Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines theoretical frameworks with hands‑on practice to develop your ability to generate, evaluate and implement new business ideas. Core themes include innovation strategy, new venture creation, business model design, and the management of growth and risk. Teaching draws on case studies, live projects and typically culminates in a substantial applied project or dissertation that allows you to develop a business plan, prototype, consultancy report or an entrepreneurial venture.

• Innovation Strategy and Policy – frameworks for spotting opportunity, shaping innovation processes and aligning innovation with organisational strategy.
• New Venture Creation – idea validation, market testing, value proposition design and lean start‑up methods.
• Business Models and Commercialisation – designing scalable models, routes to market and IP/commercial considerations.
• Entrepreneurial Finance and Funding – funding options for ventures, investor pitching, financial planning and cash‑flow management.
• Managing Growth and Change – leadership and organisational design for fast‑growing ventures, operations and people management.
• Digital Innovation and Technology Management – how digital tools and platforms enable new business models and customer engagement.
• Research Methods for Business – qualitative and quantitative methods to support your project or dissertation.
• Applied Project / Dissertation – an extended piece of applied work, often industry‑linked, which demonstrates your capacity to take an innovation from concept to implementation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline (such as business, management, economics, engineering, design or computing) at a recognised UK honours level or equivalent. Applicants with other academic backgrounds plus relevant work experience, or substantive entrepreneurial experience, are also considered. All applicants whose previous education was not delivered in English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English; recognised academic or professional experience in English may also be acceptable. Admissions decisions take into account the quality of prior study, references and a personal statement outlining your motivation and relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of roles across start‑ups, scale‑ups, SMEs and larger organisations. Typical career paths include founder/co‑founder, innovation manager, product or portfolio manager, business development manager, strategy consultant, venture analyst or roles within incubators and accelerators. The programme also equips graduates to support social enterprises, work in technology transfer or take further research degrees if they want to pursue academic or policy work in innovation studies.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University is known for its applied approach to teaching and strong engagement with industry, which the MSc leverages through live projects, guest speakers and practical assessments. The university places emphasis on employability and enterprise, offering access to enterprise support, mentoring and business networking opportunities. Small cohort sizes allow for personalised supervision on the final project, while cross‑disciplinary links with technology, design and media subjects provide a broad perspective on innovation in contemporary markets.