Direct answer
Loughborough University requires a 2:2 honours degree (55% in final year) or an equivalent international qualification in any subject for its MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. Chinese applicants must hold a 4‑year bachelor’s degree. The exact grade required depends on the tier of the Chinese institution attended. The university provides an online lookup tool to find the equivalent grade for a specific Chinese institution. The English language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0. Alternative tests include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test. The application deadline for international students starting in September 2026 is 24 August 2026; for January 2027 entry, the deadline is 14 December 2026.
Programme scope
The official course page describes the programme as MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. The curriculum covers funding, market analysis, and research. The course aims to develop the mindset, tools, and knowledge needed for start‑ups and scale‑ups. The evidence does not confirm a separate programme titled “MSc Entrepreneurship, Finance and Innovation”. Any applicant specifically seeking a “Finance” designation should verify the current programme title and module list directly on the Loughborough University website.
Degree requirement for Chinese applicants
Chinese applicants must hold a 4‑year bachelor’s degree to be considered for postgraduate programmes. The entry requirement is a 2:2 honours degree (55% in the final year) or an equivalent international qualification. The equivalent grade for a Chinese degree varies according to the tier of the applicant’s university or affiliated college. The official page does not publish a single fixed percentage or GPA for all Chinese institutions. Instead, applicants must use the university’s lookup tool to find the specific grade required for their institution.
English language requirements
The university sets an IELTS requirement of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. Three alternative tests are accepted with the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 92 overall, minimum 20 in each component.
- PTE Academic: 64 overall, minimum 59 in each component.
- Duolingo English Test: 120 overall, minimum 100 in each component.
The official evidence does not list any other English language qualifications. Applicants holding a different test should confirm its acceptability directly with the university.
Application deadlines
Two intake periods are available for international students. The deadline for September 2026 entry is 24 August 2026. The deadline for January 2027 entry is 14 December 2026. The official page does not state whether applications are processed on a rolling basis or whether places may fill before the deadline.
What the official page establishes
The official page confirms the minimum degree classification, the English language test options and scores, the degree length required for Chinese applicants, and the tier‑based approach to Chinese qualifications. It also confirms the application deadlines and the broad subject content of the programme.
What still requires live rechecking
The official evidence does not provide the following details, which require live rechecking on the Loughborough University website:
- The exact programme title and whether a “Finance” pathway exists.
- The specific grade equivalents for individual Chinese institutions (available only through the lookup tool).
- Whether other English language qualifications are accepted.
- Tuition fees and any deposit requirements.
- Whether the programme is available for both September and January entry in the current cycle.
- Any additional application materials, such as references or a personal statement.
FAQ
What is the minimum UK degree classification required?
A 2:2 honours degree, with at least 55% in the final year, or an equivalent international qualification.
What English language tests are accepted?
IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test are accepted. The required scores are listed in the English language requirements section above.
How do I find the grade equivalent for my Chinese university?
Use the lookup tool on the Loughborough University website. The required grade depends on the tier of your institution.
Is there a separate application deadline for Chinese applicants?
The official page gives a single international deadline for each intake: 24 August 2026 for September 2026 and 14 December 2026 for January 2027.
Can I apply with a 3‑year Chinese bachelor’s degree?
No. The university states that Chinese applicants must hold a 4‑year bachelor’s degree for postgraduate programmes.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn from the current official Loughborough University programme page for MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management and the university’s country‑specific entry requirements for China. All facts are verified against these first‑party sources. For the most up‑to‑date details, including the institutional lookup tool, visit the Loughborough University website.
For broader context on how UK foundation programmes are recognised, see International qualifications and UK foundation recognition. If you are comparing support options, our UK education agent ranking explains how agents are assessed. For another institution’s entry requirements, read the University of Nottingham 2026 admission, fees and rankings article. If you are considering a pathway route, the Bangor University International College 2026 pathway guide outlines an alternative entry model.