Business for Agri-Food & Rural Enterprise

Overview

The Business for Agri-food and Rural Enterprise programmes, have been designed to develop a conceptual understanding of the principles and processes of change affecting individuals, groups or organisations within the agri-food and rural business sectors, through an active and innovative approach to learning and teaching.



Students will complete their courses at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Loughry Campus, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.

Core Modules

Skills to Affect Change within Businesses (20 credits)

Rural Business Dynamics (20 credits)

Integrating Learning with Business Needs (20 credits)

Research and Development (20 credits)

Planning and Evaluating Change Management Programmes (20 credits)

MSc Research Project (60 credits)

Sustainability Leadership (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

A 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2026. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: this course is not open to international students due to DAERA licence.

1 year (Full-time), 3 years (Part Time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Our graduates have obtained a wide range of employment positions, including personnel managers, teachers/trainers, consultants, development officers, managers within the food and retail sectors, or developing their own business ideas. Employers of our graduates include the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) along with NI’s largest food retail and manufacturers companies. Indeed, staff from these organisations often use the programme’s part-time route as part of their own career development plan.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/