Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship – MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation

SKEMA Business School’s master’s degree in entrepreneurship prepares future entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders to launch ventures, manage innovation projects and drive business growth in international environments. Through an immersive and practice-oriented curriculum, the MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation enables students to develop strategic, financial and entrepreneurial skills required to succeed in today’s fast-changing economy.

Located in Sophia-Antipolis on the French Riviera, Europe’s leading technology park, this entrepreneurship master’s programme combines academic excellence, real-world experience and strong connections with the international startup ecosystem. Students benefit from hands-on learning, expert mentoring and close collaboration with entrepreneurs, incubators and innovation-focused organisations.
 

Designed for ambitious students and young professionals, the programme provides the knowledge, resources and opportunities needed to create startups, support innovation in large organisations or build careers in venture capital, consulting and business development.

What is a master’s degree in entrepreneurship?

A master’s degree in entrepreneurship is a graduate programme designed for students who want to develop entrepreneurial thinking and acquire the skills needed to create, manage and scale innovative businesses. This type of degree combines business management, innovation strategy, leadership and venture development to prepare graduates for entrepreneurial careers.
 

Entrepreneurship goes beyond launching a startup. It involves developing an entrepreneurial mindset based on creativity, initiative, adaptability and the ability to identify business opportunities in changing markets. A master entrepreneurship and innovation programme helps students understand how to transform ideas into sustainable ventures while learning how organisations innovate and grow.
 

Unlike a general business management degree or a specialised innovation course, SKEMA’s MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation focuses on startup creation, venture management, intrapreneurship and integration into entrepreneurial ecosystems. Students work on real projects, collaborate with entrepreneurs and gain practical experience through immersive learning.
 

This master’s degree in business entrepreneurship also provides access to professional networks, startup incubators and innovation resources that support students throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

  • SKEMA’s master’s degree in entrepreneurship stands out for its strong international positioning and close integration with the European startup ecosystem. The programme was ranked among the Forbes top 10 entrepreneurial programmes in 2020 and SKEMA is recognised among Europe’s leading schools for startup creation efficiency in the Redstone University Startup Index 2024.
     

    The MSc entrepreneurship programme takes place on SKEMA’s Sophia-Antipolis campus, located in Europe’s first technology park and home to a dynamic innovation ecosystem that includes startups, deeptech companies, incubators and international organisations.
    Students benefit from more than 400 hours of courses delivered by experts in entrepreneurship, innovation, venture development and corporate strategy. The curriculum combines academic learning with real-world business experience.
     

    Participants are mentored by startup founders, intrapreneurs and innovation professionals from companies and ventures such as Good Eggs, AppNexus and Engie. Students also connect with local innovation structures including PACA Est Incubator, Village By CA and Bpifrance.
     

    The master’s degree in entrepreneurship also offers a strong international dimension. Courses are taught entirely in English and students join multicultural cohorts representing diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Additional information sessions and networking events allow each student to interact directly with entrepreneurs and innovation experts throughout the year.

    • Forbes top 10 entrepreneurial programme recognition
    • Strong positioning in the Redstone University Startup Index
    • Campus located in Sophia-Antipolis, Europe’s leading tech hub
    • More than 400 hours of entrepreneurship and innovation courses
    • Mentoring from entrepreneurs and corporate innovators
    • Connections with incubators and startup accelerators
    • International learning environment
    • Hands-on startup and venture development projects

  • SKEMA’s master’s degree in entrepreneurship is designed for students and young professionals who want to develop entrepreneurial careers or drive innovation within organisations.
     

    The programme is ideal for students planning to launch their own company, develop innovative ventures or scale startup projects. It also suits candidates interested in intrapreneurship roles within large corporations.
     

    Graduates seeking careers in startups, scale-ups, incubators, accelerators or venture capital funds can benefit from the programme’s strong professional orientation.
     

    The MSc entrepreneurship attracts international students from diverse academic backgrounds who want to gain global business exposure and develop entrepreneurial skills in an international environment.
     

    Applicants may enter the programme after completing a bachelor’s degree or after four years of higher education, depending on the chosen track. English proficiency is required for enrolment. Detailed admission requirements and programme information are available during the application process.

Skills acquired

A master’s degree in entrepreneurship develops a broad range of strategic, analytical and leadership skills required to launch and grow innovative ventures.
 

Students learn how to identify market opportunities, generate business ideas, prototype products and scale ventures in competitive environments. The curriculum emphasises experimentation, innovation and entrepreneurial decision-making.
 

Participants develop the ability to create business plans, design sustainable business models and evaluate market opportunities through research and analytics.
 

The entrepreneurship master’s programme also strengthens skills in strategic management, marketing and business development to help students position ventures effectively and support organisational growth.
 

Financial management is another core component of the programme. Students learn how startups secure funding, manage financial resources and prepare for investment opportunities.
 

Leadership, negotiation and project management are integrated throughout the curriculum to help students manage teams, navigate uncertainty and lead innovation projects successfully. Each student also works on practical group assignments and applied business modules to reinforce professional learning outcomes.
 

•    Startup creation and venture development
•    Business model design and business planning
•    Strategic marketing and market analytics
•    Financial management and fundraising
•    Leadership and entrepreneurial management
•    Innovation strategy and open innovation
•    Team management and project coordination
•    International business development

Programme content

The master’s degree in entrepreneurship at SKEMA combines academic courses, collaborative projects and practical business challenges.
 

Students explore key topics related to innovation management, startup creation and venture strategy while working on real entrepreneurial projects.
 

Main subjects taught in the curriculum include:
•    Innovation Ecosystems
•    New Ventures & Business Plan
•    Market Research
•    Finance for New Ventures
•    Strategic Marketing
•    Advanced Strategy
•    Design Thinking
•    Social Entrepreneurship
•    Open Innovation
•    Business Plan Competition
•    Ethics, Governance & Entrepreneurship
 

These courses help students build entrepreneurial knowledge while developing practical business and leadership skills applicable across industries and organisations.
 

The curriculum encourages experiential learning through case studies, startup simulations, collaborative assignments and interactions with entrepreneurs and venture experts. Several specialised modules also focus on international business development, innovation strategy and leadership in multicultural environments.

The MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation is available in two formats depending on students’ academic backgrounds.
 

Students entering after a three-year undergraduate degree follow a two-year track that includes foundational management courses before specialisation. Candidates holding a four-year degree or equivalent may join the one-year accelerated format directly.
 

The master’s degree in entrepreneurship is delivered full-time on SKEMA’s Sophia-Antipolis campus on the French Riviera.
Courses are taught entirely in English and combine core modules, electives, entrepreneurial projects and professional development activities.
 

Students may complete internships, work on startup projects or develop their own ventures as part of the learning experience.
Graduates receive an MSc degree combined with the DESMI diploma, recognised with the French master’s degree accreditation and RNCP certification number 41056.

 

  • Duration: 1 or 2 years depending on entry level
  • Format: full-time
  • Language: English
  • Campus: Sophia-Antipolis
  • Degree awarded: MSc + DESMI
  • Opportunities for internships and venture projects

What to do after a master in entrepreneurship?

A master’s degree in entrepreneurship opens access to a wide range of career opportunities in startups, innovation consulting, venture capital and corporate innovation.
 

Many graduates choose to launch their own ventures or become startup founders in industries such as technology, deeptech, finance, sustainability, creative industries and consulting.
 

Others join fast-growing startups or international organisations in strategic and operational roles.
 

•    Entrepreneur or startup founder
•    Business Developer in startups or scale-ups
•    Strategy and innovation consultant
•    Incubator or accelerator manager
•    Venture Capital Analyst
•    Innovation Project Manager
•    Intrapreneur in large corporations
•    Business development manager
 

The broad entrepreneurial and management skills developed during the programme enable graduates to work across multiple sectors and international markets.
 

After completing a master’s degree in entrepreneurship, some graduates choose to continue their studies to deepen their expertise or specialise further.
 

Students interested in academic research or university teaching may pursue doctoral studies in entrepreneurship, innovation management or organisational strategy.
 

Others continue their learning through specialised graduate programmes in finance, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, sustainability or product management.
 

Professional certifications in project management, fundraising, venture analytics or product leadership can also strengthen graduates’ career opportunities.
 

How to apply for the Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship?

Admission to SKEMA’s master’s degree in entrepreneurship is based on academic performance, professional experience, motivation and career goals.
The programme is open to applicants holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from any academic field.
 

Candidates must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following tests:
•    TOEFL iBT: 71
•    IELTS: 6
•    TOEIC: 810
•    Duolingo English Test: 105

1.    Online application submission
2.    Academic and professional evaluation
3.    Motivational interview
4.    Admission decision
 

Applications are submitted through the platform myskemapply.skema.edu.
 

International students may also explore scholarships, financial aid solutions and funding opportunities available through SKEMA and partner organisations.
 

Applicants are encouraged to review the admissions calendar regularly to stay informed about enrolment deadlines and application sessions. Comprehensive application information, language requirements and tuition details are provided throughout the admissions process.
 

Frequently asked questions about the master’s degree in entrepreneurship

  • No. The programme welcomes both students who already have startup ideas and those who simply want to develop entrepreneurial skills and explore innovation opportunities.

  • A master entrepreneurship and innovation programme such as SKEMA’s MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation is an excellent choice for students who want to learn how to create, finance and grow innovative ventures.

  • A master’s degree in entrepreneurship generally refers to a graduate degree recognised at master’s level. An MSc entrepreneurship programme typically offers a stronger international and business-oriented focus, while a specialised master’s is often designed for experienced graduates seeking advanced expertise.

  • The programme is primarily delivered full-time to maximise immersion in entrepreneurial projects, startup ecosystems and innovation experiences.

  • Yes. The programme welcomes students from diverse academic disciplines provided they demonstrate motivation, curiosity and interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.

  • Graduates can become entrepreneurs, startup founders, consultants, innovation managers, venture analysts or business developers across international organisations and industries.

Apply to the Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship

Join SKEMA Business School’s master’s degree in entrepreneurship and develop the entrepreneurial, strategic and leadership skills required to launch ventures and drive innovation internationally.

 

Apply to the Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship

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