Bournemouth University

What you'll study

The programme covers foundational business subjects—marketing, finance and accounting, operations, human resource management and strategy—alongside specialist entrepreneurship modules. You study how to identify opportunities, test ideas, develop business models and prepare investment‑ready plans. Typical module themes include:

• Principles of Management and Organisational Behaviour
• Marketing for Entrepreneurs and Digital Marketing
• Financial Management and Accounting for Small Businesses
• Operations, Supply and Project Management
• Innovation, Creativity and New Venture Development
• Business Law, Ethics and Sustainable Enterprise
• Research Methods and Data for Decision Making
• Enterprise Project or Final Business Venture (practical capstone)

The course emphasises applied, project‑based learning: live briefs, pitch events, business planning workshops and opportunities to test ideas with mentors. Many students take an optional placement or a professional practice year to gain real‑world experience, and the final year typically features a sustained enterprise project or dissertation that demonstrates venture viability or strategic innovation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary qualification such as A levels, a BTEC National Diploma (or equivalent vocational qualification), or an international equivalent. Typical offers reflect a middle‑range academic profile for undergraduate business programmes and will consider the relevance of any prior study.

• GCSEs or equivalents: passes in English and Mathematics are usually required or evidence of competent numeracy and literacy.
• BTEC and other vocational applicants: considered where learning demonstrates business knowledge or transferable skills.
• International applicants: qualifications equivalent to domestic entry requirements are assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Mature students and applicants with relevant work or entrepreneurial experience are welcomed; a personal statement and interview may support the application.

Selection also takes account of personal statements, references and any relevant experience that demonstrates motivation for entrepreneurship and business management.

Career prospects

Graduates progress to a wide range of careers in start‑ups, small and medium enterprises, corporate innovation teams and the public or third sectors. Typical roles include:

• Founder or co‑founder of a start‑up or small business
• Business development and sales roles
• Operations or project management in SMEs
• Marketing and product management roles in fast‑growing companies
• Management consultancy, particularly in small business advisory or innovation projects
• Roles in social enterprise, franchising or family business succession

Many graduates also choose further study such as a specialised master's in entrepreneurship, innovation or a general business master’s (MBA) after gaining some work experience. The degree focuses on transferable skills—financial literacy, pitching, leadership, problem solving and digital awareness—that are in demand across sectors.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises applied, practice‑based learning with strong links to local and regional businesses, giving students frequent exposure to live briefs and industry partners. The teaching approach combines academic theory with practical enterprise skills, supported by workshops in business planning, pitching and digital tools.

• Access to practical learning opportunities and enterprise support, including mentoring and start‑up advisory services.
• Opportunities for optional placements or professional practice to build real‑world experience and employer networks.
• Smaller cohort teaching and staff who combine academic expertise with industry experience in entrepreneurship and business management.
• Careers and employability support to help translate enterprise activity into sustainable career paths or investment readiness.

Overall, the programme is designed for students who want hands‑on preparation for creating and growing organisations or for bringing an entrepreneurial mindset into existing businesses.