Entrepreneurship BA/BSc

Entrepreneurship is about identifying opportunities, solving problems, and building ventures that create value, 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.