The focus of this programme is on the management of innovations and entrepreneurial firms, both small and large. Whether you have the ambition to start up your own business or you are already running your own company, MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation can help you achieve your career goals.
Introduction
To meet the evolving needs and diverse career aspirations of our students, our relaunched MSc programme in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) combines strong, research-based foundations with critical perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation. It offers modules on digital marketing, business analytics, sustainable innovations for societal impact, venture financing and governance, and the internationalisation and commercialisation of innovations. The MSc is designed to inspire and cultivate future entrepreneurs, consultants, small business managers, and leaders of innovation within both new ventures and existing organisations.
Entrepreneurial thinking is increasingly central to career success in dynamic, evolving work environments where job roles are often fluid, and transitions between traditional employment and self-employment are becoming the norm. The creation of new ventures is essential for sustainability, equality, and economic development, while innovation—whether in new or established businesses—is key to competitiveness, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This programme prepares graduates to think and work entrepreneurially, identify opportunities, drive innovations, and reflect on the ethical and sustainable implications of their decisions.
Students will gain essential skills in business analytics, finance, and international awareness—competencies crucial for launching new ventures, protecting intellectual property, and driving innovation within established firms. Specialist modules foster expertise in start-up development, commercialisation, and sustainability, addressing global business, societal, and environmental challenges. The programme integrates theoretical knowledge, supported by world-class research, with practical applications. Students can complete their final summer project through either a traditional dissertation, a guided entrepreneurship plan or a consultancy project with a local business, providing opportunities to develop research, entrepreneurial and innovative skills, build knowledge, and establish a network among key stakeholders in the region.
Beyond formal lectures and seminars, students will engage with guest speakers, industry professionals, and the vibrant innovation ecosystem in Liverpool. Optional participation in entrepreneurship and sustainability events, as well as networking opportunities through the School’s Research Centres, will further enhance their experience. This comprehensive approach equips students with the skills and experience needed to excel as future leaders in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Accreditation
The University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ aaccreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
In the first semester, students build a strong foundation in key concepts, theories, and debates surrounding entrepreneurship and innovation. The modules cover a broad focus on new and existing organisations, equipping students with the tools to analyse challenges and opportunities in these areas.
Required Modules:
ULMS 867: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation This module explores how organisations manage and drive innovation in a competitive, technology-driven environment. Emphasising sustainable and AI-enabled practices, it equips students to critically analyse corporate entrepreneurship. Key topics include entrepreneurial strategy, innovation ownership, AI-driven business models, and ethical decision-making.
ULMS XXX: Strategy for Entrepreneurship and Innovation This interdisciplinary module focuses on the practical challenges of bringing innovation and new ventures into existence. Students will explore how resources, organizational structures, and management mechanisms shape the execution of innovative ideas and new ventures.
ULMS XXX: Financing and Governing Ventures This module addresses the financial aspects of entrepreneurship, helping students understand core financial concepts, valuation methods, investment options, and the governance structures that support venture growth. It builds students’ confidence in communicating financial details to investors and stakeholders.
These modules collectively provide a robust understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation, preparing students to explore business creation, expansion, and innovation within established firms.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Semester two shifts the focus to the individual, with modules designed to enhance applied skills and personal competencies. Students will learn to operationalise the strategic insights developed in Semester 1.
Required Modules:
ULMS XXX: International Innovation and Commercialisation This module covers the global management and commercialisation of innovation, with a focus on intellectual property (IP) strategies. Students will explore how different institutional contexts (e.g., US vs. emerging economies) impact IP management and commercialisation strategies.
ULMS XXX: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Digital and Analytics World Students will learn how data-driven approaches are transforming entrepreneurship and business strategy. The course covers the role of big data, AI, and analytics in reshaping businesses, mitigating disruptions, and driving innovation.
ULMS XXX: Sustainable Innovation for Societal Value This module explores how innovation can address urgent social and environmental issues. Students will learn to design, evaluate, and scale sustainable innovations that have a positive societal impact.
ULMS XXX: Entrepreneurship in SMEs Focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this module examines how entrepreneurship is practiced in different types of SMEs, including family businesses and digital enterprises. Students will analyse the challenges faced by SME managers and explore policies supporting their growth and integration into entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
In the final semester, students enter the “capstone” phase of their studies and have two options:
Strategy, Planning and Implementation Project: Develop a business plan for a new enterprise or create a consultancy report addressing an organizational innovation challenge.
Dissertation: Conduct an academically oriented research project based on a case, organisation, or context of their choice.
Optional modules
DISSERTATION (ULMS790)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module is designed to help students develop an in-depth understanding of a topic within their chosen domain of management and business and for the student to use this knowledge to analyse a management problem or issue. A preparation phase of the module is included to provide the students with the skills necessary in problem analysis and research in order that they can undertake an independent research project. Thereafter, independent, guided study and research are used to develop both theoretical and practical critical-thinking skills, and to present research, analysis and findings. The reflective element of the dissertation gives students an opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate their experience of the learning process.
STRATEGY, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION (ULMS719)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module offers an opportunity for students to develop knowledge and understanding of the multi-level processes involved in organisational and managerial practices. The module is a practical platform for students to develop business analysis and strategic decision-making skills; as well as the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to research, analyse and present information coherently in order to support a recommended course of action. The individual assignment provides students with the opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation of a management issue relevant to their MSc programme. For this assessment students are to critically evaluate and synthesise relevant theories, models and practices of management by undertaking a detailed enquiry into a programme specific area of research by undertaking an analytical literature review by using secondary data. The reflective element of the individual assignment encourages students to critically analyse and evaluate their experience of the learning process during the module and their MSc.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
This interdisciplinary programme is built on an educational approach that ensures students develop the essential skills to pursue careers in entrepreneurship and innovation. This commitment extends beyond the curriculum, with school-wide strategies to foster employability, including an integrative programme of enhancement weeks that engage students with industry, alumni, and peers from other programmes.
The curriculum is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, tutorials, and project work. Lectures impart core subject knowledge, while case studies and practical exercises demonstrate the real-world application of theoretical concepts. The programme includes both team-based and individual exercises to foster collaboration and independent critical thinking.
Designed for students with diverse industrial, business, and academic backgrounds, this programme is structured around six 20-credit modules and one final 60-credit module. The first two semesters each feature three taught modules, interspersed with four week-long enhancement weeks that provide industry exposure, networking, and employability skills development. In Semester 2, students select one 60-credit module and undertake either an applied project or a research dissertation. All Semester 2 modules are optional.
How you're assessed
In semesters one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The dissertation or Strategy, Planning and Implementation project completed during the summer period is worth 60 credits and students will be supported by their academic supervisor.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, but students can expect to be assessed via coursework, essay, group work, presentations, case studies, negotiation exercises, reports and examinations. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module specification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
University of Liverpool Management School is a famous globally connected school where I can study in an international environment... Liverpool is an incredible city for me the people are nice and passionate about life.
This MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation seeks to develop an understanding of core business and management disciplines, and to show how they link together in terms of enabling managers to address the tasks they face.
Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for diverse career paths, whether launching their own ventures, pursuing consulting opportunities, or leading innovative changes within existing organisations. They will be equipped to create and develop businesses while considering their societal and environmental impact.
The programme emphasises the development of business and management skills in solving problems via analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and leadership, which can be applied in the modern organisation.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
From day one, you will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.
This programme is suitable for those looking to work in a wide range of management positions within:
private sector
public sector
entrepreneurial organisations.
The content and delivery of the programme will also equip students with the skills to develop their own innovative enterprises and/or work as managers of innovative projects in larger organisations.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£13,900
Part-time place, per year
£13,900
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,000
Part-time place, per year
£29,000
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
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