The course

Agriculture is the dominant user of rural land, accounting for about 70% of the UK land area. There is increasing demand to find diverse means of using rural resources to ensure the continued viability of the rural economy. There is therefore need to further develop the skills in farm management and develop new business opportunities, be that farm diversification, value added enterprises, on-farm but non-farm activities or other rural developments to ensure that the future of the rural economy will be secured. This programme therefore aims to enhance the capacity of farm managers and those working in closely associated industries to perform within shifting economic and policy environments.

The course will focus on effective use of agricultural resources and the opportunities this presents to the rural economy. The course will seek to enable individuals to develop leadership skills while becoming more creative, flexible and innovative entrepreneurs with a high level of transferable skills. It will support students to identify opportunities offered by the changing economy. Teaching will be contexualised presentations of theory with direct practical consideration, utilising a practical knowledge base of the rural environment. By combining this with a sound understanding of business development and policy it will enable participants to maximise on opportunities identified.

The course is designed for existing owner-managers, directors and managers of farm-based businesses, and those who aspire to this level of career development. We expect participants, whilst not necessarily formally educated to undergraduate level, will be well informed and committed to the subject area. This course will provide the necessary focus for growth-orientated businesses to develop.

How will it benefit me?

Your qualification, be it the MSc or the PgD/PgC will provide you with the skill, confidence and competence to enable you to manage growth-orientated businesses.

You will gain the higher level skills needed to really understand the workings of the farm-based business, its success as well as aspects of lower performance and weakness. You will have a clear understanding of the supply chains in which the business operates and could operate and how to maximise the opportunity and in so doing develop the business further. You will undertake practical application of a range of techniques to enable you to develop business management strategies within the evolving economic, social, legal and political framework that farm businesses operate in. Additionally, you will develop enhanced leadership and communication skills required for the management of successful rural business.

Careers

The MSc, PgD or PgC in Farm and Agri-business Management provides an understanding of the practical application of business techniques needed to develop and manage a successful farm-based business. It will provide those already involved in farm business management skills and competencies to operate at a high level. The qualification will also be of benefit to those stakeholder industries, particularly individuals involved in Farm Business Consultancy and Agricultural Finance and Lending.

Course structure

Modules include:

• Research and Information Skills
• Farm Business Analysis
• Farm Business Planning
• International Strategic Investment Options
• Rural Land Policy Development
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Production Policy and Trade
• Global Supply Chain Strategy and Management
• Research Project