A legacy of excellence in a modern business context
The University of Oxford is renowned for academic excellence, and Saïd Business School upholds this tradition with a modern twist. In fact, academic excellence is among the main values pursued at both Oxford and its business school. “In our teaching, scholarship, and research we draw on and share the wealth of the University’s unique and world-leading resources,” is stated on the official Oxford website.
To achieve it, excellence has to be embedded in the learning process and this is precisely the goal at Oxford. The MBA curriculum at Saïd Business School is designed to challenge and inspire. It instills in participants crucial qualities such as critical thinking, leadership, and strategic innovation. Students engage with world-class faculty, industry leaders, and diverse peers – aspects, which make the learning experience intellectually rigorous.
Collaboration and global perspective
The Full-time MBA at Saïd Business School attracts students from around 60 nationalities each year, making the cohort highly diverse and adding to the collaborative culture and teamwork in class. In group projects and case studies, MBAs brainstorm and explore business solutions together, learning to work with different cultural and professional viewpoints.
Collaboration is one of the main values at Saïd Business School and some students who want to study in the UK are surprised of the highly supportive environment they enter. “I recently had a call with an acquaintance who was interested in learning more about the MBA experience. 'Isn’t it competitive?' they asked me. I could not repress a chuckle,” Oxford MBA graduate Dârini Vedarattiname shares. “Although I could understand their assumption about business students, I was very proud to tell them that Saïd Business School was quite the opposite. I have evolved in many environments throughout my life, yet I have never been immersed in such a collaborative culture than during my MBA at the University of Oxford.”
The emphasis on collaboration reflects Saïd Business School’s broader mission to prepare leaders who can work seamlessly across borders. Perks like international study trips, guest lectures, and a community of over 27,000 alumni also contribute to the global perspectives of the program.
Accessibility and inclusivity
Making education accessible to talented students who wish to study in the UK is another key pillar at Oxford. This value is not just about scholarships and financial support – though those are significant. Accessibility at the MBA program also encompasses a broader ethos of openness and approachability.
Students who have questions or feedback can feel comfortable as faculty, administrators, and alumni are ready to listen. The school’s approachable atmosphere encourages open dialogue and aims to make every participant feel heard. Mentoring initiatives such as Invest Africa business mentoring program (created to support African Oxford MBA students) and careers mentoring programs (matching scholars interested in a particular sector with an industry professional) are tangible ways in which Oxford nurtures a culture of accessibility and support within the Full-time MBA.
A culture of respect and responsibility
Respect forms a cornerstone of the Saïd Business School experience. Students are expected to show mutual respect, not only towards peers and faculty but also within their social community. The show of respect can be practiced even in small or subtle ways, for example by writing thank you notes. According to the Oxford Study Abroad Program: “We cannot stress too much that the British consider it discourteous not to send a thank you note, however brief. You may think this is an old-fashioned idea, but the fact is that is what they believe.” In general, the British culture is also more reserved “primarily because they have great respect for the privacy of others”.
The University of Oxford also has some interesting rules and norms that students should adhere to. For instance, students must wear formal attire on certain days and occasions when attending the university’s dining halls. Another formal practice is that students are not allowed to step on the grass in quadrangles; they should walk along the concrete path instead. Respecting these norms is part of the study experience at Oxford.
Balancing tradition with modern leadership
Ultimately, Saïd Business School’s organizational culture is a balance between Oxford’s traditions and history and the new demands of 21st-century business. This balance even comes through in the curriculum – case studies going back in history are paired with contemporary topics like digital transformation and climate change.
The school’s architecture reflects this duality as well. The modern, glass-fronted Saïd Business School building sits amidst the historic spires of Oxford, symbolizing the intersection of tradition and innovation
To find out if Oxford is the right fit, MBA students should explore all aspects of the school and program, including the campus culture. At Saïd Business School, the organizational culture is defined by its commitment to excellence, global inclusivity, and responsible leadership. For prospective MBA students seeking a collaborative experience in a more traditional setting, Oxford Saïd provides a foundation that can shape their future success.
Comments