This course will develop an approach to management which will enable you to differentiate theories about management from theories for management. The business world is complex, fast-moving and exciting. It requires high-calibre employees with substantial business, management and financial skills to work within it.

This MA allows you to focus solely on general business or to select modules enabling a focus on wine, food, equine, agriculture, sustainability or international business to contextualise your studies in a sector of your choice. It offers an opportunity for those who would like to work in this area to study the marketing, finance, economics, people management and strategic issues faced by businesses both in the UK and internationally.

Who is the Course for?

Applications are invited from those with an undergraduate degree who want to acquire a Masters degree in business management. The course is designed to accommodate graduates from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines, and is well-suited to international as well as UK students. At the end of the MA, you will be able to take a management role within a rural business or, alternatively, develop a career in general business management.

The MA can be studied part-time over two, three or four years. You are able to choose the pattern, in consultation with the Programme Manager, which best suits you.

Course Structure

The eight taught modules run over two terms from October to May. A dissertation is then undertaken, which is normally submitted before 1st April the following year. 

Modules

• Business Strategy
• Personal and Organisational Change
• Marketing, Planning and Strategy
• Economics and Policy
• Research Methods
• Financial Management or Finance
• Dissertation

Elective Modules

You choose 30 credits from the following list of electives. Choices may be subject to timetable availability. The following is indicative only as other electives continue to be developed:

• Food Chain (15)
• International Business (15)
• Agricultural Management (15)
• Farm Business Management (15)
• Equine Business Management (15)
• Equine Husbandry (15)
• Equine Industry (15)
• Viticulture and Vinification (7.5)
• Wine Industry (15)
• Wine Study Tour (7.5)
• Economics of the Environment (15)
• Operations Management (7.5)
• Critical Issues in Food Technology and Innovation (7.5)

What is the Learning Style?

Each module has a core of formal lectures complemented by seminars, workshops and tutorials. Case studies and group project work play an important part in the learning process, together with visits to and from companies.

Assessment

The taught modules are assessed using both continuous assessment and final examinations. The modules are divided into six core modules (90 credits) and 30 credits of elective modules. The dissertation is worth 60 credits. 

Entry Requirements

• The normal minimum entry requirement will be an Honours degree at upper second level or an equivalent academic qualification from a comparable international institution.
• Mature candidates with significant relevant work experience and lower academic qualifications may also be considered for entry, following personal interview with the Course Manager.
• If your first language is not English, we will accept the International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 average with no element below 5.5.
• If you have other qualifications, including overseas awards and alternative English language qualifications, you are advised to contact Admissions to discuss the suitability of your award for entry onto the course.