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.

Subjects taught

The programme consists of three taught modules;

1. Skills to Affect Change within Business,

2. Rural Business Dynamics

3. Integrating Learning with Business Needs

Entry requirements

Graduate

A Degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline. Applicants who hold the Graduate Certificate in Business Communication for Rural Enterprise will also be considered.

Application dates

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. 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.

Assessment Info

PgCert students will be assessed through work related assignments, projects, presentations and case study and a research dissertation on an approved business related topic.

Duration

15 weeks (Full-time), 1 year (Part Time)

Enrolment dates

Entry Year: 2025/26

Post Course Info

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 manufacturing companies. Indeed, staff from these organisations often use the programme’s part-time route as part of their own career development plan.