Entrepreneurial education: Maker or breaker in developing students’ entrepreneurial confidence, aptitude and self-efficacy?

The development of students’ entrepreneurial confidence, aptitude and self−efficacy, irrespective of their discipline, is strongly advocated by researchers, policy makers and the media as an important societal institution, indispensable for economic growth and development, social cohesion, job creation and indeed the changing world of work. This study reinforces the view that entrepreneurship education (EE) is a core, vital research space that warrants continued and consistent investigation given its significant role in fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and encouraging entrepreneurial behaviour. The main aim of this study is to evaluate and measure the impact of EE on entrepreneurial confidence, aptitude and self-efficacy. First, it investigates whether participation in EE influences or changes students’ perception of entrepreneurship as a career choice, and their confidence, aptitude and self-efficacy in relation to that career. Second, it investigates what aspects of EE impact students’ entrepreneurial confidence and aptitude. Third, the study investigates the impact of EE on self-efficacy, and students’ belief in their ability and motivation to start an entrepreneurial venture, having completed a specialist EE programme.