Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - Business Communication (PgDip)

Program Overview

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The PgDip Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - Business Communication program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage change, understand the rural business environment, and enhance their business communication abilities. Designed for professionals seeking career advancement or a change within the agri-food and rural sectors, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum and practical experiences to prepare graduates for success in various roles, including management, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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PgDip Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - Business Communication (PgDip)

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Designed for:

• Individuals who want to develop their conceptual understanding of the principles and processes of change within agri-food and rural businesses
• Individuals seeking a change in their careers within the agri-food and rural business sectors
• Individuals already employed in the agri-food and rural business sectors seeking to enhance their managerial and communication skills
• Individuals who desire to develop their business communication skills within a sector-specific context

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage change in agri-food and rural businesses
• Provide graduates with a thorough understanding of the business environment within the agri-food and rural sectors
• Enhance graduates’ business communication and leadership skills
• Prepare graduates for a variety of career paths in the agri-food and rural business sectors

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Program Description:

• Delivered at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Loughry Campus, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
• Offered on both a full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) basis
• Includes six taught modules: five core modules and one pathway-specific module
• Features an optional, self-funded study trip to Europe to observe best practices in business and community programs

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The PgDip Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - Business Communication program consists of six taught modules: five core modules and one pathway-specific module. The five core modules are:

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Skills to Affect Change within Business:

This module introduces the principles and processes of change management within organizations, focusing on developing skills for effective implementation of change initiatives.

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Rural Business Dynamics:

This module examines the complexities and dynamics of the rural business environment, covering issues such as agricultural economics, rural development, and sustainability.

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Integrating Learning with Business Needs:

This module helps students integrate their academic learning with practical business applications, providing skills for problem-solving and decision-making in real-world scenarios.

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Research and Development:

This module introduces the principles and methods of research and development within the agri-food and rural sectors, equipping students to critically analyze information and apply research findings to business contexts.

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Planning and Evaluating Change Management Programmes:

This module focuses on developing skills for planning, implementing, and evaluating change management programs, ensuring their effectiveness and sustainability within organizations.

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Sixth Pathway Module:

• Business Communication: This module specifically focuses on developing strong business communication skills, covering areas such as effective written and oral communication, interpersonal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

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Teaching:

• Full-time classes: Monday and Tuesday each week, mornings and afternoons, from September to May.
• Part-time classes: Thursday evenings, 7-9pm from September to May.
• Learning opportunities: Lectures, practical experiences, e-learning technologies, and self-directed study to enhance employability.

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Assessment:

• Work-related assignments: Applying theoretical concepts and knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Projects: In-depth exploration of specific topics or issues related to business communication within the agri-food and rural sectors.
• Presentations: Developing communication and public speaking skills through presentations of project work and research findings.
• Case studies: Analyzing real-world examples and applying theoretical frameworks to understand and solve complex business communication challenges.

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Careers:

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Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in various areas of the agri-food and rural business sectors, including:

• Personnel management: Managing and developing human resources within organizations.
• Training and development: Designing and delivering training programs for employees in the agri-food and rural industries.
• Consulting: Providing expert advice and support to businesses on various aspects of their operations, including communication strategies, marketing, and change management.
• Development: Working with organizations and communities to implement sustainable development initiatives in rural areas.
• Management and leadership: Taking on leadership roles within agri-food and rural businesses, managing teams and overseeing operations.
• Starting their own businesses: Utilizing the knowledge and skills gained in the program to launch and grow their own ventures in the agri-food and rural sectors.

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Further Information:

• international students
• The program is not currently open to international students due to DAERA licensing requirements.
• part-time

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Other:

• The program is delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
• Students may have opportunities for placements, internships, or research projects with local businesses or organizations within the agri-food and rural sectors.

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Summary:

This program offers students a unique opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and skills in business communication within the context of agri-food and rural enterprise, preparing them for successful careers in a variety of exciting fields.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Northern Ireland (NI) 1
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• Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2
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• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1
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• EU Other 3
• International
Contact college of choice 1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee. 2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees. 3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees. All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise. More information on postgraduate tuition fees. Additional course costs Students may incur additional costs for small items of clothing and/or equipment necessary for lab or field work Please refer to: Post Graduate Course Manager at CAFRE please for information on tuition fees and additional course costs. All Students Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs. If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. How do I fund my study? The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information. A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website. More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you. International Scholarships Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.