Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of the programme?

The programme is 12 months in duration and is part-time. There are two residential sessions in Cambridge: one at the very start of the programme which is one week in duration and a second residential of two weeks at about the mid point.

When does the programme start?

The programme runs on an annual basis, commencing early in September with the first residential session.

How many students will you be admitting this year?

It's hard to give a definite number. Current and past cohorts have ranged from 17 up to 32 students, all of whom have been selected through a rigorous admissions process.

Can you send me a programme brochure or prospectus?

Yes, of course. You can request a brochure online »

How can I be sure that the qualification is recognised by the business community?

The programme has an advisory board drawn from business, and a number of internationally well-known entrepreneurs teach and act as mentors on the programme.

What accommodation is available for the residential programmes?

Please visit the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre website or Conference Cambridge website for more information about accommodation in Cambridge.

Is there an orientation week?

The first residential session provides an orientation to the programme and University of Cambridge Judge Business School and will introduce you to faculty, your peers and the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), as well as providing you with vital learning tools which you will use throughout the programme.

What is the anticipated workload for the programme?

You are required to attend and participate throughout the residential sessions. We advise that you be prepared to set aside a minimum of 10 hours a week for reading and participating in weekly online discussions. During the online learning elements course content will be delivered around weekly themes and you should, in addition, allow further time for research and reading and for developing your Enterprise Project. Online learning runs throughout the year and there will be breaks of three to four weeks between each of the courses.

What happens during the residential sessions?

The residential sessions are intensive and participatory and are an opportunity for you to network, learn and work collaboratively with your peers. During the residential sessions you'll experience both formal learning opportunities such as lectures, workshops and study groups and more informal learning experiences such as group exercises. The residential sessions also present a valuable opportunity to network with Cambridge entrepreneurs and a number of entrepreneurial individuals will be involved in both the formal and informal learning parts of the programme. During the residential sessions you will also have the opportunity to share your enterprise project with others and present it both informally and more formally for assessment. Both residential sessions include written class tests.

What attendance is expected at residential sessions?

Residential sessions in Cambridge will be intensive and attendance is mandatory. You will be expected to participate fully in classes as participation will be assessed. Classes may start from 8am and you should expect that learning will continue into evening sessions on some days. There will also be times during the residential sessions where there are no set classes to allow you time for independent research and study and to draw on the learning resources available at University of Cambridge Judge Business School.

What is the Enterprise Project?

The Enterprise Project forms the target for your individual learning and is your own project for a new entrepreneurial endeavour that you bring to the programme. During the programme you will work on different stages of your enterprise project, starting with a vision and plan, working through a market and business concept feasibility, a business case and finally a strategic and operational plan. Throughout the programme you will have assignment tasks that encourage you to develop your skills and encourage you to actually implement the project during the programme.

We take a very broad view of what constitutes an Enterprise Project - for some this will be a completely new business venture or growing an existing one, whilst for others this may be an 'intrapreneurial project' or taking the helm of a family business. Equally the project could be a social enterprise or educational initiative either operating independently or as part of a larger organisation, company or university.

Your Enterprise Project should however be ambitious and underpinned by your clear thinking and previous experiences - it should provide scope for you to enhance your personal entrepreneurial development through its real implementation during the programme. Please contact us if you have any queries about the Enterprise Project or if you would like to talk through your project prior to applying to the programme.

The programme looks to be generic. How can it be tailored to my specific interests, industry sector or location?

The content of the programme is designed to enable students to gain a thorough and consolidated understanding of the key concepts relevant to and underpinning entrepreneurship, as the same set of broad principles apply to most entrepreneurial activities. A core part of the programme is an Enterprise Project, designed around a student's own entrepreneurial ideas and ambitions. Assignments and assessments are largely based around the Enterprise Project as it provides a clear and meaningful target for learning. For the Enterprise Project you'll have the support of mentors and tutors and will be directed and encouraged to research their specific industry and geographical areas to build a solid understanding of these and personal networks to complement your studies and support the implementation of your business ventures.

Can I use the credits towards other programmes?

Whilst the programme is offered at masters level, the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship does not lead to a full masters degree. Although the programme attracts 60 ECTS credits within the European Credit Transfer System, which may be used towards a full masters programme, at present there is no provision for completion of a masters degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Cambridge. It may be possible to utilise credits towards a masters degree at other institutions, but this will be subject to their requirements.

After this programme, can I do a PhD using the credits I earn in this Diploma?

To be admitted to a PhD programme you will need to be able to demonstrate that you meet the entry requirements of the institution to which you would like to apply. Some institutions will require that candidates have already completed a masters degree programme which prepares them for the research involved in a PhD, whilst others may not require this. At the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, candidates are expected to have completed a research masters (visit the School's website for full details of the entry requirements). The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship is not a full masters programme and the focus is highly practical with the intention of developing entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ventures, rather than being a preparation for academic research.

When can I apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship?

Applications for entry in September 2012 have now closed. Applications for the 2013 programme will open in October 2012.

What's the application deadline for the September 2013 programme?

The closing date for submitting applications is the end of April 2013 and if you wish to apply, your completed application, transcripts from your prior qualifications (with translations if not in English), English Language Proficiency certificate (if appropriate), references and application fee must be received by this date.

Do I have to come to Cambridge for an interview?

Should we need to conduct an interview with you, we will contact you to either arrange for you to visit Cambridge or to arrange a time for a telephone interview.

Do you have an upper age limit?

We welcome applications from all entrepreneurs, and set no upper age restrictions. We anticipate that the intake as a whole will be highly diverse in terms of the length and types of experiences they bring to the programme.

My previous qualifications do not meet the specified entry requirements. Can I still apply? Will you consider my application if I do not have a degree?

The entry requirements stated on the website are the minimum entry requirements for the programme and for graduate study at the University of Cambridge. We regret that we are unable to admit individuals who do not have a degree which meets the equivalent of a UK 2:1 from a well-recognised university. Please contact the Programme Manager if you would like to discuss your previous qualifications and entry to entrepreneurship programmes.

Do you require work experience?

Previous work experience is not essential for this programme.

How do my extracurricular activities strengthen my application?

Your extracurricular activities provide valuable information on your interests and skills, especially if your previous formal work experience is limited. It may be that you have demonstrated significant skills in managing people, budgets, projects and events within your extracurricular activities and highlighting these would be beneficial to your application.

What are the current requirements on English Language Proficiency?

Fluency in English is a prerequisite for the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship. If English is not your first language, you must have taken either the IELTS or TOEFL in the two years before the programme starts in September, and you are expected to provide evidence of your scores. Visit the "Apply" section for English language proficiency requirements for entry to the programme.

We may, at our discretion, waive this requirement if you can provide clear evidence that your English is fluent (e.g. you have mainly been educated in English and your principal working language is English).

Do I have to take an English Language Proficiency test?

If English is not your first language and you do not have grounds for a waiver, nor have taken a test in the last two years, then we would expect you to take an English Language Proficiency test.

Can I submit further documents after I have submitted my application?

You may submit additional documentation after your application, but this must be received by the final application deadline.

I am having difficulty with the form; I can't change the dropdown menu.

In order to change the option, you must double-click the 'please select' button, select your preferred option then move it to the top of the dropdown list. Press 'ok' and the correct item will appear on your form.

How do I know you have received my application and supporting documents?

You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application and supporting forms.

When will I hear if my application has been successful?

Applications will be reviewed by a panel and we anticipate that offers of places will be made in June.

Do I need a visa to visit/study at Cambridge? What type of visa do I need?

Our understanding is that the Student Visitor Visa best fits the requirements. Find out more about visas for study at Cambridge »

What specific information should my referees provide?

You are required to have two referees to support your application and they should provide letters of reference by email directly to us from their professional email account (i.e. not Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.). References should be sent to us at pgdiploma@jbs.cam.ac.uk by the final application deadline.

• Your Academic Referee should ideally be a tutor from your previous university study. They should comment on your capabilities in terms of conducting pieces of independent research, analysis of findings and development of thoughts and conclusions as a result. They should also comment on your capacity to produce written work with academic rigour clearly and concisely.
• Your Professional Referee should ideally be a current line manager or employer and should comment on your performance in a work capacity in terms of personal skills (such as communication, working in and leading or managing teams) and business skills (such as managing budgets, making decisions).

If you have any queries or difficulties in selecting either an Academic or Professional Referee then please contact us at pgdiploma@jbs.cam.ac.uk.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of £100 for entry in 2013.

What are the course fees?

Course fees for entry in 2013 are £11,025 (including the £100 application fee), and fees must be paid in full prior to the start of the programme.

Are there additional college fees?

No, this programme does not require college membership so there are no college fees.

Are the fees different for overseas students?

The fees for all students are £11,025

How much extra money will I need for travel and accommodation expenses?

There are two residential sessions in Cambridge (three weeks in total). Your travel costs will depend upon your home location. For accommodation you should allow at least £100 per night in Cambridge for bed and breakfast accommodation. You should also allow an additional budget for lunches, evening meals and other social activities with your peers. Visit the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre website to find out more about the accommodation available in Cambridge.

Can I visit the School?

Yes. You may wish to book an appointment with either Dr Joanna Mills, Programme Director, or Elizabeth King, Programme Manager, at pgdiploma@jbs.cam.ac.uk). Please note that we are unable to meet with visitors without a pre-arranged appointment.

How do I get to University of Cambridge Judge Business School?

Visit our "Location" webpage for information on how to reach us by road, train or plane, including a map of our location within the city of Cambridge.

How do I contact the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship team?

Please contact the team at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School: