Full Time Advanced Farm Management MBA

The Advanced Farm Management MBA programme is designed to train prospective farmers, farm managers and farm management consultants to work in the commercial environment of modern farming and agribusiness.
An important objective of the Advanced Farm Management MBA programme is to develop a broad awareness of business thinking, encouraging students to be highly adaptable, open-minded and creative in their approach to farm business management. A case study approach to learning is used throughout the Advanced Farm Management MBA programme which allows principles and concepts to be explored in a real-world context. By using case studies of existing businesses, students practise the management skills they will be applying after they leave. During the year, visiting speakers from the industry give students a valuable insight into the whole industry from the field to the supermarket shelf.
Most students study for the MBA full-time, completing it in 15 months. It is possible to study the programme part-time over two, three or four years. Participants choose the pattern, in consultation with the Programme Manager, which suits them best.

How is the programme organised?
The taught part of the programme is made up of eight modules. Five core modules are delivered jointly with the other MBA programmes.In addition, three focus modules provide the agricultural and farm management content to this programme.
Students who can provide academic evidence of having studied the contents of a particular module, i.e. a degree in that subject, may, with guidance from the Programme Manager and, subject to timetable availability, substitute up to two modules with either other postgraduate or third year undergraduate modules.
The taught programme is from October to March, with the dissertation from April onwards. Dissertations can be submitted anytime before the following 10th January.

What is the learning style?
Teaching is developed around group and individual case study work in real situations. Lectures complement the applied farm management activities and discussion is encouraged on how management techniques work in practice.
Seminars and discussions play an important part in teaching. Students can expect a great deal of individual attention and will be helped to exploit their particular management strengths.
Assessment
The taught modules are assessed using both continuous assessment and final examinations. The dissertation completes the MBA degree.

Entry requirements
The normal minimum entry requirement will be a BSc Honours degree at upper second level, or an HND award with a Distinction profile, plus a minimum of two years' post-graduation 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 Programme Manager. Students with other qualifications, including overseas awards, are advised to contact Admissions to discuss the suitability of their award for entry to their preferred programme of study.
All students are required to hold a recognised English Language qualification of at least GCSE grade C or an equivalent standard. For students whose first language is not English, the College will accept International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 average with no element below 5.5
Candidates with alternative English language qualifications are advised to contact Admissions to ascertain the appropriateness of their qualification.


Core Modules
Business Strategy - Enables the student to analyse the strategic capability of an organisation, appraise the internal and external factors influencing its performance and to develop and implement strategic plans.

Approaches to Personal and Organisational Change - Advances participants' understanding of the interconnection of personal (individual) and organisational dimensions of change. The module prepares organisational practitioners for stepping into the realities of change in organisational life in ways that help to improve situations.

Marketing, Planning and Strategy - Aims to develop the knowledge and ability to apply marketing principles, ranging from consumer behaviour to marketing strategies, to the farming, food, wine and equine industries.

Finance - Enables students to identify problems in the financial management of a business and appraise solutions to them

Economics and Policy - Provides the necessary background economic theory for business decision-making in the farming, food and equine industries.

Focus Modules
Food Chain - Managing in the food chain with senior managers speaking about their own problems and solution.

Agricultural Management - The importance of food, animal and crop husbandry and machinery management in the successful running of the farm business.

Farm Business Management - Planning and analysis through detailed case studies of selected farm businesses, looking at how they work and how they could be improved in the future.

Dissertation (MBA) - A dissertation consisting of approximately 25,000 words on an approved business and or management topic.