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Queen's University Belfast

Business for Agri-Food & Rural Enterprise - Innovation Management

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.

There are two exit points within this programme; PgDip, and PgCert which articulate different career routes and industry needs. A Graduate Certificate in Business Communication for Rural Enterprise is also offered.

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

Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - Innovation Management highlights

Industry Links
•The MSc presents full-time students with the opportunity to complete two short placements. In Semester 1, two weeks or 10 days teaching at a Further Education College, and in Semester 2, three weeks in a commercial setting developing business materials in a managerial or supervisory role. A self-funded study trip to Europe to observe best practices within business and community programmes is also an option. Two opportunities are available to complete the MSc project either in Austria through an ERASMUS exchange or in our US partner institution, Michigan State University.

Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
At Queen's, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society.

Across a combination of morning, evening and afternoon classes, examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are lectures, practical experiences, E-Learning technologies, Self-directed study and added value qualifications to enhance employability.

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

Entry requirements

Entrance requirements
Graduate
A 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Business/Management Studies, Agriculture, Food Science or Food Technology, Geography or other approved subject.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
For non-native English Language speakers, evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last two years. Please note this course is taught at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). Unfortunately, CAFRE does not have a UK Border Agency Sponsor Licence to admit international students. Therefore, it is not possible to consider international applicants for entry to this course.

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.
•Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
•Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Duration

1 year full-time or 3 years part-time.

Careers or further progression

Career Prospects
Introduction
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 large 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/

Further enquiries

Dr Marion Nugent 
Loughry Campus College
Email: Marion.Nugent@daera-ni.gov.uk

Subjects taught

Programme content will vary depending on the pathway chosen:
The programme consist of six taught modules, five core and an optional module related to the chosen pathway. The five core modules are Skills to Affect Change within Business, Rural Business Dynamics, Integrating Learning with Business Needs, Research and Development, Planning and Evaluating Change Management Programmes.

The three modules related to the three pathways are Innovation Management for Rural Business, Rural Enterprise Development and Business Communication.

To complete the programme at Masters level there is the requirement to complete a three module weighted research project.

Assessment method

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

There is an optional study tour.