Program Overview

Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise (MSc)

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

Course Structure

• Programme content will vary depending on the pathway chosen:
  • The programme consists of six taught core modules:
    1. Skills to Affect Change within Business
    2. Rural Business Dynamics
    3. Integrating Learning with Business Needs
    4. Research and Development
    5. Planning and Evaluating Change Management Programmes
    6. Sustainability Leadership
  • To complete the programme at Master’s level you must also undertake a research project on a topic of interest to you relating to the agri-food and rural sector. The project is equivalent in weighting to three taught modules.

People Teaching You

• Teresa McCarney
• CAFRE, Loughry Campus College
• Email: [insert email]

Teaching Times

• Full-time classes are delivered mainly on Monday and Tuesday each week (mornings and afternoons) from September to May.
• Part-time delivery is on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm September to May.

Learning and Teaching

• Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
  • At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
  • We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society.
  • Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are lectures, practical experiences, digital learning technologies, Self-directed study and industry focussed research projects to enhance employability.
  • Students will complete their courses at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Loughry Campus, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.

Assessment

• Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
  • MSc students will be assessed through work related assignments, projects, presentations and case study and a research dissertation on an approved business related topic.

Entry Requirements

Graduate

• A 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.
• 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.
• Please note: this course is not open to international students due to DAERA licence.

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.
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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).
• Please note this course is taught at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). Unfortunately, CAFRE does not have a UK Border Agency Sponsor Licence to admit international students. Therefore, it is not possible to consider International applicants for entry to this course.

Careers

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 manufacturers companies.
• Indeed, staff from these organisations often use the programme’s part-time route as part of their own career development plan.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.
• For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more.
• So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall.
• We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | Contact college of choice
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | Contact college of choice
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | Contact college of choice
• EU Other 3 |
• International | Contact college of choice

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 details of tuition fees and additional course costs.

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 (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available).
• 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 [insert link]