Make it happen with MEC

Entrepreneurship is much more than starting a business. It is a way of thinking, learning and acting that helps students turn curiosity into opportunity and ideas into impact.

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, otherwise known as MEC, is the home of enterprise and entrepreneurial teaching, learning and support at the University of Manchester, supporting all students, recent graduates and early-career researchers.

“Entrepreneurship for all” is our mantra. Being entrepreneurial is a core graduate attribute regardless of discipline, degree programme or background. We welcome all and provide opportunities to study, develop, and connect with a community of changemakers and innovators.

Welcome

From Professor Lee Pugalis, Director, Masood Entrepreneurship Centre

"At The University of Manchester, innovation and entrepreneurship are central to how we prepare students to shape the future. We want entrepreneurship to be a defining feature of the student experience, not just for those who want to start a business, but for every student with the curiosity to explore ideas, the resilience to learn through action, and the ambition to make a difference.

As a core member of Unit M, MEC plays a vital role in connecting students with the University's wider innovation ecosystem. We are continuing to innovate and grow our programmes, with more funding and resources being invested to help students develop entrepreneurial mindsets, spot opportunities, solve problems, and build the confidence to act on their ideas.

Whatever your subject, background or chosen journey, MEC is here to support you. Whether you want to start a venture, create social impact, commercialise research, strengthen your employability, or simply think differently about the world around you, we will help you build the skills, networks and confidence to help you make an impact. So, get involved, explore what MEC has to offer, and take your next step towards making something happen."

MEC in numbers

MEC course units receive approximately 2,500 enrolments each year.
35 course units, spanning undergraduate and postgraduate study.
70% of our course units have students from all three Faculties.
75% of our students are not studying a business-related degree.

Different subjects. Different perspectives. Better ideas.

Course Units

Entrepreneurship is much broader than starting a business. It's about recognising opportunities, solving problems, developing and testing ideas, working with others and creating value – essential skills and attributes for everybody. Whatever you study, you can elect to take credit-bearing enterprise units as part of your degree. No business background necessary, expected or required.

Undergraduates can take enterprise units in years 1, 2 and 3 alongside their degree. Postgraduates can specialise further, with units designed for specific disciplines including Public Health, Life Sciences, Materials & Fashion, and Alliance Manchester Business School. New for 2026/27, Enterprising & Entrepreneurial Futures lets you study fully online, with no extra timetabled class added to your week.

Co-Curricular - Four pathways to entrepreneurship

However you want to get involved, MEC has a pathway for you. Choose from the Freelancer, Social Impact, Researcher, or Startup Pathway to shape and develop your journey — our programmes will help you develop the skills and direction you need, so you can get to where you want to be.

Freelancer Pathway

Social Impact Pathway

Researcher Pathway

Startup Pathway