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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

Prior to each residential teaching block, students will be expected to engage for at least eight hours a week with online study materials which will include readings, videos, discussion forums and self-assessment.

There are four residential teaching blocks (of one week each) in Cambridge – three in the first year and one in the second year of the programme. Following each residential block students will produce individual pieces of coursework, involving research and written presentation of findings on selected topics.

Before and after the residential phases, participants will be fully supported and engaged in the programme through a virtual learning environment. They will also count on support and facilitation by a Cambridge Judge Business School teaching team who will be available for face-to-face meetings or phone/video calls.

There will be an optional 2 day research bootcamp in the Spring term of the second year where students who are writing their dissertations may attend to meet with their supervisors, library team, and gain further insight into managing their research data.

One to one supervision

Each student will be allocated a principal supervisor at the start of the first year and a dissertation supervisor during the second year, as approved by the Degree Committee. Supervisors will provide general academic advice to students, and subject-specific advice relating to the dissertation.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

Seminars & classes

During the residential blocks, students are expected to participate in a blend of workshops, seminars, lectures, guest lectures, group work, case study discussions, presentations, simulations, and other activities for nine to ten hours per day.

Students are expected to come academically prepared to the residential weeks in order to participate in sessions, contribute to group work, and deliver individual or group presentations where required.

Lectures

Lectures are normally delivered during residential weeks.

Taught/Research Balance
Equal Taught/Research

Feedback

Students receive qualitative and quantitative feedback on their assignments. The style and content of the formal written feedback is dependent on the style of assessment.

Students and dissertation supervisors normally meet three times for formal supervision over the course of the dissertation writing process, plus other members of the Cambridge Judge Business School teaching team will be available for further advice depending on the nature of the project.

Marks will be provisional until confirmed by the Board of Examiners.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

Students must submit a dissertation of 15,000 words. The topic will be proposed by the candidate. The supervisor and proposed topic are approved by the Degree Committee. The dissertation contributes 50 per cent to the final mark.

Research summaries of dissertations authored by past MSt in Social Innovation students are available from the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation website.

Essays


Other

Assessment of taught modules will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations and projects.

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Key Information


Michaelmas 2026
Applications open
Sep. 10, 2025
Application deadline
Apr. 15, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 7, 2026

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

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