Postgraduate courses in Strategic Planning

Have you a strong mind for business? Do you have analytical and data analysis skills as well as a business mind? If you want to play a role in projecting business forecasts with a desire to help businesses perform to the best of their abilities then this could be the perfect role for you. 

If you have experience in the area of business and a knowledge of market trends, why not add to your degree with a postgraduate course in strategic planning? Have a look at the information below. It might just guide you on your way.

What is strategic planning?

Strategic planning is the implementation of strategies, direction and decision making in relation to applying resources that positively affect business performance. It involves looking ahead and considering different processes and outcomes that may impact a business. 

As a strategic planner you will play a huge role in shaping business strategies. Your main role is to develop strategic plans, assess company performance and carry out different research as well as data analytics. You will create forecasts for businesses and create strategies to optimize strong business performance while keeping up to date on marketing trends and industry trends. 

You will often be expected to propose different ideas and present different proposals to your colleagues. Identifying threats and opportunities in relation to your business competitors is also an important role you will carry out. It is an office based role and mostly follows a 9-5, Monday to Friday structure. You may find yourself under pressure at times to complete deadlines and advise business on future decisions.

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. Courses available include:

Strategic Business Management

A postgraduate course in strategic business management will give you the opportunity to develop all your skills and knowledge in the area in order to be successful in the field of strategic planning. Different modules you will cover include Global Business Strategy and Leadership, Management of Business Operations, Performance Management and Reward, 

International Marketing Leadership, Financial Information for Business Decisions and Research Methods and Research Based Output. 

Business and Strategic Leadership
Postgraduate courses in this area will provide you with the opportunity to gain and develop any tools and skills needed to work in this area. Participants of a course such as this one should have the ambition to work and contribute to the strategic planning and organisation of businesses. You will focus on areas from Personal Development, Change and Finance to Organisational Behaviour and Strategies. 

There are also courses available in Sustainable Management, Management with Business Strategy and the Environment, Strategic and Digital Marketing, Research, Strategy and Security and Accounting, Finance and Strategic Investment to name a few.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1 in a relevant degree

Salary

The salary in this area will depend on different variables from your employment type, your experience and sometimes even location can have an influence on salaries. It is believed that the average salary of a strategic planner is believed to be around £34,000. Starting out, your salary will be lower but with time and experience it may rise. All figures are based on estimates and are intended to be used as a guide only. 

Related Jobs

• Strategic Planner
• Brand Marketing
• Forecaster
• Brand Development
• Cost Management
• Formulation
• Sales Strategist

Skills and Requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include:

• Excellent communication skills
• A knowledge of business operations and procedures
• A critical mind
• Strong skills for planning
• Organisation skills
• Time management skills
• Strategic thinker
• An analytical mind
• Problem-solver
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Leadership skills
• Confidence
• An understanding of market research and data analytics