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Course description

Why study this course?

The international agri-business and food chain management programme provides participants with an advanced understanding of the global challenges and opportunities as well as principles and practices of modern international agri-business management. It develops professionals in industries in the agri-food sector. These include agricultural supply industries, agricultural trade industries, agricultural cooperatives, agricultural consultancy companies, industry associations, government agencies and other allied organisations.

Working in the international agri-business environment encompasses a wide variety of functions, including finance, human resources, customer services, logistics, marketing, cross-cultural exporting and importing, and purchasing. The course develops the student’s knowledge of agricultural systems, finance and human resource management and provides a detailed insight into marketing and the industries supporting agricultural production, processing, transportation and supply chain strategy. Students apply key concepts to the formulation of effective international business strategies. Case studies are frequently used to allow students to focus on sectors where they have a particular interest.

Who should choose this course?

Students enrolling onto this programme will either: 

• have a technical background in an agribusiness discipline and have taken or aspire to take a management position, hence want to develop their business management skills and to have a greater appreciation of the global perspective, or
• have a non-agribusiness discipline and have entered or will pursue a career in agribusiness industries or government or non-government organisations supporting or advising the rural economy and agricultural trade, hence need to develop an in-depth understanding of the industry in the global context and to advance their managerial skills.  

How will it benefit me?

By focusing on a variety of management and decision issues relevant to agri-food sector in an ever-changing international environment, the international agri-business and food chain management programme enables current and future managers to develop and broaden their expertise, build critical skills and enhance their career prospects in the agri-business sector.  

Graduates will be well qualified for a wide range of careers from making decisions about the daily operations of a small business to the complex issues of a multi-national company. You will become familiar with the business, regulatory and economic practices of domestic markets but also equipped to adapt to the diversity of social and cultural environments worldwide. 

Career choice can span the whole food supply chain, from agricultural merchants and cooperatives to farm supply companies and jobs with food manufacturers, distributors, retailers and traders. Careers can be obtained in export companies, international manufacturing, logistics, government agencies and organisations involved in promoting international trade, foreign direct investment and economic development, financing of exports and imports, sales and marketing. Graduates also go on to set up their own food, farm or rurally based enterprises.

How is the course structured?

The curriculum will include business and marketing research and the analysis and presentation of personal research findings and those utilising secondary sources. Students will learn to apply key concepts to the formulation of effective international business strategies. 

Modules are delivered in one-week (and in a select few modules two weeks) blocks on campus. You will know in advance which weeks require physical attendance as they’ll be scheduled on the timetable. In addition to this, you will be required to allocate time for self-study to complete the assignments associated with each of the modules. Some modules may also include research and/or exam elements, these are also highlighted on the timetable. 

How will I be taught? 

This programme is taught in English. International students should review our English language requirements (link).  

You will study modules with a credit value of 15 (except the Masters Research Project, 60 credits), with 1 credit being equivalent to 10 hours of notional learning time. This will be delivered by direct contact and independent study. Typically, at level 7, the ratio of contact time to independent study is approximately 1:5, which for a 15 credit module, equates to around 30 hours of contact and 120 hours of independent study. This will be delivered online for the PgC modules and then in blocks of 5 days at Harper Adams for PgC and PgD, with directed study being supported through the Harper Adams Virtual Learning Environment (The Learning Hub).   

Teaching methods will include formal lectures, tutorials, practical hands-on data analysis sessions, or off-site visits as appropriate. 

How will I be assessed? 

Each module typically has one type of assessment. There is a greater weighting on assessment by coursework than exam, allowing students to apply knowledge and understanding in a more realistic context. The Masters Research Project (MRP) required for the MSc includes submission of a thesis or research paper.