Student and Recent Graduate Expectations and Experiences of New Venture Creation Degrees

This thesis aimed to research student and recent graduate expectations and experiences of New Venture Creation (NVC) degrees. Secondary research was carried out to gain an understanding of the relevant literature, followed by Primary
research in the form of interviews and focus groups. Through the use of three research groups, data was analysed and conclusions were drawn in order to answers the aims, objectives and research questions. New findings were made in regards to NVC degrees. Firstly, the biggest driver for individuals to study a NVC
degree is the desire to run their own business. Secondly, NVC degrees have an overall positive effect on business start-up and personal development. Amongst many other findings discovered through research, and discussed within this thesis, students of NVC degrees either plan to continue growing their business or already have plans to set up another post graduation. Practical value has been added to the topic of NVC degrees as this thesis provides educators with information that may
help how they design and market NVC degrees. Theoretical value has also been added as this thesis has used current literature and primary research to develop a conceptual framework to explain how NVC degrees work and their effect on students, alongside suggested outcomes. This had previously not been covered in any current research on this topic to date.