Social Entrepreneurship

Discover how entrepreneurship can create positive social change.

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Russell Group University

Experience studying at a leading UK university, rated both gold for teaching and top 10 for research.

Consistently high ranking

In the UK, and one of just six post-war universities to have appeared in the world top 100.

University of the Year shortlisted

Shortlisted for the prestigious University of the Year award by the Times Higher Education (THE) in 2023.

Top 20 in the UK

20th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, with 10 subjects ranked in the UK top 10.

Are you passionate about making a difference? The University of York's Social Entrepreneurship Summer School introduces you to the exciting world of social enterprise, where innovative ideas are used to tackle some of society's biggest challenges.

Programme dates

2027 programme dates to be confirmed.

Course details

Working alongside students from around the world, you will explore how entrepreneurs create sustainable solutions to issues such as mental health, healthy ageing, social isolation, environmental sustainability and community development. Through interactive workshops, case studies and project-based learning, you will develop your own social enterprise idea, learning how to generate social impact while building a financially sustainable organisation.

The programme culminates in a Social Innovation Showcase, where teams pitch their ideas to staff and fellow students, developing valuable skills in communication, collaboration and creative problem-solving.

This programme is ideal for undergraduate students aged 18+ from any academic discipline who are interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, business, social justice or creating positive change in their communities. No previous knowledge of entrepreneurship is required.

Programme aims

By the end of the programme you will be able to:

Understand the key concepts and principles of social entrepreneurship.
Analyse the causes and impacts of contemporary social and environmental challenges.
Evaluate how successful social enterprises create both social value and financial sustainability.
Apply design-thinking and social innovation approaches to develop an original social enterprise concept.
Work effectively within an international team to solve complex real-world problems.
Develop practical skills in creativity, collaboration, intercultural communication and project management.
Present and justify a social enterprise proposal clearly and confidently to a professional audience.

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What are the academic requirements to apply?

Our summer school has no formal academic requirements, but we expect you to have a clear motivation for applying and enthusiasm for the subject. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your interest through your application form.

What level of English do I need to join?

The programme is suitable for students who have been learning English as a second/foreign language.

We do not ask for proof of your English language proficiency; however, to ensure all students receive the full value of the programme, applicants should have an intermediate level of English (minimum CEFR B1 or IELTS 4.5).

How do I apply?

Register your interest for 2027

After you have submitted the application form, please allow five working days for your application to be assessed.

What happens after I apply?

We aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within five working days.

If your application is successful, you will receive an Offer Letter by email. This letter confirms the programme and academic option you have selected, the start and end dates, and the payment deadline. In order to accept your place on the programme, you will be asked to pay the programme fee in full via the University’s online store by the indicated deadline. Please refer to the terms and conditions regarding payment.

Please allow at least three working days for our team to confirm receipt of your payment and documents. On confirmation of your place, you will receive an acceptance letter by email.

Please note that your place on the programme is not confirmed until payment has been received.

Study and Skills

37+ hours of interactive sessions, expert-led talks, visits to research facilities and project work.
Designed and delivered by experienced tutors from our Global Opportunities team and leading academics from across the university.
Explore vital topics such as designing social innovation and creating sustainable impact.
Develop essential professional skills, building confidence in both academic and business environments.
Combining expert insights with real-world exposure.

Culture and Free Time

Put your learning into context, expand your network and make new friends through our cultural visits and optional free-time activities:

Two full-day excursions to places of historical, cultural and geographical interest around Yorkshire.
Sightseeing visits and tours in York.
Regular optional free-time activities led by University of York students.

Timetable to be confirmed.

Assessment and Certificate

Students will complete two assessed elements:

A personal learning log to track and reflect on progress.
A group presentation of a proposed social enterprise to a panel of staff and peers.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a University of York Certificate of Completion, recognising their achievements and providing a valuable addition to their academic portfolio. Students who have completed the course will qualify for a 10% York Graduate Loyalty Discount at the University of York.

Programme fees

Our fees
Tuition fee per session	£1,995
Early Bird Tuition Fee (before 31 March 2027)	£1,875
The tuition fee includes all tuition and course materials, transport and entry fees for timetabled trips and visits, a welcome dinner, optional free time activities, Wi-Fi on campus and in York city centre and a certificate of completion. some activities may have an additional cost. This will be communicated on arrival.
Accommodation fee per session (optional)	£600
The accommodation fee includes accommodation for 14 nights in a single room on campus.

Accommodation and Catering

If you book accommodation with us, you will be staying in a single room with shared bathroom (usually one bathroom per 5 to 6 students) in one of our 11 colleges situated on our wonderful parkland campus. Your fellow students will be staying in the same accommodation block, but you will have the privacy of your own room.

Each accommodation block has a shared kitchen and you will be provided with basic kitchen equipment on arrival. There is a small supermarket on campus as well as a variety of food outlets and cafes.

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Getting to the University of York

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the University, including any necessary visas or immigration permissions.

If you need to apply for a passport or renew/replace your passport, you should begin this process as soon as possible after you have been accepted onto the programme.

We advise that you do not start to make travel arrangements until you have received your Acceptance Letter and the programme is confirmed. We also strongly advise that you invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers cancellations, personal possessions and healthcare. Please see our terms and conditions for more details.

Do I need a visa?

If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, you may need immigration permission to enter the UK and take part in the programme.

Overseas students who will be studying in the UK for 6 months or less can do so on a Standard Visitor Visa and this will likely be the most appropriate route for most of our students.

You can check if you need a visa and how to apply at the UK Visas and Immigration website. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct immigration permissions to participate in the programme.

If you need a visa, you should apply after your place on the programme has been confirmed and you have received a Letter of Acceptance. Your Letter of Acceptance will include your passport number so please make sure this is valid and correct.

Ready for an unforgettable experience?

Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

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Terms and conditions

When applying to study on this programme you are required to accept our terms and conditions.

Read our terms and conditions