Oxford's '1+1' programme announced

Dean of Saïd Business School, Peter Tufano.

Professor Peter Tufano, Dean of Saïd Business School, has announced the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme, a new initiative that will allow students to pair Oxford University's one-year full-time MBA course with one of a selection of one-year MSc programmes offered by other University departments.

'In many areas, it is important for successful practitioners to have strong technical skills or domain knowledge in conjunction with rich management training,' says Professor Tufano.

'Given the complexity of the challenges faced by the next generation of business leaders, this combination could become a dominant theme of 21st century postgraduate business education.

'High-calibre applicants will be offered the opportunity to apply to both the MBA and MSc programmes at the same time, and to undertake a rigorous two-year Oxford postgraduate experience that combines the depth of study of an MSc, with the managerial and leadership breadth of an MBA.

The first students will begin the 1+1 programme in October 2012. Four departments at the University are participating in the first phase of the programme: the School of Geography and the Environment, the Department of Education, the Oxford Internet Institute and the Department of Computer Science. It is envisaged that many more of the 200 plus postgraduate taught degrees at Oxford will follow as 1+1 becomes established.

The 1+1 Programme will appeal to highly qualified applicants with well-defined career goals in a particular sector which can be best met through a specific combination of an MSc with the Oxford MBA. The benefits of this combination will be unique; students will be trained within both departments of the University and will be able to draw upon a wide range of tailored resources to shape the programme to their requirements. Oxford has historically offered this type of experience to its Rhodes Scholars, who have often constructed customised, multi-year programmes.

'This will be a rich learning experience for strong, high-potential leaders' said Professor Tufano. 'Participants will gain considerable subject depth in their chosen area of specialism, combined with managerial and business breadth. It will uniquely qualify them for leadership positions in their chosen field. Studying in this way and in this environment, will allow students an unrivalled learning experience whereby 1+1 will amount to much more than 2.

'The interaction with two areas of expertise within one of the world's leading universities, and the engagement with two distinct but connected networks, alongside a continuous two-year college experience, will prepare participants well for successful careers.'

Applicants will be required to pass the application procedures and standards of both the MBA programme and the partner Masters programme. It is envisaged that most students will undertake the MSc in the first year, followed by the MBA in the second. In the summer break between courses, the students will undertake an internship or placement which reflects their interests and supports their career plans.