Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Wollongong Dubai

Program Overview

The Master of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) prepares creative thinkers to launch ventures, lead innovation, or transform organisations through entrepreneurial mindset and skills. You’ll study practical frameworks for ideation, business modelling, growth strategies, and innovation leadership that are directly applicable in startups, corporate innovation teams, or independent ventures.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in innovation thinking and entrepreneurship practice. Core courses such as Creativity & Innovation (INNV904) and Entrepreneurial Mindset & Leadership (MGNT982) introduce you to ideation processes, design thinking, and leadership approaches that drive innovative outcomes in organisations. You’ll also take Business Models & Value Creation (BUS903) which helps you understand how to craft and evaluate business models that can sustain new ventures and create market value.

Year 2

In your second year, the focus shifts to advancing entrepreneurial competencies and applying learning in real contexts. Modules like Innovation & Digital Strategy (INNV923) and Entrepreneurial Venture Planning (INNV924) equip you with strategic insight into digital transformation, competitive advantage, and how to convert innovative ideas into viable business plans. You’ll also complete Innovation Project (INNV932) or an applied capstone, where you apply your skills to a real venture challenge, research theme, or entrepreneurial initiative.

Focus Areas

Innovation leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, business model development, digital strategy, venture planning, applied entrepreneurship.

Learning Outcomes

Develop skills to identify opportunities, lead innovation, design strategic business models, implement digital innovation strategies, and manage entrepreneurial ventures or innovation initiatives in diverse contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education – Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and delivered under UOWD’s academic standards, recognised locally and aligned with global best practices in innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Reputation (Employability & Academic Standing)

UOWD is part of the University of Wollongong global network and is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, with strong industry engagement and a focus on graduate employability and entrepreneurial outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of Wollongong in Dubai, the Master of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is built around learning by doing, ensuring students graduate with practical venture-creation and innovation leadership experience. Throughout the program, you actively test ideas, build business models, and work on real entrepreneurial challenges, supported by UOWD’s strong links to industry, startups, and the regional innovation ecosystem:

This hands-on learning experience is delivered through the following programme-specific elements and facilities:

Applied Innovation & Venture Projects: Courses such as Entrepreneurial Venture Planning and the Innovation Project (INNV932) require you to work on real or simulated startup and innovation challenges, developing viable business concepts, strategies, and pitch-ready plans.
Group-Based Entrepreneurial Work: Many subjects emphasise team projects, mirroring startup and corporate innovation environments where collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving are critical.
Business Modelling & Ideation Tools: Students apply design thinking, business model canvases, and innovation frameworks taught in modules like Creativity & Innovation and Business Models & Value Creation.
Industry Engagement & Guest Speakers: The program regularly integrates industry speakers, entrepreneurs, and innovation practitioners, giving you direct exposure to real entrepreneurial journeys and market insights within the UAE and beyond.
Career & Entrepreneurship Support: Through UOWD’s Careers and Employability services, students receive guidance on venture development, employability skills, networking, and professional growth within startup and innovation-driven sectors.
Library & Digital Learning Resources: You benefit from UOWD’s Library and online databases, providing access to entrepreneurship, innovation, and business research resources to support coursework and applied projects.
Technology-Enabled Learning Spaces: Modern classrooms and collaborative learning spaces support ideation workshops, group discussions, and project presentations throughout the program.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at University of Wollongong in Dubai are equipped to create, scale, and lead innovation in both startup and corporate environments. Typical career pathways include Entrepreneur / Startup Founder, Innovation Manager, Business Development Manager, and Product or Venture Strategist, across startups, SMEs, multinational firms, accelerators, and family businesses in the UAE and globally:

Here’s how UOWD supports your career growth and long-term success:

Careers & Employability Services: UOWD provides dedicated career coaching, CV and interview support, employer engagement, and networking events to help students convert innovation skills into real career or venture outcomes.
Startup & Innovation Readiness: The programme’s strong emphasis on venture planning, innovation projects, and business model development ensures graduates are ready to launch startups or drive innovation initiatives within existing organisations.
Accredited Degree with Global Recognition: UOWD is licensed and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education – Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and part of the global University of Wollongong network, giving the qualification strong recognition with employers and investors.
Industry-Relevant Graduate Outcomes: Graduates develop commercial awareness, leadership capability, and entrepreneurial resilience — skills highly valued in innovation-driven economies like the UAE.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Exposure: Engagement with entrepreneurs, industry speakers, and applied projects helps students build networks within the regional startup and innovation ecosystem.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Master of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, graduates may progress to doctoral studies (PhD) in areas such as Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Business Strategy, or Management, subject to entry requirements. The programme also provides a strong foundation for executive education and professional certifications in innovation leadership, digital transformation, and venture growth.

Additional Information & Requirements

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study, or its equivalent, with an overall GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (on a 4.0 scale) may be conditionally admitted to a master’s program, only if they meet the necessary English language requirement. Such students must take a maximum of 18cp of subjects studied for the master’s degree during the period of conditional admission and must achieve an overall WAM of 55 in their first 3 subjects at the University. Students who fail to achieve this standard may have their enrolment discontinued.
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study, or its equivalent, with an overall GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 (on a 4.0 scale) may be conditionally admitted to a master’s degree, only if they meet the necessary English language requirement and they will be required to complete a maximum of 18cp remedial non-credit bearing subjects prior to enrolment in their chosen master’s degree. Students must achieve a minimum WAM of 55 in these subjects in order to progress to the master’s degree or may have their enrolment discontinued.
The original transcripts of your bachelor’s degree results A Certificate of Completion
Your current resume or CV A copy of your UAE ID card (if applying from within the UAE) A copy of your passport (and Residence Visa, if resident in the UAE).
Certified copies of official academic transcripts showing all courses studied and grades obtained, syllabus details (including information on course content) of the courses you successfully completed and an explanation of the grading system.
IELTS Academic Overall score of 6.0 with 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.0 in Listening and Speaking
TOEFL Internet based 79 with not less than 20 in Writing, 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 16 in Speaking