Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation

If you are looking to launch a technology start-up, grow an existing family business, use technology innovation to transform an existing organisation, or to create a social enterprise using technology to maximise the positive impact on society, then this MSc programme is for you.

Taught in partnership by the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and the Business School, the programme provides you with an exceptional learning experience, access to world-leading academics, and the chance to build an outstanding personal network to enhance your future career.

Through this programme you will learn and develop methods, techniques and analytical tools to apply technology innovations to create new organisations or to enhance business operations, along with a thorough understanding of the industry’s processes and practices.

The modules Engineering Management Science, Sustainable Manufacturing and Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship (delivered by the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences) provide you with an exceptional hands-on learning experience of the latest theories, concepts and technologies underpinning the 4^th Industrial Revolution. The module Entrepreneur Business Startup delivered by the Business School provides you with the tools, skills, and the mental framework to successfully create and grow a new venture. Your educational experience will culminate in one of the following dissertations: a New Venture project or a Business Growth project.

This MSc programme covers the theory and practice of both technology innovation and entrepreneurship and creates a space to test these ideas in the real world. This understanding is supported by the underpinning core engineering modules (Engineering Management Science, Sustainable Manufacturing and Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship) and by hands-on learning experience in Exeter Digital Enterprise Systems laboratory. The module Entrepreneur Business Startup will provide a thorough understanding of the requirements for the development and launch of a successful new startup or a new venture within an existing enterprise.

As a result of undertaking and successfully completing the course, you will:

1. have a critical understanding of the entrepreneurial mind-set, the nature of entrepreneurship and innovation, the entrepreneurial and innovation process, and business model generation

2. know how to identify, create, deliver and manage new business value

3. be enabled to have the confidence to start new ventures or embark on significant technology innovation

4. be equipped with the knowledge of growth phases of business and innovation so you can make responsive, informed management decisions

5. have developed an understanding of the application of industry-standard concepts and tools in engineering business management through theoretical and practical application, and be capable of applying this experience in new situations

6. be able to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems and identify solutions from the perspectives of both engineering as well as entrepreneurship

7. have developed skills of analysis using tools and techniques based on an interdisciplinary approach, which includes engineering, management, mathematics, and systems modelling.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Exeter’s approach to engineering education emphasises collaborative Problem/Project Based Learning, contextualised teaching and a focus on skills development and practical application of knowledge. A blend of traditional and innovative teaching and learning approaches will be deployed. Exeter Digital Enterprise Systems laboratory will provide hands-on learning experiences with the latest technologies underpinning the 4^th Industrial revolution.

Distinctive Intentions

The programme is built on Exeter’s culture of technology innovation and entrepreneurship and offers a unique blend of learning and doing.

The MSc in Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation is a 12 month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.  The programme comprises 180 credits in total.

Exit Awards

If you do not complete the programme, you may be able to exit with a lower qualification.

• Postgraduate Diploma: At least 120 credits of which 90 or more must be at level M.

Postgraduate Certificate: At least 60 credits of which 45 or more must be at level M.

The following table describes the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Business School and College of Engineering Mathematics and Physical Sciences College websites:

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/engineering/modules/

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/business-school/students/postgraduate/modules/

Stage 1: 180 credits of compulsory modules

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network. Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

Risk Mitigation Plan

Considering that the programme is delivered jointly with the Business School, and change of the provisions of the Business School will be addressed in due time so the interests of the students will be preserved adequately. The Associate Deans of Education of both colleges will decide on the most suitable measures required to mitigate such circumstances.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).