The main aim of this European Food and Agribusiness MBA is to prepare you for possible management positions in the field of food in a multinational setting, in accordance with the demand from employers. The required integration of business expertise and management skills, combined with the emphasis on managerial economics and strategies within the agrifood business sector, means that the curriculum focuses on:

• Development of subject expertise relating to the food and agribusiness context
• Development of knowledge and skills in the field of organisations and management (including planning techniques, organisational leadership and decision making)
• Team work, presentation techniques, management techniques, the use of computer networks and human resource management
• Development of expertise in applying business management concepts
• Development of knowledge and skills concerning applied research (including problem analysis/solving skills, application of computer models, e.g. via management games, research planning and execution, data analysis).
• A strong theoretical underpinning which builds upon previous work experience.

Who is the Course for?

The ideal candidate would have a first degree (or equivalent), the motivation to improve, and at least two years' relevant work experience to share with the group. Recruitment for the course is worldwide, with past students coming from South Africa, China and Australasia, as well as the UK, EU member states and Eastern Europe.

MBA Focus

The MBA is industry-orientated and provides the knowledge of how modern businesses work. You will leave the course with a command of the core subjects and be competent at making presentations.

Course Structure

The taught element of the course is split between a European Partner Institution (EPI) (August to December) and the Royal Agricultural College (January to April). There are eight taught modules of which six are full modules and two half modules. The full modules are taught across both teaching centres with each centre teaching one unique half module in addition.

Modules

The following is indicative only as electives continue to be developed.

• Food Chain (RAC)
• Financial Management (EPI & RAC)
• Personal and Organisational Change (EPI & RAC)
• Marketing (EPI & RAC)
• Business Strategy (EPI & RAC)
• Business Economics (EPI & RAC)
• Operations Management and Logistics (EPI & RAC)
• Research Methods (EPI)
• Dissertation

Team Project (April-May)

The venue will be dependent upon where the project is based, usually either in the UK or at the EPI. The final report will be submitted by mid-May and the presentation of that report by end of May.

Dissertation

The dissertation will be undertaken after the team project although you will be encouraged to consider your topic and plan the dissertation as early as possible. The dissertation is normally submitted before 1st May the following year. 

What is the learning style?

Each module has a core of formal lectures, complemented by seminars, workshops and co-operative work. Case study and group project work play a significant role in the teaching approach, together with visits to and from operating companies. The taught modules take eight months (August to April); the team project six weeks (April to May) and the dissertation not more than 11 months (June to May).

Assessment

Each module is assessed at the end of its individual study programme by a mixture of coursework and examination. Each full module has two pieces of assessment, one at the EPI, and the other at the Royal Agricultural College. The team project is assessed by group presentations and report (although individual input to the team performance is also assessed).

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.
• A minimum of two years' work experience with managerial responsibilities.
• 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.