Program Overview

Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise (PgCert)

Overview

The Business for Agri-food and Rural Enterprise programmes have been designed to develop a conceptual understanding of the principles and processes of change affecting individuals, groups or organisations within the agri-food and rural business sectors, through an active and innovative approach to learning and teaching.

Course Content

• The programme consists of three taught modules:
  • Skills to Affect Change within Business
  • Rural Business Dynamics
  • Integrating Learning with Business Needs

Modules

• The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

Entrance Requirements

• A Degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline. Applicants who hold the Graduate Certificate in Business Communication for Rural Enterprise will also be considered.
• Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

International Students

• Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

• For non-native English Language speakers, evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last two years).

Career Prospects

• Our graduates have obtained a wide range of employment positions, including personnel managers, teachers/trainers, consultants, development officers, managers within the food and retail sectors, or developing their own business ideas. Employers of our graduates include the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) along with NI’s largest food retail and manufacturing companies.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) | Contact college of choice
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) | Contact college of choice
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | Contact college of choice
• EU Other |
• International | Contact college of choice

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.

How to Fund Your 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 (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

International Scholarships

• Information on scholarships for international students, is available at

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.