Explore the unparalleled career opportunities that follow an Oxford Saïd Business School’s 1+1 MBA. Combine two degrees that give you specialized expertise, global networking, and business skills to excel in your field. Discover funding options like the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship and access a world-class business education for ultimate career success.
Liam Kilby is the Associate Director for MBA Recruitment and Admissions at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. He describes the Oxford 1+1 MBA as a transformative opportunity for ambitious professionals. “The first year, the one part, is an MSc of your choice… and then in the second year, the plus one part, you come to the business school, and you do the one-year MBA,” he explains. (00:32)
The Oxford 1+1 MBA equips forward-thinking professionals with theoretical depth and practical insights to meet their needs. Students gain in-depth expertise in their chosen field during the first year and broaden their business knowledge in the second year. This dual-degree structure enables graduates to address multifaceted global challenges confidently and skillfully.
The program is ideal for those aiming to advance their careers with a unique combination of depth and breadth. “You come out as an expert in your field but also with a skill set that allows you to operate in a very effective way in general business as well,” Liam notes. (02:10) This structure makes The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School graduates highly sought after by employers.
Oxford Saïd’s reputation amplifies the program’s value by connecting students to influential global networks. MBA students often find opportunities in leadership roles across various industries, made possible by the school’s partnerships with top-tier organizations.
Students can select from various master’s degrees across Oxford Saïd’s offerings. Public Policy, Social Science of the Internet, and Russian Literature are options. Liam emphasizes, “As long as the candidate has a rationale and a reason and has a career plan that makes sense and needs this type of journey, we’re not there to question why people are choosing each part of the program.” (03:51)
This flexibility ensures that students tailor their education to their career aspirations. By combining niche expertise from the master’s program with the MBA’s broad business training, graduates become highly adaptable professionals.
The Oxford 1+1 MBA extends networking beyond the classroom. Students become alumni of their master’s department, college, and Oxford Saïd, creating limitless connections.
“The Collegiate system of the University of Oxford opens doors to you to meet people outside of your discipline…you start to really understand the benefit of how that future connection can actually come back and repay you and pay dividends in 10 to 15 years,” Liam shares. (11:18)
The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School networking fosters personal growth and professional success. These diverse connections span industries and geographies, offering graduates unique opportunities to innovate and lead in their chosen fields.
The prestigious Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship fully funds up to six students per academic year for the Oxford 1+1 MBA. It covers tuition and living expenses and provides access to unique networking opportunities. “Those scholars will go on a trek every year…with other alumni groups of the Pershing Square scheme. So you’ll be going on a trek to New York, where you’ll meet with industry leaders, you’ll meet with the Pershing Square Foundation that have funded the scholarship, and you’ll be meeting with other Pershing Square Scholars from previous years,” Liam highlights. (13:22)
This scholarship embodies Oxford Saïd’s commitment to growing future leaders. Its focus on social impact ensures recipients can drive meaningful change in their careers and communities.
In the MBA year, students personalize their learning with over ten electives. “This can really help you personalize your development, [and] personalize your career goals,” Liam explains. (05:20) Internships between the two years and after the MBA can also enhance professional development.
Electives such as Corporate Strategy, and Finance provide students with specialized tools to excel in their industries. The Entrepreneurship project and internships further enrich this learning experience, offering real-world applications of academic insights.
This program is a significant investment of time and effort. Liam advises, “The one-plus-one is probably [for] somebody who is really targeting a very specific level of seniority and a very specific role…[giving you] the depth of knowledge you gain from that first year doing a master’s degree at Oxford [Saïd] and then applying that knowledge in a broader sense with the MBA in the second year.” (07:28)
Professionals with a vision for impactful leadership will find the Oxford 1+1 MBA structure ideal for addressing complex challenges. Its dual focus on specialization and broad-based learning prepares graduates for dynamic career paths.
Liam’s biggest piece of advice is clear, “Really understand what the application process is asking of you and maybe how long that will take.” Spend sufficient time on each application rather than attempting to complete both applications at the same time and reducing quality overall. He recommends, “If you stagger[ed] your applications within successive deadlines, rather than both at the same deadline, you may [have] come out with a slightly better outcome.” (18:12)
The application process highlights The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School emphasis on excellence. Prospective students are encouraged to showcase their leadership potential and academic achievements. Highlighting how the program aligns with their long-term career goals and personal motivations can also help you stand out in a competitive pool.
The Oxford 1+1 MBA has propelled graduates into leadership roles globally. Examples include a Senior Climate Economist at a development bank in South Africa and the Head of ESG Policy at Barclays.
“I think the one-plus-one program has been a real benefit to be able to let them do that. It’s really accelerated their career in a way that maybe the MBA on its own may not have done. They’ve really benefited from that springboard, [or] that launch pad, that the one-plus-one can be,” Liam emphasizes. (15:48)
Graduates credit the program’s holistic approach with their career success. Alumni are well-equipped to tackle pressing global issues with an interdisciplinary perspective. They can drive innovation by integrating specialized expertise with business acumen.
Liam concludes, “It provides a level of authenticity to your resume, to your CV, that you can be trusted to be such a highly regarded expert in your field in your future.” (08:22)
This program is more than an academic endeavor. It represents a commitment to developing professionals who can lead with purpose and vision, driving impactful change in a rapidly evolving world.
Learn more about The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School and connect with an MBA ambassador today and ask them about how the program can transform your career.
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