About the programme
The Bachelor of Commerce (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) is an NZQF Level 7 undergraduate degree at Lincoln University that prepares students to start businesses, develop new products and drive innovation inside organisations. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus.
The major is about thinking differently. It builds practical knowledge and critical thinking through imagination and creativity, preparing graduates to work on significant issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand and to take up opportunities in the global digital economy. Lincoln points out that New Zealand has a strong need for self-starters.
Students learn core entrepreneurial concepts such as idea generation, opportunity recognition and business planning, practise problem-solving and socially responsible decision-making, and gain hands-on experience in market research and customer engagement while studying psychology and consumer behaviour. Alongside the commerce core, year one introduces entrepreneurship and social psychology; year two covers entrepreneurship in practice, consumer behaviour and motivation; and year three focuses on innovation for societal issues and small business management. Electives include product design, business strategy, sales management, project management and business sustainability.
The major suits people who want to run their own venture or work in development and innovation roles. Lincoln also offers a five-course Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor that can be combined with any degree.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent, with separate criteria for overseas qualifications.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet additional English language requirements.
- Recommended subjects: accounting, business studies, computing and Māori studies; English and maths or statistics are highly recommended.
What you study
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Social Psychology
- Principles of Management and Principles of Marketing
- Entrepreneurship in Practice
- Consumer Behaviour
- Motivation and Participation
- Innovation for Societal Issues
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Electives such as Product Design, Business Strategy, Sales Management and Project Planning and Management
Careers after graduation
- Starting your own business
- Business development and innovation management
- Venture capital
- Consulting
- Technology commercialisation
- Social entrepreneurship
- Graduate research
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website