Entrepreneurship MSc

Study a MSc Entrepreneurship masters at Aston University and unleash your entrepreneurial potential. 

With extensive industry contacts, links to business incubators and a huge amount of start-up support available, we’re the perfect stepping stone for your future.

This exciting course will equip you with the knowledge and capabilities to pursue a range of future career paths. We will provide you with the academic grounding and practical skills needed to start your own business.

What will I learn?

You’ll gain a detailed understanding of businesses in an international context, enabling you to work for a leading global firm or operate across borders with your own company.

The course covers the entire process of starting a new business venture, from the initial idea to international expansion. It will help you to identify and develop business opportunities and teach you how to check the feasibility of a venture using key frameworks and tools. It will teach you business growth strategies and what funding options are available to entrepreneurs.

You’ll also appreciate how enterprises can vary in terms of their mission, from commercial ventures aiming to maximise profits to social enterprises who prioritise social wealth creation. We also explore entrepreneurship in the context of family business and corporate intrapreneurship.

We’ll equip you with a broad knowledge of the international business environment. You’ll develop an understanding of how the external environment can affect business decision-making and behaviours. We examine foreign market entry modes, approaches to international trade, how international businesses are structured as well as the impact of technology and country policies on company strategy.

We examine the traits and characteristics often associated with successful entrepreneurs and help you to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. This can empower you to create your own business and makes you alert to opportunities for growth and innovation in markets.

How will my skills develop?

We focus on developing practical entrepreneurial skills throughout the programme. For example, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical experience writing formal business plans and presenting venture propositions to would-be investors by the way of a pitch.

You’ll develop key transferable skills which employers consider highly valuable. You’ll enhance your communication, teamwork, analytical and critical-thinking abilities thanks to our emphasis on applied learning methods.

You’ll also study The Aston Global Advantage module which focuses on professional development and employability, helping you to apply the key skills that you will gain throughout the year.

During The Aston Global Advantage you’ll also have the opportunity to study abroad with one of our international partners, undertake an internship placement in the UK or overseas or get involved in a global business challenge simulation.

Our courses offer a range of opportunities to gain practical experience through things such as, consultancy projects and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

The course concludes with a Business Project or Dissertation, giving you the opportunity to analyse a business problem and practically apply the knowledge and skills developed during the course to outline your recommendations. This will also help to show prospective employers how you are able to impact their business.

How will this course help my career?

We’ll help you develop an entrepreneurial mindset. This can open doors to a variety of future pathways, from securing a graduate role to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and from expanding the family business to working with start-up firms.

With a wide selection of optional modules, this course provides you with the opportunity to tailor your studies to suit your interests or professional ambitions. You’ll be able to gain advanced-level understanding of subject areas, including finance, marketing, human resource and strategy. Whatever career path you’re looking to take, we can help you get on the right track.

This course offers an opportunity to study a second degree at one of our international partner institutions once you have completed your year at Aston. 

Modules

Core modules

International Entrepreneurship

This module will develop your understanding of the global business environment and the factors which affect entrepreneurs’ strategies in relation to growing their business abroad. You’ll analyse the main entry modes for new companies looking to do business overseas. We will also assess the implications of economic policies and technological advances on new business internationalisation.

Business Venturing

This module provides you with business-based, activity-based teaching. It will enable you to acquire practical entrepreneurial skills both hard and soft skills and to develop an enterprising mindset which can increase employability. The module aims to enable you to acquire technical skills to solve business problems and to start a successful business.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies

This module focuses on entrepreneurial ventures and innovative activities of established businesses in emerging economies and how they contribute to economic development and growth. We look at specific processes of new business creation and innovation in this context and examine case studies to help you to gain an applied understanding.

Ethics in Academic Practice

This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments. These principles can then be applied to the rest of the modules studied at the university.

International Business

This module will give you the basic and fundamental knowledge of international business theories and concepts. It will cover selected topics from a wide spectrum of activities in the international business environment. It will also develop your skills in applying the theories into practice through experiential learning such as case study analysis and class discussions.

Entrepreneurial Strategies

“Entrepreneurship is ongoing practice of creating opportunities taking smart action learning and iterating and using a portfolio of skills to navigate an ever changing world” (Neck 2018).

Exploring Enterprise Experience

This module is intended to provide you with the opportunity to gain skills and experience in all stages of the entrepreneurship model and how a start-up operates within the wider environmental context through a practical simulation.

The Aston Global Advantage

The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year. 

MSc Business Project or Dissertation 

The Business Project/Dissertation is a chance for you to carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism.

Optional modules

Note: Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Select TWO optional modules (one from Block A and one from Block B) listed below.

Block A

Business Finance

In this module you will learn the key principles and challenges of financial management decisions, develop an understanding of the characteristics influencing factors and the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of financing. You'll also apply mathematical techniques to support a range of business decisions such as the valuation of shares and the evaluation of investment opportunities.

Accounting for Non-financial Managers

This module will give you a good grasp of key finance and accounting concepts. You’ll be competent interpreting financial information such as company accounts, and you will be able to communicate effectively using the terminology of finance and accounting. It will also enable you to use accounting to make informed management decisions.

Marketing Management

In this module you will gain a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of marketing management practices, underpinned by relevant theories and conceptual frameworks. These frameworks are applied to contemporary issues and organisational strategies within national and international contexts and culminating with the creation and the proposal of a professional marketing plan.

Management of Innovation

This module introduces you to key concepts and models of innovation management and guides you through their critical evaluation. Using recent real-world cases the module develops your ability to analyse innovation management of business organisations in practice and to formulate and communicate innovation-based strategies for both short- and long-term successes.

Block B 

International Marketing Management

This module evaluates how organisations operate in the global marketing environment. The module critically explores theories/concepts relating to the global marketing environment international marketing activities and decisions. Implications for international marketing strategies and actions are also considered through a number of relevant case-studies and practical materials.

Operations Management

In this module you will gain a detailed understanding of how operations management contributes to business competitiveness. We examine the theories and approaches to effective planning and the organising of production and manufacturing processes, as well as those associated with the provision of services. With case studies and an innovative simulation challenge you’ll benefit from a highly-applied learning experience.

Strategic Management

This module starts with the purpose of strategy, including stakeholder and governance issues, and introduces tools and techniques for analysing external environments and internal capabilities. Students learn theories and frameworks/ models for assessing and evaluating organisations’ strategic options, which are then applied in analysing contemporary case studies and through engaging in a rich business strategy simulation that involves strategic decision-making.

Management Consulting

The scope of this module is to introduce you to the management consulting industry, its history, its structures and practices. In the process students acquire skills for a career in management consultancy and learn about the distinctive challenges of managing a management consultancy.

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application. 

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

• A good UK honours degree, minimum Lower Second Class (2:2)
• Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University.

As well as:

• Two professional references – at least one must be from an academic referee.
• An official academic transcript of your university grades to date.
• A completed application form.

 

International students

• An official academic transcript, with an official English translation, of your university grades to date.
   
• Students whose native language is not English will also need to satisfy our English language requirements. Pre-sessional English language programmes are available for good applicants whose English qualification falls just short of these requirements.
   
• Postgraduate masters students enrolling to Aston Business School with a 5.5 in one of the four IELTS sections will be required to engage with English language tuition as part of our professional development programme, The Aston Global Advantage. There will be no extra cost to the student.
   
• Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston. 
   
• For more information about qualifications, view our Aston in your country webpage.
   
• For more information about completing a foundation year, visit our foundation year webpage.

Extensive work experience

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications, but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

 

Our MSc Entrepreneurship course is taught through inspiring lectures that will teach you key theories and concepts related to entrepreneurship and international business. You’ll also benefit from guest lectures, where entrepreneurs share their expertise and experiences of setting up and managing businesses.

There’s also a variety of hands-on activities where you can apply what you’ve learnt and increase your understanding, such as case studies, classroom and a business simulation task.

It’s our focus on developing your practical skills which helps us stand out from other universities. You’ll gain experience in writing formal business plans and pitching new venture ideas to prospective investors. These are key skills for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Our online learning platform will support you with your studies. It has all the digital resources you need when revising, including lecture slides, access to e-books and online journals, as well as video recordings of teaching sessions.

Business venturing pitch – you’ll get the chance to present a new business idea to a panel of entrepreneurs. We’ll help you to develop a proposition, teach you presentation techniques and give you opportunities to practice these so you can deliver an engaging and effective pitch. These are vital skills for aspiring entrepreneurs and they can help you to gain support from financial investors in the future.

Emerging market report – do economic conditions, institutions, resources and culture support or hinder new business ventures? You’ll examine this fascinating topic and get the opportunity to profile the entrepreneurial environment in a developing country of your choice. We use key theories and frameworks, as well as access insights from The World Bank, United Nations and other sources to help you identify the common types of entrepreneurship in the country as well as its commercial environment. You’ll then critically evaluate how supportive your chosen emerging market economy is for prospective entrepreneurs. This activity will help you to develop your analytical skills and you’ll gain practical experience in assessing the external environment and its potential impact on business ventures.

Entrepreneurship strategies case studies – working as part of a small group, you’ll examine case studies relating to various forms of entrepreneurship, such as family business, social enterprise and new commercial ventures. You’ll evaluate the business opportunities through analysing market and industry information. Then by applying entrepreneurial theory and frameworks you’ll assess the propositions’ viability.

Assessment

We use a mix of assessment methods. These are exams, coursework, group work and presentations designed to test your understanding of key topics. Your lecturers will ensure you’re well-prepared for your assessment and will offer support with any topics you have difficulty with.

Overseas opportunities

We benefit from an extensive network of partner institutions, including some of the highest ranked business schools in Europe, such as Kedge Business School in France. We also have partnerships with univesities worldwide, from Australia, to China, and USA to Singapore.

Placements

As part of this course you’ll have the chance to undertake a work placement. Choose a company of your choice, in the UK or overseas, and spend from one month up to 12 months gaining valuable work experience.

A work placement taken as part of this masters programme can be hugely beneficial to your career prospects or future venture plans. It can help to enhance your CV and can give you a competitive advantage when applying for graduate roles. A work placement can also help you if you aspire to start your own company. You can gain key insights into an industry you wish to enter or develop your understanding of a particular business function.

MSc Entrepreneurship students have been successful in gaining work placements for companies across a wide variety of business sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Many of our students choose to spend time with start-ups or small and medium sized enterprises, gaining valuable insights in the process.

There’s also the unique opportunity for you to support start-up businesses and local SMEs with real-life business projects through our Aston Business Clinic. You’ll work to solve strategic problems and make a real positive impact to new or growing businesses.

Our award-winning careers team will be on hand to support you finding work placements and graduate positions. 

Placement case studies

Find out about Ememobong Etim’s placement as a Business Strategist and Development Analyst with Vitabonna Development Limited.

Find out about Suzhen Ye’s placement as an Assistant Marketing Director with First Plus Education.

Find out about Chloe Chan’s, Health Tech Services Internship at Holland & Barrett.

Find out about Piyushi Pawan’s placement as a Regional Marketing Coordinator for India, Aston University.

Universities Business Challenge Global Masters

All Aston University Business postgraduate students have the opportunity to take part in the Universities Business Challenge (UBC) Global Masters. The UBC Global Masters is a team-based business simulation event that provides participants with the opportunity to act as a board of directors, who have taken responsibility for improving the performance of a company.

Trips and visits

You’ll benefit from a number of guest speakers visiting campus and helping to deliver your course content. This will give you the chance to hear from entrepreneurs about their experiences of starting and running their own businesses. You’ll gain a valuable insight into the challenges faced when embarking on a new business and learn how to overcome them.

For those of you wishing to explore graduate employment after completing your studies, there’s a large number of graduate employers visiting campus throughout the year. There are careers fairs, networking events and much more. You’ll have the chance to discover a wide range of graduate opportunities and speak with companies to see where’s the best place for you to start your career. 

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees and funding

UK postgraduate loans

If you're thinking about studying a masters course with us, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to help with course fees and living costs. 

Find out more here.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. 

Find out more about our scholarships here.

Cost shouldn't limit your career aspirations, which is why we are delighted to offer all Aston University graduates (including exchange students) a 20% loyalty scholarship in standard taught MA, MSc and Full-time MBA course fees. Students who have completed their first degree at Aston University will receive an automatic scholarship when applying for their course. If you are not an Aston University graduate there is still a range of UK and international scholarships that you can apply for.

This means that as an Aston University graduate applying to our MSc Entrepreneurship course, you could save...

As an Aston University graduate, you will automatically qualify. For more information visit our webpage.

This course is highly relevant if you’re planning to set up your own business or develop an existing enterprise, particularly in the context of international opportunities and threats. It will prepare you for a wide range of professional and management careers across business functions and sectors. It is also a suitable first step if you plan to pursue a research or academic career in entrepreneurship or international business.

You’ll develop a wide range of technical and transferable skills that are demanded by employers, from communication and team working skills, being able to develop and critically assess entrepreneurial business strategies and report writing, to presentation skills, explaining theories and investigating a topic.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 different countries chose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.

Ask one of our International alumni about their time studying with us. They will be happy to share their thoughts on moving to Birmingham to study their course and answer any of your questions from their own experiences.

Find out more

Post-study work visa

Graduate Immigration Route

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Find out more information about the Graduate Immigration Route.

Recent graduates

Our recent graduates have gone on to work in a breadth of roles including Stock Broker, Production Assistant, Marketing Sales Director, Managing Director, Partner, General Manager, Analyst and Project Manager in organisations around the world including:

• Santander
• Hallmark Honda
• Suntime Energy Ltd (India)
• Creative Hub (Nigeria)
• Jamai Trading Co (Kuwait)
• Born TV
• Good Energy
• Oxygen Startups.

Aston University was recognised as the 'Best University Placement Service'.

The Careers and Placements team at Aston University won the 'Best University Placement Service' category at the National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards 2022. This was achieved by launching Virtual Employability Festivals and recognising the power of peer-to-peer communication by pairing 500 students looking for placements with 500 students who had completed placements.

Why study Entrepreneurship at Aston University?

Entrepreneurship is an area that Aston Business School really excel at.

As well as fantastic course content you’ll benefit from the business incubator located on campus. BSEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network) offers workshops, tailored business support and grants to students and graduates embarking on new business ventures. Our extensive industry links can also provide you with mentoring opportunities.

What kind of career will I develop with a masters in Entrepreneurship?

Whether you want to set up your own business, social enterprise, lead your family business or simply work in an entrepreneurial way for a national or international organisation, this course will help you.

With a wide selection of optional modules, this course provides you with opportunity to tailor your studies to suit your interests or professional ambitions. You’ll be able to gain advanced-level understanding of subject areas, including finance, marketing, human resource and strategy. Whatever career path you’re looking to take, we can help you get on the right track.

Why choose to study with Aston Business School?

Aston Business School is part of an elite group of business schools thanks to our triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. We can help to enhance your career prospects, boost your earning potential and set you on the path to a successful, and rewarding career. 

Aston University is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research and the employability of our graduates. At Aston Business School we are committed to innovative approaches to teaching and education. We are dedicated to providing students with a competitive advantage in the jobs market by delivering the knowledge students need to pursue the many career tracks available to them with a background in international business. Teaching on the course is informed by our world-class scholars and provides you with a deep understanding and skills for conducting business on a global scale. At Aston University, we aim to prepare students for the real world challenges. There are plenty of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge in real-life situations by engaging in live projects and internships.