Agribusiness Master of Business Administration - MBA

Program Overview

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MBA Agribusiness

Introduction

Explore the business of food and how it’s produced. Our MBA Agribusiness focuses on connections between agri-food businesses, regenerative farming and hybrid production to promote environmental transformation.

Our innovative Master of Business Administration MBA has a focus on regenerative food systems. It’s been developed with theoretical ‘threads’ linking all the modules together, to deliver a systems-based approach to circular economics and socio-environmental wellbeing.

These 'threads' include entrepreneurialism, economic awareness, capability building, emerging business paradigms and environmental sustainability.

We focus on food systems, security and sustainability – looking at the underlying fragility in existing systems; and regenerative systems that work with nature, and where inter-related thinking and practices might contribute to future economic, environmental and societal benefits.

Whether you want to work nationally or internationally, as part of a large or small organisation, or lead your own business start-up, this course at ARU in Writtle will provide you with the skills to take your career to the next level.

Course Options

• 1 year full-time (September start)
• 15 months full-time (January start)
• 2 years part-time

Key Facts

• Study options: 1 year full-time
• Start dates: January, September
• Location: Writtle
• Fees:
  • £9,356 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

From day one of our MBA Agribusiness, you'll be learning and applying professional skills through modules that are framed by principles of sustainability and circular economics. You'll gain real-world experience through industry projects, field trips, case studies, lecture events and contact with business experts.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Core Modules

• Sustainable Global Business Management and Circular Economics (15 credits)
• Sustainable Land Stewardship and Leadership (15 credits)
• Food Marketing and Value Chain Management (15 credits)
• Applied Research (Methods) for Managers (15 credits)
• Food Security and Sustainable Farm Management (15 credits)
• Postharvest Systems Management B (15 credits)
• Controlled Environment Agricultural (Farming) Systems (15 credits)
• Leading Sustainable Change Strategies and Innovation in Food Systems (15 credits)
• Taught Masters Degree - Dissertation (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A first degree, with honours, in a related subject such as agriculture, horticulture or environmental sciences and at a minimum final classification of lower second (2:2) or equivalent.
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition Fees for UK Students (2025/26)

£9,356 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter.

Tuition Fees for International Students (2025/26)

£16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter.

Facilities

• Outstanding student support
• Learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
• Benefit from extensive library and IT resources
• Receive full support from our Employability Service, while you're studying with us and after you graduate
• Access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

Lecturers

• Henry Matthews
  • Senior Lecturer
  • Email: [insert email]
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/henry-matthews-8abb8119

Careers

Our MBA has been designed to nurture your leadership skills and make you a better decision maker.

The beauty of studying an MBA – and developing your understanding of business, the environment, marketing, finance and more – is that it provides skills that can be applied in all sectors.

There is growing demand for people with understanding of environmental, social and governance (ESG) themes.

As a graduate, you might pursue a role as a manager in the land-based sector, or consider blue chip global players, start-ups, SMEs, consulting and NGOs, or the third sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MBA Agribusiness program at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) focuses on connections between agri-food businesses, regenerative farming, and hybrid production to promote environmental transformation. The program emphasizes food security, sustainability, and systems thinking, aiming to equip students with skills to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the agri-food industry.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Sustainable Global Business Management and Circular Economics:
Explores business models, sustainability principles, and the circular economy in the context of agri-food systems.
• Sustainable Land Stewardship and Leadership:
Examines sustainable land management practices, environmental governance, and the role of leadership in promoting environmental stewardship.
• Food Marketing and Value Chain Management:
Covers marketing and value chain management strategies in the agri-food industry, considering consumer behavior, market segmentation, and supply chain management.
• Applied Research (Methods) for Managers:
Provides foundational research skills, including research design, data collection, and analysis techniques.
• Food Security and Sustainable Farm Management:
Explores food security challenges and sustainable farming practices, examining food systems, production techniques, and policy frameworks.
• Postharvest Systems Management B:
Focuses on the management of postharvest operations in the agri-food industry, covering topics such as storage, transportation, and quality control.
• Controlled Environment Agricultural (Farming) Systems:
Introduces controlled environment agricultural systems, such as greenhouses and vertical farming, and their role in sustainable food production.
• Leading Sustainable Change Strategies and Innovation in Food Systems:
Examines strategies for leading sustainable change in the agri-food industry, including innovation, collaboration, and systems thinking.
• Taught Masters Degree - Dissertation:
A major research project that allows students to investigate a topic of their choice related to agri-food business and sustainability.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods:

• Coursework:
Essays, reports, presentations, and group projects
• Exams:
Written exams testing knowledge and understanding
• Practical assignments:
Hands-on exercises and industry-based case studies
• Dissertation:
A substantial research project that demonstrates critical thinking, research skills, and analysis capabilities.

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Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and industry projects. The teaching faculty comprises experts in the fields of agri-food business, environmental science, and sustainability. The program emphasizes active learning, group work, and real-world applications to foster practical skills and critical thinking.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MBA Agribusiness program are well-prepared for leadership roles in various sectors of the agri-food industry, including:

• Management:
General management, operations management, supply chain management
• Consulting:
Agribusiness consulting, sustainability consulting, food security consulting
• Entrepreneurship:
Start-ups and business development in the agri-food sector
• Nonprofit organizations:
Program management, advocacy, and research in sustainable food systems
• Government:
Policy development and implementation in agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Tuition fees for UK students (2024/25)

£8,996 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.

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Tuition fees for international students (2024/25)

£13,900 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.