Engineering is about more than just technical expertise—it’s about problem-solving, innovation, and, increasingly, business strategy. Whether leading a project, managing teams, or launching a startup, engineers who understand business principles and entrepreneurial thinking are in a stronger position to drive change and create opportunities.
The Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship for Engineers is a 40-credit programme designed for engineers looking to develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the commercial side of their industry. This course explores how engineering businesses operate, the role of leadership and management, and the principles of entrepreneurship, giving learners a solid foundation in the business of engineering.
With a flexible online learning format, this diploma allows learners to study at their own pace, making it ideal for those balancing professional commitments with further education.
This fully online diploma integrates key business and management principles with engineering-specific applications, providing the foundation for engineers to navigate the commercial aspects of their industry
Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship for Engineers
| Course ID: | Credits: |
|---|---|
| DIPBEE6 | 40 Credits |
The course is delivered as an online engineering course, consisting of two 20 credit units. The first unit is a recommended unit which is designed to deliver some fundamental learning required to progress onto the second, specific core unit.
Unit 1: Engineering Management (recommended*)
This unit explores the operation of engineering companies and the role of professional engineers within them. It examines how social and economic changes impact engineering businesses and the strategies they can adopt for growth and adaptation.
Learners will gain insight into management tools essential for professional engineers, including cost control, risk assessment, and project management techniques. The unit also covers key behavioural skills, such as effective communication, negotiation, and leadership, which are crucial for managing teams and projects successfully.
Additionally, the unit delves into professional standards and ethical responsibilities, highlighting the role of the Engineering Council in defining industry obligations and best practices.
Unit 2: Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (core)
This unit provides a critical understanding of business, enterprise, and entrepreneurship, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern business environments. Learners will explore the economics of business, examining how financial and market forces shape decision-making.
The unit also focuses on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), assessing their key characteristics, strategies for growth, and competitive positioning. Additionally, students will critically analyse entrepreneurship within the global economy, evaluating the impact of innovation, market trends, and economic forces on business success.
Finally, the unit covers leadership and management theories, providing insights into how different leadership styles can be applied to effectively lead entrepreneurial ventures and drive business success.
* The recommended unit can be replaced by a different unit of your choice depending on your personal preference, or previous learning experience.
A Practical Business Education for Engineers
This diploma brings together two essential areas of study: Engineering Management and Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. By combining these subjects, the course provides engineers with a deeper understanding of business strategy, financial management, leadership, and innovation.
Learners will explore how engineering businesses grow and adapt, how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, and what it takes to manage teams, projects, and resources effectively. The focus is always on practical application—understanding not just the theories of business and management, but how they relate to real-world engineering contexts.
Throughout the course, students will gain insight into the economic and social forces that shape engineering businesses, the strategies behind SMEs and start-ups, and the leadership skills required to drive innovation and success.
At the heart of this programme is a deep dive into how business and engineering intersect. Students will explore topics such as:
Understanding Engineering Businesses
How do engineering companies operate? What influences their success? This course examines the economic, social, and technological factors that impact engineering firms, as well as the ethical and regulatory considerations that professionals need to navigate.
Leadership and Management for Engineers
Managing an engineering team requires more than technical know-how. This diploma explores leadership styles, management theories, and interpersonal skills, showing how engineers can motivate teams, communicate effectively, and lead projects to success.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Engineering
What makes an engineering business thrive? Students will explore business models, start-up strategies, and innovation trends, gaining an understanding of how new technologies and market shifts create business opportunities.
Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making
Engineering and business require structured problem-solving and risk assessment. This course teaches engineers how to think strategically—whether managing a budget, evaluating risk, or making key investment decisions.
By the end of this programme, learners will not only have a strong grasp of business fundamentals but will also be able to apply them to real-world engineering challenges.
This diploma is designed for engineers who want to expand their career prospects by developing business and leadership skills. It’s ideal for:
- Engineers who want to step into leadership roles—whether in management, business development, or operations.
- Entrepreneurs looking to start their own engineering business or bring new products to market.
- Project managers and team leaders who want to improve their decision-making and business strategy skills.
- Graduates looking to move beyond purely technical roles and into the commercial side of engineering.
No prior business experience is required—just a curiosity about how engineering businesses succeed and a willingness to learn the principles of entrepreneurship and leadership.
Engineering businesses today need professionals who understand both technology and business strategy. With this diploma, graduates can move into a variety of roles that blend technical expertise with management, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
Opportunities may include:
Engineering Project Manager – Overseeing projects, managing teams, and ensuring budgets and timelines are met.
Technical Entrepreneur – Launching a business, developing new technologies, and securing investment for engineering innovations.
Business Development Manager – Identifying opportunities for growth, securing contracts, and expanding business operations.
Operations and Risk Manager – Managing efficiency, cost control, and risk assessment in engineering firms.
Innovation and R&D Leader – Driving new product development and bringing cutting-edge engineering ideas to market.
For those looking to start their own venture, this diploma provides the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of launching and growing an engineering business.
This diploma is more than just a business course—it’s a practical, engineering-focused programme that teaches how to apply leadership, management, and entrepreneurial thinking to real-world challenges.
If you’re ready to take control of your career, expand your skill set, and explore new opportunities in business and leadership, this diploma is the ideal stepping stone.