The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
PGDip
Key facts
Start dates
September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: 12 months
Part time: 24 months
Department
Overview
Our PGDip Entrepreneurship and Innovation course is ideal if you want to set up your own business (entrepreneurs). It is just as valuable if you would like a career in an already established organisation (intrapreneurs).
During your studies you will:
- identify and work on an idea that supports your personal career aspirations
- develop that idea throughout the course
- improve your understanding of your entrepreneurial self.
Our teaching staff are passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation education, and have extensive experience within academia and the business world.
You will develop key employability skills that are important in today’s rapidly changing world. Skills like flexibility, agility and resilience.
The Block Session (Field Trip) at the beginning of the course is a key feature. You will spend an intensive few days off campus, giving you the chance to:
- experience teaching and learning in a non-traditional environment
- think differently and creatively
- get to know other students.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2) in any academic discipline, or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional or other qualification.
Applicants who possess a diploma rather than a degree may be eligible for entry provided they have compensatory work experience and can demonstrate career development.
This course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are welcome from those in work and seeking continuing professional development.
Entry will also be subject to two satisfactory references (one of these must be an academic reference).
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to satisfy the university’s English language requirements:
- IELTS minimum level 6.0, (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing, and 5.5 in listening and speaking).
- If you have completed your undergraduate degree in the UK (at least one full year of study) you will automatically meet our English language requirements
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
International applications
When you accept our offer, you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Please see the fees note
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
2021 / 22
Home (UK) full time
£10,800
Home (UK) part time
£5,400
International / EU full time
£15,900
2022 / 23
Home (UK) full time
£11,000
Home (UK) part time
£5,500
International / EU full time
£16,200
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
Scholarships will be awarded for academic excellence and each award will be paid towards the tuition fee for a taught master’s degree. These scholarships do not include a maintenance grant.
For further information, visit: /business/postgraduate/fees-scholarships-and-loans/
For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
We offer an International Business in Practice Study Trip module. This study trip is voluntary and all costs associated with the trip will need to be funded by you.
The International Study Trip modules allow you to experience ideas and practices of global business. During the trip you will have direct interaction with management executives and practices. You will attend presentations from local management executives and experts and go on site visits to major corporations and agencies. These study trips are voluntary and you will need to fund most of the costs associated with the trip. We have run study trips to Boston, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur and Budapest.
As an example of costs, the fees in 2020 varied between £350 - £1500 and included: accommodation for seven nights, insurance, company visits and group transportation for all activities. This fee did not include international airfare, visa application fee (if relevant), dinners and activities during your free time.
Learning and assessment
This course allows you to tailor your studies to your individual interests and aspirations.
Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to work on an idea that supports your entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial aspirations. The course is practice-oriented and aims to link academic theory with practice.
Your tutors will work with you throughout on developing/refining your business idea to ensure that it is a good fit for you. And that it enables your future career plans. You will have support from both academics and entrepreneurs for the duration of your studies.
We organise guest lectures and optional company visits through international study trips.
Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You will study:
- seven modules
During your studies you will develop your self-awareness. You will be able to make a fully informed decision on your next steps through reflection and the application of course material.
If you are an entrepreneur, the course improves your chance of success in starting your own organisation. If you are an intrapreneur, the course equips you for the corporate world.
The course will also provide you with:
- the opportunity to test ideas in a safe environment
- an improved network of tutors, fellow students and visiting entrepreneurs
- enhanced employability skills
- creative thinking, teamwork and communication, and self-management skills
- a different perspective, through working within a diverse student cohort.
Many course graduates secure managerial positions at a wide range of organisations.
Field trips
The International Business in Practice Study Trip module allows you to experience ideas and practices of global business. During the trip you will have direct interaction with management executives and practices. You will: attend presentations from local management executives and experts go on site visits to major corporations and agencies. This study trip is voluntary and you will need to fund all costs associated with the trip. It is not linked to university assessments in any way.
If you successfully complete this non-credit bearing module, it will be recorded on your transcript as International Business in Practice: Study Trip.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Assessment methods used on this course:
The programme’s assessment strategy has been designed to expose our students to various forms of assessment, in order to develop transferable skills and create a positive student experience. As such students will be assessed by individual essays and business reports, group presentations, oral exams, written exams and online discussion forums. We have embedded inclusivity and diversity into assessments throughout the programme, allowing students to select the focus of their assignment where appropriate.
The majority of assessments are based on individual contribution, but there is some assessed group work.
Research
Business School academics explore core issues facing contemporary societies, ranging from refugee entrepreneurship and internationalisation to sustainable tourism, security and the changing world of work and organisations including the impact of artificial intelligence. We address questions such as:
- What characterises the interconnections of trade, transportation and technologies?
- How do we organise for security?
- How can social media address well-being and social isolation?
- How can individuals be happier and navigate the increasingly complex world of work?
We also have an expertise in Coaching and Mentoring as well as in Diversity (such as examining pay gaps and gender and spin-outs) and we are always keen to include students into our projects where possible.
Please visit our research pages to learn more about the three research centres @ /business/research/. Being a masters student at OBBS offers plenty of opportunities to be a part of our research culture.
After you graduate
Career prospects
You will graduate with highly relevant knowledge as well as practical experiences on how to be/act entrepreneurial and innovative whether in large organisations, SMEs or family businesses. Your knowledge will help you set up your own business, carry through a business idea, or develop an existing business innovatively. You will also be equipped with knowledge and skills to act as an intrapreneur in your current organisation or lead innovative projects in larger organisations.
Many of our graduates find managerial positions at a wide range of organisations, including companies producing fast moving commercial goods, airlines, financial institutions, retail giants and charities.
Examples of these employers include:
- Deutsche Telekom
- Deloitte
- Oxfam
- BASF Group
- Kautex Unipart
- Raiffeisen Bank
- Revolution Insurance
- American Business Conferences
- Consilio Global.
Further study
After completing the Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) you have the opportunity to get full credit of the modules completed on the PGD and continue to complete a Final project at a cost of & that would then enable you to attain a MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.