Strategic Innovation Management (with a professional placement year) (Taught)

1st in the UK for annual research income (Chartered Association of Business Schools 2025)

Top 20 in the UK for Business and Economics (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Top 100 in the UK (QS World University Rankings: Masters in Management Rankings 2025)

Innovation is the key for companies who wish to grow, survive and outperform their competitors. On this MSc, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to lead and manage innovation at operational and strategic levels. Focusing on new-product and service development in private- and public-sector organisations, you’ll:

• understand the causes, consequences and managerial implications of scientific development, technological progress and innovation

• analyse complex trends and challenges such as digital transformations and environmental sustainability

• learn to create appropriate value from innovation

• analyse innovation management challenges in a variety of economic and organisational contexts.

This course draws on the expertise of innovation management experts from SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit, based in the University of Sussex Business School. You’ll benefit from our collaboration with the OECD, Sussex Innovation Centre and other innovative organisations. You’ll also learn from guest speakers about their innovation management practices.

Guaranteed internship
Give your career a head start and gain real-world experience with our Guaranteed Internship Scheme.

Accreditation
You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. This can be a fantastic opportunity to gain real-life insight into industry as well as skills valued by employers. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can help you:

• find an employer

• draft an application

• prepare for interviews.

Don’t worry if you’re not successful, you’ll simply transfer to a non-placement version of your course.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.