Year in Enterprise
An alternative Part I option for budding entrepreneurs
If you have a credible business idea which you are keen to progress, you could apply for the Year in Enterprise. If your application is successful, you will receive mentoring and training to develop your business venture and work on your start-up throughout Part I. Like the placement year and study abroad options, successful completion of the Year in Enterprise and associated assessment will lead to the award of a Diploma in Professional or Industrial Studies, or, if combined with study abroad, a Diploma in International Studies.
The Year in Enterprise is offered to Part I students from all Schools but is not available to Student visa holders because of restrictions on self-employment and engaging in business activity. If you hold a different time-limited visa for the UK, you should check that this allows self-employment before applying.
Applications typically close at the end of Semester 1 of Part B. If you are considering applying, you should sign up for an information session.
For more details about the Year in Enterprise, please attend an information session on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 3pm in room 2.05, Edward Herbert Building, or Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 10am in room BE0.64, Sir Richard Morris.
Alternatively, contact Amanda Berry, Year in Enterprise Co-ordinator on a.j.berry@lboro.ac.uk.
For an initial consultation about your business idea contact LEN@lboro.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply?
The application process consists of an application form briefly describing your business idea and reasons for wanting to join the Year in Enterprise and an interview with a panel made up of academic tutors and staff from Loughborough Enterprise Network. The panel will assess your capability and determine whether your business idea is suitable and viable.
The deadline for applications for the 2027/28 Year in Enterprise is 5pm on Friday 5 February 2027.
Applications will open in November 2027; further details about the process will be added to this page shortly.
What are the requirements for the programme?
Prior to starting the Year in Enterprise you must:
- Complete all relevant paperwork for your School Placements Officer.
- Produce a company risk assessment evaluating your business (this will be completed after instruction on the first training day in June).
Prior to starting trading you must:
- Register your business with Companies House or register yourself with HMRC as a sole trader.
- Take out relevant insurance for your business including public liability insurance and, if appropriate, professional indemnity insurance.
To qualify for the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) or Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS), you must:
- Complete a minimum of 35 weeks’ work (excluding holidays) on your business.
- Fulfil the DPS/DIS requirements for your school, as set out in the relevant module specification.
- Demonstrate competent performance throughout the year, including attendance and participation in the compulsory training programme.
- Maintain good conduct and uphold the reputation and standards of your company and the University.
Can the Year in Enterprise be combined with a study abroad exchange?
It may be possible to split Part I and spend one semester studying at an overseas partner institution and the remainder of the year developing your business idea. Attendance at the in-person June training sessions remains mandatory, so the feasibility may depend on the exchange partner's term dates.
In this instance, you would be expected to spend at least 10 weeks working on the enterprise programme and meet the requirements for the award of a Diploma in International Studies (DIntS) as set out in the relevant module specification.
What is the mandatory training programme?
The Year in Enterprise training programme for 2027/28 consists of:
- Boot camp – a compulsory three-day in person workshop (15 - 17 June 2027 inclusive) in which all Year in Enterprise students meet each other and learn the basics. A programme of topics including risk assessment, market research, competitor analysis, customer personas, legal/tax, finance, and marketing will be delivered by a variety of experts.
- Three additional in-person training days will be held across the year (7 September 2027, 1 February 2028 and 4 April 2028) to track progress and meet with business experts and mentors to encourage timely completion of DPS assignments. Further topics will be included in each training day, and students will be able to request specific training if required e.g. more detailed sessions on finance.
What support is available to participants?
- A member of staff from Loughborough Business School will be designated as your placement manager and will provide access to mentors and other expert advice.
- Your School will also appoint a Placement Tutor who will meet with you at least twice during your Year in Enterprise and will provide you with guidance on the assessment requirements for the Diploma in Professional Studies or Diploma in International Studies.
- Your School Placements Officer will also provide support with the admin processes you need to complete whilst on Part I.
What facilities are available?
Many students choose to work from home, but if you wish to be based in Loughborough, access to the Start-up Lab in EHB is provided.
If you require access to specialist workspaces at Loughborough University (e.g. workshops or design studios), you must obtain approval from the relevant School to use the facilities before accepting a place on the programme.
