Oxford Programme in Cyber-Resilient Digital Transformation

Oxford Programme in Cyber-Resilient Digital Transformation

In collaboration with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Learn how to navigate emerging technologies with clarity while supporting long-term strategic progress.

• Receive a certificate of completion from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
• Become part of the Oxford Saïd alumni network and connect with a global professional community.
• Learn with Professor Sadie Creese, Professor of Cyber Security

• 12 weeks length program of self-paced eLearning

Leaders are accelerating digital transformation, adopting AI, cloud platforms, connected devices, and blockchain while facing rapidly increasing cyber risks. Organisations are recognising that innovation must be matched by strong digital resilience.

Yet a capability gap persists. Many professionals can use digital tools, but fewer can critically assess emerging technologies, evaluate their true value, or understand their risk implications. As a result, transformation initiatives often stall due to unclear decision-making, weak cyber-risk awareness, and poor execution alignment.

The Oxford Programme in Cyber-Resilient Digital Transformation addresses this challenge by combining Oxford’s expertise in cyber security, digital disruption, and organisational change. Through real-world case studies, you will learn how minor vulnerabilities can escalate into major crises. The programme equips you with a structured, confident approach to leading transformation in complex and uncertain environments.

Built on evidence-based learning principles such as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, the programme emphasises interaction, reflection, and practical application over long-form lectures ensuring immediate relevance for senior professionals.

Key Features

• Course and material are in English
• Intermediate level for professionals
• 12 weeks length program (3-5 hours/week time commitment)
• Self-paced eLearning with live faculty bonus interaction sessions
• 1 year platform access & class recordings
• 100+ hours of study time and practice recommended
• Cohort Manager for all your queries and help every learning step.
• Earn a certificate of completion from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
• Join the Oxford Saïd Alumni network

About Saïd Business School

Saïd Business School is a modern, forward-thinking institution rooted within the 800-year legacy of the University of Oxford. It prepares individuals for impactful business careers while fostering a community committed to addressing global challenges. Through world-class teaching and pioneering research, the School drives meaningful change across individuals, organisations, industries, and society.

What added value does Saïd Business School contribute to the program?

The program curriculum is designed and reviewed with the assistance of the university, which gives the program quality legitimacy and a co-branded certificate of completion. Please be aware that most of the courses are via self-paced eLearning video from the university faculty staff and industry experts.

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate digital disruption and determine how emerging technologies influence organisational strategy and competitive positioning
• Lead transformation efforts using established frameworks, including the Seven Levers for Successful Transformation
• Separate technological hype from practical value to make well-informed, defensible adoption decisions
• Identify key assets and assess cyber risks, vulnerabilities, and threats across the enterprise
• Foster a strong cyber-risk culture within teams and leadership
• Clearly communicate technology and cybersecurity risks to senior executives and board members
• Develop a practical digital integration plan through the TransGlobe Logistics capstone project
• Enhance organisational resilience by aligning digital initiatives with cybersecurity best practices

13+ Skills Covered

• Digital disruption strategy
• Digital transformation analysis
• Assessing emerging technologies
• Technology impact evaluation
• Designing transformation initiatives
• Executing transformation strategies
• Strategic risk management
• Cyber resilience leadership
• Digital risk management
• Executive influence and communication
• Reflective leadership development
• Practical leadership application
• Risk-informed decision-making

Target Audience:

This programme is ideal for senior leaders who are accountable for advancing innovation while maintaining strong security standards. It is especially valuable if you want to enhance your ability to assess emerging technologies, anticipate risks, and make decisions that stand up to executive and board-level scrutiny.

• Directors, vice presidents, general managers, and department heads responsible for digital transformation, technology strategy, or risk oversight
• Project leaders, technology managers, and cybersecurity professionals delivering large-scale change initiatives
• Consultants, founders, and functional leaders seeking structured approaches to evaluating disruptive technologies and communicating risk effectively
• Professionals with over five years of experience aiming to strengthen their digital strategy, cyber risk expertise, and leadership capability

Prerequisites:

• Minimum of five years of professional experience
• Graduates with a degree in any discipline
• No technical tools required; basic digital familiarity is enough

COURSE CONTENT DETAILS

Module 1: Introduction

• Welcome and programme overview
• How to maximise your learning experience
• Responsible and ethical use of AI tools

Module 2: Preparing for the Future

• Understanding digital disruption
• Navigating digital transformation

Module 3: Separating Hype from Reality in Technology

• Overview of major disruptive technologies
• How new technologies are adopted

Module 4: Implementing Technology Transformation

• Insights from research and real-world practice
• Seven drivers of successful transformation
• Applied scenario exercise

Module 5: Protecting Digital Operations

• Identifying and securing critical digital assets
• Understanding cyber risks, vulnerabilities, and threats
• Developing a cyber risk mindset

Module 6: Leading Transformation with Cyber Resilience

• Cybersecurity as a leadership responsibility
• Conducting cyber risk assessments
• Managing residual risk and organisational reputation
• Communicating cyber risk with boards

Module 7: Capstone Project

• Case study: TransGlobe Logistics (TGL), a global transport and supply chain organisation facing inefficiencies, cyber risks, and resistance to automation.
• Participants act as consultants to design and lead a digital integration strategy.
• Final deliverable: A professional report of 1,200–1,500 words.

Module 8: Reflection and Programme Close

• Reflection and planning next steps
• Self-assessment checklist
• Further learning resources and bibliography

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is the program delivered?

The programme follows a blended learning approach. Key concepts are delivered through high-quality on-demand video lectures that you can access at any time, complemented by live interactive sessions where you can engage directly with faculty and discuss the material in depth alongside practical exercises using AI tools and strategic frameworks.

Who leads the academic instruction?

The programme is directed by Professor Sadie Creese who is a recognised authority in cyber security and digital risk. She is widely respected for her expertise in cyber threats, organisational vulnerability, and the leadership strategies needed to effectively manage digital risk.

What is the weekly time commitment?

You are advised to dedicate approximately three to five hours per week to the programme. This will allow you enough time to review the video content, participate in live sessions with Oxford University experts, and complete the required readings and project assignments.

How is the programme assessed?

There are no formal exams. Instead, your performance is evaluated through active participation in weekly discussion forums, in-module knowledge checks, and a final capstone project where you demonstrate your learning by applying it to a real-world business scenario.

Is prior experience in cybersecurity or IT required?

No previous background in cybersecurity or advanced IT is necessary. Participants only need a general understanding of digital technologies, organisational operations, and strategic decision-making.

How does cyber resilience training differ from traditional cybersecurity training?

Cyber resilience training centres on leadership, strategic judgement, and organisational readiness, whereas conventional cybersecurity training usually focuses on technical safeguards and threat mitigation. This programme highlights how leaders evaluate risk, respond to disruption, and steer secure digital transformation—rather than how to configure or manage security technologies.

Will earning a cyber resilience certificate support career progression?

Yes. The programme enhances your strategic leadership skills in digital transformation and cyber risk management. It equips you with capabilities valued in senior and cross-functional roles, where leaders are expected to oversee technology adoption, mitigate risk, and ensure digital initiatives align with overall business objectives.

Is the cyber resilience course suitable for both technical and non-technical professionals?

Yes. The programme is tailored to support both audiences. It emphasises organisational impact, leadership judgement, and strategic frameworks instead of technical configuration, making it highly relevant for managers, consultants, executives, and technology leaders.

What roles can I pursue after completing a cyber resilience course?

This programme equips experienced professionals for leadership and advisory positions centred on digital transformation, cyber risk, and organisational resilience. Potential roles include:

• Digital Transformation Manager
• Technology Manager or Technology Lead
• Operations Manager leading technology-driven change
• Cybersecurity Manager
• Risk and Compliance Manager
• Strategy or Senior Business Leader

How can I access the Oxford Saïd Alumni Network?

After successfully completing the programme, you will be invited to join the Oxford Saïd Alumni Network. You will receive guidance on how to become a member of the exclusive LinkedIn group, along with details on accessing additional alumni benefits.

Will I be able to engage with other professionals in the programme?

Yes. Peer-to-peer learning is a key part of the experience. You will connect with a diverse, international cohort through facilitated discussion forums and live sessions, exchanging perspectives from various industries and geographic regions.