“A transformative experience” – Irshaad Kathrada on the impact of the Oxford Smith School MSc

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Irshaad Kathrada studied the Oxford Smith School’s MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment (MSEE) from 2022 to 2023, while his wife studied the Oxford MBA. He describes his time on the programme as a “transformative experience, both professionally and personally.”

“As someone deeply involved in advancing industrialisation and sustainability in South Africa, this program greatly advanced and complemented the tools, frameworks, and insights necessary to navigate complex global challenges and drive meaningful change,” he said.

Prior to enrolling on the MSc, Irshaad’s accomplished career had already spanned policy, investment banking and tech leadership roles. In the interview below, he describes the most impactful elements of the programme, his reasons for applying, and what happened next.

What was the highlight of the MSEE for you?

“The interdisciplinary nature of the course was particularly impactful, combining cutting-edge research with practical applications. Engaging with world-class faculty and a diverse cohort of peers from around the globe offered fresh perspectives and inspired innovative approaches to pressing sustainability challenges. The emphasis on linking policy, enterprise and environmental outcomes has resonated deeply with my work, particularly in developing industrial strategy and exploring pathways for African industries in the context of a challenging but necessary global green transition.

“The program not only honed my analytical and leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of the systemic changes needed to create resilient, inclusive economies. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking to address sustainability challenges with purpose and rigour. It equips you with the knowledge, network, and confidence to make a tangible impact in an ever-evolving global landscape”

What drew you to the MSEE in the first instance? Did you consider other programmes?

“It's a combination of factors really. I took a small sabbatical after c. 15 years of work in both finance and public policy, to follow my wife to Oxford as she enrolled in the MBA at Saïd Business School. It was during this time that I reflected on my career and where I saw the gaps. I recognised that whether I went back into policy work or finance, climate change represented a megatrend that would affect my work. So, I started looking at different programmes. The MSEE stood head and shoulders above the other programmes in the UK. I'd considered programmes at Imperial and St. Andrews, but only actually applied to Oxford. I was obviously keen to stay in Oxford given that my wife was there, but on paper it was the only programme that I saw speaking to the questions I had in my mind.”

What have you been up to since graduating from the MSc?

“I spent much of the first period consulting, first to a UK-based climate tech start up, and later to the South African Government. In August 2024, I was appointed as Head of Strategy for the Localisation Support Fund, a South African public benefit organisation which serves as part think-tank and part implementation agency for industrial strategy in South Africa.”

Have you been able to apply the lessons in your day to day work? If so – how?

“Absolutely. As a consultant to the South African Government, I co-authored the white paper on the transition to new energy vehicles in South Africa. I also contributed to the country's position on carbon taxes and CBAM, and further contributed to an industrial policy and strategy review, where we lifted the need for a considered and well-developed decarbonisation and industrial adaptation pathway. I was also appointed to the position of Research Fellow at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, where I am currently working on a paper on the potential impact of CBAMs on the African Continent, and the various national response strategies. In developing the strategy for the Localisation Support Fund, we have identified green industries as a key focus area, and am currently working with large manufacturing industries on developing decarbonisation plans in response to global climate transitions. The LSF is currently sponsoring work in an array of areas, including battery technologies and green hydrogen.”

Lastly, what was it like to study at Oxford alongside your wife, on different programmes?

“Studying alongside my wife at Oxford, each pursuing our own challenging programs—hers in the MBA and mine in the MSEE—was an unforgettable experience. Immersed in different fields, we found joy in sharing the journey of academic growth and discovery. Oxford’s vibrant intellectual atmosphere often sparked lively discussions, whether over dinner or on walks through University Parks, as we explored the intersections between our studies. Supporting and celebrating each other’s milestones added a deeply personal layer to an already transformative chapter.”