University of Warwick

What you'll study

This programme combines theory and hands-on practice to prepare you to identify opportunities, design viable business models and bring innovations to market. Teaching is delivered through a mixture of core modules, optional modules and a substantial applied project that can take the form of a new venture plan, consultancy for an existing organisation, or a research dissertation.

• Core topics typically include entrepreneurship theory, opportunity recognition and validation, business model design, new venture finance and investment, and innovation strategy.
• Practical and applied learning features workshops in design thinking and lean start-up methods, pitching and investor readiness, prototyping, and market testing.
• Electives allow specialisation in areas such as technology commercialisation, digital innovation, social entrepreneurship, intellectual property and strategic marketing for new products.
• Major project — you will complete an individual or group project that applies learning to a real-world challenge: creating a business plan, executing a live consultancy for an external partner, or producing a research-based dissertation on an innovation topic.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a good undergraduate degree from a recognised university. Competitive candidates typically have a degree classified at the equivalent of an upper-second class (2:1) or higher, although relevant professional experience, prior entrepreneurial activity or other evidence of appropriate skills can strengthen an application.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The admissions team also looks for personal motivation for entrepreneurship, demonstrated through statements, references and, where relevant, prior work or venture experience. Selection is based on academic potential, fit with the programme and the strength of supporting materials.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles that leverage entrepreneurial and innovation capabilities. Typical career paths include founding or co-founding start-ups, joining early-stage ventures in product or operations roles, and working in business development or product management in larger firms.

Other common destinations are roles in venture capital and angel investing, accelerator and incubator management, technology transfer and commercialisation offices, innovation consulting and corporate innovation teams. The applied nature of the programme also prepares students for further research or doctoral study in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Why study at University of Warwick

The University of Warwick provides a strong interdisciplinary environment for studying innovation and entrepreneurship. Students benefit from the combination of Warwick Business School teaching, access to the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and links with Warwick Ventures and local innovation infrastructure.

The university supports practical venture development through incubation programmes, mentoring networks, external partnerships and events that connect students with investors and industry. Warwick's location gives access to a dynamic regional technology and creative cluster, while its careers and enterprise services support graduate transition into start-ups, corporates and investment organisations.