A new course that offers the chance to earn a degree without attending a single lecture is being launched in Falmouth.

Falmouth University is one of only three universities in the UK to take this approach to studying, which was developed in Finland. Instead of being taught, students on the BA (Hons) in Business Entrepreneurship course will work with coaches who will help them set up, develop and run a business from scratch.

Course leader Dr Jeremy Richards said: “Our coaches are industry professionals, running their own successful businesses, and are ideally placed to work with students to help them develop ideas.”

The course will have a strong emphasis on learning the many different roles and aspects within a business.

Sstudents will have access to a dedicated space for setting up and running the business, with close ties to the Academy of Innovation and Research at Penryn Campus.

Students aged from 18 to 50 are enrolled to start in September.

Sam White, a coach on the degree, who runs a PR and marketing training and consultancy business, said: “The course isn’t about pretending to run a business; we will expect students to generate income and deliver real projects for customers.