Masters Degrees (Agribusiness)

About the course

With the increasing impact of globalisation and advancing technologies, the food, agrienergy and agricultural industries are in a state of expansion and evolution. As two of the world’s leading countries in agribusiness, France and Brazil are poised to play a fundamental role in the future of the food industry.

In the Master of Science and MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management (FAM) programme, you’ll learn how to excel in all aspects of food and agribusiness management – and earn degrees from two of the top business schools in France and Brazil:

- Master of Science degree from Audencia Business School in France
- MBA degree from Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing in Brazil

Course content

Prepare to help the global food and agribusiness sectors reinvent themselves! You’ll gain the tools to develop innovative solutions to challenges faced by food and agricultural enterprises, to manage all aspects of agribusiness operation and to market food products effectively. Programme includes:

- Internationalised study in both France and Brazil
- Courses taught by top Audencia faculty and ESPM faculty
- Guest lectures and workshops led by industry experts
- Field trips to a variety of SME, SMI and multinational agribusiness companies
- Practical master’s project
- Worldwide, hands-on internship

Core courses (France)

Period 1 (September to mid-November)

You’ll gain a solid understanding of the foundational principles of food and agribusiness management, taking 20 ECTS at Audencia in Nantes, France, and participating in field trips across France. Courses include:

Analytical Tools
Strategy for Agribusiness
Financial Management
Human Resources Management
Marketing and Food Business
Operations Management
Corporate Social Responsibility

Advanced courses I (France)

Period 2 (December to February)

Now it’s time to dig deeper into the field, taking another 20 ECTS and continuing to participate in field trips. You’ll also undertake a field project in France, working in a team on an industry-related case. Courses will be taught primarily by Audencia, with one course taught by ESPM. Courses include:

- Value Chain and Performance
- Design and Innovation

B2C
- Packaging Management
- Brand Management
- International Marketing

B2B
- Category Management
- Trade Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- The Retail World

Advanced courses II (Brazil)

Period 3 (mid-March to mid-May)

At this point, you’ll move your studies to São Paulo, Brazil, taking a further 20 ECTS to build your expertise. You’ll participate in field trips and a field project in Brazil. Courses will be taught primarily by ESPM, with one course taught by Audencia. Example courses include:

Principles of Animal Genetics
Marketing “Before the Farm”
Marketing Strategies in the Public Sector
Marketing of Agricultural Production
Marketing “After the Farm” – Agro Industry Farms
Reverse Marketing – Retail Industry
Agribusiness Geopolitics
Communication Strategies
Social Media and Internet Governance
Media for Agribusiness
Sales and Distribution Channels Planning
Agribusiness NGO Marketing
International Legislation and Regulation
Tax Management – Governance Models from USA and EEC
Marketing of Cooperatives and Associations

Projects and field trips (France and Brazil)

A wide range of field trips and field projects in both France and Brazil will expand your real-world knowledge in an international context. This equips you to analyse issues facing the sector and apply your skills to solve problems.

Field trips are a component of each period, and field projects are integrated into Periods 2 and 3.

Internship (Worldwide)

Period 4 (June to October or December)

During your four- to six-month mandatory internship, you will gain an inside look into the day-to-day operations and marketing of an enterprise in the food or agricultural sector anywhere in the world. Audencia students complete the internship before graduation for 30 ECTS. Internships in France are paid; this will vary from country to country, depending on local laws.

The internship highlights your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, helping you build your network and strengthen future career possibilities.

Example positions held by FAM interns:

- Market access specialist
- Assistant project manager
- Marketing assistant
- Junior commercial exporter
- Marketing and international trade assistant

Final report

Period 4 (June to November)

In addition to the internship, you will cap your programme with a final report (30 ECTS) examining an issue in the agribusiness industry – and proposing a solution.

We encourage you to use your internship as the basis for this report, highlighting your real-world experience and demonstrating your value to prospective employers. You’ll submit the written report in mid-October and give an oral presentation in early November (at Audencia or via Skype).

International Partners

Audencia is among the elite 1% of business schools to hold triple accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. Our strong international partnerships serve as the foundation of your FAM programme. You’ll work with faculty members who have extensive industry experience, researchers who specialise in the field, and agribusiness and agrienergy corporate partners.

ESPM
ESPM is the leading university in Brazil for business strategy, marketing and integrated communications programmes – and agribusiness marketing. ESPM’s Centre for Agribusiness works closely with the Brazilian Agribusiness Marketing Association (AMBR&A) and the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (ABAG), the main industry associations for this sector, to develop state-of-the-art research and education.

Crédit Agricole
The FAM is supported by generous funding from Crédit Agricole, the largest bank in France – and the second-largest in Europe. Crédit Agricole has a long history of supporting farmers and agribusiness, and is a top employer of Audencia graduates. Learn from and connect with industry experts from Crédit Agricole and other companies, building a network of industry contacts for your future career.

Corporate partners
The FAM programme also partners with the following influential agribusiness and agrienergy corporate partners:

Terrena
InVivo Group
Olmix
Avril Group
In addition, you’ll benefit from Audencia’s network of corporate partners.

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The Rome Business School’s Master in Agribusiness Management is the ideal academic course for professionals seeking a world-class degree programme in these disciplines, leading to a successful global career in the agro network field (production, seed and crop, harvest and stock in agriculture, market of commodities, food supply chain, food and wine business).

With the Rome Business School’s international perspective, the programme offers a unique learning experience and a global professional exposure, enabling participants to study in one of the best cities of the world or online. The programme’s quality teaching and networking services all contribute to make it the perfect fit for anyone who is looking to rise to the top in the world of farming, food production, or in the start-up agribusiness system.

Objectives

In particular, on completing the programme, participants will be able to:

- Understand the characteristics and trends of the agri-food market and the role played by the farmers, industrialists, and their representatives in the organizations.

- Recognize the intersection of agribusiness with other areas of economic and social concern, such as economic development and new ways of production and business diversification (organic farming, biofuel, biogas, circular economy, etc…).

- Identify and manage the characteristics of the main food businesses and develop effective managerial strategies.

- Develop a comprehensive business plan for agri-food corporations.

- Utilize the most advanced marketing techniques to promote businesses and organizations.

- Manage the financial dimensions related to agricultural activities.

- Understand and utilize project management techniques for agricultural businesses.

- Manage the agri-food supply chain.

- Learn about the start-up ecosystem related to agribusiness.

- Master the use of new technologies within farmer or industrialist organizations and the most advanced production tools and channel.

- Learn about the international organizations operating in the agribusiness sector and the international policies and support linked to this economic sector.

- Meet farmers or food producers that changed their companies by taking new and radical approaches.

Structure (12 months)

The Rome Business School’s Master’s Degree in Agribusiness Management is structured in:

- 6 months of Lectures + Additional Activities

- 6 months of project work

- Company visits

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The international food and agribusiness industries continue to grow despite significant fluctuations in local and regional economic activity. The rapid technological innovation pace, demographic shifts between urban and rural areas, immigration and access to skilled staff, climate change, water issues, and food security are among the topics studied in the International Food and Agribusiness MBA. Key areas include food processing and manufacturing, procurement, research and development, policy or government service, agricultural and food marketing, and supply chain management.

The MBA in International Food and Agribusiness is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. Upon successful completion of the degree, you will be awarded CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and will therefore become a Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI). You can then apply to the CMI for full Chartered Manager status if you wish.

Existing and aspiring multinational companies are looking for managers with transnational knowledge and linguistic skills, who are capable of functioning confidently in different regions of the world. Our business-minded graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers as food industry experts and consultants, Business Managers, and Project Managers for international organisations.

This MBA provides a unique opportunity for transatlantic study to put the management theories, concepts and strategies learnt into a European or USA context. You will have the chance to study the first term at the Utah State University or the Royal Agricultural University, with the remaining study periods undertaken at the RAU.

Structure

The MBA may be studied full-time over 12 months or part-time over two or three years.

You will study six business modules in the autumn term, plus four focus modules, and one or two elective module(s) in the spring term. The Research Project is carried out over the summer to be submitted in September.

You will learn through lectures, seminars, problem-based and experiential case studies, workshops, cooperative work, reflective reports, group project work, presentations, lectures, seminars, and industry visits. You will be given guided independent learning tasks and be encouraged to increase your knowledge and understanding through private study and the completion of assessments.

Modules will be assessed through professional reports, presentations, competitive reviews, reflective essays, case study analysis, critical academic papers, marketing plans, business evaluation projects, and written examinations.

Modules

• 4014 Food Chain
• 4023 Operations Management
• 4076 Financial Management
• 4095 International Agri-Food Marketing
• 4111 Critical Issues in Food Technology and Innovation
• 4214 Sustainable Business Strategy
• 4215 Agricultural Economics
• 4216 Leadership and Change
• 4217 International Marketing Management
• 4220 Applied Research Challenge
• 4221 International Agribusiness Finance and Investment

Plus ONE* further elective module(s) from:

• 3084 Entrepreneurship
• 3096 Wine Industry
• 3211 Practical E-Business and E-Commerce
• 4078 International Business
• 4080 Development Project Management
• 4205 Critical Issues in Ethical Leadership*
• 4223 Economics of the Environment*
• 4228 New Product Development in the Agri-Food Industry
• 4229 Adaptive Management in a Complex World

* Please note that to achieve full credits, students must select either ONE of the 15 credit electives or BOTH of the 7.5 credit electives

Undertaking Term One of study in Utah, USA

Applicants who wish to undertake their Term One modules at Utah State University (USU) will need to ensure that they have indicated this in their application by replying the specific question.

Applicants can participate in the US study only if they have paid the required fees (Home/EU: 1/3 of tuition fees, Overseas: 50% of tuition fees) and identified that they want to participate in the US study programme the latest by 30th June.

Please note that the term for the US study in Utah (USU) starts in the first week of August. Late applications for participation in the US term cannot be considered.

Career prospects

Our business-minded graduates progress into successful careers across all areas of the global food and agribusiness sectors, many of whom secure management positions at transnational companies:

• International food industry experts and consultants – for private companies, governments, and international organisations such as FAO, World Bank, European Commission
• Business management
• Import and export management
• Food processing, manufacturing, and supply chain management
• Procurement
• Project coordination – overseeing international projects and operations
• Operational support – building international relations for an organisation
• Research and development

Working for organisations such as:

• USDA National Agricultural Statistics Office
• Garrett Capital
• Agrimarc Ltd
• Schickelsheim
• Co-op farms
• Moet Hennessy
• NSF Agriculture

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.rau.ac.uk/STUDY/POSTGRADUATE/HOW-APPLY

Funding

For information on funding, please view the following page: https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/funding

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This course provides students with an advanced understanding of the principles, issues and practices of modern international agri-business management. Working in the international agri-business environment encompasses a wide variety of functions, including finance, human resources, customer services, logistics, marketing, cross-cultural exporting and importing, and purchasing.

The course

International agri-business has developed into a well-integrated system that combines efficient production at farm level with a well ordered supply chain managing the delivery of food products into international markets.

The course enhances the student’s knowledge of finance and human resource management and provides a detailed insight into marketing and the industries supporting agricultural production, processing, transportation and supply chain strategy.

Today’s recruits seeking careers in international agri-business need to be well trained in business and marketing and have a thorough appreciation of the international business environment. By focusing on a variety of management and decision issues relevant to businesses in an ever changing international environment, the course enhances the career prospects of those seeking a career in this dynamic sector.

It provides students with an advanced understanding of the principles, issues and practices of modern international agribusiness management. This industry encompasses a wide variety of functions, including finance, human resources, customer services, logistics, marketing, cross-cultural exporting and importing, and purchasing.

How will it benefit me?

Completing the course at MSc level will enable you to use and evaluate business management techniques and assess their relevance to commercial practice under different technical and cultural constraints.

You will learn to appraise the dynamic legal, economic and political environment within which businesses operate, and how to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in addition to technical and commercial information. The course teaches students to evaluate and identify solutions to business management problems encountered by local, national and international firms.

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You will gain the higher level skills needed to understand the workings of the farm-based business, its success as well as aspects of lower performance and weakness.You will have an understanding of the supply chains in which the business operates and could operate and how to maximise the opportunity and in so doing develop the business further. You will undertake practical application of a range of techniques to enable you to develop business management strategies within the evolving economic, social, legal and political framework that farm businesses operate in. Additionally, you will develop enhanced leadership and communication skills.

The course

Agriculture is the dominant user of rural land, accounting for about 70% of the UK land area. There is increasing demand to find diverse means of using rural resources to ensure the continued viability of the rural economy. There is therefore need to further develop the skills in farm management and develop new business opportunities, be that farm diversification, value added enterprises, on-farm but non-farm activities or other rural developments to ensure that the future of the rural economy will be secured. This programme therefore aims to enhance the capacity of farm managers and those working in closely associated industries to perform within shifting economic and policy environments.

The course will focus on effective use of agricultural resources and the opportunities this presents to the rural economy. The course will seek to enable individuals to develop leadership skills while becoming more creative, flexible and innovative entrepreneurs with a high level of transferable skills. It will support students to identify opportunities offered by the changing economy. Teaching will be contexualised presentations of theory with direct practical consideration, utilising a practical knowledge base of the rural environment. By combining this with a sound understanding of business development and policy it will enable participants to maximise on opportunities identified.

The course is designed for existing owner-managers, directors and managers of farm-based businesses, and those who aspire to this level of career development. We expect participants, whilst not necessarily formally educated to undergraduate level, will be well informed and committed to the subject area. This course will provide the necessary focus for growth-orientated businesses to develop.

How will it benefit me?

Your qualification, be it the MSc or the PgD/PgC will provide you with the skill, confidence and competence to enable you to manage growth-orientated businesses.

You will gain the higher level skills needed to really understand the workings of the farm-based business, its success as well as aspects of lower performance and weakness. You will have a clear understanding of the supply chains in which the business operates and could operate and how to maximise the opportunity and in so doing develop the business further. You will undertake practical application of a range of techniques to enable you to develop business management strategies within the evolving economic, social, legal and political framework that farm businesses operate in. Additionally, you will develop enhanced leadership and communication skills required for the management of successful rural business.

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MTSU’s new Agricultural Education Leadership graduate program offers the opportunity to study agricultural leadership and its application in a variety of agricultural and environmental contexts. This concentration leads to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in the Administration and Supervision major. The program helps disseminate the latest research and best practices in agribusiness and agriscience to educational leaders such as extension officers, FFA club advisors, 4-H leaders, and K-12 teachers who integrate agricultural content into their curriculum. Electives allow master’s candidates to tailor studies for individual career goals. The program draws upon the expertise of School of Agribusiness and Agriscience faculty and builds on MTSU’s strong foundation in K-12 education. Although not traditionally identified as STEM fields, agribusiness and agriscience rest on the ever-growing and ever-changing currents of science, technology, and engineering that require agricultural leaders to remain up-to-date in scientific arenas, apply that knowledge to agribusiness and agriscience, and communicate that information to a variety of audiences in a number of formats.

Career

With leadership being a mandate of employers, the Agricultural Education Leadership master’s degree positions graduates to work with communities, organizations, and agencies that are committed to agriculture and the environment. The program is geared toward agricultural extension agents, 4-H leaders, recent graduates, and teachers who seek advanced agricultural leadership skills.

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MSc Plant Sciences

The Plant Sciences programme has been designed to help meet the worldwide demand for scientific expertise in the development of plant and crop production and farming systems.

Programme summary

Plant Sciences deals with crop production ranging from plant breeding to the development of sustainable systems for the production of food, pharmaceuticals and renewable resources. It is linked with a professional sector that is highly important to the world economy. The programme focuses on the principles of plant breeding, agro-ecology and plant pathology and the integration of these disciplines to provide healthy plants for food and non-food applications. Technological aspects of crop production are combined with environmental, quality, socio-economic and logistic aspects. Students learn to apply their knowledge to develop integrated approaches for sustainable plant production.

Specialisations

Crop Science
Sound knowledge of crop science is essential to develop appropriate cultivation methods for a reliable supply of safe, healthy food; while considering nature conservation and biodiversity. An integrated approach is crucial to studying plant production at various levels (plant, crop, farm, region). This requires a sound understanding of basic physical, chemical, and physiological aspects of crop growth. Modelling and simulation are used to analyse yield constraints and to improve production efficiency.

Greenhouse Horticulture
Greenhouse horticulture is a unique agro-system and a key economic sector in the Netherlands. It is the only system that allows significant control of (a-) biotic factors through protected cultivation. The advances in this field are based on technological innovations. This specialisation combines product quality with quality of production and focuses on production, quality- and chain management of vegetables, cut flowers and potted plants.

Natural Resource Management
The development of sustainable agro-ecosystems requires understanding of the complex relationships between soil health, cultivation practices and nutrient kinetics. Other important aspects include the interactions between agriculture and nature, and competing claims on productive land worldwide. Natural Resource Management provides knowledge and tools to understand the interactions between the biotic and abiotic factors in agro-systems to facilitate diverse agricultural demands: bulk vs. pharmaceutical products, food vs. biofuel, conservation of biodiversity, climate change, and eco-tourism.

Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources
Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources ranges from the molecular to the population level and requires knowledge of the physiology and genetics of cultivated plants. Plant breeding is crucial in the development of varieties that meet current demands regarding yield, disease resistance, quality and sustainable production. The use of molecular techniques adds to the rapid identification of genes for natural resistance and is essential for accelerating selection by marker assisted breeding.

Complete Online Master
In September 2015, Wageningen University started the specialisation "Plant Breeding" as the first complete online Master of Science. For more information go to http://www.wageningenuniversity.eu/onlinemaster.


Plant Pathology and Entomology
The investments made in crop production need to be protected from losses caused by biotic stress. Integrated pest management provides protection by integrating genetic resistance, cultivation practices and biological control. This specialisation focuses on the ecology of insects, nematodes and weeds, and the epidemiology of fungi and viruses, including transmission mechanisms. Knowledge of plantinsect, plant-pathogen, and crop-weed relations establishes the basis for studies in integrated pest management and resistance breeding.

Your future career

Graduates in Plant Sciences have excellent career prospects and most of them receive job offers before graduation. They are university-trained professionals who are able to contribute to the sustainable development of plant production at various integration levels based on their knowledge of fundamental and applied plant sciences and their interdisciplinary approach. Graduates with a research focus are employed at universities, research institutes and plant breeding or agribusiness companies. Other job opportunities are in management, policy, consultancy and communication in agribusiness and (non-) governmental organisations.

Alumnus Maarten Rouwet.
“I was born in Germany and raised in the East of the Netherlands. After high school I applied for the Bèta-gamma bachelor at the University of Amsterdam where I majored in biology. After visiting the master open day at Wageningen University I knew that the master Plant Sciences had something unique to offer. In my master, I specialised in plant breeding, an ever so interesting field of research. I just started my first job as junior biotech breeder of leavy vegetables at Enza Zaden, a breeding company in Enkhuizen. One of my responsibilities is to identify resistances in wild species of lettuce and to implement these in breeding programmes of cultivated lettuce.”

Related programmes:
MSc Biosystems Engineering
MSc Biotechnology
MSc Biology
MSc Forest and Nature Conservation
MSc Organic Agriculture
MSc Plant Biotechnology.

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MSc Plant Breeding

This is an online Master specialisation within the MSc Plant Sciences

ONLINE OPEN DAY: 17 MARCH 2016

Would you like to know more about the Master programmes of Wageningen University, join us for the Master online open day on 17 March 2016! During the online open day you can meet the staff and students of the Master programmes, experience Wageningen University and check out the innovative campus. You can also ask your questions about application and admission, scholarships, the education system and much more, all online!

sign up now

http://www.wageningenuniversity.eu/masteronlineopenday

Online Master

The online master specialisation is designed for part-time study (approx. 20 hrs/week) to combine work and study or in the context of Life-Long-Learning. A course-programme of 2 years will be followed by a tailor-made internship and Master thesis. During the courses, you will closely collaborate with lecturers, tutors and fellow distance learning students on a virtual learning platform. The course programme includes two short stays of two weeks, each in Wageningen, for essential practicals that relate to the theory. There may be options to organise the academic internship and Master thesis in your own professional context, either parttime or full-time.

Programme summary

Plant Breeding plays an important role in the development of plant varieties for food, feed and industrial uses. New varieties have to meet current demands regarding yield, disease resistance, quality characteristics, salt or drought tolerance and suitability for sustainable plant production systems. Plant Breeding involves a variety of aspects, ranging from the molecular level to the population level and requires knowledge of the physiology, ecology and genetics of cultivated plants. The use of various molecular techniques contributes enormously to the rapid identification of genes for natural resistance and is essential for accelerating the selection process by marker-assisted breeding.

Your future career

Graduates of the Master Plant Sciences have excellent career prospects and most of them receive job offers before graduation. They are university-trained professionals who are able to contribute to the sustainable development of plant production at various integration levels based on their knowledge of fundamental and applied plant sciences and their interdisciplinary approach. Graduates with a research focus are employed at universities, research institutes and plant breeding or agribusiness companies. Other job opportunities are in management, policy, consultancy and communication in agribusiness and (non-) governmental organisations.

Student Timo Petter.
After 10 years of practical experience in Allium breeding, Timo subscribed to follow courses of the master Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources. His job at Bejo Zaden brought him to many countries where the breeding company has her trial fields, breeding stations and sales representatives. But as a crop research manager he started to feel the need to improve his knowledge of the theoretical side of his profession: “Although I have not finished my masters yet, I use the knowledge that I have gained from the various courses every day! For a plant breeder, I believe that this master is the best educational programme available in the Netherlands.”

Related on-campus programmes:
MSc Biosystems Engineering
MSc Biotechnology
MSc Biology
MSc Forest and Nature Conservation
MSc Organic Agriculture
MSc Plant Biotechnology

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General Information

The Food and Resource Economics (FRE) Group offers both a research master's degree, the Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agricultural Economics, and a professional master's degree, the Master of Food and Resource Economics (M.F.R.E.). The M.Sc. is designed for careers where research is a main component, while the M.F.R.E. is designed for careers in industry or government.

In both degrees, coursework provides students with rigorous training in applied economics and quantitative methods. In the M.Sc., students develop specialized research skills by working with faculty throughout UBC on important real-world issues. In the M.F.R.E., students combine applied economics with policy analysis and agribusiness management, enabling them to analyze issues in the food and resource sectors.

FRE faculty members have direct experience working in the food and resource sectors, both domestically and internationally in Europe and Asia, particularly with developing countries.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Food and Resource Economics
- Specialization: Food And Resource Economics
- Subject: Specialty
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework only
- Faculty: Faculty of Land and Food Systems

About MFRE

The MFRE is a one-year course-based professional masters degree which offers a combination of applied economics, policy analysis and agribusiness management. The program is geared towards graduates and professionals such as policy analysts, market consultants and researchers looking to sharpen their skill-sets with more advanced economics and real world applications. Classes are conducted by faculty from Land and Food Systems and the Sauder School of Business, with frequent guest lectures by industry and government executives.

Why MFRE?

- Complete a professional master’s degree in 12 months
- Apply your economics to food policy, trade, and environment
- Obtain a world-recognized degree from The University of British Columbia
- Position yourself for a career in the global food & resource sectors
- Grow your professional global network – 110 alumni from 21 countries
- Experience Vancouver – one of the most livable cities in the world

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This course is designed to enable prospective farmers, farm managers and farm management consultants to work at the strategic level of management and leadership in the commercial environment of modern farming and agribusiness. A mix of core business modules with specialist modules on the agricultural industry provide you with the relevant tools, and capabilities to succeed in this profession.

It is as much about management and the business of farming as it is about problem solving and opportunity finding within the agricultural industry. Our graduates are highly adaptable with the knowledge and skills to operate farm-based businesses with an entrepreneurial flair. Many have gone on to become Farm Managers, Consultants, Brand Managers, and Business Directors.

This course is for those from farming backgrounds who are taking on leadership roles within their family business.The course sets out the background, issues and challenges facing the national and global farming industry and helps you understand the value chain from ‘farm to fork’.

This MBA provides a unique opportunity for transatlantic study to put the management theories, concepts and strategies learnt into a European or USA context. You will have the chance to study the first term at the Utah State University or the Royal Agricultural University, with the remaining study periods undertaken at the RAU.

Key benefits

The MBA in Advanced Farm Management is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. Upon successful completion of the degree, you will be awarded CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and will therefore become a Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI). You can then apply to the CMI for full Chartered Manager status if you wish.

Structure

The MBA may be studied full-time over 12 months or part-time over two or three years.

You will study eight modules; six business modules in the autumn term, two applied modules in the spring term, plus two elective modules to focus your studies to specific areas of interest. The Applied Research Project is carried out over the summer to be submitted in September. It will be presented as a review paper and as a research paper.

You will take part in lectures, seminars and discussions, farm management activities, and group and individual case study work in a real-world context. Visiting industry experts give students a valuable insight in to the sector in which they are involved.

Modules are assessed through a range of coursework.

Modules

• 4012 Farm Business Management
• 4023 Operations Management
• 4076 Financial Management
• 4214 Sustainable Business Strategy
• 4215 Agricultural Economics
• 4216 Leadership and Change
• 4217 International Marketing Management
• 4219 Sustainable Agricultural Business Principles
• 4220 Applied Research Challenge

Plus further elective modules from:

• 3041 Corporate Finance
• 3211 Practical E-Business and E-Commerce
• 4001 Agricultural Management
• 4078 International Business
• 4080 Development Project Management
• 4203 Small Scale Farming and Local Food Supply
• 4205 Critical Issues in Ethical Leadership
• 4223 Economics of the Environment
• 4228 New Product Development in the Agri-Food Industry
• 4229 Adaptive Management in a Complex World

Study abroad opportunity

Applicants who wish to undertake their Term One modules at Utah State University (USU) will need to ensure that they have indicated this in their application by replying the specific question.

Applicants can participate in the US study only if they have paid the required fees (Home/EU: 1/3 of tuition fees, Overseas: 50% of tuition fees) and identified that they want to participate in the US study programme the latest by 30th June.

Please note that the term for the US study in Utah (USU) starts in the first week of August. Late applications for participation in the US term cannot be considered.

Career prospects

Previous graduates have gone on to develop successful careers as:

• Farm Manager
• Farm Consultant
• Global Brand Manager

Many of our graduates have returned home and are driving the family farming business forward.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.rau.ac.uk/STUDY/POSTGRADUATE/HOW-APPLY

Funding

For information on funding, please view the following page: https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/funding

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Aquaculture is now recognised as the fastest growth sector of agribusiness on a global scale – learn about this growing industry through our multidisciplinary approach, which places emphasis on sustainable use of aquatic and marine resources for commercial exploitation for food and products. You’ll discover the scientific rationale for improving aquatic animal health, production and reducing environmental impact and address the socio-economic factors.

Key features

-Develop an appreciation for the growing aquaculture industry within a sustainable agenda for meeting the needs of culturing fish, crustacean, mollusc, aquatic plants and invertebrates for their products.
-Choose specialised modules and draw on the expertise of research active staff with proven track records of teaching and national as well as international recognition in their fields.
-Seize the opportunity to research an aspect of aquaculture.
-Undertake a variety of projects and technical training with our contemporary facilities such as wet labs/aquaria, nutrition and feed analytical suites as well as teaching laboratories, molecular biology and an electron microscopy centre.
-Learn from internationally recognised scientists and personnel from Plymouth University and the National Lobster Hatchery.
-Gain access to expertise from leaders in industry and commerce in a variety of aquaculture systems, advancing your technical and scientific knowledge.
-Benefit from our strong relationships with government agencies, commercial enterprising and advisory organisations.
-Join our well established postgraduate environment where PhD students interact and engage in related specialised areas to foster a sound academic forum for sharing ideas and technical knowledge.
-Graduate opportunities include various career paths within the aquaculture industry as well as associated fields relating to fish and shellfish health, welfare and research. Previous graduates have progressed into careers in these fields or PhD programmes in the UK, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Course details

You’ll learn about the scale and nature of the global industry and the challenges required to develop sustainable solutions. The programme reflects key aspects of fish, shellfish and algae production relating to modern aquaculture practices with emphasis on nutrition, feed management, health, welfare and sustainable technology. It also incorporates the socio-economic and geo-political developments in this expanding area as well as marketing and enterprise. Topics include: fish nutrition, feed technology, fish and shellfish health management, disease prevention and genetic improvement of stock for aquaculture; management of fish production, ornamental fish culture and global demand for aquatic trades in captive fish species; environmental and legislative regulations in different countries and the problems of aquaculture expansion in rural areas; economics of the marine environment; seafood processing; and a research project leading to your dissertation.

Core module
-BIO504 Health and Production in Aquaculture
-BIO505 Research Project
-BIO5125 Sustainable Use of Resources in Biological Systems
-BIO5131 Postgraduate Research Skills & Methods
-BIO5208 Contemporary Issues in Aquaculture

Optional modules
-MAR529 Marine Planning
-BIO5209 Seafood Processing - Current Perspectives
-MAR507 Economics of the Marine Environment

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

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The EU is a rapidly growing influence on public policy in the UK, across member states and in global politics. This MSc equips students with the knowledge, transferable skills and research experience necessary to analyse the complex challenges facing Europe’s policymakers today. The programme includes a funded study trip to Brussels.

Degree information

The programme provides in-depth knowledge of the EU’s institutions, politics and policies. It covers legislative, executive, and judicial politics; introduces EU law-making and lobbying; and addresses key contemporary questions, such as Europe’s global role, democratic legitimacy, the Eurocrisis and the EU’s impact on member states. Students choose from a wide range of options in public policy, international politics and comparative government.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules
-European Union: Institutions and Politics (30)
-Public Policy Economics and Analysis (15)
-Introduction to Qualitative Methods or Advanced Qualitative Methods (15)
-Introduction to Quantitative Methods or Advanced Quantitative Methods (15)

Optional modules - choose one of the following 15-credit modules (the other module remains available as an option):
-Policy-Making and Regulation in Europe (15)
-The European Union, Globalisation and the State (15)

The following are suggestions:
-The European Union in the World (15)
-British Government and Politics (15)
-Conflict Resolution and Post-War Development (15)
-Foreign Policy Analysis (15)
-International Trade Policy (15)
-Making Policy Work (15)
-The Political Economy of Development (15)
-Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Policy and Management (15)

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation.

Teaching and learning
Teaching on the EU is interdisciplinary and pools the department's world-class expertise in European politics, public policy and international relations. The MSc is delivered through weekly lectures and seminars by experts, who all carry out innovative research in the field. Assessment is through unseen examinations, essays, policy-briefs and a dissertation. Several modules include negotiation games.

Careers

Most students choose the MSc as the foundation for a career in European affairs in the EU's institutions; in central, regional or local government; in NGOs, business, lobby groups and public affairs consultancies.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Marketing Executive, Barclays
-Press Officer, European Parliament.
-Agribusiness Analyst, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
-Public Affairs Manager, Eu Strategy
-Researcher, Market and Social Research

Employability
The MSc puts a premium on training students in the systematic analysis of European public policies and policy-making. Our teaching therefore combines a rigorous academic programme and a focus on independent research with training in pre-professional skills, for example through negotiation games, the preparation of policy briefs and a visit to the EU's institutions. Career events with alumni, topical workshops at UCL's European Institute, the study trip to Brussels and established links with the EU communities in Brussels and London also offer our students excellent networking opportunities.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL Political Science is recognised as a centre of excellence in the field and offers a uniquely stimulating environment for the study of public policy in the EU and its member states.

The department acts as a bridge between the research community and policymakers in Brussels and Britain, and the programme’s funded study trip to Brussels offers students first-hand insights into the EU’s institutions as well as networking opportunities.

Launched in 2010, UCL's European Institute has become a new hub for cross-disciplinary research and public events on Europe, for our students to attend and engage in.

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MSc Food Quality Management

The MSc Food Quality Management programme offers an integrated approach to the study and assessment of quality processes in the agrifood chain through an exclusively developed techno-managerial approach. The whole supply chain is studied from the primary sector to the final consumer. Food, flowers and cattle are also discussed.

Programme summary

Food quality management assures the health and safety of food and other perishable products (e.g. flowers) and has become increasingly important in today’s society, this is due to changing consumer requirements, increasing competition, environmental issues and governmental interests. This has resulted in a turbulent situation on the food market and in the agro-food production chain. The situation is further complicated by the complex characteristics of food and food ingredients, which include aspects such as variability, restricted shelf life and potential safety hazards; as well as many chemical, biochemical, physical and microbiological processes. To face this challenge, continuous improvement in food quality management methods is required wherever knowledge of modern technologies and management methods plays a crucial role.

Quality issues in food and other perishable products are generally tackled using either a technological or a managerial approach. At Wageningen, a concept has been developed that combines both aspects. This ‘technomanagerial’ approach forms the basis of the Food Quality Management programme. It provides a comprehensive and structured overview of quality management for predicting food systems’ behaviour and generating adequate improvements in these systems from a food chain perspective.

The programme prepares graduates to understand and work together with the different players in the food industry (management, Research & Development) in order to ensure high quality products.

Specialisations

You will combine Food Quality Management courses with several courses based on your educational background and interest. These courses can be in fields of food technology (e.g. product design, process design), food safety (e.g. food safety management, microbiology), management (e.g. case studies management, entrepreneurship) or logistics (e.g. food logistics management, supply chain management). The programme is thesis oriented and tailor-made to your specific interests. The thesis and internship in the second year of the programme are carried out in cooperation with the food industry.

Your future career

Graduates from this programme will be experts in the field of food quality management and can enter careers in agribusiness, research and public administration:
• Typical positions include quality assurance manager (responsible for the quality of the ingredients for a specific product).
• Designer/specialist (working on the quality aspects of fresh products in the development process), advisor/consultant (advising companies on certification).
• Researcher (studying the improvement of existing quality assurance systems in the food industry).

Student Tasioudis Dimitrios.
"It was my desire to combine my scientific background with management studies that resulted in my decision to do the Master Food Quality Management. The master gives you a useful tool in understanding the meaning of every result in a real life situation and enables you to select the best solutions to tackle specific problems. Wageningen University is a great university where science flourishes and research is of utmost importance. It is the ideal environment to gain knowledge and to accomplish your goals."

Related programmes:
MSc Management, Economics and Consumer Studies
MSc Food Technology
MSc Food Safety

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MSc Management Economics and Consumer Studies

The Management, Economics and Consumer Studies programme deals with the interrelationships between producers, consumers and society-at-large. We offer specialisations for students with a Social Sciences background as well as a technical Life Sciences background.

Programme summary

During the programme, students will study the dynamics in the agro-food chain involving suppliers, producers, retailers and consumers; focusing on how they affect each other and how they affect, and are affected by, the economy and society. The domain of this programme is business and all the components of industry including production, distribution and final use or consumption. It covers managerial, economic, sociological and environmental aspects – internal and external – of households and businesses in the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world, in both developed and developing countries.

Specialisations

Within the MSc Management Economics and Consumer Studies you can choose from four specialisations. Each specialisation trains you to become an expert in that field.

Management Studies
This specialisation includes several options. Students can investigate and analyse the strategies and operations of companies in production and distribution networks as well as the dynamic decision-making processes involved in production. Alternatively, you may choose to focus on the various aspects of marketing and consumer behaviour in business, agribusiness and the food industry. It is also possible to acquire expertise in facility management, information systems, operations research (logistics), information management or quantitative decision modelling.

Consumer Studies
This specialisation allows you to study the behaviour, lifestyles and consumption patterns of consumers and households. Students will acquire insight into the economic and sociological aspects of consumers and households, and the factors determining consumption behaviour and patterns. Alternatively, the role of communication between the various actors in the food chain or consumer technology can be studied.

Economics, Environment and Governance
Students analyse the economic behaviour of various participants in the agricultural sector and rural areas in developed countries or study the pivotal role of agricultural and rural development in low-income countries. You can also specialise in Public Administration and Policy if you are interested in the governance of complex problems in domains of sustainable agriculture, climate change or water management. If students are more interested in environmental issues, they can focus on the economic or policy aspects of national and international environmental problems or the processes of environmentally-induced social change in modern industrial and developing societies.

Management, Innovation and Life Sciences
The goal of this specialisation, especially designed for students with a life science background, is to integrate technical and managerial knowledge. Examples of how this interaction can be of optimal use are complex innovation processes in production, logistics or market development. These processes have a high technological character in which innovation plays a central role and for which good communication and managerial skills are necessary. Three different profiles can be studied within this specialisation: innovation management, innovation in decision support and economics, and innovation in operations management.

Your future career

Graduates have career prospects as managers, consultants, researchers and teachers in the public or private sector. Career opportunities are found within financial institutions, marketing agencies or in the field of consumer affairs. Also, alumni work as policy makers in government agencies or non-profit organisations, in development and innovation in life science related businesses or organisations.

Alumnus Bart Zwartjes.
Innovate a new chip flavour, assist in expanding an encyclopedia made by consumers (Wikipedia), or write a review of a purchased product. These are just a few examples of co-creating as a consumer. Co-creation is a joint effort by company and consumer and companies have a lot to gain by this. Namely, 50-70% of all product innovations fail at market entry. Co-creation allows companies to offer products and services that meet consumer needs better. But why would consumers spend their free time helping out companies? Currently Bart works as a consultant for Cap-Gemini advising businesses on how to make successful use of co-creation.

Related programmes:
MSc International Development Studies
MSc Food Quality Management
MSc Applied Communication Science
Health and Society (specialisation)
MSc Development and Rural Innovation.

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MSc Organic Agriculture

The Organic Agriculture programme has been designed to train students in multiple aspects of organic agriculture and the associated processing and marketing chain. An important goal is to prepare the students for interdisciplinary teamwork at an academic level.

Programme summary

This programme has been designed to train students in multiple aspects of organic agriculture and the associated processing and marketing chain. An important goal is to prepare for interdisciplinary teamwork at an academic level. The programme is unique in its combination of detailed consideration of the underlying principles and processes from a natural science perspective with social and economic studies. Creative thinking is required to design new sustainable farming and marketing systems instead of simply optimising existing systems. The programme has an international character that uses case studies and offers project opportunities in both the developed and developing world. The curriculum has been carefully formulated to provide a balance between fundamental and applied science. Various university groups participate including farming systems ecology, soil quality, animal science, entomology, rural sociology, environmental policy, education and economy, making this a well-rounded and holistic programme.

Specialisations

Agroecology
Due to concerns on conventional farming practices, food safety issues and pollution, consumers increasingly demand wholesome agricultural products that are produced in a sustainable way. In addition to the demand for organic products by consumers in industrialised countries, there is a need for scientific agroecological farming practices in developing countries and countries in economic distress. In these regions, farmers cannot afford external inputs like pesticides, fertilisers or expensive seeds. Courses focus on: the analysis and design of sustainable organic farming systems; studying the relationship between plant and animal production; soil and landscape; analysing factors affecting plant and animal health; organic product quality. Students learn a systems approach to conduct research projects involving integrated agroecological systems.

Consumer and Market
Socio-economic constraints affect the demand for organic products, and are major bottlenecks to expand organic production. Improved understanding of consumer preferences is essential to stimulate sustainable production of healthy food and renewable resources. Production, processing and marketing of organic products is increasingly affected by (inter-) national policy and legislation. Insight into these aspects is crucial to expand organic production systems. Courses focus on: analysis of consumer perception; insight into relations between government policy and consumer behaviour; development of strategies for certification and trademarks for organic products; globalisation of food production and consumption; environmental education; global versus local production. Students acquire skills to analyse complex problems at the intersection of organic agriculture and society.

Double degree in Agroecology
The double degree programme combines the strengths of the two co-operating institutes, adding the specialist knowledge in agroecosystems management of FESIA with the expertise in designing and evaluating organic food production chains in Wageningen. Students get the opportunity to understand structure and function of complex agroecosystems. They learn to apply systems approaches in studying, designing and evaluating agricultural systems and food production chains, and to develop creative solutions for sustainable farming and marketing of organic products. Action learning and action research through cooperation with farmers, food system professionals and consumers will shorten the distance between practice and theory.

Your future career

Graduates have career opportunities in agribusiness, research, non-governmental organisations and public administration. They often hold jobs such as scientist, consultant, policy maker or quality assurance officer.

Alumna Natasja Poot.
“I have chosen the MSc Organic Agriculture because I was looking for a programme in which all aspects of agriculture are discussed. Courses addressed topics on soils, plants, animals and their interactions. I did not want to limit myself to just organic agriculture, but I can apply the knowledge to all conventional integrated farming systems as well. After graduating, I started at BLGG as a product manager Soil Health. BLGG is a laboratory in the agricultural sector that offers innovative analyses and advices that help farmers in their everyday management. In my position, I am focusing on developing tools for soil-borne diseases, nematodes and soil suppressiveness.”

Related programmes:
MSc Food Quality Management
MSc Environmental Sciences
MSc Plant Sciences
MSc Animal sciences
MSc Biology
MSc Management, Economics and Consumer Studies
MSc Forest and Nature Conservation.

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