Entrepreneurship

Course overview

Aston University, renowned for its extensive industry contacts, links to business incubators and robust start-up support, serves as an ideal springboard for your future ambitions. The MSc Entrepreneurship programme, delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, is meticulously designed to provide you with both a solid academic foundation and practical skills. These are essential whether you're aiming to kick-start your own business venture or seeking to excel in your current career trajectory.

The programme places a strong emphasis on understanding the complexities of international business, entrepreneurial strategy and innovation. You will gain in-depth knowledge about the intricacies of business creation and expansion, as well as an exploration of diverse enterprise models. It is structured to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, a critical asset for achieving success in the dynamic global market and within various organisational contexts.

“My intention was to start my own business, so choosing a university with strong links to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem and business community was crucial. Knowing that Aston University had these relationships made it an obvious choice for me.”

Daniel Evans

MSc Entrepreneurship

CEO, Birmingham Enterprise Community

Why Entrepreneurship at Aston University?

Enterprise support

Benefit from a business incubator, BSEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network)

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Gain the advantage

Get ahead of the competition with the Aston Global Advantage professional development module

Excellent prospects

Aston University was named runner-up in the University of the Year for Graduate Employment Award (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)

Equipped for success

Develop analytical and strategic skills to set up and manage new enterprises

66th in the world

We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)

Christian's story

Christian Nwachukwu shares his experience of studying MSc Entrepreneurship at Aston University

Davies' story

Watch MSc Entrepreneurship graduate Davies Okeowo share his journey after graduating from Aston University

Alana's story

From Harvard to Aston Business School; hear from MSc Entrepreneurship graduate, Alana Matos

Xinxin's story

Discover how Xinxin, an MSc Entrepreneurship graduate from Aston University, founded her skincare company, MyMaskology

We're serious about employability

As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants

Course description

MSc Entrepreneurship

This exciting course will equip you with the knowledge and capabilities to pursue a range of future career paths. Recognising that many businesses and organisations operate across borders, the course incorporates an international theme.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and constructive assessment.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
Our programme emphasises developing practical entrepreneurial skills, such as writing business plans and pitching to potential investors. You will also hone transferable skills like communication, teamwork and analytical thinking, thanks to our focus on applied learning methods.

Career prospects
This course is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs or those expanding businesses, especially in international contexts. It prepares you for diverse professional and management roles across sectors and functions, and is a fitting first step towards a research or academic career in entrepreneurship or international business.

How you will learn

Our MSc Entrepreneurship course combines inspiring lectures on key entrepreneurship and international business theories with guest lectures from experienced entrepreneurs. Hands-on activities like case studies, business simulations and classroom tasks enhance your understanding. What sets us apart is our emphasis on practical skills, including writing business plans and pitching venture ideas to investors, crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. Aston University's virtual learning environment supports your journey, providing resources like lecture slides, e-books and online journals.

In the Aston Global Advantage module, you will enhance your employability and global citizenship through experiential learning and reflective practice. Dedicated employability support, skill-building workshops and diverse learning streams will prepare you for both academic and professional success.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.

The Aston Global Advantage

What you will learn

The MSc Entrepreneurship programme at Aston University immerses you in the lifecycle of business ventures, from inception to international expansion. It covers diverse enterprise missions, from profit maximisation to social wealth creation, and explores family and corporate entrepreneurship. You will gain insights into global business environments and decision-making strategies.

In the taught stage, you will engage in practical tasks such as pitching business ideas, profiling entrepreneurial settings in emerging markets and analysing various entrepreneurship case studies. These activities develop your analytical skills and entrepreneurial mindset, essential for strategic decision-making and innovation in various markets.

In the dissertation phase, you will complete a research project on an entrepreneurship topic of your choice, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.

This course offers an Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway, meaning you can spend an additional year at one of our international partner institutions. If successful, you will graduate with two masters degrees.

Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway

Davies Okeowo MSc Entrepreneurship graduate

Exceptional teaching

Davies Okeowo cherished his time at Aston University, especially appreciating the "exceptional knowledge base" and quality of the lecturers.

Discover Davies' journey

Learn business, do business

Our classroom goes beyond traditional lectures, focusing instead on real-life projects and hands-on experiences.

Student experience

Course objectives

Develops the experience of local, national, and international students through the exchange of experiences and formal academic study.
Enhances the specialist skills and knowledge of recent graduates in entrepreneurship and international business, facilitating progress in their chosen careers.
Provides an excellent learning experience, drawing on Aston academic staff's research and consultancy and utilising the University's links with business, professional, and public sector organisations.
Enhances student employability prospects by fostering lifelong learning and personal development skills.
Develops well-qualified graduates equipped for and aspiring to senior positions.
Enables students to reflect upon and develop their own positions in relation to corporate responsibility, sustainability, and ethics.
Fosters an understanding of the global business environment, including shifting competitive advantages, and its influence on business decisions and operations.
Builds the ability to assess the effects of major economic, policy, social, and technical trends and factors on businesses, including those operating internationally.
Develops analytical and strategic skills for setting up and managing new enterprises in both national and international contexts.
Imparts knowledge required for initiating and managing innovation-based business strategies.
Offers opportunities to study business function areas (marketing, finance, managing organisational change) essential for managing enterprises in international or domestic contexts.
Cultivates inquiry and research skills in international business, entrepreneurship, innovation, or a combination of these, to enable ongoing learning and application of knowledge and skills.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
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.	15
Entrepreneurial Strategies In this module, you will develop skills to assess business opportunities in diverse settings, from startups to corporate ventures. You will delve into entrepreneurial theories and apply these in practical scenarios, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset through case studies, guest lectures and interactive activities.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	0
Total	90

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15

*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.

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Research Methods	15
MSc Entrepreneurship Research Project You will 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.	45
Total	60

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for assessing and developing entrepreneurial strategies.
Understand and critically evaluate entrepreneurial strategies in various settings.
Understand the impact of economic, political and social environments on the development of entrepreneurial strategies.
Show the capability for strategic decision-making within entrepreneurial organisations.
Demonstrate knowledge of the theories, principles and underlying concepts of management, including an understanding of entrepreneurial business models and processes in both national and international contexts.
Communicate effectively, tailoring your approach to suit the setting, task and/or audience.
Work effectively as an independent, self-managed/self-regulated learner and as part of a team.
Demonstrate the ability to write an independent business plan.
Understand and apply analytical and strategic skills for establishing and managing new enterprises.
Undertake an independent and critical research project.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.

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

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

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.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

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.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

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.

Speak to our Admissions Team

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 09:30-16:30)

Read our guide to applying

Jocelyne Fleming MSc Entrepreneurship programme director

Meet your programme director

Jocelyne Fleming
Programme Director, MSc Entrepreneurship

If you have any questions about the course or modules you will be studying, you can get in touch via email and I will be happy to answer your queries.

Get in touch

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£12,000

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£23,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

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.

Fees and funding

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.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

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.

Career prospects

If you're planning to set up your own business or develop an existing enterprise, particularly in an international context, this course is highly relevant for you. It prepares you for a wide range of professional and management careers across various 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 will develop a broad array of technical and transferable skills that employers highly value. These skills include effective communication and teamwork, the ability to develop and critically evaluate entrepreneurial business strategies, proficiency in report writing and presentations and the capacity to explain theories and conduct thorough investigations on various topics.

Alana Matos MSc Entrepreneurship graduate

Global insights

After graduating from Harvard University, Alana wanted to find a masters programme in entrepreneurship with an international focus; Aston University offered just that.

Discover Alana's journey

Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Entrepreneurship at Aston University?

Entrepreneurship is an area in which Aston Business School really excels. Along with 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.

BSEEN

What is the ‘Aston Global Advantage’?

Embedded in all our masters degrees, this assessed, year-long credit-bearing module aims to develop professional and personal transferrable skills relevant to any workplace and create a bridge between the degree and the world of work.

The Aston Global Advantage

Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?

There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.

Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

What will my timetable look like?

We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.

Full-time programmes

As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students in the College of Business and Social Sciences should expect to spend about 12-15 hours per week in lectures and on-campus seminars. This is in addition to independent study, and there may be additional guided learning activities during certain weeks. The exact distribution of these hours will vary depending on your course and module choices.

Part-time programmes

Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in.

Timetable availability

Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning.

As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.

Online/distance learning programmes

The above information also applies to students enrolled in online/distance learning programmes. Please note that both full-time and part-time distance learning students are still required to attend scheduled synchronous learning sessions.

MyAstonPortal

What can I get involved in at Aston Business School?

At Aston Business School, you will dive into a dynamic blend of innovative learning and hands-on experiences. With our acclaimed triple-crown accreditation, we offer you academic excellence and a track record of producing successful graduates.

Located in Birmingham, the UK's vibrant second city, Aston Business School provides you with a culturally rich environment and superb connectivity. You will benefit from real-world business engagements, international study opportunities and entrepreneur support programmes like BSEEN and Pitchfest.

You can also engage in practical consultancy at the Aston Business Clinic and collaborate with global peers in events such as the Maastricht Case Competition or the Universities Business Challenge. Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust, alongside a range of student clubs including TEDx and Enactus further enriches your learning experience.

Discover more