Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Full-time
One year
June 2025
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
The MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme is designed to equip you with the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge, skills, and aptitude to start up a new business, work within the family business, or undertake a project leading role in an existing organisation.
This course has a strong practical orientation and aims to nurture your entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial skills from the outset. You will experience innovative and interactive teaching such as 'learning by doing', teamwork, peer support, and coaching. You will develop the entrepreneurial mindset and abilities to develop your business ideas and sharpen your skills, all of which are highly valued by employers internationally.
Throughout the programme, you will be provided with opportunities to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and live business projects in collaboration with external partners. You will develop a range of skills and attributes particularly relevant to business and management such as commercial acumen, analytical thinking and problem solving, critical thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, ability to innovate, awareness of risk, and the ability to influence and work with others. In doing so, you will develop into an enterprising and responsible leader who is globally, socially, and ethically aware of the contemporary business environment within which businesses operates.
There is an emphasis in all our courses on understanding, responding to, and shaping the dynamic and changing nature of business, including consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, the responsible adoption of AI and other emerging technologies, and environmental sustainability.
Why choose Salford Business School?
- We provide practical teaching, informed by our industry partners, so you develop the skills employers are looking for.
- You can make the programme fit around your life priorities with multiple start dates and a choice of full or part-time study.
- We're based on a beautiful, green campus, just minutes from Manchester city centre.
- We have excellent industry links with the dynamic Greater Manchester business community.
- We focus on the digital, ethical, and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century.
International students on a Tier 4 visa are not able to start a business or be self-employed in the UK. However, the MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation can help you gain the knowledge and abilities to develop and test your business ideas (to put into practice in your home country). You will also develop entrepreneurial skills that are highly valued by employers internationally.
To find out more, register for one of our Postgraduate Open Days or learn more about our master's courses in business, finance and law.
You will:
- develop knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and principles applicable to entrepreneurship and enterprise management
- evaluate the fast-changing nature of the business environment at local, national, and global levels
- apply a socially responsible approach to information, data, and decision making
- utilise a range of management techniques to develop creative solutions to business problems
- have the opportunity to complete additional professional qualifications that enhance your employability, in areas such as Carbon Literacy, Microsoft etc.
options available
students accepted
This is for you if...
you’ve always wanted to run your own business or drive innovation in an existing organisation
you want to develop an entrepreneurial mindset
you are motivated and highly driven
you are a problem solver and a creative thinker
you are digitally competent and happy to work with the latest technology available
you want to focus on practice as well as theory
All about the course
This course has 3 entry points per year: January, June, and September. The first intake will be September 2024 (subject to final approval).
You will complete two 30-credit modules and four 15-credit modules to develop your knowledge and understanding of key aspects of entrepreneurship, management, and innnovation. The course is delivered over three 12-week trimesters. You will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the university’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
Following completion of these core modules, you will take an additional 15 credit module: Research Methods for Managers. This an applied module that focuses on practical research methodologies and techniques for preparing you to conduct research within the workplace, to prepare you for your final elective module and future workplace research.
Finally, you will then choose one of the electives listed below as your final piece of work.
Entrepreneurial Success 1 – Creativity and Ideation
This module is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on entrepreneurial ventures/ ideas, fostering a culture of innovation and success in your professional lives. Drawing on the principles of design thinking, you will develop competencies to approach challenges with empathy, creativity, and a user-centered mind set.
Entrepreneurial Success 2 – Driving Transformation
This module builds upon the foundation and learning in Entrepreneurial Success 1 and is designed to take you from the ideation/ conceptual stage of entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial ideas through to the development of a viable business model. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive transformation and sustained long-term growth in competitive business environments. and achieve a more successful business through agile/transformative leadership.
The Digital Customer
This module explores the intersection between digital marketing and the global business landscape. You will gain a deep understanding of how to navigate the complexities of digital marketing in a global context. You will examine external and internal digital marketing analysis, enabling you to evaluate market dynamics, competitor strategies, and internal capabilities to align with firm positioning and ideal customer sets. Furthermore, you will learn digital marketing planning techniques, including goal setting, audience segmentation, and resource allocation providing you with essential skills to gather insights for strategic decision-making.
Financing your Business
This module will enable you to develop competencies related to Entrepreneurial Finance, Sources of Funding and Risk assessment. You will apply an understanding of financial management principles, cash flow management, financial forecasting to make informed decisions related to your new and established organisations. You will gain knowledge related to both traditional and non-traditional sources of funding such as banks, loan, venture capital, crowd funding, angel investments and government grants.
Innovation for Growth
By developing a critical understanding of the modern entrepreneurial process, on this 15 credit module you will learn to identify innovation opportunities and how to exploit them by using difference process models. You will also look at effective decision-making to support innovation and consider the impact of venture capital on the innovation process.
Entrepreneurial Business Simulation
Using modern techniques in business simulation, you will develop a systematic approach to market research and industry analysis in order to assess the strategic choices available for new and existing businesses and evaluate the financial viability of business concepts. You will look at the tools available to help you develop your strategy and learn to evaluate the impact of different strategic scenarios.
Research Methods for Managers
This is an applied module that focuses on practical research methodologies and techniques for preparing you to conduct research within the workplace, in order to prepare you for your final elective module and future workplace research.
You will choose one of the following elective modules as your final piece of work.
Work Placement
A full time placement of up to 12 months in a project management related role within a workplace (subject to availability and visa compliance).
Business Consultancy Project
An experiential opportunity where you will work with clients to solve live business problems.
Entrepreneurial Development Project
An experiential learning opportunity where you will conduct market and business environment research to identify a business idea or venture and develop a business plan.
Business Internship
A 3-month experiential opportunity within an organisation, focusing on real-world project management issues.
Business Dissertation
You will select a particular topic you are interested in for further in-depth study.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Why Choose Salford Business School?
Situated at the heart of Greater Manchester's £5 billion-pound business, finance and digital sector, Salford Business School stands as a dynamic hub for the development and exchange of knowledge. We combine cutting-edge learning with strong industry connections, preparing you to lead change in the fast-paced world of business and management.
Our expert-led and industry-informed programmes provide highly practical teaching enriched with real-world learning opportunities. Most of our programmes offer various work placements locally, nationally, and internationally, allowing you to practice and develop your learning.
Throughout your journey, we will equip you for a fulfilling life and professional career, fostering curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to tackle 21st-century challenges.
Business: Science or art?
Our postgraduate degree award is a Masters of Science (MSc), reflecting our commitment to data-driven, evidence-based business decisions, even in innovative and creative endeavours.
At the beating heart of it
You will study at our green Peel Park campus, just a short five-minute journey from central Manchester with close transport links, and our state-of-the-art campus at MediaCity is just a short bus ride away.
Our dedicated student hub on the sixth floor of the Maxwell Building provides areas for collaborative and independent study and break-out spaces. Additionally, here you can find our in-school progression and careers teams to support your journey.
Getting here
Our campuses are easily accessible, with Salford Crescent train station at the centre of our Peel Park campus. Whether travelling to us by bus, rail, bike, car, or plane, our campus is easily reached from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and beyond. For international students, Manchester Airport is a short ride away and offers regular flights from London and many international airports.
Dedicated support
Starting or continuing to study at university is a big decision, and we are committed to supporting you throughout your time with us.
Our in-school Student Progression Assistants address programme and workload matters, whilst the Careers and Employability team, along with in-school advisors, offers personalised career support. The Library provides diverse learning support beyond your course, and for non-course matters, our university-wide support service, askUS, assist with topics from financial management to wellbeing.
If entrepreneurship appeals to you, Launch @Salford, our start-up incubator, offers expert insight and support. Additionally, our Business School's Postgraduate Mentoring Scheme connects new master's students with existing ones, providing valuable guidance during your transition.
These integrated support methods aim to help you seamlessly transition into your postgraduate course and ensure success during your time with us.
A global community
Salford Business School is home to a diverse global student-staff community. Our teaching team consists of active researchers, academics, and industry experts who offer the latest in theory, research, and industry expertise.
Furthermore, our diverse student community brings together individuals from various backgrounds and experiences, providing you with a well-rounded perspective, knowledge, and friendships that will shape you into a future leader and global citizen. This equips you to thrive in life and your career, instilling curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to confront the digital, ethical, and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
PROGRAMME LEADER
Ambarin completed her PhD in Innovation, Management and Policy at Alliance Manchester Business School. She also holds a MSc. in Management of Science, Technology and Innovation from Alliance Manchester Business School and a MBA in Marketing from Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, Pakistan.
Prior to joining Salford Business School, she worked as a lecturer in Coventry University and International Business and Management at Alliance Manchester Business School. She also held a lecturer position in Pakistan at Institute of Business Management and Institute of Business Administration and also possesses several years of industry work experience.
What about after uni?
You will have developed an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset highly desirable with employers and important for those of you wishing to become consultants or to set up your own business. You will gain invaluable skills and networks for setting up and running your own business as well as the confidence to try your ideas.
For those wanting to work in an established organisation, you will be able to seek employment within a range of organisations looking for new innovative opportunities.
Career Links
The University of Salford grew out of the institutes of the late 19th century that provided a talented, technically proficient and professional workforce to support the UK’s rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, this still holds strong. Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focused education is equally relevant today.
We teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.
The curriculum across our postgraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience. Our industry partners give us their input into the curriculum so that the teaching reflects industry’s current and future needs and you develop the skills that employers want.
What you need to know
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.
Find out about dedicated support for international applicants.
Undergraduate degree
Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent. A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted, either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.
International students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,550.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,560.00per year |
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £8,550.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £16,560.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. For more information please see our funding section.
International applicants
If you are applying from overseas and are accepted onto the programme with placement, there will be additional costs associated with visa extensions. These include:
- Extending your student visa fee (visit gov.uk for more information). Please note, this is in addition to your original student visa fee.
- Tier 4 biometrics enrolment fee.
- Immigration Health Surcharge 12 month fee (visit gov.uk for more information).
Visit Immigration and Visa FAQ and read the section on extending your Tier 4 visa for further information.
International scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our international scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have questions? Contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0) 161 295 4545