Course overview

Learn faster. Innovate sooner. Make an impact now.

The BSc Business, Enterprise and Innovation is Aston University's new two‑year accelerated degree designed for ambitious learners who want to think creatively, act entrepreneurially and shape the future of business. You will study the equivalent of a traditional three‑year course in an intensive, professionally focused format - developing the innovation, enterprise and leadership capabilities employers and investors demand.

Built by the Aston Centre for Enterprise, Coaching and Innovation (CECI), the programme uses Aston’s distinctive Team Academy inspired entrepreneurship pedagogy, with real‑world projects, industry coaching, consultancy sprints and a micro‑placement built into the course.

BSc Business, Enterprise and Innovation is a new, future‑focused degree with a strong emphasis on innovation, strategy, digital skills, sustainability and accelerated progression. BSc Business Enterprise Development continues in teach‑out for existing students, with the last cohort being September 2026.

The course is delivered by Aston Business School which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Why Business, Enterprise and Innovation at Aston University?

Graduate faster with an accelerated degree

Complete your degree in just two years, entering the workforce – or launching your venture – sooner

Learn through enterprise, innovation and real‑world projects

You’ll create value through live consultancy challenges, client projects, venture sprints and innovation labs

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Develop future‑ready skills

Digital innovation, sustainability, foresight, strategic thinking, leadership and applied problem‑solving are embedded throughout

Micro‑placement built into the programme

You’ll complete a minimum four‑week micro‑placement, enabling you to apply your skills in practice and build your professional profile

Designed for wellbeing and success

The accelerated approach includes structured breaks, clear progression points, and built‑in wellbeing, academic and digital skills support

From idea to reality

Louis and Alex share how studying Business Enterprise Development helped them turn an idea into a business through hands-on learning and support.

Eleta's story

Hear Eleta talk about her time studying at Aston University and why the BSc (Hons) Business Enterprise Development course was right for her.

A day in the life

Find out more about our unique course where you learn by doing.

Why study Business Enterprise Development?

Dr Elinor Vettraino explains some of the main features of studying Business Enterprise Development at Aston University.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

BSc (Hons) Business, Enterprise and Innovation

This is no ordinary business degree. It’s fast-tracked, hands‑on and built for people who want to get things done.

What we will provide
We give you the opportunity to learn-by-doing where you can set up your own company with a team of peers – real life business rather than simulation. You will be supported by a team of coaches who are there to guide you. You will also join a diverse, close community which welcomes students from over 120 countries.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
You will have a passion and willingness to embrace a new style of learning, collaboration and teamwork which is more aligned to the working world. You may be interested in setting up your own enterprise or want to lead the development and success of established organisations.

What skills we teach
You can set yourself apart - this course has been designed to equip you with the skills, competencies, and attitudes to enhance both your entrepreneurial mindset and leadership capabilities from business growth, team performance and leadership to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Placement
As part of the course you will complete a minimum 4‑week micro‑placement (embedded at Level 5).

We all know that taking a placement will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. The micro-placement gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

How you will learn

BSc (Hons) Business, Enterprise and Innovation is a practical programme and you will learn by doing, working on real projects and enterprises, and developing your team leadership and followership skills.

As a team entrepreneur on the programme, you will dictate your own learning journey, asking for coaching inputs and inviting guests to support your exploration of specific subjects through team coaching processes rather than taught or lecture-based inputs. You will also benefit from a more directive programme of Creative Labs, designed by the coaching team to support your skills and knowledge development. Learning opportunities and assessments are built around three key pillars:

Enterprise management and growth
Team performance and leadership
Innovation and entrepreneurialism

Find out more about the Centre for Enterprise, Coaching and Innovation.

As part of the Aston enterprise ecosystem, you’ll benefit from:

Industry speakers, founders, alumni and innovators
Access to Design Factory Birmingham
Engagement with Aston Enterprise and Entrepreneurship programmes
SME networks and business clinic collaborations
Dedicated team coaches and personalised support
Adobe Creative Campus tools for digital practice
Belonging to the global Team Academy community

What you will learn

Across two intensive years, you will develop expertise in:

Enterprise creation, business modelling and innovation
Strategic growth and global business dynamics
Digital transformation, platforms and AI-enabled business
Sustainability, ethics and responsible leadership
Futures thinking, horizon scanning and trend mapping
Professional communication, negotiation and teamwork
Applied research and evidence‑based decision‑making

By the time you graduate you will be ready to launch a venture, join an innovative strategic team, lead projects, or progress to postgraduate study.

Course objectives

Develop a strong understanding of contemporary business, enterprise and innovation, enabling students to interpret organisational, market and societal challenges.
Encourage entrepreneurial mindsets and behaviours, including curiosity, creativity, opportunity recognition and constructive engagement with uncertainty.
Build professional competence and collaborative confidence, supporting students to communicate effectively, work ethically with others and operate in authentic project and client settings.
Enable the application of knowledge through real‑world, experiential learning, including live or simulated projects, consultancy work, placements and applied research.
Promote responsible, inclusive and globally aware practitioners who can evaluate the ethical, sustainability and stakeholder implications of business and enterprise decisions.
Develop digital literacy and future‑focused capability, supporting students to use digital tools and understand the implications of digital innovation, data and emerging technologies.
Prepare students for meaningful post‑graduate futures, whether in employment, venture creation or further study, through reflective practice, portfolio development and progressive professional experience.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

The programme runs across four terms per academic year, using a sprint‑based structure with short breaks for consolidation and wellbeing.

Year 1
Year 2

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules.

Term 1 (September - December)

Module Title	Credits
Foundations of Business, Enterprise and Team Coaching Build your university foundations through hands‑on teamwork and coaching. You’ll explore how modern organisations work, practice core business skills, and learn to plan and deliver a project. Along the way, you’ll grow confidence, reflect on strengths, and use digital tools and support services effectively, setting you up for success in your degree and future career.	30
Innovation, Entrepreneurial Mindset and Opportunity Creation Learn to spot opportunities and turn ideas into early concepts. Through creative workshops and practical sprints, you’ll explore problems, prototype solutions and gather feedback to learn what works. You’ll leave with a clear, evidence‑based view of where value could be created and the confidence to communicate your ideas to others.	30

Term 2 (January - March)

Module Title	Credits
Entrepreneurial Finance and Business Modelling Understand how ventures create, capture and explain value. You’ll build a simple business and financial model, explore revenue and cost drivers, and practice basic forecasting and cash‑flow thinking. The focus is on clear communication of assumptions to non‑specialists, so you can support decisions and pitch with confidence.	30
Entrepreneurial Marketing and Business Growth Get to know customers and design early growth. You’ll gather insight, shape a proposition, plan ethical go‑to‑market activity and create compelling communications for a defined audience. Expect practical tasks, collaboration and feedback that help you build marketing confidence from day one.	30

Term 3 (April - June)

Module Title	Credits
Start‑Up Sprint / Consultancy Project 1 Learning is project‑led and client‑facing, with students working in teams on a live or simulated organisational challenge. Workshops and coached sessions support problem framing, research and solution development. Asynchronous learning provides tools and exemplars to support independent work. Reflection focuses on responsibility, contribution and professional conduct.	30
Strategic Business Innovation in a Global Context Learning is analytical and applied, centred on case analysis, strategy labs and collaborative problem‑solving. Students evaluate global environments and develop strategic options through structured activities. Asynchronous learning introduces frameworks and concepts ahead of workshops. Emphasis is placed on ethical judgement and communicating strategic recommendations clearly.	30

Term 4 (June - September)

Module Title	Credits
Professional Practice Skills for Enterprise Learning is work‑based and reflective, centred on a minimum four‑week micro‑placement. Skills labs, coaching and asynchronous activities support the application of professional skills in the workplace. Students gather evidence from practice and feedback from others. Reflection consolidates learning and employability readiness.	30

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Explain core business and enterprise concepts, including introductory sustainability, ESG and digital technology principles, and illustrate their relevance to small venture and organisational contexts and future employability.
Apply foundational tools and methods, including digital and sustainability‑related approaches, to complete a supervised, real‑world or simulated project that supports employability development.
Use academic, professional and digital support systems to plan, monitor and evaluate learning and project tasks, including those relating to sustainable and responsible practice.
Reflect on personal strengths, behaviours, team contribution and emerging sustainability and digital competencies to identify priority development goals for employability.
Analyse organisational or venture problems and justify method choices when applying business, digital, sustainability and ESG theory in complex, applied contexts relevant to employability.
Demonstrate initiative, responsibility and professional behaviours while leading or co‑leading elements of project delivery, integrating sustainable, ethical and digitally enabled practices.
Produce and evaluate tangible outcomes (e.g., client deliverables, revenue generation, validated business models) that incorporate digital tools, sustainability and ESG awareness supported by evidence‑based reasoning.
Articulate a clear professional and entrepreneurial purpose, linking actions and results to team or venture strategy, sustainability values, ESG expectations and future employability goals.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules.

Term 1 (September - December)

Module Title	Credits
Ethical and Sustainable Enterprise Learning is discussion‑led and applied, using cases, debates and problem‑based activities to explore ethical and sustainability challenges. Workshops support the application of frameworks to enterprise contexts. Asynchronous learning prepares students for in‑class analysis and dialogue. Reflection focuses on ethical leadership, stakeholder impact and evidence‑based advocacy.	30
Digital Innovation in Business Design and justify digital solutions that create value. You’ll explore digital strategy, platforms and data‑enabled processes, assess risk and ethics, and develop a compelling business case. Working in teams and with industry insight, you’ll deliver a professional‑grade concept and rationale.	30

Term 2 (January - March)

Module Title	Credits
Horizon Scanning and Trend Mapping Build futures literacy for strategic advantage. You’ll scan for signals, map trends, develop scenarios and test strategic options under uncertainty. The emphasis is on clear, decision‑ready outputs for senior audiences – and the confidence to communicate them.	30
Growth Challenge / Consultancy Project 2 Deliver a high‑impact growth or consultancy project at professional standard. Operating with high autonomy, you’ll manage stakeholders, plan and govern delivery, and evidence measurable value. Your individual portfolio will capture learning, contribution and readiness for your next step after graduation.	30

Term 3 (April - June)

Module Title	Credits
Applied Research in Business Complete an independent, ethically sound research project with practical relevance. You’ll design your study, gather and analyse data, and communicate findings through a professional report and viva. This is ideal preparation for research‑informed practice or postgraduate study.	30

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Integrate advanced entrepreneurial and business knowledge with sustainability, ESG and digital innovation to address strategic challenges and opportunities.
Exercise independent judgement and accountability when operating in professional, business and civic environments with minimal support, demonstrating responsible, ethical and sustainable practice using appropriate digital tools.
Build and sustain productive relationships with peers, networks and external stakeholders, using digital platforms where appropriate, and demonstrating ethical awareness, sustainability perspective and professional integrity.
Evaluate and evidence readiness for graduate employment, venture leadership or further study through reflective assessment of impact, sustainability and ESG considerations, digital competence and professional development needs.

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels

BCC (standard offer) or a minimum of 3 years appropriate work experience which could include relevant employment, self employment or entrepreneurial ventures. Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will receive an interview invitation which will be conducted virtually or on campus. The interview is a compulsory element of the application process and no offer will be made without a successful interview being conducted first. When applying, please ensure you include an up to date email and telephone number as this is important information for us if you are shortlisted for interview. Further information about the interview and application process will be made available to you post-application.

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (standard offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

29 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,4,4 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics and grade 5 in English Language.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 15 credits at distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
Education and Childcare - grade D
Onsite Construction - grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
Digital Business Services - grade D
Digital Support Services - grade D
Health - grade D
Healthcare Science - grade D
Science - grade D
Accounting - grade D
Finance - grade D
Management and administration - grade D
Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Legal Services - grade D

GCSE Maths – grade C/4
GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4

Please note: because the accelerated degree delivers the full honours qualification in two intensive years, transfer points differ from a traditional three‑year degree.

Year 1 Entry (Accelerated Degree – Level 4)
We may consider applicants for Year 1 entry to the two‑year accelerated degree if you are currently studying the first year of a degree at another university. You must meet the GCSE and A‑level (or equivalent) entry requirements listed for this programme. All applications must be made via UCAS and include an academic reference. We do not accept direct applications.

Year 2 Entry (Accelerated Degree – Level 6)
Year 2 entry to the accelerated degree is possible in specific circumstances. Because Year 2 of the accelerated degree delivers final‑year (Level 6) modules, applicants must already have completed 240 credits at Levels 4 and 5. This means you would typically need to be:

In the final year (Year 3) of a traditional three‑year degree, and
Transferring to complete the final year in an accelerated format.

Second‑year entry to the accelerated programme is not part of the standard admissions process and is considered on a case‑by‑case basis, subject to:

Availability of places
Academic suitability

To be considered, you must:

Meet the GCSE and A‑level (or equivalent) entry requirements
Have successfully completed (or be expected to complete) 240 credits at Levels 4 and 5 on a closely related degree at a recognised university
Provide an official programme specification from your current course so that equivalency can be reviewed by the Admissions Tutor

Applications must be submitted via UCAS and include an academic reference.

Year 3 / Final-Year Entry
We are not able to consider applications for entry beyond the points outlined above.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

The fees set out below are not confirmed. We will update this webpage with the confirmed fees for 2027/28 by 31 July 2026.

UK students
(2027/28)

Annual tuition fees:

£11,440*

International students
(2027/28)

Annual tuition fees:

£32,250**

*UK students (Home Undergraduate):

Subject to parliamentary approval, the first year tuition fee will be £10,050, increasing annually in line with inflation for subsequent academic years.

Please note fees are higher per year for this course because this is a two-year accelerated degree, with more credits compressed into each year. There is a lower overall tuition fee compared to a three-year degree.

On 20 October 2025, the Government announced that tuition fees in England will be increased annually in line with inflation, starting in 2026. The Government have since confirmed that it intends to determine the inflation-linked increase using the Retail Price Index, although this is subject to parliamentary approval.

According to the Department for Education’s Policy Paper published on 26 November, the annual tuition fee for the Programme commencing in the academic year 2027/28 is expected to be £10,050, subject to parliamentary approval. If you are holding an offer at Aston, when the annual tuition fee for your Programme for the 2027/28 academic year has been confirmed, we will write to update you. We will also provide as much information as we can about the inflation-linked increase in tuition fees for future academic years.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this webpage and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. We expect to publish our 2027 entry Terms and Conditions in summer 2026. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

**International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The first year tuition fee and placement year fee are not confirmed. The annual tuition fee and placement year fee stated here are for the September 2026 entry for this course. The updated fees for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

All assessment on this programme is authentic, allowing you to demonstrate what you have achieved in other ways. Assessment is carried out through a variety of means, and focused on developing skills, competencies and the capacity to be entrepreneurial. While appropriate for some programmes that are focused on knowledge acquisition and beneficial for some people, exams are not used in this programme.

All your assessments will be practical and developmental.

Tasks include:

Real life client challenges.
Creating career and personal development plans.
Pitching for funding for your enterprise.
Showcasing your teams’ projects.
Maintaining your own reflective journal.
Creating enterprise development plans.
Ideation and new product/service challenges.
Interviews.
Presentation of a marketing campaign and an in-depth consultancy or market research project.

Personal development

This degree is like no other, particularly in preparing you for entering the real world of work. You will learn by doing and grow your confidence as well as skill sets in a practical learning environment, where you develop your own enterprise as part of a team. You will experience all aspects of enterprise development and management including team-working and negotiating skills. On the forefront of new working practices, this degree will enable you to navigate the team-based environments now becoming commonplace working structures in organisations around the globe.

Career prospects

No other course develops the skills, attributes, and competencies necessary to thrive in the modern enterprise environment like this programme. It will give you the confidence, resilience, and experience to lead, manage or set up your own business, or to take your future in whatever direction you want.

This is a new approach to learning and collaboration which is more aligned to the working world. You will gain real-life experience and will be able to draw on real examples in interviews of what you have achieved rather than learnt.

You will have the tools and insights to set up your own business. However, it is also a great course if you are looking to become ‘intrapreneurs’ – working for a company that assesses and promotes innovative product development and marketing, for instance.

You will graduate with the skills and experience needed for roles such as:

Innovation or business development manager
Strategy and growth consultant
Entrepreneur or start‑up founder
Social enterprise or sustainability lead
Digital transformation or product development specialist
SME leader or 'intrapreneur'

With built-in professional practice, you’ll leave with a portfolio of client work and evidence of impact.

International opportunities

This course is based on a module that was first released in Finland called Team Academy and is now practiced in seventeen countries, with four UK universities offering it. Once you have enrolled on this course you are linked to the global Team Academy hubs. Previous students have organised trips to Strasburg, Barcelona and Tampere to link with other Team Academies.

Watch some of our students present their ideas

Eleta Taylor Business Enterprise Development

Eleta's entrepreneurial journey

Eleta Taylor turned her passion for business and trainers into a successful start-up, Wicked Kickz Ltd. This was all made possible through the applied nature of the course.

Discover Eleta's journey

Team Academy Aston

Read our latest newsletter to find out what our students have been doing.

Find out more

Aston Business School graduates achieve some amazing things - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Simba's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I went on The Apprentice

Sunjay's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I worked with Kylie Minogue

Christine's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I founded a global football franchise

Frequently asked questions

What is an accelerated degree?

An accelerated degree condenses three years of study into two, using intensive teaching blocks and structured support.

Is it suitable for international students?

Yes – the programme has been designed to meet UKVI requirements.

Why Aston Business School?

Aston Business School is amongst the top 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation. All of this means we really value your learning experience and the skills you develop and demonstrate as part of your course.

Can I work alongside my studies?

Some part‑time work may be possible, but the programme is intensive. Students should plan carefully. Your business and project activity, including entrepreneurial ventures, will count towards your learning and study time.

How is this different from the Business Enterprise Development (BED) programme?

Business, Enterprise and Innovation is a new, future‑focused degree with a strong emphasis on innovation, strategy, digital skills, sustainability and accelerated progression. Business Enterprise Development continues in teach‑out for existing students, with the last cohort being September 2026.