Entry requirementsStandard Entry Applicants should normally have a minimum of a lower second class (2:2) honours degree from a UK university, or its equivalent. Professional qualifications that are equivalent to an honours degree may also be acceptable. Plus one of the following: * Other: Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree, or other equivalent professional qualifications will be considered for entry if they show evidence of a strong motivation and capability for academic study (e.g. evidence of attendance at short courses, and other continuing professional development), and/or suitable experience of working in areas which involve a significant amount of subject knowledge that would have been covered by traditional professional qualifications. Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals who have knowledge and experience of small business start-up in the technology world but do not have conventional first degree / professional qualifications. Additional Notes International students are required to satisfy a minimum proficiency in both written and spoken English. They should have studied at undergraduate level in English, or have one of the following English language proficiency qualifications: a British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (or above) or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 575 (or above).
Course descriptionCOURSE INFORMATION
Enterprise remains a hot topic on the Government's agenda, with numerous initiatives being launched to persuade individuals to set up their own businesses. Individual entrepreneurship is extremely important to the UK economy, with 99.9% of all businesses classified as Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs)*, and of these, almost three-quarters are owner-manager businesses with no other employees. One of the barriers that the Government needs to overcome is people's fear of business failure. Having the knowledge and skills required to run a business successfully can significantly reduce this risk. But in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, constant innovation and an awareness of technology's potential are essential to develop a competitive edge, and to ensure growth and survival.
This specialist course will appeal to a wide range of graduates from computing, business, design or engineering-based programmes. It will be of particular interest to graduates and experienced professionals who wish to develop their careers in the areas of small business start-up, and/or implementing new technologies within an SME environment. Excellent support is available to any student who wishes to take their business idea forward, from the University's 'Enterprise Campus' service.
COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT
Each module on the course is separately assessed. This could be by either coursework assignments and/or examinations. Assignments can take the form of research reports, systems analysis documentation, or portfolio building exercises, as appropriate for the module. The programme also includes a major research project, which culminates in a dissertation.
CAREERS
Graduates of this programme will have a number of opportunities available to them. The most obvious option for many will be to start up their own businesses, and they will be well equipped to do so.
Graduates who decide to join a new company will find they have a wide range of companies to choose from, due to the transferable nature of IT skills when combined with the business acumen and entrepreneurial flair this programme offers.