Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate entrepreneurship in Malaga University based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour model. There are two objectives: to analyse the influence of the main elements of orientation to entrepreneurship and to evaluate the efficiency of education programmes in the university system. Design/methodology/approach: The authors have chosen Ajzen's influential model (1991) for analysing entrepreneurial intention as the basis for the analysis of a sample of 392 students at Malaga University. Findings: The results suggest that the students' predisposition to entrepreneurship is moderate because perceived risk and ideas about their own abilities hinder their decision to start up a business. Practical implications: This research has practical implications for universities involved in designing programmes aimed at business creation. Social implications: This research provides interesting insights which could help new companies to be created, thus alleviating the unemployment resulting from the economic crisis. Originality/value: With the help of this widely used theoretical model to study, the authors analyse the impact of Entrepreneurship Education Programmes in higher education. It is only a starting point from which to evaluate which elements should be reinforced in entrepreneurship programmes if they are to achieve effective results.