The course

International agri-business has developed into a well integrated system that combines efficient production at farm level with a well ordered supply chain managing the delivery of food products into international markets. The course initially enhances the student’s knowledge of finance, human resource management and marketing before providing a detailed insight into the industries supporting agricultural production, processing, transportation and supply chain strategy.

Today's recruits seeking careers in international agri-business need to be well trained in business and marketing and have a thorough appreciation of the international business environment. By focusing on a variety of management and decision issues relevant to businesses in an ever changing international environment the MSc in International Agri-business Management will enhance the career prospects of those seeking a career in this dynamic sector.

This course provides students with an advanced understanding of the principles, issues and practices of modern international agri-business management. Working in the international agri-business environment encompasses a wide variety of functions, including finance, human resources, customer services, logistics, marketing, cross-cultural exporting and importing, and purchasing.

The curriculum will include business and marketing research and the analysis and presentation of personal research findings and those utilising secondary sources. Students will learn to apply key concepts to the formulation of effective international business strategies. Students obtain business careers with a variety of appropriate organisations and many valuable links with international organisations have been developed.

How will it benefit me?

Completing the course at MSc level will enable you to use and evaluate business management techniques and assess their relevance to commercial practice under different technical and cultural constraints. You will learn to appraise the dynamic legal, economic and political environment within which businesses operate, and how to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, as well as technical and commercial information.

The course teaches students to evaluate and exploit the latest developments in technology and identify solutions to business management problems encountered by local, national and international firms. You will also learn to identify and solve information management and communication problems encountered by international business managers in culturally diverse circumstances, and to undertake strategic analysis, integrating a range of business management techniques.

Careers

Graduates from this course will be well qualified for a wide range of careers from making decisions about the daily operations of a small business to the complex issues of a multi-national company. They are familiar with the business, regulatory and economic practices of their domestic markets but also equipped to adapt to the diversity of social and cultural environments world-wide. Career choice can span the whole food supply chain, from agricultural merchants and co-operatives to farm supply companies and jobs with food manufacturers, distributors, retailers and traders. Careers can be obtained in export companies, international manufacturing, logistics, government agencies and organisations involved in promoting international trade, foreign direct investment and economic development, financing of exports and imports, sales and marketing. Graduates also go on to set up their own food, farm or rurally based enterprise.

Course structure

Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) credits

(60 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) credits

(120 credits)

Master of Science (MSc) credits

(120 credits from the PgD programme plus)