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Masters in Business Management

Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

At a glance

  • Develop your entrepreneurial capabilities to enable start-up or development of an existing business
  • Learn from entrepreneurship tutors who have a wide range of real-life experience
  • Build knowledge on how to discover, innovate and exploit opportunities for new business
  • Learn to take risks through engaging your creative thinking with peers, tutors, and external entrepreneurs
  • Put theory to practice as a team of entrepreneurial consultants with start-ups during an international study visit
  • Work alongside entrepreneurs in a final Entrepreneurship and Innovation consultancy with local, small firms
  • Graduate with confidence to make an entrepreneurial impact
Locations
Henley Whiteknights
Subject area(s)
Entrepreneurship
Start Date
September 2024
Duration
12 months
Attendance
Full-time
Programme Director
Keith Heron003 75edwqcke
Keith Heron

Overview

98% employed post graduation
Masters Careers Survey 2022
96% of students would recommend their programme
Masters Careers Survey 2022

Our Entrepreneurship programme has a strong conceptual and theoretical foundation in Henley’s leadership market-making and experiential/action learning. These are the foundations for bringing theory into practice.

This programme always attracts a diverse international cohort. It appeals to graduates from a range of subject backgrounds wishing to enhance their entrepreneurial mindset, usually from small firm backgrounds, and those who have a willingness to explore and take risks before they decide upon a career path.

The programme develops and enables students to make effective decisions and take action to successfully embark on a career as an entrepreneur or manager within entrepreneurial firms. Whether you wish to set up a business, consider a career change, or advance into a managerial role, this is the course for you.

What is unique to Henley’s Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation?

This programme has two exclusive modules, which are only available to students studying MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation. These modules have a practical approach in which 'theory meets reality.' Students get the chance to have direct interaction with external entrepreneurs and will develop an understanding of risk taking outside of the classroom. Through the Applied Challenge at an international partner institution students will have the opportunity to practice working with entrepreneurs, followed by a longer and in-depth consultancy project with another set of entrepreneurs in the UK.

The Henley pre-study course suite

Exclusively available to Henley Business School offer holders, the Pre-study course suite comprises of innovative short courses designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms.

This course will provide building blocks of knowledge to help you prepare for your learning journey in the area of your choice as well as equip you with key employability and study skills for successfully navigating your studies and professional career.

This pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty, the University of Reading Study Advice Team and the International Study and Language Institute. The course aims to prepare you for your learning journey at Henley and focuses on helping you build important study skills to succeed in your Masters and beyond. Skills such as curiosity and independent thinking, effective communication and collaboration, digital capabilities, storytelling, empathy and professional integrity are not only important in your course itself but are also sought after by employers in all areas of business. Therefore, they are instrumental in succeeding in your professional career. The learning journey of our Masters programmes is designed in a way that allows you to build such skills and this course intends to demonstrate exactly how, and therefore help you to make the most of your Masters.

N/A

A course delivered online by Henley faculty and you will receive online support from one of our teaching staff members and be able to interact with other prospective students in your course.

This pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty to introduce you to the world of coding in Python. According to recent employer surveys, coding is a top 5 employability skill in the new world of work. The World Economic forum includes technology design and programming in the top 10 skills of 2025. Coding is an extremely powerful skill to have going forward in all areas of business and finance. Due to the importance of coding skills in your future, you will be using coding in some of your courses depending on your choice of programme at Henley Business School. So, this pre-study course can be seen as a stepping stone in your learning journey. Even if coding is not directly utilised as a part of your programme, completing this course, earning the certificate and complementing this with some further independent learning, could set you apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Python is the most utilised programming language in the world and so the purpose of this course is for you to learn the fundamentals of Python, and how to use it to solve practical problems in your area of interest.

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Semester 1

Compulsory modules Credits

This module introduces students to the scholarly literature on entrepreneurship and its recent advances. It shows how theoretical developments have practical applications and so assists students to appraise the increasingly entrepreneurial role of managers in modern business. The module covers the theory of markets and firms from economics, the approach by geographers to entrepreneurial locations, and sociologists to the theory of entrepreneurial networks.

Academic authors
Maks Belitski Staff Photo
Professor Maksim Belitski
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module introduces students to the characteristics and skills that underpin Entrepreneurial leadership.

Using scholarly literature and case studies this module discusses how this form of leadership is applied in difference contexts, from family businesses to corporates and start up-firms.

The module has a strong practical application and uses real life case studies.

Academic authors
Sahar Omary Photo
Dr Sahar Omary Barghouthi
20 [10 ECTS credits]

To provide an understanding of how organisations utilise core capabilities and entrepreneurial approaches to deliver innovations for future profit.

Academic authors
Dr Anlan Chen Photo
Dr Anlan Chen
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Semester 2

Compulsory modules Credits

Students will develop their own new business idea in real time, experiencing the realities of entrepreneurship and business start-up as they progress through the module. They will study the underpinning theory, while also gaining entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and understanding. This will enable them to be effective in both developing their venture and reflecting on their personal and business performance.

  • Project planning
  • Financial models (cash-flow projections)
  • Product development
  • Building partnerships
  • Customer relationships
  • Resource acquisition
Academic authors
Keith Heron003 75edwqcke
Keith Heron
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module enables students to gain a practical international experience and advance multicultural understandings, and cross-cultural competencies by working with MSc students from an international partner university.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module will enable you to develop your entrepreneurial capacity and your understanding of the start-up process through an immersive, team-based learning experience, culminating in a consultancy to help entrepreneurial small businesses and start-ups.

Academic authors
Keith Heron003 75edwqcke
Keith Heron
40 [20 ECTS credits]

Optional Modules

Optional modules Credits

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of marketing strategies and practices as they apply in a global context. This will be achieved by analysing the global marketing environment, marketing opportunities and strategy options, and the global marketing mix. As such, the module tackles both the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of global marketing management.

  • Theoretical issues relating to the rationale for global marketing and the internationalisation process
  • An analysis of the global marketing environment and factors influencing buyer behaviour
  • Planning global marketing strategy and its evolution over time
  • Factors affecting global product, pricing, distribution and communication programmes
  • Standardisation versus adaptation
Academic authors
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Melisa Mete
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module aims to critically examine the nature, role and importance of different traditional and non-traditional sources of finance for entrepreneurial ventures and assess their costs and benefits for an entrepreneurial firm at different stages of growth.

Academic authors
Maks Belitski Staff Photo
Professor Maksim Belitski
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The aim of this module is to understand the two-way link between marketing and sustainability. Specifically, it explores how marketing can be used to encourage more sustainable and responsible consumption and how sustainable marketing approaches can impact organisational performance.

Academic authors
Irene Garnelo Gomez Profile Pic Jun18 75iuglcob
Dr Irene Garnelo-Gomez
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent a large share of our economies and a leading force in economic development. This module focuses on such enterprises and explores the distinctive features of management in the SME environment. An important component of this module is the preparation of a Business Plan.

Academic authors
Dr Anlan Chen Photo
Dr Anlan Chen
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module introduces students to the related theory and practical applications on sustainability, business ethics and responsible management and develops students on how these theories are enabling business leaders, professionals and their organisations to integrate well ethical, humanistic, social and green impact in business and management and purposefully serve the common good, without sacrificing economic responsibility and performance.

Academic authors
Kleio Akrivou New Photo
Professor Kleio Akrivou
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the choices made by multinational organisations with regard to managing their employees across different countries by introducing key concepts, theories and contemporary practices. It also aims to develop skills required to work in the international context through practical group work in multi-cultural teams.

  • Global challenges and international human resource management (HRM) strategy
  • Global corporate culture in multinational enterprises (MNEs)
  • Global staffing and global talent management
  • Managing expatriation
  • Developing global leaders
  • Diffusion of HRM practices in MNEs
  • Managing global HR function in MNEs
Academic authors
Rebecca Yusuf
Rebecca A.T. Yusuf
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Dr Chul Chung
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module is intended for students who may be interested at some stage in their careers in raising private equity or venture capital finance for an entrepreneurial venture or management buyout, or who see themselves working in a professional investment capacity.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module examines organisations that are engaged in creative or cultural activities and the industries they create from an interdisciplinary management perspective. Students will define and understand the parameters of the creative or cultural industries; alongside identify the management challenges faced by organisations in these sectors; and examine strategies for addressing them.

20 [10 ECTS]

Summer term

Compulsory modules Credits

This module will enable you to develop your entrepreneurial capacity and your understanding of the start-up process through an immersive, team-based learning experience, culminating in a consultancy to help entrepreneurial small businesses and start-ups.

Academic authors
Keith Heron003 75edwqcke
Keith Heron
40 [20 ECTS credits]

*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

A holistic approach

Our Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme enables you to transition theory into practice through an experiential learning process.

You may arrive with limited experience but our programme provides plenty of entrepreneurial experiences for your future professional life.

“Entrepreneurship education and the development of entrepreneurial capacity is not simply linked to employment. It provides competencies to lead a rewarding, self-determined professional life. Students will be well placed to add significant social, cultural and economic value to society through entrepreneurial activity throughout their careers” (QAA, 2018).

How you will learn

Henley has a rich research heritage in how entrepreneurs ‘make markets’ to encourage customers to adopt novel innovations. You will develop an understanding of microeconomics and the behaviours of entrepreneurs. This will be tested in a variety of practice application methods, including case study analysis and exposure to local Henley entrepreneurs. The programme culminates in the International Applied Challenge and the capstone Entrepreneurship and Innovation consultancy project where you become an independent consultancy team for a small organisation.

Students will become familiar with and develop soft skills (e.g. empathy for entrepreneurs and their challenges) through group working. Such skills allow students to gather the information that is needed to make implementable, innovative proposals.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Masters is designed with a core of 140 credits to foster a strong cohort community and encourage peer support. Each of the informal pathways then has a choice of 40 credits, totalling 180 credits.

One module usually equates to 20 credits and 12-15 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures and tutorials which take up to four hours per week, plus your own creative and analytical thinking and personal study.

How we assess you

Through a variety of in-class tests, team and individual presentations, team and individual reports, simulations and examinations, we will test your theoretical understanding and application of knowledge. You will enjoy the reality of the crowdfunding campaign simulation for your New Venture project, whilst a team report for your consultancy client will prepare you for professional reporting beyond the programme.

Entrepreneurship is based upon putting theory into practice and hence exams are limited to the key theoretical modules for entrepreneurship and finance, although there will also be some in-class tests to ensure your learning is up-to-date.

The core modules of 140 credits comprise only 13% of exams and in-class tests though this increases for the Financing pathway option (please refer to the module details on the University website).

Ongoing support

Whilst Masters students are self-motivated and determined individuals, studying at this level can present additional pressures which we take seriously. Lecturers are available to discuss module content and you can meet with your academic tutor. Support staff are available to help with anything that may arise during your time at Henley.

To quote Neck et al (2018) we have designed a programme that enables you to “learn entrepreneurship [by doing] entrepreneurship” so that you can apply it in any future context.

Enterprise and entrepreneurship guidance: Guidance for UK higher education providers (2018).

UK/Home

Year of Entry Cost
2024 £14,100

International (incl. EU)

Year of Entry Cost
2024 £25,000

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to support high-potential students. All applications are automatically considered for a scholarship. No separate scholarship application is necessary. Simply submit your application for a Masters programme starting in 2024 and you will be automatically notified if you are successful. Shortlisting and selection are based on academic merit and the candidate’s potential as demonstrated in the application form. For more details, visit our scholarships webpage.

Entry requirement Criteria
Undergraduate degree A good second-class honours degree (2:1 preferred) or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised University. We invite applications from students with a high 2:2 who can demonstrate entrepreneurial initiative.
Degree discipline Any discipline

Evidence of entrepreneurial and professional experience will be considered on your overall suitability for the programme.

See the country and region-specific information and entry requirements for International applicants or please contact us with any questions.

English Language Requirements

Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask for evidence of proficiency. Alternatively, we may ask you to attend an English language course before you begin your studies with us.

Requirement Criteria
IELTS 6.5 with no component below 6.0 in any sub-skills
IELTS with pre-sessional English 6.5 with no component below 5.5 in each of the four sub-skills

Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications

We appreciate the difficulties that some students are having with the availability of English Language tests, as the impact of the global pandemic continues. As a result of this we are pleased to announce that we can now accept the non-SELT version of LanguageCert (which includes the online version) and DuoLingo as suitable English language qualifications. These can be accepted for direct entry onto Undergraduate (except Speech and Language Therapy), Postgraduate Taught (except Speech and Language Therapy) and Postgraduate Research programmes.

For information on individual programme requirements and other English language qualifications, please visit our English requirement equivalent page.

If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact admissions directly by email  or telephone on +44 (0) 118 378 5289.

Pre-sessional English language programme

UK visa requirements

If you are not a national of the European Union (EU), you may need to obtain a UK visa. This visa will allow to live and study in the UK. See the  UK Border Agency website. Contact the University's International Office with any questions:  intoff@reading.ac.uk.

Graduate Route

The UK's Graduate Route post-study work visa allows you to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with the opportunity to undertake skilled work. Visit the University website for the latest information.

By designing our courses with the workplace in mind, students benefit from teaching that accurately reflects today’s business environment.

“The aspect that I found to be most useful was the fact that I could actually use the knowledge I gained through the years and apply it to my daily life. The real life practicality is the part that I found most useful and enjoyed the most.”
Entrepreneurship (Leadership) graduate

Where are our 2021 graduates now?

98% employed post graduation
Masters Careers Survey 2022
96% of students would recommend their programme
Masters Careers Survey 2022
£31,519 average salary one year post-graduation
Masters Careers Survey 2022

2021 graduates in this area are working at the following organisations:

Siemens
PwC
Deloitte
Investec Bank
Knight Frank
Cloudreach
Financial Times
University of Oxford
Banco de Brazil

23 UPM 041 PGT Pie BM l
22 MIS 036 BM map

Please note the above statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2022, which was completed by our 2021 graduates, 12 months after graduation.

Respondents are from the following programmes: MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation, MSc Human Resource Management, MSc International Business and Finance, MSc Management, MSc Management (International Business), MSc Marketing (Consumer Marketing), MSc Marketing (Digital Marketing) and MSc Marketing (International Marketing).

How can Henley Careers work with you?

We have an award-winning careers team that will support you through your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation.

Here is how Henley Careers can help you:

  • Careers Consultant appointments: Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s CV advice, practicing for an interview, providing feedback if applications aren't successful or support planning your career goals. We are here to help empower you to progress in your career.
  • Events: Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for. Additionally, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
  • Alumni support: You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources. For up to four years after graduating we’re here to help and support in your career.
  • Career Smart: Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK. As well as where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different roles available to you.

For more information  please see our Careers page.

Continuing your career

The experiences you will accumulate during your Entrepreneurship and Innovation Masters will set you up to take the plunge into your own start-up. Alternatively, you can use the inquiry and consultancy skills to complete the professional process of entering a larger organisation.

The styles of assessment correspond with communication styles used within a variety of organisations, helping you to easily transfer the skills you learn on the programme. For instance, the development of the soft skills needed by entrepreneurs to influence their supporters and customers will prepare you for a variety of opportunities in fields where new ideas, new opportunities and innovation are deemed to be important.

Apply for 2024 entry now

Apply online  now through the University of Reading’s online application service.

The online application service allows you to complete your application information, attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a facility for an email request to be sent to your referees. This enables the referees to send your supporting references directly to us.

When to apply

We operate a rolling admissions system and it is recommended that you apply early to secure your place. There is no specific deadline and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, to allow us time to process your application we recommend that you apply by the following dates:

UK/Home applicants International applicants
1 August 1 July

After you apply

You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application form. Your application is then reviewed by a member of staff. If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any necessary entry criteria you will need to meet. You'll then be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer.

If you require a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa, details will be sent by email once all conditions of the offer have been met.

Throughout the admissions process we will keep you updated with key information via email. We also provide opportunities to interact with faculty and staff online.

Find us on Facebook  and keep up-to-date with news and events at Henley or ask us a question. In addition, you can speak to a current student, our students are always happy to share their Henley experience.

Our students and alumni are always keen to share their Henley experience. Whether you are a prospective applicant or already applied to a Masters programme at Henley Business School. You can ask questions to a current student by clicking the “Chat to our students” button below.

When contacting one of our students, please introduce yourself and the Masters programme you have applied for.

Speak to a current student

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact us by email at postgraduate@henley.ac.uk or by phone on +44 (0)118 378 7593.

An image of Marco Mambretti
“The way in which the Masters is designed allows you to learn all of the necessary theories and apply them immediately in real-life case studies and business situations.”
Marco Mambretti Masters in Entrepreneurship Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
An image of Tamy Hosier
“Talking with outside professionals from various industries when working on different projects taught me how to conduct myself in front of them. This really helped me learn how to talk to my clients now professionally.”
Tamy Hosier Director at Quiet Media Limited Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
An image of Desh Sirisena Gunatilake
“The opportunity to have a casual chat with experienced entrepreneurs and researchers is invaluable — as are the friends I’ve made. Lots of insight to be had in a safe and comfortable place!”
Desh Sirisena Gunatilake Business Manager at Make It Ealing (Business Improvement District) Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
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