepreneurship

Don't prioritise the Oxford label if it's not the key to your goals.

Thanks for your reply, Duncan. I would like to delve deeper into strategic innovation topics, as this is the type of position I aspire to advance to in the future.

I agree the general management perspective is important, but since this is something that I got during my MBA, it’s not something I would prioritize.

I just completed Lead The Future at INSEAD, and the strategy and innovation courses there might interest you. Check out their innovation certificate: https://www.insead.edu/executive-education/insead-online-certificates#61446

[Edited by Duncan on Mar 31, 2024]

Thanks for your reply, aslamo. 

When you talk about “practical experience”, I guess you are referring to work experience, right? 

I am already working as an innovation manager, so I’m looking for a good course to hone my skills and knowledge. There are other cheaper options out there, but since this is a for-credit program and it grants alumnus status, I thought it might be a nice complement to my work experience and with an Oxford label. 

Regarding the quality of the course that you did back then, would you say it was worth the investment?