Business Entrepreneurship

Two years.

The course contains several features which enable the entrepreneurs of tomorrow not only learn how to succeed, but also demonstrate that they can do so because students will be given the opportunity to start their own new business venture while studying.

The programme is designed to support participants in starting their own business, growing their existing business or perhaps developing a new business venture within their employer's organisation.

Stage one

At stage one the focus is on the early stages of developing a business venture. Students spend six hours per week learning about the practical application of business principles, such as marketing and funding the new business, together with studying entrepreneurship and key issues in small business management. They are also given guidance in developing as an entrepreneur, with opportunities to meet successful local entrepreneurs and interact with the regional business community. Students have a choice of starting their own business (or developing an existing one), or working in an existing business to research potential business opportunities. In either case, the project work is customised and learning is supported by Northampton Business School's business start-up team, who are deeply involved in advising and incubating new businesses throughout the region. Course participants have access to a wide range of support services.

Stage two

At stage two further studies focus on managing a growing business. Elements include looking after customers, managing money, and small business growth strategies. Participants will be supported in their personal development, this time with a focus on management skills. The project work will focus on developing/growing the business and will again be customised to your requirements with support provided by Northampton Business School's enterprise support team and the Business Link.

• Students spend one third of their time developing business ideas outside of the classroom, this can be in part-time work or developing a brand new business
  
• Remaining two thirds spent on acquiring key business knowledge including entrepreneurial skills, growing a business, marketing, finances and customer care
• FdA Business Entrepreneurship is a nationally recognised qualification and successful students will  have the opportunity to 'top-up' for one additional year to gain the full BA (Hons) Business Entrepreneurship

• Accountancy and Finance  
• Entrepreneurial Skills Development 
• Enterprise and Innovation 
• Management Skills Development
• Managing Customers and Clients
• Marketing

The University of Northampton's Enterprise Club is onsite facility where students can meet and network with business people and entrepreneurs, attend short courses (many for free) and link up with fellow students alike.

Some students have formed their own business after competition of the FdA Business Entrepreneurship whilst others have developed a business whilst still studying (often through course-based activities). These students have found that the support given to them whilst they 'play with' and develop potential business ideas within the University environment is invaluable. Regardless of the path you ultimately choose to take, all students benefit from a breadth of knowledge in entrepreneurship, small business management and general management.

What if I'm not quite ready to start my business yet?

That's OK. We have arranged two pathways through the course. The first is for people who want to start their businesses at the same time as studying. The 'work-based learning' element will involve researching, founding and managing your business over two years. The second route is for people who are not yet ready to start their own business right now, and will involve work-based learning through employment in a local small business. Additionally, these students will undertake the development of a business plan for their own new venture for the future.

The University of Northampton is the regional university, and is the home of NBS: We have been running a successful entrepreneurship degree for over ten years and have gained a national reputation for educating entrepreneurs of the future.

In addition to The University of Northampton , the course has the backing of many local agencies and businesses. East Midlands Development Agency provided significant development funding for the degree, and see this as a great way to ensure that new business 'start-ups' have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed, and Business Link which provides ongoing support to students throughout their studies.

What qualifications do I need to get on the course?

If you are over 21 when the course starts, then we are looking for you to be committed to the entrepreneurial/self-employment/owner-manager lifestyle. We will ask you to attend for an informal interview shortly after you apply. This will allow you to check out any outstanding doubts that you may have, and allow us to get a better understanding of your needs and aspirations. It is desirable for you to provide evidence of achievement on academic courses in the past, but this is not always essential if you can show a track record of achievement in the workplace, voluntary activity, or independent study.

If you are not 21 yet, then we will need you to have four GCSEs and one GCE Advanced Level subject or equivalent, such as VCE or BTEC/EDEXEL National Award. Other qualifications may be acceptable - please contact us before applying. Application is normally via UCAS, with applicants being enrolled with The University of Northampton, from whom you will graduate. Some students, who are returning to study after a gap, choose to register as an Associate Student and take (and pay for) just one element in the first year, as a 'taster'.

Is it only for 18 year olds?

No, but you do have to be at least 18 when you start the course. This course welcomes older students who have decided to 'shift career'. The course is ideal for anyone who sees self-employment as their preferred lifestyle (providing you meet the entrance criteria outlined over the page). Learning sets will be used to allow students with similar backgrounds, interests and aspirations to provide support to each other. If you have not studied for a while, don't worry, we provide specialist support and advice via a range of services to help you to succeed.