Images: © Tom Weller photography
Our Geopolitical Risk programme is ideal for executives, policymakers, senior managers, directors, and industry leaders across a variety of sectors. Whether you are responsible for strategic decision-making, leading teams, risk assessment, or crisis management, this programme will equip you with the knowledge to anticipate and respond to evolving geopolitical challenges.
Programme Overview
Geopolitical risk is increasingly shaping strategic decisions across business and public life. Political instability, international conflict, technological change and shifting global relationships can affect markets, investment, supply chains and organisational resilience.
The Geopolitical Risk Executive Education programme at the University of Oxford is designed for senior leaders who want to understand these developments and apply geopolitical analysis to real-world decision-making.
Delivered by Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR), the three-day programme combines academic research, practitioner perspectives and peer learning. Participants explore contemporary geopolitical challenges and consider how organisations can assess risk, build resilience and respond to uncertainty.
Bringing together leading Oxford academics, experienced practitioners and a diverse cohort of professionals, the programme provides an opportunity to examine geopolitical issues from different perspectives and consider their implications across sectors and organisations.
Through discussion, analysis and peer learning, participants will develop practical approaches to interpreting global risks and incorporating geopolitical thinking into strategic decision-making. The programme also offers the opportunity to build connections with fellow leaders facing similar challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is designed for ambitious professionals who are:
- Mid- to senior-level executives seeking to strengthen their understanding of geopolitical risk.
- Professionals from a range of organisations and sectors looking to translate geopolitical insights into strategic impact.
- Decision-makers and leaders who want to strengthen organisational resilience and make informed decisions in uncertain environments.
- Individuals keen to exchange perspectives with peers and apply insights from the programme directly within their organisations.
FAQs
Programme Fees
- £4,400 – programme fee including accommodation
£4,100 – programme fee excluding accommodation
Fee includes: Welcome drinks reception, keynote speech, 2 nights accommodation, all academic sessions and materials, all meals and refreshments including 3 course formal dinner, historic tour concluding at one of Oxford’s historic pubs, and membership of the Geopolitical Risk Forum for 12 months.
When and where is the programme?
The 2027 Executive Education programme will run from Thursday 27 until Saturday 29 May and is taught only in-person at Rhodes House, Oxford.
There will be a maximum of 30 attendees.
Which discounts may be available?
An additional 10% reduction on the programme fee is available for:
- NGO staff and national civil servants
- Oxford alumni
- Organisations booking two or more places
Do I need to pay a deposit?
A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required to secure your place. This must be paid within seven days of receiving your offer email. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in your place being offered to another applicant.
My organisation will pay for me – how can I arrange this?
Important: If your organisation will be paying your fees, please ensure the relevant financial approval has been attained and the financial contact(s) at your organisation have been consulted regarding the payment method (either credit or debit card, or invoice) prior to your application. If accepted on to the course, we will send you the relevant information to arrange payment via your organisation.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
You may cancel your place and receive a full refund within 14 days of making your initial payment. To cancel, please email the Executive Education Team.
If you cancel after the 14-day period, you are not entitled to a refund, except at the University's discretion. If a refund is issued after full payment, the 20% non-refundable deposit will be retained.
If your programme is due to start within 14 days, a 20% non-refundable deposit will be charged, and you may also need to pay for any services or materials already provided. A pro-rata refund may be issued based on what has been delivered.
Failure to notify us in writing and non-attendance will result in the full programme fee being retained.
Do you provide visa support?
No, the University does not provide or cover visa application costs, nor can we assist with the application process. However, participants are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate visa or immigration status to attend the programme.
All visitors participating in University activities must comply with UK immigration requirements. Please consult the University’s guidance on visitor visas.
If you do not require a visa, you may still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). View guidance and application information on applying for an ETA.
How do I get to Rhodes House?
From Oxford Train Station:
- Walking: 21 minutes (one mile)
- By bus: Take the 14 or X4 bus from the station to Keble Road stop (four stops, ~nine minutes), then walk six minutes (0.3 miles) to Rhodes House.
Parking
Rhodes House does not have visitor car parking. Many Oxford streets are closed to traffic, and parking is extremely limited and expensive. You are encouraged to use the Park and Ride bus services.
For information on car parks, see Oxfordshire Country Council's website.
Park & Ride
There are five Park and Ride sites which serve Oxford City Centre. You can find information from Oxfordshire County Council on Park and Ride locations, timetables and fares.
Terms and Conditions
Understanding Political Risk: What Our Programme Offers. | Professor David Doyle, Head of Department.