Strategy & Innovation

The MSc in Strategy and Innovation is suited to participants interested in a career in general management or senior management. It builds on participants prior education and/or business experience to develop managerial competencies in high level functions of strategy, innovation, leadership and financial management.



This is a taught masters programme with a significant applied research project. The format provides participants with an excellent opportunity to learn both in-depth and state-of-the-art content on the taught modules and then apply that new learning in a business consulting, dissertation or placement project. All of the content brings participants up to speed with the latest research on the topics covered and the module facilitators then guide them in the application of that literature to real-word challenges. Successful participants leave the programme with an ability to make a meaningful contribution to organisations at a strategic level.



The innovation component of the programme provides participants with a tool kit to analyse business arenas and identify opportunities that can be exploited. Participants will explore innovation processes in organisations while also examining entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurial thinking can shape innovation outcomes. Together with an examination of leadership challenges, participants explore theories of leadership from classic approaches through to contemporary concepts and ideas. These are set in the context of the changing nature of work and society, where the process of leadership and the complex relationships they manage are considered. The financial management aspect of the programme will provide participants, regardless of their experience or education in finance or accounting, with the core skills to read and interpret key financial reports of profit and loss (P&L), balance sheets, and cash flow. Participants will also learn how to evaluate investment decisions and conduct key ratio analysis to gain insights into an organisation’s financial strength. The key strategy section of the programme is taught across two components. The first develops the skills needed to analyse business environments, industries and organisational capabilities in the context of the changing nature of strategy, competition and business models. The second provides an opportunity for guided application of the core strategy concepts to an industry and organisation during the Strategy Live experience.



The most recent addition to the programme is an in-depth and focussed module on sustainability in business where participants will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how organisation can respond to the challenges we face.



Participants will also get extensive guidance on career planning and development and work through a structured process to evaluate their own competencies, aspirations and develop structured career plans.



The applied research aspect of the programme provides participants with an opportunity to systematically integrate their new knowledge from the programme and apply it to an industry, business or challenge of interest. Most participants will take the Business Consulting Project module. Typically, full-time students will be linked with an organisation arranged by the School of Business, and for part-time students it is an opportunity to develop significant insights into their own organisations.



When available, a Placement Project (full-time mode only) may be an alternative to the Business Consulting Project. A Dissertation alternative is also available in some limited circumstances, with the guidance of an academic member of staff.



There are also (optional) opportunities throughout the year to attend the research seminars delivered by academic staff and visitors.

Candidates must hold a Business, Management, or Marketing degree (level 8), or a Business-related degree (level 8), having achieved a minimum of a 2.2 honours (or equivalent) overall. Alternatively, you may hold a non-Business degree (minimum 2.2 overall, level 8) with at least five years' work experience. International applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. Exceptionally, consideration will be given to candidates who do not hold a primary degree, but who do have at least 10 years' relevant work experience, at least three of which are in a management position. These applicants are managed through the Maynooth University Procedure for Non-Standard Entrants and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.



The full-time programme runs over 12 months (3 semesters) from September each year. Participants on the part-time programme take the same classes as the full-time participants and the module load is spread over two years.



Timetable

Normally 4 days a month (36 days total, September to May) for full-time and 2 days a month (16 days total in first year and 20 in second year, September to May) for part-time. Lectures are normally held on either Thursdays or Fridays. The Business Consulting Project/Work Placement/Dissertation is completed June to August. Confirmed schedules only become available in September of the relevant year.



Confirmed dates become available closer to the semester start.

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Course Commences: September.

Career Options

This programme is designed for participants focused on developing their careers to senior levels in business where strategic, financial, innovation, marketing and leadership skills are essential to success. The programme will help develop skills relevant to roles in both public and private sector organisations that require managers to address complex problems and apply skills of analysis and judgement.



For those who have graduated recently, the programme offers the opportunity to specialise in topics more closely aligned to general management roles. For those with work experience in specialist areas, it provides the opportunity to transition into managerial roles or to advance into more senior management positions.