The increasing globalisation of the food industry has highlighted the need for managers with experience of social, cultural, production and consumption conditions in the major markets of the world. Sourcing and supply in the food sector is becoming increasingly competitive and complex.

This MBA provides the opportunity for you to gain understanding and experience of producers, processors, consumers and policy makers within at least two of the major trading blocs and markets in the world.

Existing and aspiring multinational companies are looking for managers with transnational knowledge and linguistic skills, who are capable of functioning confidently and competently in different regions of the world.

This MBA has been developed to create the calibre of manager required to fill vital roles in this complex and dynamic global industry. The course focuses on the food and agribusiness industry and provides a unique opportunity for transatlantic study to put the management subjects concerned into a European or USA context. This is accomplished by studying the taught part of the course in Utah State University, Logan, Utah and in the School of Business at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, UK.

The MBA is validated and awarded by the Royal Agricultural College.

Who is the Course for?

Recruitment is worldwide and the ideal candidate will be highly motivated, with a first degree (or equivalent) or substantial experience of management. Participants should expect to reach senior management positions in companies, agencies or institutions where international business is a major activity. It will also suit academics, advisers, planners and consultants in business or government.

The MBA provides opportunity for study in the UK and the USA, creating commercial trade links and opening career possibilities. The objective is to produce MBA graduates who have the characteristics and skills which the food and agribusiness industry requires: competence in the core business subjects and experience of conditions on both sides of the Atlantic, plus presentational skills and the ability to contribute to the company very quickly.

Course Structure

The taught element of the course is undertaken at Utah State University (USU), Logan, USA from August to December and the Royal Agricultural College (RAC) from January to April. Upon successful completion of specified modules in the USA, the RAC will accredit this as prior learning and award you academic credits to enable you to commence studying the core modules at the RAC. This is followed by the team project and the dissertation.

Accredited prior learning (Utah State University)

The following modules will be accredited with prior learning:

• Agricultural Marketing
• Accounting Strategies for Achieving Profit Goals
• Supply Chain Management
• Global Marketing Strategy
• Econometrics

Core Modules (Royal Agricultural College)

• Financial Management
• Personal and Organisational Change
• Marketing
• Food Chain
• Operations Management and Logistics
• Business Strategy
• Business Economics
• Dissertation

Team Project (April-May)

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

Although industry-orientated, this MBA has an academic underpinning. Each module has a core of formal lectures, which are complemented by tutorials, seminars, workshops and co-operative work. Case study and group project work play a significant role in the learning process, together with study visits from relevant organisations within the industry.

Assessment

You are assessed using a combination of examinations and coursework at each of the institutions concerned. A team project is assessed on the presentation made by your team to the company concerned, and by the report that you produce. The dissertation is marked by the supervisor and a second marker, as well as being approved by an external examiner.

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.