Full Time Wine Business Management MBA

The wine industry is an exciting, dynamic and highly-competitive business where management skills are at a premium. The programme is well-suited to overseas as well as UK students. A wide range of nationalities brings a breadth of experience to this highly-distinctive programme.
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 programme is made up of eight modules. Five core modules are delivered jointly with the Advanced Farm Management, Business Management in the Agricultural and Food Industries, and Equine Business Management programmes. The focus modules are specific to the wine industry and give the programme its distinctive flavour.
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 other postgraduate or third year undergraduate subjects.


What is the learning style?
The emphasis is strongly vocational with theoretical material applied to real-world situations. These are supported by case studies, visits, workshops, and the College's network of senior level business contacts.


Assessment
Assessment varies between modules with case study analysis, reports, seminars and written examinations being used.
Eight modules constitute the taught part of the programme, with the dissertation completing the MBA


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 wine industry.

Economics and Policy - Provides the necessary background economic theory for business decision-making in the wine industry.

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


Focus Modules
Wine Industry - The overview of the wine industry from producer to consumer. This subject involves contributions from visiting speakers.

Wine Business Planning - This subject provides training in planning techniques and the compilation of a business plan for a wine business.

Operations Management - Aims to develop an appreciation of the impact of operations and logistics
in the strategic management of a business.

Viticulture and Vinification - Provides students with a detailed understanding of the growing and cultivation of wines and the production of wine in the winery.

Wine Study Tour - Offers students the opportunity of examining in situ the growing of grapes and production of wine in a European country. Students will also study the process wine goes through from the winery to the consumer.

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