The Master of Enterprise (MEnt) degree is MEC's flagship programme at postgraduate level and is considered to be one of the most innovative courses in enterprise offered in the UK. Unique characteristics of the programme are its use of subject supervisors, enterprise supervisors and external mentors throughout the course, plus its highly resourced Business Creation Unit where students learn within an entrepreneurial community.

The programme has been designed to train and support students in developing business ideas. It will appeal to people who would like to develop their entrepreneurial skills and go on to either develop their own business or work for a company where enterprise and innovation are valued.

The programme is a generic university-wide research master's degree programme available in any department or school at the University. Students work on projects which combine their subject expertise with the enterprise knowledge and skills required to turn these projects into viable business propositions. It is modular in content and the project is supported by two compulsory taught enterprise units provided by MEC and two optional 'subject' units.  Students are based within the Business Creation Unit under the supervision of enterprise academics and mentors.

Programme structure:

  • Enterprise Project (120 credits)

At the core of the programme is the project, student's research markets and then draw up and undertake development plans for their unique product or service.

  • Two compulsory enterprise units (30 credits in total)
  • Two optional subject units (30 credits in total)

Introduced in 2001, the programme has exceeded all expectations in terms of student numbers, and student achievements. The programme is centred on an enterprise project and students work out of a unique enterprise laboratory, Business Creation Unit, where they are nurtured and mentored on real-life projects - their own, an academics or one from industry - shaping the product or service into a marketable business.

Supporting the programme is a group, of mentors who have experience in a variety of different sectors. These two ingredients combine to give the students the benefit of an academic course, but also the significant opportunity for creativity that they can develop in terms of business creation experience. Those ideas with real business potential then move on, under the guidance of the student entrepreneur, into the university accelerators and incubators.

Student quotes

"Allows you to gain real business experience whilst gaining a degree."
"Combination of theory and real-life industry application is a real strength."
"My confidence has grown enormously."
"Starting my own business is now not just a dream."

Further information

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Funding

There are a limited number of Master of Enterprise (MEnt) scholarships available to British and European Union students. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of project merit and/or student motivation and strong academic credentials.

A good project is one with commercial potential. It should involve an innovative new product or service or an innovative use of an existing product or service. The project needs to be in an area that can be supported by the school you register with. Students can work on their own ideas or ones from other sources. Other sources of projects include your school, the University's spin-out/spin-in companies or external companies.

Once you have completed your formal application please inform
claire.gill@manchester.ac.uk and you will be sent a Scholarship Application Form.

Funding for International Students:

Information on sources of funding for international students can be found at: www.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding