Agricultural Business Management with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Royal Agricultural University

This degree is designed to develop an awareness of the management of the agri-food supply chain and the knowledge and skills of those who are involved in a range of these management activities. Changes in how food is produced, marketed and controlled in the global supply chain has created a need for professionals with transnational knowledge and a grasp of its practical needs. This course will help you to develop the skills that this sector demands. You will be absorbed into the world of agri-food business with a free study tour to Europe to meet entrepreneurs and explore their businesses. You will also attend networking events and gain contacts through our alumni network. Upon completion you will receive the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 6 Diploma in Management and Leadership. Also, annual membership to CMI is free for one year after graduation

We are now offering this degree course with a foundation year that will give you the opportunity to gain the experience and skills you will need before progressing on to the traditional parts of the programme. In the first year of your four year programme you will be developing your academic and team-working skills and gaining confidence in written work; handling numerical and statistical data, and ICT. You will be introduced to a range of rural land use topics including, learning about the agricultural year; mapping; laboratory skills, and you will have the opportunity to gain competence in a range of practical skills. The year will help you to make the transition to being an independent learner, and perhaps an entrepreneur. Successful completion of the foundation year will allow you to proceed onto Year 1 of the course..

Students will develop their knowledge through a number of different classes and assessments which will provide a wide range of academic experiences. In the third year they will complete a Research Project which will give them an opportunity to study in-depth a subject of specific interest or of direct relevance to their future employment. Across the programme Employability Standards are built into every module. These are designed by the School of Business and Entrepreneurship in consultation with employers, so students will always be able to see the relevance of what they are studying to their future career. Students will develop an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to ideas and issues, enabling successful graduates to contribute proactively to the agri-food industry. There is a strong emphasis on development of business knowledge, skills and capabilities appropriate to the global agri-food supply chain business.

In the second year of the main course, you will apply and develop your expertise during a 15-week work placement. If you wish to undertake an extended period of work placement there is the option to complete a year in the workplace. Not only could you find yourself working for prestigious companies in the UK or across the world, you will develop confidence and industry contacts.