Inclusive entrepreneurship: building a thriving pathway
This project seeks to promote entrepreneurship opportunities and break down systemic barriers (such as funding, networks, or education) to make entrepreneurial resources accessible to underrepresented groups.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Extant research highlighted persistent barriers that challenged entrepreneurs from marginalised communities due to their intersectional identities. To promote inclusive societies and equity in entrepreneurship, it is crucial to develop an enabling environment that supports founders from disadvantaged groups such as women and ethnic minority groups. Moving beyond analysing their barriers, the proposed research will examine how entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups thrive and shine in their ventures.
The project will investigate how they manage business growth, wellbeing, and social impacts by reaching out to selected entrepreneurs who have established businesses and achieved socio-economic empowerment, particularly regarding how they cope with systemic barriers in entrepreneurship.
The project will provide valuable insights and recommendations for targeted policies for building a thriving pathway to boost inclusive entrepreneurship.
Supervisor
Discuss this further with the potential supervisor for this research degree:
Research Themes
Find other Research Degrees in the same theme:
About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master鈥檚 degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2025/2026
UK/EU Students
- Full time - 拢5,006 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - 拢3,000 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - 拢3,000 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - 拢20,030 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - 拢12,020 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - 拢12,020 per academic year
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - 拢4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - 拢2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - 拢2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - 拢16,980 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - 拢10,190 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - 拢8,490 per academic year
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with an