MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation
Join the specialist research MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation and prepare for your research career.
Programme details
Length
9 months
Start
October 2025
Format
Full-time
Location
You must be resident in Cambridge during your programme
Pursue your new research career
Extend your knowledge of social science methodologies. Learn how to apply those to the interdisciplinary study of organisations. Develop the skills and expertise that are relevant to your research interests.
The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation (ISO) is a 9-month, specialist research programme ideal for those wishing to continue to a Cambridge Judge Business School PhD via both the Strategic Management and the Organisational Theory and Information Systems pathways.
The programme stands out for its emphasis on management studies in a modern world and it prepares you to carry out focused research in the fields of strategy, organisations and information systems relevant to innovation.
Why Cambridge Judge Business School?
Join one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Cambridge is a beautiful, exciting and dynamic city, home to the most successful technology entrepreneurship cluster in Europe. We welcome all cultures, backgrounds, orientations and identities at Cambridge Judge – there is no typical student here.
Here you will:
- be part of Cambridge’s legacy of learning
- become a member of one of the 31 Cambridge Colleges and after graduation, join the global University of Cambridge alumni network
- have access to the University of Cambridge’s excellent careers service
Curriculum
The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and 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 provides the foundation for further research and is aimed at students intending to continue to a PhD degree, whether in Cambridge or elsewhere.
The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation programme consists of:
- three core courses, one for each of the 3 areas of Innovation, Strategy and Organisation
- 2 research methodology core courses
- a specialist elective
- 12,000-word dissertation
The programme provides the foundation for further research and is aimed at students intending to continue to a PhD degree.
Who we’re looking for
The MPhil in ISO attracts bright students, from all over the world. They form a terrific cultural and discipline pool, which creates an inspiring classroom experience, where students learn from faculty and each other.
The Master of Philosophy in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation is for you if:
- you have a UK First-Class Honours degree or international equivalent
- your first degree was in a social science or humanities
- you wish to continue to the PhD at Cambridge or elsewhere
Applying for the MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation
Entry to the MPhil programme is highly competitive, so we advise you to apply early, especially if you wish to be considered for funding.
Professor Matthew Grimes: “How has this experience in going through the MPhil in ISO programme here at Cambridge opened up some unexpected opportunities in your life and career?”
Lucy Caines (MPhil ISO, PhD): “Well, it’s maybe not so unexpected, given it’s why I came back. But for me, I was at the point in my career, prior to returning, where I thought perhaps going down the academic route was closed off to me. And so I found it brilliant to find this course, which actually sort of reopened that door and showed me that actually, yes, an academic career is the one that I want to pursue. So it definitely unlocked that route for me. I think the second thing is, we haven’t really mentioned yet the advantages of being part of the broader University of Cambridge ecosystem. And so I can’t necessarily pick out one or two examples. But the fact that there are fascinating seminars and interesting people everywhere you go is a great opportunity and certainly one to take advantage of while you’re here.”
Jonah Zankl (MPhil ISO, PhD): “I think for me, it solidified the decision to want to continue into academia, to pursue a PhD and an academic career, that I wasn’t so sure of coming into the programme. So I think it’s opened up an entire new pathway and direction in life, including potential international moves, extended time abroad, which, yes, I wouldn’t have thought of nearly five years ago now.
“And then I think to build on Lucy’s point a little bit is you’re part of a really vibrant university and a really vibrant city that is so international, so diverse, both in terms of background, the type of activity going on here, that’s opened all kinds of doors, whether that’s having conversations with policy fellows here in the ecosystem, all the way through to meeting inspiring entrepreneurs, and also my classmates who have gone on to do amazing things in other parts of the world, both in academia, in the startup space and in the policy space as well.
“So I think being able to build these really interesting bridges that hopefully will provide research opportunities in the future but also opportunities to create impact in a way that I don’t think would have had staying inside a single organisation in the hometown where I grew up in Canada.”
Matthew: “And I think a number of you are avid rowers, is that correct?” [Jonah and Matt nod] “And Matt, what additional unexpected opportunities has this opened up for you?”
Matt Cummins (MPhil ISO): “Wow. So I was clear, given my interest, that I wanted to go over to North America for my PhD. That kind of made sense. I had no idea at the reception I would receive. And actually, it turned out that people know about this programme and it’s a respected programme. So yeah, I kind of overperformed relative to my expectations at that stage, in terms of the kinds of offers I was receiving. In fact, I think almost all of the places I applied were at least somewhat interested in talking to me further about studying for the five-year PhD with them. So yeah, that was a pleasant surprise. Thanks, ISO!”