You'll learn about the application of enterprise behaviours to create economic, social, environmental or cultural value in various contexts, among them private and public organisations as well as small enterprises and large corporations. Specifically, this module goes beyond new venture creation (entrepreneurship) and considers the application of entrepreneurial skills and knowledge in established organisations (intrapreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship) to initiate innovation, change and organisational development. The skills you'll develop and the concepts and frameworks you'll explore can be applied to a managerial role in an established organisation, as well as if you're planning to start your own commercial or social venture, or join your family's business.
The contents and activities included in this module are designed in a way that makes them applicable to different types of organisations. It illustrates that entrepreneurship has many different, sometimes unexpected forms and emerges in various contexts. The module uses a range of approaches to help you learn about entrepreneurship and forms of entrepreneurial practice. These include the use of cases of entrepreneurial experience, videos, tasks involving the collection and analysis of data and information, excerpts from a dedicated textbook, news items, online discussions with other students, and self-directed learning. By the end of this module, you should have a greater understanding of what entrepreneurship means and be able to integrate your learning into your work practices.
You will be required to study up to seven hours per week for six months.
This module is relevant to any managerial career, particularly if you're considering the creation of a commercial or social enterprise. It will also be relevant if you are involved in the leadership and governance of strategic change initiatives in your organisation or interacting with entrepreneurial individuals and organisations to address pertinent societal problems.
You'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor.
They’ll help you by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we'll make recordings available. While they're not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to take part.
You will learn by working online in structured activities supported by a wide range of resources, including specially designed books and a world-class online library. Activities generally require online participation over two to six weeks and contribute to your reflective practice and your assessment.
Course work includes:
As well as the individual tuition provision, you'll have access to regular opportunities for engagement with other students, university library access, an extensive variety of specially written resources presented in different media (print and online) and designed exclusively for this module, audio-visual material, published articles, case studies and a set of interactive tools to help you develop your entrepreneurial mindset.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
BB851 is an option module in our:
Sometimes you cannot count a module towards a qualification if you have already counted another module with similar content. To verify any excluded combinations with this module, check with an adviser before registering.
Entrepreneurship in context starts once a year, in November.
This page describes the module that will start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
If you're taking this module as part of the Master of Business Administration, it is recommended you have completed the first 105 compulsory credits of the MBA.
Alternatively, as it is possible to study this module on a standalone basis, you will need to ensure that you have the knowledge and experience to study at postgraduate level. Please note that if you wish to study towards a qualification at a later date, you must meet the entry requirements for that qualification.
You will also need an appropriate capability in the English language, sufficient to work effectively at postgraduate level; generally, this means capability equivalent to an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 6.5. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies, you can visit the IELTS website. If you are unsure whether your skill level in English is adequate, you may find it helpful to look at our Skills for OU Study site.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Elements of this module are delivered online and include the use of real-time online discussions and an interactive whiteboard space, so time spent using a computer and the internet will be extensive. If you use assistive technology or have a hearing or speech impairment and have concerns about accessing this type of virtual environment and materials, contact The Open University to discuss it further before registering.
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 07 Nov 2026 | 30 Apr 2027 | 15 Oct 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information in late March 2026. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
