BSc Business Enterprise (BBE) Programme

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The BSc Business Enterprise (BBE) is an undergraduate degree program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful entrepreneurs.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The main aims and objectives of the BSc Business Enterprise (BBE) Programme are to cultivate a deep understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation, equipping students with the necessary skills to successfully start and manage their own businesses. The program seeks to foster a practical learning environment where students gain hands-on experience by actively launching and running a business during their studies. By integrating academic knowledge with practical application, the BBE Programme aims to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of sustainable business practices and ethical decision-making. Ultimately, it aims to produce graduates who are not only capable of creating and sustaining profitable enterprises but also contributing positively to the broader business community and society.

How does the program work?

The innovative BSc Business Enterprise (BBE) at the independent University of Buckingham was the first undergraduate Venture Creation Programme in the world when it was launched in January 2006.

It offers students the opportunity to start and develop their own business, as an integral part of their honors degree.

Within four months of the course starting, students must pitch an idea to a business angel panel, with successful pitches awarded up to £5,000.

The students then develop their businesses over the remaining 18 months, whilst continuing study for an honors degree.

On graduation, BBE students can buy their business for a nominal sum and continue to its development.

Students also gain access to the universities wider support network for entrepreneurs: 

  • Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Unit: This unit offers resources and networking opportunities with local business professionals and entrepreneurs. It hosts events and provides a platform for students to gain advice and ideas from experienced individuals.
  • Academic and Entrepreneurial Support: Students receive continuous support from experienced business owners, entrepreneurs, and academics, enhancing their learning experience and business success potential.
What is the overall cost?

There is currently no available information on the cost of running the program. However, for individual students the cost is £9,250 per year. 

How was it implemented?

The programme was established in 2006, building on the University of Buckingham's extensive experience in helping students start businesses. 

What impact has been measured?

There is currently no available information on the imapct of the program. 

What lessons can be learned?

The BSc Business Enterprise (BBE) Programme at the University of Buckingham offers several valuable lessons:

1. Integration of Theory and Practice

  • Hands-On Experience: The BBE Programme emphasizes the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students are required to start and manage their own businesses during their studies, which helps them apply classroom concepts to real-world situations.

2. Entrepreneurial Mindset

  • Fostering Entrepreneurship: The program nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset among students. By starting their own businesses and facing real challenges, students learn to think creatively, solve problems, and make strategic decisions.
  • Sustainable Practices: The curriculum includes modules on sustainable operations and how to cope with business disruptions, promoting a responsible and resilient approach to entrepreneurship.

3. Support and Mentorship

  • Networking Opportunities: The Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Unit provides a robust support system where students can network with local businesspeople and entrepreneurs. This enhances their learning experience and offers valuable mentorship.
  • Experienced Faculty: The programme benefits from high-caliber staff with real-world business experience, providing students with insights and connections that are crucial for their entrepreneurial journey.
Notes + Additional Context

About entreprise education:

Schools, colleges and universities are sometimes criticised as being too theory-oriented and lacking connection with the ‘real world’. Indeed, the rise of the accelerator movement can be seen, in part, as due to a lack of practical entrepreneurship training. Fortunately, this has changed rapidly in recent years, with many schools and colleges offering students the courses and tools needed to start their own business.

From a policy point of view, the focus is typically on persuading educational institutions to embed enterprise education within the curriculum (rather than offering as an ‘add-on’); building multiple initiatives and types of support (such as physical space, IP advice, mentorship, business plan competitions, hackathons, pitching days, student enterprise societies, connections to VCs, in-house funds, networking sessions, and so on); and nurturing an ecosystem around the institution itself (which may involve alumni, local businesses, and so on).

Read more about this type of policy instrument in Nesta's Idea Bank for policymakers.

CURATED BY

Siddharth Bannerjee

Researcher, Digital Startups
Nesta
United Kingdom