MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to develop the knowledge, creativity, and practical skills needed to turn ideas into successful innovations and new ventures. The programme explores entrepreneurship, innovation strategy, business development, emerging technologies, and venture creation, making it suitable for graduates from different academic backgrounds who want to become entrepreneurs, innovators, or future business leaders.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin by developing their entrepreneurial thinking through modules such as The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Unlocking Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation. These modules help students understand how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, generate innovative ideas, assess business potential, and develop solutions that create value in different markets.

Students then build practical business and innovation skills through modules including Managing Operations, Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Practice: Pre-Incubator. These subjects allow students to explore business decision-making, experience entrepreneurial challenges through simulations, test early-stage ideas, and receive guidance on developing innovative concepts.

In the later part of the programme, students learn how to transform ideas into sustainable ventures through modules such as Scaling Innovation: Translating Ideas into Practice, Protecting Innovation, and AI and Emerging Technologies. Students explore strategies for growing businesses, protecting intellectual property, understanding the impact of emerging technologies, and applying innovation approaches to real-world challenges.

Focus Areas

Entrepreneurial mindset, innovation management, new venture creation, business development, venture scaling, innovation strategy, operations management, business simulation, intellectual property protection, AI and emerging technologies, responsible innovation, and practical entrepreneurship.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to identify opportunities, create innovative solutions, develop business strategies, and manage the process of turning ideas into successful ventures. Students gain skills in creativity, leadership, problem-solving, business planning, pitching, decision-making, teamwork, and applying innovation techniques to real-world business challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides practical and industry-focused learning through entrepreneurial projects, workshops, business simulations, and engagement with experienced entrepreneurs and professionals. The programme develops transferable skills that are valuable across startups, technology companies, consulting organisations, established businesses, and social enterprises, preparing graduates to lead innovation and business growth.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is a globally recognised research university with a strong reputation for interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and industry engagement. Through its focus on practical entrepreneurship and real-world problem-solving, the programme helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly changing global business environment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Exeter provides a practical, hands-on learning experience where students develop ideas, test business concepts, and learn how to transform innovations into successful ventures. Students gain real-world entrepreneurial skills through workshops, business simulations, collaborative projects, venture development activities, and interaction with entrepreneurs and industry professionals. The programme also provides access to specialist innovation spaces where students can experiment, prototype ideas, collaborate with others, and develop solutions in a creative environment.

Students build practical experience through venture projects, innovation facilities, digital resources, and industry engagement:

Innovation and venture development projects: Through modules such as Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Practice: Pre-Incubator and Scaling Innovation: Translating Ideas into Practice, students develop, test, and refine business ideas while learning how to create solutions for real-world innovation challenges.
Business simulation activities: The Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation module gives students experience of entrepreneurial decision-making in a realistic business environment, helping them understand strategy, market challenges, resource management, and business growth.
Creative Quadrant innovation space: Students can use the University of Exeter Business School’s Creative Quadrant, an innovation workspace equipped with prototyping materials, hand tools, Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, Lego, Playmobil resources, games materials, whiteboards, and collaborative areas that support creativity and idea development.
Skydeck entrepreneurial workspace: Students have access to the Skydeck, a flexible space designed for innovation activities, featuring collaborative work areas, prototyping resources, whiteboards, and audiovisual facilities for workshops and venture-building activities.
Startup support and incubation opportunities: Students can engage with Exeter’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including startup support programmes and initiatives connected with SETsquared, where they can receive guidance and resources to develop innovative business ideas.
Workshops and industry engagement: Students participate in interactive workshops, seminars, and sessions with entrepreneurs and business professionals, helping them connect academic learning with current industry challenges.
Technology and digital innovation skills: Through the AI and Emerging Technologies module, students explore how emerging technologies influence innovation, entrepreneurship, and future business opportunities.
Collaborative group projects: Students work with peers from different backgrounds on innovation challenges, developing teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for entrepreneurial careers.
Business School facilities: Students benefit from the University of Exeter Business School facilities, including modern teaching spaces, postgraduate study areas, specialist IT rooms, and collaborative learning environments that support innovation-focused learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with the entrepreneurial mindset, innovation skills, and practical experience needed to develop new ventures, lead innovation projects, and support business growth. The programme opens opportunities across startups, established companies, consulting firms, technology organisations, and social enterprises, with career paths such as Innovation Consultant, Corporate Venture Manager, Digital Innovation Lead, Venture Builder, and Sustainability & Innovation Specialist. Graduates can also use the knowledge and confidence gained from the programme to launch their own businesses or help organisations create and implement innovative solutions.

The programme supports students’ career development through dedicated university services, entrepreneurial networks, and industry-focused opportunities:

Career support from University of Exeter Career Zone: Students receive personalised career guidance, employability workshops, career planning support, access to job opportunities, employer events, and resources to help them prepare for successful careers after graduation.
Business School employability support: Students benefit from the University of Exeter Business School’s career development activities, including professional skills training, career consultations, networking opportunities, and guidance to improve workplace readiness.
Entrepreneurship and startup opportunities: Students can access Exeter’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including student startup programmes and support connected with SETsquared, helping them develop, test, and grow innovative business ideas.
Industry-focused learning experience: Through workshops, business simulations, venture development activities, and engagement with entrepreneurs and professionals, students gain practical experience in solving business challenges and managing innovation projects.
Graduate career opportunities: Graduates are prepared for roles such as Innovation Consultant, Corporate Venture Manager, Digital Innovation Lead, Venture Builder, Entrepreneurship Manager, and Sustainability & Innovation Specialist across different industries.
Internationally recognised business education: The University of Exeter Business School’s triple accreditation from AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS demonstrates the quality and global recognition of its business programmes, adding long-term value to the qualification.
Strong employability reputation: The University of Exeter has strong links with employers and organisations, helping graduates access professional opportunities and build successful careers after completing their studies.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship, students can continue their academic journey through a PhD or research degree in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation management, business strategy, technology management, or sustainable business. Graduates can also pursue professional development through specialist training in venture creation, innovation leadership, business growth strategies, and entrepreneurial management to further strengthen their expertise.