Master of Strategic Management
Course Overview
The Master of Strategic Management is a postgraduate research-informed programme spanning 12 to 18 months, delivered entirely online through LOU's virtual learning environment. Designed for graduates and senior professionals seeking executive-level strategic capability, it addresses corporate governance, global competitive strategy, organisational transformation, and policy-informed business leadership. Students advance their careers at board-advisory level while continuing active professional roles, studying from anywhere in the world.
By completing the Master of Strategic Management, you will be equipped to lead corporate transformation programmes, evaluate global competitive environments, contribute to board-level governance, design policy frameworks for complex organisations, and conduct original strategic management research — all through a rigorous, executive-oriented online curriculum aligned with CMI and IoD professional standards.
Key Features
- Executive postgraduate modules in global strategy, corporate governance, organisational transformation, and strategic leadership
- Alignment with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Institute of Directors (IoD) executive competency frameworks
- Live online lectures with C-suite practitioners, strategy academics, and corporate governance specialists, with recorded sessions available on demand
- Digital library access to Harvard Business Review, Strategic Management Journal, and CMI executive research
- Online research methodology module and original dissertation or capstone project
- Virtual tutorial sessions and live executive Q&A sessions with senior faculty and practitioners
- Online career support including virtual CV coaching, LinkedIn executive profile review, and online interview preparation
What You Will Learn
- Evaluate global competitive strategy at corporate level using advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical frameworks
- Lead corporate governance programmes and contribute to board-level decision-making and accountability structures
- Design and manage organisational transformation initiatives addressing culture, structure, and change leadership
- Apply research methodology to investigate strategic management challenges and produce original postgraduate findings
- Assess global macroeconomic and geopolitical environments and their implications for corporate strategy
- Evaluate merger, acquisition, and joint venture strategy using financial modelling and legal frameworks
- Lead strategic communications and stakeholder management at executive and board-advisory level
- Produce a research-informed dissertation or capstone project addressing a strategic management topic of professional relevance
Who This Course Is For
- Senior managers and directors targeting C-suite, board advisory, and executive consultancy roles
- Bachelor degree holders seeking a postgraduate qualification in strategic management for career acceleration
- Strategy consultants and business development directors who need an online Master's without interrupting executive careers
- International professionals seeking a London-standard executive Master's in strategic management
- Professionals without a first degree but with 5+ years of senior management experience seeking postgraduate entry
Career Pathways
- Chief Executive Officer
- Management Consultant
- Corporate Strategy Analyst
- Business Development Director
- General Manager
- International Trade Manager
- Marketing Director
LOU's online career support service provides executive-level virtual CV workshops, LinkedIn profile coaching, and online interview preparation for professionals targeting board-level and C-suite positions across sectors.
Entry Requirements
- A UK 2:2 (Lower Second Class) honours degree or overseas equivalent in any discipline
- Applicants without a first degree may be considered with 5+ years of senior professional experience
- IELTS 6.5 overall (no band under 6.0) or equivalent English proficiency
- A 500-word research statement covering the applicant's chosen area of specialisation
- Two academic or professional references and a short online interview
Why Study at LOU
LOU — London Online University — is designed for executives and senior professionals who need to advance their strategic credentials without interrupting board-level careers. The Master of Strategic Management is delivered entirely through LOU's virtual learning environment, using live online lectures, recorded sessions available on demand, and digital library access to combine London academic rigour with executive-level flexibility. CMI and IoD alignment ensures your Master's degree carries credibility at board and C-suite level.
Virtual tutorial sessions, executive peer strategy forums, and direct access to senior faculty ensure the depth and intellectual challenge of an LOU Master's degree. LOU's online research methodology module and original dissertation opportunity give you the tools to contribute original thinking to the strategic management discipline.
Apply for Master of Strategic Management
Advance your career with an LOU Master's degree delivered entirely online. The Master of Strategic Management equips you with corporate governance, global strategy, and executive leadership capability at postgraduate level — all without leaving your current role. Take the next step towards board-level leadership and Enrol Now.
