About the Course

Course Description:

This program has been developed for people who intend to start new, innovative businesses or play a leading role in an innovative unit of an established organisation. The core of the program provides the theoretical and practical skills required to produce a comprehensive business plan integrating marketing, organisational behaviour and financial planning via a flexible corporate strategy. This program provides professional capabilities not only to potential entrepreneurs, but also to 'entrepreneurial professionals' and managers with an entrepreneurial outlook who wish to stay within an organisation and practise entrepreneurship by generating new ventures under the corporate umbrella.

The first eight units of study of the Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation program are those outlined for the Graduate Certificate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The final four units of study extend the student beyond the frontiers of new venture business planning to a greater depth of understanding of the theory and practice of ongoing entrepreneurship. Teaching methods also change to include a greater emphasis on case analysis and self-initiated projects.

Aims & Objectives:

The primary aims of the program are:

• to emphasise the management of change and new opportunities rather than administration of established practices
• to develop a concentration on the planning and control of rapid business growth
• to devote constant attention to integrating knowledge through interdisciplinary approaches, rather than separating knowledge into functional specialties
• to commit to the notion of  'theory for practice’s sake' - applying leading-edge theory to seek practical solutions to complex real-world problems

Course Structure:

Each unit of study is either taught in the traditional mode of one (three-hour) night class per week over a 12-week semester or in 'block mode' (usually six days over a 12-week period). Students are expected to spend a minimum of the equivalent class contact hours per week in private study and/or team project work.

Units of Study:

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

Graduates will be able to successfully start and/or develop new enterprises, and enhance career development within organisations.

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

A completed undergraduate degree, at a credit level, from a recognised tertiary institution, equivalent to a three year Australian bachelor degree. Or other qualifications or experience that, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, are of satisfactory standard and suitable preparation for entry into the program.

Applicants will only be admitted to the program if they are able to demonstrate entrepreneurial experience or characteristics or show that their prior experiences provides a suitable foundation for the program.

Applicants who do not hold an appropriate qualification but who have significant relevant work experience (normally five years or more) are encouraged to apply. In some cases, additional preliminary study may be required. Continuation in the program is determined by academic results.

Credit Transfer:

AGSE is committed to the principles of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Our philosophy of 'Learning Through Experience' recognises that learning takes place through a variety of means including formal studies at universities, other accredited institutions and private providers, employer-based training and development, and relevant experience gained within the workforce.

Undergraduate units are ineligible as a basis for unit exemptions, however, students with a major sequence of study in a relevant discipline will have the option of completing an additional elective as a substitution. Applications for RPL should accompany the enrolment application.

International students should bring certified copies of documentation supporting any claim for exemption.

Course Fees:

Application Procedure:

Applications for mid-year entry will be accepted until Friday 17 July 2009. Applications submission details can be found on the application form and can be downloaded from the website at: www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/postgrad/apply  

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Information Sessions:

Further information: