About this course
Learn about enterprise and entrepreneurship from an international perspective, and how to manage entrepreneurial firms, on this International Entrepreneurship and Management MSc. You’ll examine key aspects of strategy and business process, learn how to promote innovation and creativity in organisations, and grow your knowledge of entrepreneurship in different regional and national settings.
This master’s degree pays particular attention to understanding and responding to the international context, and to international growth and expansion of enterprises.
The course is ideal if you’re interested in:
- starting your own business
- playing a leading role in a family business
- taking on a managerial role in a large local or global entrepreneurial venture
- working for a government or non-government organisation with a focus on entrepreneurial policies and activities
- pursuing academic research in entrepreneurship and management
You’ll learn from experts who balance academic expertise with ‘real world’ entrepreneurial experience, and benefit from:
- global case studies
- experiential learning and enterprise opportunities
- national and international industry expertise
- the latest theoretical frameworks and empirical insights
The course is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an internationally recognised award of excellence in business education.
Course lead
This course leader is Dr Shahnaz Ibrahim. Dr Ibrahim specialises in corporate social responsibility, with a focus on developing and emerging economies. Learn more about Dr Ibrahim’s work on their staff profile page.
Accreditations

MSc International Entrepreneurship and Management Taster Lecture
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of these subjects:
- business
- economics
- science
- engineering
- IT
- management
- marketing
- communication
- education
- political science
- sociology
You must have studied a module with evidence of qualitative writing.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
- Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
- Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You'll study this full-time master's degree over 12 months.
The first 9 months of this course are made up of taught modules, divided into 2 semesters with exams.
You’ll study modules that cover concepts and techniques in entrepreneurial activity such as:
- innovation and technology transfer
- marketing
- global strategy for growth
You’ll also have the chance to study modules on social enterprise and entrepreneurship and new business venturing. This will be useful if you're interested in:
- starting a business
- growing a family business
- using entrepreneurial skills to help grow an established local or global organisation
Other optional modules will help you to grow management skills in areas such as human resource management, operations management or finance.
Academic supervision for your dissertation starts in semester 2.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars with discussions, individual and group practical work and independent study.
You’ll gain practical experience by exploring case studies and business simulations. These case studies will focus on innovation and enterprise issues in real companies. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit some of the companies you study.
After completing the course, you’ll have transferable skills such as analytical thinking, teamwork, pitching and delivering presentations.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- exams
- coursework
- a dissertation
- group work
Dissertation
You'll need to write a 15,000-word dissertation. You’ll be able to choose your own topic, with the guidance of a supervisor, and conduct an independent investigation. This could be practice based, for example a feasibility study to inform the launch of your own business.
Academic Support
You’ll learn in small class groups, allowing you to build strong relationships with other students and lecturers.
You’ll have a personal academic tutor who can provide support and advice on course-related matters, as well as plenty of opportunities to discuss your work with module tutors.
You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with your dissertation supervisor, who can help develop your entrepreneurial ideas.
Careers
This degree prepares you for a career in entrepreneurship or management. With the skills you learn you can follow many career paths, such as:
- starting your own business
- leading a family business
- managing an entrepreneurial venture
- working for government and non-government organisations
- academic research in entrepreneurship and management
Your skills will be desired by businesses who want to find new ways of operating, including new start-ups, third sector organisations or well-established companies.
- Our students have followed a range of career paths, including:
- Created a start-up focused on environmental sustainability in the UK
- Set up a think tank in their home country, bringing together representatives from government and academia to create opportunities for entrepreneurs
- Working for BDO (accountancy and business advisory firm)
We want to create opportunities outside the course to enable you to broaden your experience, develop skills and enhance your CVs. Opportunities include workshops focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, held in the UK or overseas.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £12,608.
- EU and international students pay £24,060.
Deposit
When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:
- UK students: £250
- EU and international students: £1,000
Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000