Oxford Saïd MBA: A Complete Guide

Getting into a top MBA program is a significant decision, one that can shape your future career trajectory and personal growth. As someone considering the Oxford Saïd MBA Program, you’re likely seeking a comprehensive understanding of what this esteemed program entails. 

In this deep-dive article, we aim to provide you with a holistic view of the Oxford Saïd MBA experience, covering key aspects such as the class profile for 2024, employment prospects post-graduation, curriculum structure, cost considerations including tuition fees and living expenses, available scholarships, and the admissions process. 

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect from the Oxford Saïd MBA Program and whether it aligns with your aspirations and goals.

MBA Program Overview at Oxford Saïd

• Start date: September 2024
• Duration: 1 year
• Time commitment: Full time
• Location: Oxford
• Cost: £78,510

Oxford Saïd MBA Class Profile 2024

Nationality Breakdown

The Oxford Saïd MBA Class of 2024 represents a diverse and vibrant cohort of 334 students from 63 different nationalities. With a remarkable 97% of the class hailing from international backgrounds, the program offers a truly global perspective and fosters cross-cultural learning experiences. 

The gender balance is notable, with female students comprising 51% of the cohort. On average, students bring six years of work experience to the program, contributing rich professional insights to classroom discussions. 

With a median GMAT score of 680, the class showcases academic excellence and a commitment to rigorous intellectual engagement. 

The nationality breakdown reflects the program’s commitment to inclusivity, with significant representation from regions across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Oceania. This diverse mix of perspectives and experiences creates a dynamic learning environment, enriching the educational journey for all participants.

Oxford Saïd MBA Employment Report

The employment report for the Oxford Saïd MBA Class of 2022 showcases impressive outcomes, reflecting the program’s commitment to preparing students for success in diverse industries and regions. 

Here’s a breakdown of key statistics and insights:

Key Employment Outcomes

Observations and Inferences

• High Employment Rate: The fact that 87% of students accepted job offers within three months of graduation, coupled with an 88% offer rate, underscores the strong demand for Oxford Saïd MBA graduates in the job market.
• Global Reach: With graduates securing positions in over 36 countries and 150+ companies recruiting from the program, the Oxford Saïd MBA demonstrates its global reputation and reach.
• Industry Distribution: The distribution of jobs across various industries highlights the versatility of the Oxford MBA. 
• Salary Insights: While the average mean salary stands at £83,410, there are notable variations across industries that we explore in the next section.

The employment landscape for graduates of the Oxford Saïd MBA program in the Class of 2022 reflects a diverse array of opportunities across various industries and global locations. Let’s delve into the data to understand the employment trends and average salaries by industry sector, job location, and industry breakdown.

Hiring by Industries

The Oxford Saïd MBA program continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence and global impact through the impressive employment outcomes of its Class of 2022. The employment report highlights the diverse array of industries and sectors that have embraced Oxford MBA graduates, showcasing their versatility, skills, and readiness to tackle complex challenges in today’s business landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the employment data, along with some key observations and inferences:

Here’s a breakdown of the employment data by industry:

Observations and Inferences:

• Consulting Dominance: The consulting sector emerged as the leading recruiter, with 31.90% of graduates securing positions in this field. Notable firms such as McKinsey, Bain, and BCG continue to attract Oxford Saïd MBAs, indicating the school’s strong reputation in management consulting.
• Lucrative Finance Roles: Finance remains a lucrative career path for MBA graduates, with 26.70% of students entering this sector. Investment banking and investment management are prominent areas, with firms like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan being top employers, offering competitive salaries averaging £86,218.
• Global Industry Opportunities: A significant portion (15.50%) of graduates ventured into global industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and media. Companies like AstraZeneca and Procter & Gamble value the diverse skill set and global perspective that Oxford Saïd MBAs bring to the table.
• Social Impact and Non-Profits: The commitment to social impact is evident, with 5.20% of graduates securing roles in this sector. Organizations like OECD and UNDP provide opportunities for students to contribute meaningfully to societal challenges while earning an average salary of £57,695.
• Technology Sector Attraction: Technology continues to be a prominent choice, attracting 20.70% of graduates. With companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft offering competitive salaries averaging £89,554, Oxford Saïd MBAs are well-positioned to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Average Salary by Industry Sector

Here’s a breakdown of the mean salary range by industry:

Observations and Inferences:

• Lucrative Salaries: Graduates entering the consulting, finance, and technology sectors commanded high average salaries, ranging from £83,989 to £89,554. This highlights the strong earning potential and value placed on MBA skills in these industries.
• Variability in Impact Sector: While impact-related roles offered meaningful work, the average salary range was comparatively lower, reflecting the trade-off between financial compensation and social impact for some graduates.

Job Location and Average Salary

Observations and Inferences:

• UK Dominance: The UK emerged as the primary destination for Oxford Saïd MBA graduates, with 55% of total jobs reported, indicating the program’s strong ties to the local business community and the attractiveness of the UK job market.
• Attractive Salaries in North America: While North America accounted for a smaller percentage of jobs at 16%, it offered the highest average salary of £108,985, showcasing the lucrative opportunities available in this region for MBA graduates.
• Global Distribution: Graduates secured positions across diverse regions, including Europe, Asia, Latin America & the Caribbean, Africa, MENA, and Oceania, reflecting the program’s global reach and alumni network.

Career Transition

The employment report for the Class of 2022 showcases the diverse range of opportunities pursued by Oxford MBA graduates, highlighting their transition from pre-MBA roles to post-MBA positions. Let’s delve into the data to understand the dynamics of this transformation.

Career Transitions

Pre-MBA vs. Post-MBA Roles

Observations and Inferences:

• Consulting Dominance: The data reveals a significant trend of students with pre-MBA experience in consulting choosing to continue in consulting post-MBA, with 47% of such students remaining in the consulting industry. This suggests a strong alignment between their professional backgrounds and career aspirations.
• Financial Services Transition: While a considerable portion of students from the financial services industry stayed within their sector (57%), a notable proportion (22%) transitioned into consulting, indicating the versatility and transferability of skills gained during the MBA program.
• Diversification in Global Industry: Students with pre-MBA experience in global industries exhibited a diverse range of post-MBA career paths, with notable proportions transitioning into consulting (35%) and technology (22%). This indicates a broadening of horizons and the ability to adapt to different sectors.
• Focus on Impact: The data reflects a substantial interest in impact-related roles among MBA graduates, with 24% of those with pre-MBA experience in impact sectors transitioning into impact-focused management roles post-MBA. This underscores the growing importance of social and environmental responsibility in business practices.
• Technology Sector Attraction: The technology sector emerges as a popular destination for MBA graduates, particularly those without a pre-MBA background in technology. Nearly half (48%) of students without prior technology experience transitioned into the technology sector post-MBA, indicating its appeal and opportunities for career pivots.

Oxford Saïd MBA Curriculum

The Oxford Saïd MBA program is an immersive journey designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. From foundational core courses to a wide array of elective options, the curriculum offers a holistic approach to business education. 

Let’s take a closer look at the structure of the program:

Program Structure

The Oxford Saïd MBA program is structured into several key stages, starting with a pre-programme in August aimed at refreshing core concepts and engaging with career planning resources. The MBA Launch in September offers a residential experience introducing students to the school community and soft skill development.

During the Michaelmas Term (October to December), students focus on core business courses and begin talent development planning. Hilary Term (January to March) continues with core courses while introducing elective options. Trinity Term (April to June) offers further electives and co-curricular activities.

During the Summer Term (July and August), students have options including a Strategic Consulting Project, summer electives, or an internship for credit. Throughout the program, ongoing support is provided through talent development initiatives and various co-curricular activities such as the Finance Lab, Consulting Development Program, and Impact Lab.

Core Courses

The Oxford MBA features eight core courses that cover essential business principles, incorporating cross-cutting themes relevant to today’s global challenges.

These courses blend case studies, practical learning, and real-world applications, preparing students to become effective leaders in various industries:

• Accounting
• Analytics
• Business Finance
• Firms and Markets
• Marketing
• Organizational Behaviour
• Strategy
• Technology and Operations Management

Electives

Students have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of elective courses, allowing them to tailor their MBA experience to their specific interests and career objectives. 

With options spanning various business domains and societal issues, students can deepen their expertise and explore new areas of study:

• Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Analytics in Marketing, Advertising & Retail
• Business History
• Business in China
• Corporate Valuation
• Entrepreneurial Finance Project
• Global Sustainable Business
• Negotiations
• Reputation and Leadership

International electives, such as “Doing Business in Africa” and “Fintech: Present and Future: London,” provide opportunities for global learning experiences and cultural immersion.

Oxford Saïd MBA Cost

The Oxford Saïd MBA program offers transparency regarding costs and provides a range of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the Oxford Saïd MBA Program for the academic year 2024-25 is £78,510.

Living Costs in Oxford

Living expenses in Oxford can vary depending on your lifestyle. Estimated living costs for a single, full-time graduate student in Oxford for the 2024-25 academic year range between £1,345 and £1,955 per month. Here’s a breakdown of these costs for different durations:

Scholarships

The Oxford Saïd MBA Program offers various scholarships to support students financially. Here are some of the scholarships available:

For most scholarships, only the standard course application is required. However, some scholarships may require an additional application. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be automatically considered for most Saïd Business School and Oxford University scholarships.

Oxford Saïd MBA Admissions

Applications for the Oxford Saïd MBA program for the class of 2024-25 are now open, offering prospective students the opportunity to join a prestigious academic community renowned for its excellence in business education. Below are the key details regarding the admissions process, eligibility criteria, and application requirements:

Application Deadlines

Eligibility Criteria

Prospective applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Minimum of two years of full-time work experience.
• Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

1. Undergraduate degree or equivalent.
2. Written supporting statement:
   1. Applicants should provide a supporting statement, sharing information not covered in the application, within a maximum of 250 words.
   2. For Oxford 1+1 MBA scheme applicants, an additional essay explaining the benefits of the scheme and its alignment with career and personal development aims (maximum 250 words) is required.
   3. Re-applicants should submit an essay detailing improvements made in their candidacy since their last application (maximum 250 words).
3. Online assessment: Candidates will complete four questions via the online assessment platform, including motivation-based and competency-based questions, along with a written response to assess quick thinking abilities.
4. GMAT or GRE score.
5. Professional experience: Minimum of two years of work experience.
6. Career goals and English capability.
7. Two references: Preferably professional referees.
8. One-page CV.

Application Submission

Applicants should ensure their application is complete and includes the £150 application fee upon submission.

Take a look at a few Oxford Saïd MBA interview tips

Final Thoughts

As we conclude our exploration of the Oxford Saïd MBA Program, it’s evident that this esteemed institution offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development. 

From the diverse and international class profile of 2024 to the robust employment prospects showcased in the employment report, it’s clear that graduates of the program are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of today’s business world. 

The carefully curated curriculum ensures a comprehensive understanding of core business concepts while providing flexibility through elective courses and experiential learning opportunities. 

While the cost of pursuing an MBA can be a significant consideration, the availability of scholarships and financial aid options helps make the program accessible to a diverse range of candidates. 

Finally, the transparent and structured admissions process ensures that qualified candidates have a fair opportunity to join the Oxford Saïd MBA program. 

Overall, the Oxford Saïd MBA Program offers excellent business education, providing a transformative experience that equips its graduates with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in their chosen careers.