UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL
STRATEGY
WWW.SBS.OXFORD.EDU

EDUCATING LEADERS FOR 800 YEARS

 The Oxford Diploma in Financial Strategy is a post-
graduate qualification that provides expertise in finance,
strategy and corporate valuation. It is a unique opportunity
to broaden and enhance skills and professional experience
while gaining an Oxford qualification.

THE BRIDGE TO BOARD

The Saïd Business School is a fully
integrated part of the University of Oxford.

LEVEL PERFORMANCE
The Diploma is for experienced finance
practitioners and senior managers. The
programme is rigorous and intellectually
challenging. It provides graduates with
the financial acumen of an investment
banker, the strategy techniques of a
consultant, and the business knowledge of
a finance director. It complements existing
qualifications and contributes towards
professional CPD requirements.
The Diploma programme is based on
four fast moving modules of teaching
from world leading experts in strategic
management, finance, and corporate
valuation.
Since it was founded in 1996, the School
has become firmly established as one of
the most prestigious business schools
in the world. It is modern, dynamic and
at the forefront of business and finance
research, yet is grounded in centuries of
academic tradition.
Our admissions process is highly
selective and brings together an extra-
ordinary group of high achievers from a
wide variety of countries and industry
sectors.

02 THE OXFORD DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL STRATEGY

 A MESSAGE FROM
THE DEAN
Professor Colin Mayer “ The Oxford Diploma in Financial Strategy
Dean, Saïd Business School is an opportunity for finance professionals
University of Oxford to acquire an Oxford qualification and
experience the intellectual challenge of
a masters-level programme. Participants
develop a thorough understanding of the
principles of finance, strategy and valuation
which enables them to take their careers to
the highest level.
The study of finance is at the core of
the Saïd Business School’s mission. This
postgraduate diploma, and the professionals
who take it, make a significant contribution
to its success.”

WWW.SBS.OXFORD.EDU/DIPFINANCE 03
 The Diploma is completed alongside
participants’ full-time role. The programme
consists of four core modules interspersed
by independent study and project work.
Each module is taught over four days of
intensive teaching at Oxford, concentrating
on one subject at a time. The project then
integrates and applies the insights gained
to an area of particular interest to the
participant or their organisation.

PROGRAMME
OUTLINE
The Saïd Business School has particularly rich expertise in the areas of
finance and strategy. The Oxford Diploma in Financial Strategy draws these
together to provide professionals with a distinct intellectual edge combined
with a practical understanding of business and value creation.

STRATEGY
Strategy is the art of creating superior
performance. It defines the business the
organisation is in, and how to structure
and manage the organisation for long term
success. This module explains the process
and practice of formulating the strategy
of individual business units – competitive
strategy – and the nature of strategy for the
multi-business firm – corporate strategy.
Participants develop the ability to apply
strategy models in the structured analysis of THE MODULE WILL COVER:
business issues and to devise and evaluate
Goals and Strategies
future plans of action. They consider how
organisations align internal resources and Competitive Advantage
capabilities with the external competitive
Industry Analysis
and macro-economic environment to
formulate strategy. Participants develop the Strategy and Change
analytic skills of a strategy consultant and Diversification
the ability to present, defend and interrogate
proposals in strategic decision-making. Global Strategy
Managing the Multi-business Company
Strategy Process and Practice

FINANCE I
This module identifies the sources of
investor value, and uses them to think about
portfolio composition, investment choices,
and corporate financial decisions.
Participants acquire a detailed
understanding of risk and return. They
use the Capital Asset Pricing Model as
the framework for a detailed discussion
of portfolio theory and the cost of capital.
The insights generated from this analysis
are employed in a discussion of cash flow
analysis and its application to investment
appraisal, and to business entry and exit
decisions. The corporation’s financing
choices are related to tax considerations
and to a wider discussion of agency effects
within the firm.
THE MODULE WILL COVER:
Introduction to Finance
Risk, Return, and Portfolio Theory
The Capital Asset Pricing Model and the
Cost of Capital
Cash Flow Analysis and Project Appraisal
Financing Choices and Shareholder Value
Taxation and Corporate Finance
Corporate Governance

04 THE OXFORD DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL STRATEGY


FINANCE II
In this module we study applied topics
which exemplify the key principles
of finance. Participants develop an
understanding of how and why firms go
public, raise equity and debt, acquire each
other – and go bust. We also study financial
options and risk management techniques,
CORPORATE VALUATION
This concluding module incorporates
knowledge developed throughout the
programme and provides the in-depth
understanding and ability to make optimal
strategic investment decisions. In explaining
the mechanics of corporate valuation, we
also discuss how to create (and destroy)
corporate value. We demonstrate that
valuation is not a precise science, and that
the strategic fit and successful integration
of projects is as important as the calculation
and analysis of a number.
ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT BUSINESS PROJECT
All four modules are assessed, either The Diploma concludes with a project report
by a project or a written examination. that integrates and applies new insights
Examinations are scheduled within gained from the taught modules. The report
the module dates. Participants must should be up to 10,000 words and based
successfully pass all four modules and the on a strategic or financial issue facing the
business project report to be awarded the participant’s organisation or sector. The
Diploma qualification. subject is selected by the participant,
ensuring that they or their organisation
can directly benefit from the programme
by this valuable piece of consultancy
work. Participants are allocated an expert
supervisor to help them structure their
project and research.
focusing on their use in corporate THE MODULE WILL COVER:
finance. These topics inform participants’
Equity Capital Raising
understanding of principles such as
asymmetric information, principal-agent Mergers and Acquisitions
problems and market efficiency.
Financial Options
Debt and Credit Ratings
Private Equity
Restructuring
Risk Management
The programme sharpens valuation THE MODULE WILL COVER:
skills in a variety of contexts including
Fundamentals of Valuation
the valuation of human capital, firms in
financial distress, valuation in a competitive DCF and Project Analysis
environment and in a private equity setting.
Valuing Human Capital
Applications include large-scale investment
projects, brand launches, venture capital Value Creation
investments, IPOs, mergers, diversification Relative Valuation
decisions, R&D, and joint ventures.
Valuation in a Competitive Environment
Valuation Under Financial Distress
Valuation in a Private Equity Setting
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 OXFORD EXECUTIVE POSTGRADUATE
DIPLOMAS
Launched in 2006, the Diploma in Financial
Strategy was the first in this series of
qualifications which offer executives the
opportunity to study at MBA level in the areas
of most interest and relevance for their career.
The series also includes the:
Diploma in Organisational Leadership
Diploma in Strategy and Innovation
Diploma in Global Business
PATHWAY TO THE EXECUTIVE MBA
Many Diploma participants hold an MBA
on entry, some will further broaden their
knowledge by progressing onto this afterwards.
Participants who graduate from the Diploma
in Financial Strategy and successfully apply
for Saïd Business School’s prestigious
Executive MBA (EMBA) programme will receive
exemptions from four EMBA modules. They
also receive a reduction in EMBA fees of half
the Diploma programme fee.

WHY THIS
PROGRAMME?
The Diploma is a unique education programme that allows experienced
executives to undertake high level professional development alongside a
senior level role and to gain a postgraduate Oxford qualification.

BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS

Develop world-class strategic and financial The modular format enables participants to
management skills integrate study into their working lives, while
remaining a productive and contributing
Build on existing knowledge, qualifications and
member of the management team
experience
Participants can apply their learning directly,
Acquire the strategic perspective to progress to
adding value to their organisation from the first
the highest level
module
Access the latest research and thinking in
Participants gain increased expertise and
finance and strategy with world-leading Oxford
confidence, enabling them to impact directly
University faculty
on strategic business decisions
Exchange experiences, generate ideas and
Employer involvement in the Business Project
discuss strategic issues with a senior financial
is encouraged and contributes to the expertise
peer group from around the globe and across
available to the organisation
sectors
Exposure to the top ranks of the business
world via seminars, guest lectures and other
networking opportunities
Join the Oxford Business Alumni with access to
a global network of Oxford University graduates
in business

06 THE OXFORD DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL STRATEGY

 “I decided to take the Oxford them. The Diploma is definitely
Diploma in Financial Strategy to worthwhile, even to those with
update and perfect my knowledge extensive experience in corporate
since my MBA taken 20 years ago finance or investment banking.”
and my PhD six years ago. The
experience in Oxford is unique
and extraordinary. The modules
are excellent on theoretical and
ALBERT LI practical levels.
Investment Banking I particularly enjoyed Professor
Morrison’s Finance I module,
which helped me re-build a strong
theoretical foundation for the
application of project evaluations
and investment decisions. The
leveraged buy-out techniques in
Finance II were also a very useful
tool for evaluating M&A projects
for my firm.
Classmates are all elites in the
financial and banking industries.
I treasured the opportunity of
discussing strategic issues with

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The programme is designed for senior finance YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
professionals with a good first degree and at 0% 10 20 30 40 50
least five years’ experience. Participants are
30+ YEARS 5
likely to be middle or senior managers seeking
to reinforce their skill set and equip themselves 21 TO 25 YEARS 14
to lead the financial and business strategy of 16 TO 20 YEARS 8
their organisation.
Participants learn as part of a highly 11 TO 15 YEARS 32

experienced and qualified group from across 5 TO 10 YEARS 41

the globe. They represent all industry and
public sectors, in addition to financial services,
and range from independent specialist QUALIFICATIONS ON ENTRY
consultancies, through medium-sized 0% 7 14 21 28 35

businesses, to multinational corporations and UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE 14

financial institutions. The unique group offers
an unparalleled opportunity for peer-to-peer PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION 34

learning, high level discussion and international MASTERS DEGREE 25

networking.
MBA 18

PHD 9

GLOBAL PARTICIPANTS
0% 10 20 30 40

AFRICA 5

AMERICAS 16

ASIA 6

EUROPE (NOT UK) 28

MIDDLE EAST 9

UK 36

THE DIPLOMA
CANDIDATE
“I am Head of Business Partnering
and Reporting for Shared Services
at Skandia UK. My role is diverse
and covers many aspects of
finance, from sales reporting to risk
management of finance to all the
statutory and regulatory reporting
for the UK group. I came on the
Diploma in Financial Strategy to
stretch myself and improve my
capability at the strategic level.
TESTIMONIAL I believe that it is essential,
particularly in today’s climate, to
LYNZI HARRISON
be able to understand the bigger
Financial Services
picture and analyse proposals
which will help Skandia meet the
ever changing needs of the market.
I found the programme rigorous
and intellectually challenging.
The quality of the teaching
faculty is exceptional and it is a
privilege to be part of the Oxford
world. For me, an unforeseen
and invaluable benefit was the
opportunity to meet so many
people from different geographical
and professional backgrounds
and to debate issues and form
relationships with them.
I liked the fact that the
programme is introduced with
the business strategy module. It
really set the scene for the rest of
the programme and provides the
wider context and foundation for
the application of the financial
aspects. Some of the material was
a refresh from professional training
and other material was entirely
new which I found stretching and
enjoyable.
The programme has widened my
knowledge and challenged some of
my original ideas and assumptions.
It has helped to lift me out of my
specialist area and show how I can
help others see how the financial
strategy supports the overall
business strategy and aims of the
organisation.”

08 THE OXFORD DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL STRATEGY


COMPANIES WHO HAVE BEEN
REPRESENTED ON THIS
PROGRAMME INCLUDE:
Aareal Bank
Abbey National
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Almondz Global Securities Ltd
B G Group
Bank Of America
Bank Of Scotland Treasury
Barclays Bank Plc
BMW Polska
Bovis Lend Lease
BP Plc
British Red Cross Society
British Telecom
Caliber Capital Markets
CBS Outdoor Ltd
Citigroup – Corporate &
Investment Banking
Close Ventures Ltd
Corbina Telecom
Credit Suisse
Dexia Private Bank
(Switzerland) Ltd
DLA Piper LLP JOB TITLES OF PARTICIPANTS
DTZ Plc ON THIS PROGRAMME INCLUDE:
Eastern Power Corporation
Asset Manager
Electricite du Cambodge (EDC)
Assistant Vice President
EMAAR, The Economic City
Associate Director
EMI Group Plc
Associate Partner
Ernst & Young
Business Performance Manager
Financial Services Authority
CEO
First Asia Finance Group Ltd
Chairman
Friends Provident
Chief Accountant
G E Healthcare
Chief Financial Officer
GDF SUEZ – Electrabel
Chief Investment Officer
General Electric
Consultant Partner
Genworth Financial
Corporate Financial Manager
Golden Union Shipping Co
Director
Haynes Inc
Director of Strategic Planning
HBO Latin America Group
Director of Capital Markets
Hiscox plc
Divisional Financial Controller
Hypo Alpe-Adria-Bank
Enterprise Architect
IBM Global Business Services
Equity Finance Trader
Isle of Man Government
Finance Director
Ittihad International Investment
Finance Manager
LLC
Financial Accountant
Jersey Telecom
Financial Analyst
LCH Clearnet Ltd
Financial Manager
Live Nation Music
Financial Policy Analyst
LogicaCMG
Financial Risk Consultant
M A Partners
Group Finance Controller
Main Investments Ltd
Head of Business Reporting
Management Consulting Group Plc
Head of Department
Marathon Capital Holdings Inc
Head of Group Accounting &
Meltwater Group
Reporting
Mizuho Corporate Bank
Head of Internal Audit
National Bank of Dubai
Head of Operations
Nationwide Building Society
Head of Regulatory Reporting
New Vision Enterprises Ltd
Internal Auditor
NewBridge Group Inc
Management Consultant
Nutricia Ireland Ltd
Manager Credit Treasury
(Danone Group)
Syndication
NXT Plc
Managing Director
Orange Personal Communication
Owner
Services
Portfolio Manager
Oxera Consulting Limited
President
Oxfam GB
Regional Finance Director
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Senior Analyst
SAB Miller Plc
Senior Associate
Shell International Ltd
Senior Business Analyst
Skandia UK
Senior Business Consultant – Risk
Societe Generale Corporate &
Senior Consultant
Investment Banking
Senior Finance Manager
Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Senior Investment Manager
(UK) Ltd
Senior M&A Advisor
Stratley AG
Senior Manager
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
Senior Vice President
Corporation Europe
Strategic Planning Manager
Swiss International Airlines AG
Treasury Analyst
Swisscom AG
Treaty Underwriter
TMF Management Ireland Ltd
UK Financial Controller
Transport For London
Vice President
VenCap International plc
VP, Financial Planning Analysis
Whitehaven Financial Group
Zenith Corporate Finance
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 FACULTY
The Diploma is taught by members of Oxford’s
outstanding finance and strategy faculty team.
The programme leaders bring access to world-
leading research and a wealth of industry
experience.

10 THE OXFORD DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL STRATEGY

HOWARD JONES
Finance, Academic Director
Dr Howard Jones joined Oxford
from a successful 15-year career
in investment banking at Deutsche
Bank and BNP Paribas. He was
Worldwide Head of Equity Capital
Markets, responsible for equity
and equity-related capital raising.
He earlier worked in debt capital
markets and fixed income trading.
Howard teaches the Capital
Raising Techniques, and Trading
and Market Microstructure courses
on the Oxford MBA and MSc in
Financial Economics and has
particular expertise and experience
in IPOs and primary markets.
MUNGO WILSON
Finance
Dr Mungo Wilson joined Oxford
after gaining experience as
professor of economics at Asia’s
leading business school, Hong
Kong University of Science &
Technology. His research interests
include asset pricing and mutual
funds. Prior to obtaining his PhD
from Harvard, he practised law in
the City of London, and earned
degrees from London School of
Economics and Oxford.
ALAN MORRISON
Finance
Professor Alan Morrison is a
leading expert on corporate
finance, corporate governance and
regulation. He is the author of
numerous publications, including
a book on the future of investment
banks.
Alan read mathematics at
Brasenose College, Oxford prior
to spells in Andersen Consulting
(now Accenture), Morgan Grenfell
and SG Warburg. He is a Fellow
of Merton College and a regular
consultant to corporations, public
bodies and governments and was
recently specialist advisor to the
House of Lords Treasury Select
Committee.
THOMAS POWELL
Strategy
Professor of Strategy at the Saïd
Business School, Thomas Powell’s
research centres around
competition, strategy and firm
performance. He has published
extensively in management
journals, consults globally on
competitive strategy and is
a member of the Strategic
Management Society. Professor
Powell teaches on our MBA and
MSc programmes.
JOSE MARTINEZ
Finance
Dr Jose Vicente Martinez is a
University Lecturer in Finance
and Fellow of Green Templeton
College. He obtained his PhD in
Finance from Columbia Business
School, holds degrees from
Universidad Nacional de Rosario
and Universidad Torcuato Di Tella
and has been a researcher at the
Institute for Financial Research
in Stockholm. His professional
experience was gained in
Prudential Financial’s Buenos
Aires office. Jose specialises in
capital markets, asset pricing and
investor behaviour.
RICHARD WHITTINGTON
Strategy
Richard Whittington, Professor of
Strategic Management, teaches
strategy courses and heads the
Strategy, Entrepreneurship and
International Business Group
at the Saïd Business School.
Amongst his nine books are the
prize-winning ‘What is Strategy
– and Does it Matter?’ and the
biggest selling strategy textbook
in Europe, ‘Exploring Corporate
Strategy’.
WWW.SBS.OXFORD.EDU/DIPFINANCE
HAN OZSOYLEV
Finance
Dr Han Ozsoylev is a University
Lecturer in Financial Economics
at the Saïd Business School,
and Fellow of Linacre College.
He teaches the core managerial
economics course on the Oxford
MBA. His current research deals
with communication in markets
and its economic consequences,
questions related to market
manipulation, and the causes of
crashes and frenzies.
KATHY HARVEY
Director, Open Enrolment
and Diploma Programmes
Kathy Harvey is responsible for
the development of postgraduate
diplomas and open programmes
at Saïd Business School. She has
extensive experience of working
with senior executives from
international organisations, and
has worked closely with clients in
banking and financial services to
deliver management development
programmes. Kathy began
her career as a BBC journalist
and has written for a variety
of publications, including the
Independent, Financial Times and
Sunday Times.
11

NETWORKS
For centuries, the University of Oxford has produced some of the most
influential and respected people in business. Oxford graduates are
represented in every Fortune 500 Company, country and government
in the world.
THE OXFORD BUSINESS
ALUMNI
The Oxford Business Alumni
provides a focus for Oxonians who
have a special interest in the world
of business. Regional chapters
span every continent across the
world.
As a member, graduates of
the Oxford Diploma in Financial
Strategy will be entitled to access
the alumni search directory, an
invaluable tool for networking with
organisations throughout the world.
Alumni are invited to attend
regular seminars, lectures and
other networking events, giving
current participants and alumni
the chance to meet, exchange
ideas and get to know each other.
12 THE OXFORD DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL STRATEGY
MARCIA
FAVALE-TARTER
Financial Consulting
PRIVATE EQUITY FORUM
Organised by the Oxford Private
Equity Institute at the Saïd
Business School, the Private
Equity Forum addresses the
opportunities and challenges
facing global investors in today’s
dynamic environment. Previous
panellists have included:
Christopher Spray of Atlas
Ventures; Edmund Lazarus of
Englefield Capital; Jonathan Blake
of SJ Berwin; Markus Golser of
Graphite Capital; Robin Jarratt
of CVC Capital Partners, and Joe
Haim of Egon Zehnder.
SILICON VALLEY COMES TO
OXFORD
Once a year the Saïd Business
School invites technology business
leaders, entrepreneurs, venture
capitalists and others from Silicon
Valley, California, to come to
Oxford and take part in master
classes and panel discussions.
These classes give valuable insight
“I own my own company advising
governments or companies on
financial matters. I am currently
advising the government of
Kazakhstan on restructuring their
banking sector, with specific
responsibility for two banks with
US$18bn under advisory.
I attended the Diploma in
Financial Strategy because I
wanted to re-test my financial
knowledge and re-challenge certain
concepts. It is good to test yourself
with colleagues who have a lot of
experience. It’s one thing to learn
the theory when you are 21 but
quite another when you revisit
those concepts with 17 years of
into up and coming technologies
as well as providing networking
opportunities with key members
of the Silicon Valley business
community. Previous guests have
included: Max Levchin, Chief
Technical Officer at PayPal;
Raymond Nasr, Director of
Executive Communications, Google
Inc and Jeff Skoll, co-Founder and
President of Ebay.
THE SKOLL WORLD FORUM ON
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Organised by the Skoll Centre
for Social Entrepreneurship, the
Skoll World Forum is the leading
annual global event for social
entrepreneurs. Previous speakers
have included: Mohammed Yunus,
Founder of the Grameen Bank and
pioneer of microfinance initiatives
in the developing world; Penny
Newman, CEO of Café Direct, and
Will Hutton, CEO of The Work
Foundation.
experience under your belt.
The programme piqued my interest
to the point that I progressed onto
the full Oxford Executive MBA.
I found it an effective academic
foundation and the class around
me provided a challenging overlay.
Bonds were forged which made the
programme truly memorable. The
entire group was one you would
want to be associated with and
we worked in a very conducive
environment. If you are considering
taking the Diploma, my advice
would be do it, but be aware that
it is going to be harder than you
thought – which is a good thing.”
THE SAS DISTINGUISHED
SPEAKER SERIES
The SAS Distinguished Speaker
Series provides a further
opportunity for all students of the
School to meet with leaders in
business on an open and informal
basis. Speakers are normally CEOs,
chairmen or founders and have
included: Sam Laidlaw, CEO of
Neptune Oil & Gas; Hector Sants,
CEO of the Financial Services
Authority; Richard Greenhalgh,
Chairman of Unilever; Roland
Berger, Founder of Roland Berger
& Co and Carl-Henric Svanberg,
Chairman of BP.

FIRST CLASS FACILITIES
The Oxford Diploma in Financial Strategy is taught at the Saïd
Business School. The School’s state-of-the-art building in the centre
of Oxford opened in 2001 and was designed by Dixon and Jones, the
architects responsible for the new Royal Opera House in London.
The School’s Library and
Information Services comprise the
two-floor Sainsbury Library onsite
and the award-winning Virtual
Library for remote access to a
wealth of business information.
The lower floor contains a short
loan collection, informal seating
area and study desks equipped
with PCs. The upper reading room,
with its distinctive vaulted ceiling
and impressive views, is intended
for quiet research and holds 90
fully-networked study desks.
Most classes take place in
wood-panelled lecture theatres,
with desks arranged in a horseshoe
pattern to facilitate open
discussion. There are numerous
seminar rooms for small group
work.
“Each module was very practical,
energetic and informational. The
class profile was overwhelming,
and the networking opportunities
way beyond my expectations.
The frequent contact with top
decision-making executives (CEOs/
CFOs), elaborate discussions on
SYED SHAHZAD the financial strategies of their
Investment Banking organisations, application of the
course theory in the real corporate
environment, and now being in
touch with them as friends is just
priceless. I've observed immense
changes in my knowledge in
the duration of this course – the
development of my skills in
Strategy and Finance and my new
confidence as a strategic-thinker
are astonishing.”
There are numerous open spaces
throughout, including cloistered
walkways and a large internal
courtyard which help foster
informal interaction between
students, faculty and visitors.
The Common Room is a relaxed
area for easy socialising with
fellow students, faculty and staff.
Floor-to-ceiling windows look out
onto the School’s landscaped
grounds which contain the remains
of Rewley Abbey, the very first
seat of learning in Oxford. During
the summer students can also
relax in the internal courtyard or
the 300-seat amphitheatre with
excellent views of the surrounding
countryside.
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 “I’m a director at a consulting firm
that offers advisory, financing
and management services, and
am responsible for overseeing
investments made by the firm
through our associated investment
fund. I was looking for a
programme to help me bridge the
GARY MINTER gap between my specialised real
Real Estate estate background and the broader
world of corporate finance and
business strategy.
The Diploma has certainly
provided that bridge. It has given
me the opportunity to learn from
esteemed instructors and to
discuss financial and strategic
ideas with top-level executives
from around the world. The
modular aspect also allowed me
to continue my full-time job, a
tremendous benefit in its own
right.
The Oxford Diploma in Financial
Strategy has been, without a
doubt, the right programme
for me to develop the financial
understanding and strategic
outlook that I need to perform at
the top level in my organisation.
The friends I’ve made along the
way are an invaluable added
benefit. I know I will continue
to draw upon the education and
experience I’ve gained at Oxford as
I progress in my career.”

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
To be considered for a place on the programme, candidates
must be able to demonstrate the following:

INTELLECTUAL ABILITY ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

A good undergraduate degree
(at least 2:1) or equivalent is
required. Relevant professional
qualifications, particularly in
accounting, may be accepted in
place of a prior academic degree.
PROFICIENCY The majority of candidates will
The programme is taught in be financial professionals. They
English. may be qualified accountants or
have other equivalent professional
qualifications. Candidates will be
expected to be familiar with the
challenges of business strategy,
management reporting, policy
formulation, competitive analysis
and organisational change. Ideally,
candidates will have also been
involved in their organisation’s
budgetary cycles. Candidates
require a minimum of five years’
professional experience, though
many will have substantially more.

14 THE OXFORD DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL STRATEGY

HOW TO APPLY
Admissions are processed through
a system of review before a
final decision is reached by the
admissions committee.
The Saïd Business School
reserves the exclusive right to
accept or reject applicants
without explanation.
Candidates should apply online at
www.sbs.oxford.edu/apply.
You will need to prepare a personal
statement of up to 500 words
which addresses your aims for the
programme and how you envisage
being able to apply the learning
to your organisation, or an area of
research of personal interest.
You will also be asked to supply
details of two people who can
provide references and transcripts
to confirm the details of your
highest previous qualification.
If you experience any difficulties
applying online, please contact
the Open Programme Team on
+44 (0)1865 422737 or email
execed@sbs.ox.ac.uk.
If you would like to discuss any
aspect of the programme please
contact Steve Brewster on
+44 (0)1865 422727, email
diploma-enquiries@sbs.ox.ac.uk
or visit our website at
www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipfinance.
Alternatively, you may wish to
write to Steve Brewster, Saïd
Business School, University of
Oxford, Executive Education
Centre, Egrove Park, Oxford
OX1 5NY, United Kingdom.
PLEASE NOTE ACCOMMODATION
The entire application, including The programme fee does
the personal statement is held in not include accommodation.
the strictest confidence and is not Participants make their own
subject to review. arrangements to stay in Oxford
during the four modules. A list
PRICING AND PAYMENT of suitable accommodation is
SCHEDULE provided for applicants.
The programme fee covers tuition,
course materials, essential reading
texts, examinations, assessments
and supervision. Lunch and
refreshments are provided and
there will be a dinner at a selected
historic Oxford College during each
module.
A 20% deposit is required to
secure the place on acceptance.
The tuition fees must be paid in
full, six weeks prior to the start of
the first module.
WWW.SBS.OXFORD.EDU/DIPFINANCE 15
WWW.SBS.OXFORD.EDU Saïd Business School
University of Oxford
Executive Education Centre
Egrove Park
Oxford OX1 5NY
United Kingdom

Steve Brewster
Tel: +44 (0)1865 422727
steve.brewster@sbs.ox.ac.uk
www.sbs.oxford.edu/dipfinance

SAID BUSINESS SCHOOL TAUGHT PROGRAMMES EXECUTIVE EDUCATION Strategy and Change
The Saïd Business School is one
Diploma in Financial Strategy General Management The Oxford Scenarios Programme
of Europe’s youngest and most
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An integral part of The University and Leadership Programme
Diploma in Organisational Leadership The CIO Academy
of Oxford, the School embodies The Oxford Management Acceleration
Diploma in Strategy and Innovation Finance
the academic rigour and forward Programme
thinking that has made Oxford a Executive MBA The Oxford Finance Programme for
Leadership
world leader in education. The Senior Executives
MBA
School is dedicated to developing a The Oxford Strategic Leadership
The Oxford Global Investment Risk
new generation of business leaders MSc in Financial Economics Programme
Management Programme
and entrepreneurs and conducting MSc in Major Programme The Oxford High Performance
The Oxford Private Equity Programme
research not only into the nature Management Leadership Programme
of business, but the connections The Oxford Private Equity Programme
What Next? For leaders with more to
between business and the wider in China
RESEARCH PROGRAMMES offer
world. Custom Programmes
DPhil Programme The Oxford Programme on
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