We’re raising a glass to the University of Bristol’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CfIE) as it becomes our newest Centre of Excellence, joining a select group of institutions that exemplify the gold standard in enterprise education.
The recognition comes after our rigorous evaluation process found that the CfIE doesn’t just talk about innovation – it lives and breathes it through every aspect of its curriculum.
For students navigating the complex landscape of higher education investments, our endorsement offers valuable reassurance. At a time when graduates are scrutinising the return on their five-figure degree investment, our recognition confirms that Bristol’s budding entrepreneurs are developing skills that employers and markets genuinely value.
What particularly impressed us was the Centre’s refreshingly practical approach to teaching entrepreneurship.
As Dr Ben Hobbs from the CfIE aptly puts it: “Would you choose to learn swimming by reading about it in the library? Or would you rather dive into a pool with a coach who actually knows how to swim?”
“At the CfIE, our students master entrepreneurship through practice. We embrace setbacks, we encourage debate, and we transform our students into real-world problem solvers,” he explains.
This partnership brings tangible benefits to Bristol graduates. Those completing either the Centre’s four-year integrated master’s programme or its one-year Innovation and Entrepreneurship degree will now receive our Advanced Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, plus either member or fellowship status depending on their experience.
In today’s fiercely competitive job market, these additional credentials could make the crucial difference between a CV that captures attention and one that’s overlooked.
We’ve been particularly struck by Bristol’s success in weaving entrepreneurial thinking across multiple disciplines, equipping students with the resilience and adaptability essential for thriving in today’s unpredictable business landscape.
As traditional career paths continue to fragment, Bristol’s innovative approach to cultivating the next generation of business pioneers aligns perfectly with our mission to advance entrepreneurship education nationwide. Their commitment to practical, hands-on learning rather than just theoretical knowledge exemplifies exactly what we look for in a Centre of Excellence.
We’re excited to see where this partnership leads and how the CfIE will continue to push the boundaries of entrepreneurial education with our support.