Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• Develop a critical understanding and the ability to reflect on the importance of an entrepreneurial attitude in individuals and organisations, particularly for relatively small and new firms.
• Develop students critical thinking in order to evaluate the factors affecting the success of the innovation process
• Use action based, academically grounded learning to develop insight into the complexity of the innovation process, analysing and evaluating problems and responding to challenges in real time
• Develop students’ understanding and analytical reflection of the complexity of managing the finances of a start-up business, including the legal considerations and the importance of good governance, and offer insights to analyse and address issues.
• To provide students with the skills of advanced networking and team working in order to compete in a rapidly changing business environment

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012, especially Part A: Setting and maintaining academic standards:
  • The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), the QAA, August 2008
  • Master’s Degree Characteristics, the QAA, March 2010
  • The Higher Education Credit Framework for England, the QAA, August 2008
• The Quality Code, Part B: Assuring and enhancing academic quality
  • Chapter B1: Programme Design, Development and Approval
  • Chapter B3: Learning and Teaching
  • Chapter B4: Enabling student development and achievement
  • Chapter B6: Assessment of students
• Master’s Degree Subject Benchmark for Business and Management, the QAA, 2015

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• K1 The complexity of the innovation process and its importance in the current economic climate
• K2 The academic theories of entrepreneurship and the interconnectedness between entrepreneurial tendencies and resulting behaviour
• K3 The interrelationships between an organisations environment, its internal governance and its potential for growth in the global market place
• K4 The funding and financial management of start-up companies
• K5 The diverse influences on the success of organisations from a multidisciplinary perspective

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• C1 Critically Analyse the need for and importance of good financial and operational governance of organisations
• C2 Critically evaluate the role of ethical business management in today’s society
• C3 Critically analyse the components of entrepreneurial behaviour and the value of taking decisive action to influence organisational success.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• P1 Analyse company performance  and be able to critically reflect on the use of business and risk analysis tools
• P2 Synthesise information from appropriate sources and advise on strategic positioning for growth of an organisation
• P3 Demonstrate effective communication to persuade and influence stakeholders
• P4 Critically Evaluate the funding needs of a new venture and advise on future strategy in the context of the current economic climate

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• T1 Select and use appropriate investigative and research skills
• T2 Critically evaluate a range of academic and industry sources and effectively summarise these in a range of written formats
• T3 Work flexibly and creatively in a team whilst recognising the contribution of self and other with a range of diverse skills through self-reflection
• T4 Communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences

4. Programme structure

Semester 1, 2020/21 (January 2021)

Semester 2, (February to June 2021)

Compulsory Modules (60 credits)

Semester 3, 2020/21 (June to September 2021)

Compulsory Module (60 credits)

Semester 1, 2021/22 (October 2021 to January 2022)

Compulsory Modules (60 credits)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

All modules available in the Special Assessment Period (SAP) unless specified in the Module Specification.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not Applicable.