Skip to main content
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 2023
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.

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.

N/A
Compulsory modules Credits
To strengthen students’ ability to make best use of the learning opportunities during the MSc degree course. To provide students with an understanding of what is required to perform well in essays, dissertations, report writing and examinations at Henley Business School. To provide students with an awareness of the appropriate use of methodology, theory, data, literature reviews and original research in a Masters dissertation/project.

Academic authors
Professor peter scott 397 3 Peter Scott 75e5pfi6j
Professor Peter Scott
0 [0 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]

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 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]

What am I going to do when my course ends, and how am I going to achieve it? This module has been designed to help Accounting, Informatics and Business Management students answer those two questions, and empower them to take the actions required. It’s a suite of sessions that pays close attention to the general pathways Business Management, Accounting and Informatics students tend to take, and their aspirations as expressed during pre-sessional career activities & induction surveys. Students will choose this the mix of custom-made sessions that best suit their stage in life and supplement them with the open careers programmes offered at the University, the online content on the Henley Careers Blackboard site and 1-2-1 careers consultations.

0 [0 ECTS 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.

Academic authors
Maks Belitski Staff Photo
Professor Maksim Belitski
10 [5 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]

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

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

The module provides intensive experiential learning in an international context. This is an opportunity for students group visits a particular country and particular business communities to explore business development issues and the methods the community has found for addressing these issues, as well as to assist these communities with possible business solutions. The module assists to create a network of active young specialists who think globally and act locally to make business action happen. The country partners institutions play a key role in setting up the itinerary and hosting the visit. Students will work in multinational teams for 10 continuous working days to develop international capabilities and build their global network.

Academic authors
Keith Heron003 75edwqcke
Keith Heron
10 [5 ECTS credits]

In addition, students must choose optional modules from the lists below up to the value of 40 credits.
These informal pathways are not on the degree certificate but indicate to external stakeholders the focus you have chosen for your degree.

Optional Modules - Informal Leadership Pathway

Optional modules Credits

This module aims to introduce students to the core concepts and models underlying contemporary strategic management, their theoretical and empirical foundations, their limitations, the arguments surrounding them and their practical application to real issues facing real companies. This module provides students with an understanding of the conceptual and analytical tools of strategic management and economics.

  • Theories, frameworks and introduction
  • Internal resources and competencies of firms
  • External environment in which firms operate
  • The process of internationalisation
  • Globalisation and regional integration
  • Collaborative behaviour and strategic alliances
  • Integration/responsiveness framework and strategy

Academic authors
Professor rajneesh narula 397 3 Rajneesh Narula 75e5pfi6j
Professor Rajneesh Narula
Jong Min Lee002 2 2 75e5pfilu
Dr Jongmin Lee
20 [10 ECTS credits]

In this module learners will explore the role of leadership in a digital environment. They will build their awareness of key digital technologies and discuss the impact on managerial practices, processes and strategies.

By the end of the module, learners will gain a critical understanding of:

  • The evolving digital landscape
  • The changing role of leadership in a pervasive digital environment
  • The role of software systems in shaping organisational information and communication
  • Key concepts of data and predictive data science, and its application in informing leadership decisions
  • How to analyse organisational and managerial processes with regards to their potential for automation, and the impact on the nature of work, leadership, company culture and society
  • Digital techniques used by entrepreneurs to rapidly iterate business models and test new processes and products.
  • How to critically appraise their own behaviour with regards to managing digital productivity, managerial work practice and continuing professional development.
Academic authors
Norbert Morawetz005 75edwqcke
Professor Norbert Morawetz
20

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

Students will learn key knowledge enabling ethical management and corporate responsibility.

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

The module considers a variety of marketing communications theories and practices to equip students with the knowledge and skill to develop and communicate an effective marketing communications plan.

Academic authors
Linkedin Profile 002
Alex Scher-Smith
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Optional Modules - Informal Financing Pathway

Optional modules Credits

To equip students with relevant accounting and financial management knowledge in decision making, especially for those who have little background in accounting and financial management. The module covers relevant topics in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management, with a focus on the ability to understand the importance of accounting and financial information in decision making and critical evaluation of the use of relevant information in decision making.

Academic authors
Dr liang han 397 3 Liang Han 75e5pfi5h
Liang Han, Visiting Professor
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module introduces students to a range of entrepreneurial management concepts applied to the specific context of creative industries. It provides an overview of key economics shaping creative industries, as well as the entrepreneurial process from idea creation through to the start-up phase. Using a range of case studies, the module discusses managerial challenges that arise from the tension of balancing limited resources, creative ambition and strongly talent-driven business models.

Academic authors
Norbert Morawetz005 75edwqcke
Professor Norbert Morawetz
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module provides an introduction to the field of human resource management in terms of the development of the function; its approach to strategy and the deployment of the key practices of human resource management. It is relevant for any students considering a career where they will be managing others or for those interested in a career specialising in HRM.

Academic authors
Liz Houldsworth Staff Profile Photo
Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module enables students to explore the concepts of strategic planning and strategic (or ‘capital’) budgeting. It introduces a range of techniques for strategic budgeting. It illustrates concepts using topical, real-world events and cases.

10 [5 ECTS credits]

The objective of this module, which is delivered at the ICMA Centre, is to develop students’ appreciation of the practical aspects of raising private equity or venture capital finance for a management buyout or earlier-stage company, growing the business through the close working relationship between the PE or VC firm and the management team and achieving a successful exit. Both private equity and venture capital deals are covered on this module from the viewpoints of both the entrepreneur or management team and of the investing institution (general partner) as well as the relationship between the PE or VC firm and its own investors (limited partner institutions). Extensive use will be made of case studies and a business plan project in addition to guest seminars from invited experienced practitioners


Academic authors
Keith arundale 750 3 Keith Arundale 75e5pfi60
Dr Keith Arundale
10 [5 ECTS credits]

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of governance. The module then focuses on a critical discussion of power and accountability, with an emphasis on accountability to a range of societal stakeholders.

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

Optional Modules - Informal Creative Industries Pathway

Optional modules Credits

In this module learners will explore the role of leadership in a digital environment. They will build their awareness of key digital technologies and discuss the impact on managerial practices, processes and strategies.

By the end of the module, learners will gain a critical understanding of:

  • The evolving digital landscape
  • The changing role of leadership in a pervasive digital environment
  • The role of software systems in shaping organisational information and communication
  • Key concepts of data and predictive data science, and its application in informing leadership decisions
  • How to analyse organisational and managerial processes with regards to their potential for automation, and the impact on the nature of work, leadership, company culture and society
  • Digital techniques used by entrepreneurs to rapidly iterate business models and test new processes and products.
  • How to critically appraise their own behaviour with regards to managing digital productivity, managerial work practice and continuing professional development.
Academic authors
Norbert Morawetz005 75edwqcke
Professor Norbert Morawetz
20
10 [5 ECTS credits]

The module explores the issues related to the law and regulation of the ‘borderless’ internet. These include allocation of jurisdiction; e-privacy and data protection; liability of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for online crimes and infringements; regulation of domain names; legal issues of cloud computing, software licensing and ‘open source’ distribution; freedom of speech on the internet and intellectual property issues of the information society.

10 [5 ECTS credits]

This module aims to introduce students to digital marketing and the increasingly important role of technology in both marketing practice and society. By the end of the module students should be able to apply a range of skills to implement digital marketing approaches and understand the key strategic drivers behind the growth of the digital economy.

Academic authors
Rodrigo Perez Vega Profile Pic Jun18 75iugl9ic
Dr Rodrigo Perez-Vega
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module examines organisations that are engaged in creative or cultural activities. Students are required to define the parameters of the creative or cultural industries; to identify the management challenges faced by organisations in these sectors; and examine strategies for addressing them.

Academic authors
MLP 3791 Marrisa Joseph NEW 75edwqcke
Dr Marrisa Joseph
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Branding is a fascinating topic that receives much attention in the popular press. The lectures explore and discuss theories and business practices related to building and managing strong brands. The module in particular focuses on how to manage brands in practice. The module deals with brands and discusses the following:

• why brands are important;

• what brands represent to companies;

• what brands represent to customers;

• how strong brands drive superior financial results;

• what organisations should do to manage their brands effectively etc.

Academic authors
Gbebek1
Dr Gaye Bebek
10 [5 ECTS credits]

Social and environmental issues and challenges have led to the growth of marketing tools being applied with a sustainable purpose. As a result, organisations and governments are gradually starting to use marketing techniques in order to influence stakeholder behaviour towards pro-sustainable outcomes. It is also increasingly recognised that sustainable marketing can be good for business, leading to competitive advantage, cost savings and brand enhancement. This module is designed to provide knowledge of the link between marketing and sustainability and how to evaluate and implement marketing strategies that promote sustainable products, services and behaviours. This includes the design of a marketing campaign focused on social/environmental issues, including selection of behavioural goals. This module also covers aspects related to the evaluation and monitoring of campaigns and their social and environmental impact.

Academic authors
Irene Garnelo Gomez Profile Pic Jun18 75iuglcob
Dr Irene Garnelo-Gomez
10 [5 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).

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

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

Industry of employment for 2020 graduates

  • Financial Services
  • Marketing/Digital Marketing
  • HR/People Management
  • Business Development/Sales
  • Technology/Start-ups
  • Accountancy and Business Consulting
  • Education/Research/Academic
  • Creative Industries
  • Retail and Sales

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.

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 Talin Hildebrandt Ohannessian
“During my studies, I was not only able to learn practical skills and theories that would help increase my employability, but I also shifted my way of thinking and improved my argument making through the various consultancy projects offered.”
Talin Hildebrandt Ohannessian Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
An image of Femi Onifade
“What I’ve learned from the study visit to Poland is that everything I’ve learned at Henley works in the real world.”
Femi Onifade Masters in Entrepreneurship Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
An image of Antonia Ajisebutu
“One of my goals is to take my family business to the next stage by diversifying the business, entering new markets and taking risks. That’s one of the key things that I’ve learnt during my Masters.”
Antonia Ajisebutu Masters in Entrepreneurship Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
1 / 5