About the programme
Insight into Consulting and Strategy is for Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students who are interested in exploring these areas with little or no experience.
By attending this programme, you will develop an understanding of foundational business strategy, models and approaches used to help solve business problems. You will learn about the essential skills required in this sector, including communication and client management. Finally, you will participate in a team-based case study in-between training sessions to practise the concepts covered and to have the opportunity to work in a team.
NOTE: This insight programme includes key training content from The Oxford Strategy Challenge (TOSCA). Students who have already completed TOSCA would not gain additional value from participating.
Programme outline and outcomes
The programme outline is as follows:
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An introduction to foundational business strategy and models
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Insight into research approaches used to help solve business problems
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Introduction to essential skills required in the sector, including communication and client management
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Interactive team case study in-between sessions, to practise concepts covered.
By the end of this programme you will have:
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Explored business strategy and models
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Gained experience of working in a team to come up with strategy solutions
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Gained an understanding of the skills required for a career in consulting and strategy.
Programme requirements
This is a fully interactive online programme taking place online via Microsoft Teams, and participant engagement will be expected. To ensure you and your team can fully benefit from the experience, participants are expected to meet the following requirements:
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Microsoft Teams Access: You must be logged into your University Microsoft Office account with full functionality enabled in Microsoft Teams for collaboration.
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Full Attendance Required: Attendance across both days is required, including participating fully in the team case study in-between training sessions. Partial attendance is not permitted.
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Commitment to Your Team: Participants are expected to actively participate and show up prepared to contribute to your team throughout the event.
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Technical Setup: It is essential that you have a reliable internet connection, along with a working microphone and speakers.
If you have any questions about the IT requirements above, please visit help.it.ox.ac.uk/get-support or contact hello@careers.ox.ac.uk
Registration
REGISTRATIONS FOR THE TRINITY TERM 2026 PROGRAMME OPEN SOON
If you would like to participate in this programme and if you can confirm that you can commit to its requirements, please register via CareerConnect. Once your place is confirmed, you will receive a survey to complete. This survey will help us understand your motivations for signing up for this programme and what you hope to gain.
Programme commitment
The programme will take place between 12:00-13:00 on Wednesday 1 July and Thursday 2 July, and a team-based case study in-between sessions.
There is no pre or post programme course work, but participants will be expected to engage fully for the team case study in-between sessions. Once your place is confirmed, you will receive a survey to complete. This survey will help us understand your motivations for signing up for this programme and what you hope to gain.
Eligibility
The programme is open to matriculated Oxford University Undergraduate and Postgraduate students, including DPhils.
We cannot accept applications from Saïd Business School students*, visiting students, research staff, or alumni.
*Exceptions: MSc Law and Finance, MSc Financial Economics, DPhils, BA Economics & Management.
This insight programme includes key training content from The Oxford Strategy Challenge. Students who have already completed TOSCA would not gain additional value from participating.
Key Questions, Answered
Can I choose the case study area?
Each team will be assigned the same team case study. Individuals cannot choose or change their team.
Does it matter what subject I'm studying or what year I am in?
This programme is open to students from all subjects and year groups and is aimed at those with little or no experience in the sector.
What do I need to take part?
A device that has a microphone and headset. Ensure that you log in through your Oxford University Nexus/ Microsoft Account to fully access the Microsoft Teams features.
What is the time commitment of this insight programme?
The Trinity term 2026 programme takes place on Wednesday 1 July and Thursday 2 July, 12:00-13:00. There is no pre or post coursework. You will need to be able to commit to both sessions to fully participate, along with participating in a team-based case study in-between the sessions.
How do I know this is the right programme for me?
This programme is aimed at those with little or no experience in the sector who want to understand what a career in consulting and strategy might look like and typical skills required. We recommend booking an appointment with a Careers Adviser to talk through any questions you have.
When does the programme run?
This is a pilot programme running in Trinity term 2026. Future plans will be announced on our website.
Any other questions?
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please get in touch on courses@careers.ox.ac.uk.
