University of Warwick

What you'll study

The programme blends taught modules, applied projects and experiential activities to develop the practical and strategic skills needed to create and scale ventures. Teaching typically covers opportunity recognition, business modelling, market validation, and financial planning for new ventures, alongside modules on innovation management, technology commercialisation and intellectual property strategy.

Students also work on group and individual applied projects such as a live consultancy with an external partner, a team-based venture development project, and a major individual dissertation or business plan that can be directed towards launching a new business. Learning methods include case studies, workshops, pitching exercises, mentoring from practitioners, guest lectures from entrepreneurs and investors, and access to incubation support through the university's enterprise ecosystem.

• Core topics: new venture creation, entrepreneurial finance and funding, business modelling, market research and marketing for entrepreneurs
• Innovation and technology: technology and innovation management, intellectual property, commercialisation pathways
• Practical work: venture development projects, pitching and investor-readiness, consultancy and live industry briefs
• Research or practice-based dissertation: an individual project or business plan that synthesises learning and can feed directly into venture launch

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK undergraduate degree at 2:1 level or international equivalent in any discipline. Candidates with a lower-class degree and substantial relevant work experience, particularly in business, technology or start-up environments, may be considered. The programme welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who can demonstrate commitment to entrepreneurship.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements. Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed as part of the selection process; applicants are encouraged to highlight entrepreneurial activities, projects or work experience in their application.

Career prospects

Graduates typically follow a range of career paths in both start-up and corporate environments. Common roles include founder or co‑founder of new ventures, product or innovation manager, business development manager, and roles in venture capital, start-up acceleration, or enterprise support organisations. The programme’s applied projects and links to industry also prepare graduates for consultancy roles and for joining incubators or accelerator programmes.

The course equips students with practical skills to validate business ideas, build investor-ready plans, and navigate the early stages of company formation, making it suitable for those aiming to launch their own business as well as those seeking to champion innovation inside larger organisations.

Why study at University of Warwick

WMG sits within the University of Warwick and is known for its strong industry engagement and applied, project-led teaching. Students benefit from WMG’s connections with industry, technology partners and the wider Warwick enterprise ecosystem, including enterprise support and commercialisation services.

The university provides access to mentoring, guest speakers from the start-up and investment communities, and campus incubation resources. Warwick’s interdisciplinary environment and alumni network offer additional routes to collaborators, potential co‑founders and investors, making it a supportive setting for turning entrepreneurial ambitions into operational ventures.