Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MSc-Postgraduate Diploma)
ObjectivesThe overall aim of the programme is to provide a new multi-disciplinary approach to the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialisation. It is designed to meet the needs of graduate students from a science, technology or business background who want to learn how to identify and evaluate business opportunities and from this gain an understanding of the processes that link innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship. The programme will also meet the needs of professional managers who want to be capable of identifying opportunities for technological innovation and to manage the path to commercialisation and for potential entrepreneurs who want to develop business opportunities within a technology area. The programme has two specific aims: * To develop the ability to identify opportunities for technological innovation. * To develop the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed to lead and manage innovation and commercialisation projects.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements A good Honours degree or equivalent in science, engineering, technology, software, medical, business or analytical/numerate subjects is preferred, but a degree in another discipline will also be considered.
Academic titleInnovation and Entrepreneurship (MSc/Postgraduate Diploma)
Course descriptionStructure and Content
The programme consists of two elements: two 15-week semesters of taught programmes and a three-month dissertation period. Successful completion of the taught element leads to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.
Autumn Semester core modules:
Launching a New Venture: Designed to set the context for entrepreneurs, this module considers the characteristics of entrepreneurs, examines the nature of small business start-up, assists you to understand the planning process and enables you to produce a business plan.
Accounting and Finance: The module provides an introduction to accounting and corporate finance. The accounting section examines published accounting information from a user’s perspective, while the corporate finance section explores some of the major issues involved in making corporate investment and financial decisions.
Small Business Marketing: The module develops your knowledge and understanding of marketing in the smaller enterprise and is designed to put marketing theory into practice at the level of the smaller firm. Innovation and Commercialisation: A broad overview of the interface between innovative products and the commercialisation of technology will be delivered. The module is taught mainly from a practical point of view, supported by some theoretical perspectives. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice: The module aims to improve understanding of the development of entrepreneurship as an area of study and to enhance awareness of the processes of research and scholarship in the entrepreneurship field.
Research Methods and Dissertation Planning (Part 1): This is a two-semester module in which you will be introduced to research methods in the field of business and management and be shown how these methods can be used in practice in preparing for your dissertation. The module covers the basics of both qualitative and quantitative research, as well as practical issues of topic selection, data collection and analysis and writing up a dissertation. It includes extensive workshop-based sessions.
Spring Semester core modules:
Technology and Innovation Management: The module aims to develop understanding of the complex interactions in the commercialisation of technological innovations from the creative early stages to its adoption and widespread dissemination and ultimate demise.
Venture Management: The module deals with the management of existing small and medium enterprises and the issues relating to entrepreneurship and small business growth.
Enterprise Planning and Operations Management: This module examines the importance of operations management in production and service industries. It is also intended that you should comprehend the methods used for planning and management of operations and apply some of these techniques.
Research Methods and Dissertation Planning (Part 2): The second half of the module continues and develops the work of the first semester and includes the preparation and submission of an individual research proposal that may form the basis of your dissertation topic.
Visiting speakers give seminars based upon their work in developing businesses through innovation and commercialisation.
Delivery and Assessment
Teaching involves a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical case studies. Assessment is by a mixture of examination and coursework, including written assignments and presentations.
Successful completion of the taught element of the programme leads to the award of the Diploma or allows you to continue for the award of the MSc in Innovation, Commercialisation & Entrepreneurship by completing a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed with the Programme Director.
Career Opportunities
The combination of a sound understanding of the application of innovation and technology and a broad range of entrepreneurial and management skills developed by the programme, makes our graduates particularly attractive to employers in leading edge, technology-based industries.