Entrepreneurship Degree Course

  whether through launching a start-up, innovating within an existing organisation, or contributing to social change. At university level, Entrepreneurship is both a practical and academic subject that equips students with the mindset, skills and tools needed to turn ideas into reality.

This guide explores what to expect when studying Entrepreneurship in the UK, what you’ll actually learn, how the subject is offered internationally, which A levels are helpful, and what paths graduates can pursue.

Studying Entrepreneurship in the UK

Entrepreneurship can be studied as a standalone degree, typically a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science) depending on the university’s approach,  or as part of a broader Business Management or Innovation programme. Courses usually last three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland. Some programmes offer a year in industry, a startup incubator programme, or a study-abroad option.

You may also find Entrepreneurship as a joint honours degree combined with Marketing, Finance, Economics, Design or Computer Science, depending on your interests and career goals.

What You Study in an Entrepreneurship Degree

Entrepreneurship degrees combine business knowledge with creative thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on project work. Most courses include a mix of core business content and specialised modules focused on innovation and venture development. Typical areas of study include:

1. Business Fundamentals
Students gain a foundation in core business disciplines, including:

• Accounting and finance

• Marketing and branding

• Operations and supply chain

• Business strategy

• Organisational behaviour

• Business law and ethics

2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
These modules focus on starting and growing ventures, including:

• Business model generation and lean startup methods

• Creativity, idea development and validation

• Entrepreneurial finance and funding (e.g. venture capital, crowdfunding)

• Design thinking and user-centred innovation

• Social entrepreneurship and sustainable business

• Digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce

3. Enterprise Skills and Leadership
Students build practical capabilities needed to lead and grow a business, such as:

• Communication and pitching

• Team-building and collaboration

• Negotiation and leadership

• Networking and stakeholder engagement

• Project and risk management

4. Experiential Learning and Projects
Many courses include real-world challenges such as:

• Launching a student-led venture

• Working in an incubator or enterprise hub

• Consultancy projects for SMEs or startups

• Hackathons and innovation sprints

• Final-year business plan or enterprise dissertation

Universities that offer strong Entrepreneurship programmes include the University of Bath, Nottingham, Lancaster, Loughborough, Warwick, UCL, Manchester, and several business-focused institutions like Bayes Business School (City, University of London).

Useful A Levels for Studying Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship degrees often accept a wide range of A levels, but the following subjects are particularly relevant:

• Business Studies – introduces key concepts in marketing, finance and operations

• Economics – helps with understanding markets and value creation

• Mathematics – important for finance, data analysis and problem-solving

• Design and Technology – useful for product development and innovation

• Computer Science – valuable for digital startups and app-based ventures

• English Language or Literature – supports strong communication and persuasive writing

While no specific A level is always required, a combination of analytical and creative subjects is ideal. Evidence of entrepreneurial interest (such as running a small business or involvement in enterprise schemes) is also highly valued by admissions teams.

Career Prospects and Venture Opportunities

Entrepreneurship is not only about starting a business — it’s about thinking entrepreneurially in any career path. Graduates develop highly transferable skills that are valuable across sectors. Common routes include:

Startup and Venture Creation

• Launching your own business

• Co-founding a tech startup or social enterprise

• Freelancing or consulting in your area of expertise

Corporate Innovation and Intrapreneurship

• Working in innovation teams within large companies

• Managing product development or new ventures internally

• Leading digital transformation or sustainability initiatives

Freelance and Creative Industries

• Starting a brand, creative studio or digital agency

• Managing a portfolio career in writing, design, music or media

• Building an audience or community-based platform

Social Impact and Non-Profit

• Leading or supporting impact-driven ventures

• Developing solutions for social, environmental or global challenges

• Working in think tanks or innovation labs

Other Careers

• Business development, strategy or marketing roles

• Venture capital or startup investment (often with further study)

• Business education, coaching or mentorship

• Public sector innovation or policy entrepreneurship

Many graduates also go on to further study in management, innovation, finance, law, or specific industry areas like fashion, health, or tech.

Studying Entrepreneurship Internationally

In the USA, Entrepreneurship is a popular major or concentration within business schools. Students often combine it with innovation, tech, or social impact and benefit from well-established startup ecosystems. Programmes usually include accelerator-style learning and pitch competitions.

In Canada, Entrepreneurship is widely offered as a stream within Bachelor of Commerce or Business degrees. Students can access startup incubators, co-op placements and mentorship schemes through university enterprise centres.

In the EU, degrees in Innovation and Entrepreneurship are growing rapidly. Many programmes are offered in English, particularly in the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Germany. Some universities focus on design-led innovation or sustainability entrepreneurship.

In Australia and New Zealand, Entrepreneurship is offered as part of business or commerce degrees, with options to specialise in startup creation, digital business or innovation management. Courses often have a strong emphasis on applied projects and industry collaboration.

Final Thoughts

Entrepreneurship is more than a subject - it’s a mindset. Studying it at university gives you the space, tools and support to develop your ideas, test your skills and explore how to build something meaningful. It’s a degree for people who are curious, proactive, and excited by the possibilities of shaping their own path.