Course summary
The Master’s programme at Loughry Campus, Cookstown is offered in conjunction with Queen's University, Belfast (QUB). The full-time course is offered over one calendar year of study. Part-time students complete the course over three years of evening study. During Semester one (or the first year part-time) students complete three modules which aim to develop the skills required by supervisors/managers to affect positive change in the business sector. The modules introduce the core business concepts of the programme and concentrate on specific skills required by the rural business sector: Integrating learning with business needs Rural business dynamics Skills to affect change within businesses After successful completion of these modules, students attain a Postgraduate Certificate In second Semester (or second year part-time) a further three modules are studied which augment skills of planning, implementing and evaluating change at an organisational level. Planning and evaluating change management programmes Research and development Sustainability leadership After successful completion of all taught six modules, students attain a Postgraduate Diploma. On successful completion of the taught modules students, with the support of a recognised tutor, undertake research to demonstrate independent, innovative and creative thinking. Primary data is collected, analysed and presented within a three-module weighted 16-18,000 word research thesis. Full-time students normally complete the research element from June-September, while part-time students complete their research during Year 3 of the course.
Assessment method
Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma course, students with the support of a recognised tutor, undertake research, demonstrating independent, innovative and creative thinking. Students complete an 18,000 word research thesis, where primary data collection is part of the research process. Examples of previous research titles include: • The development of a participative paradigm for inclusion of farmers in local decision making • To fish or not to fish: Is risk perception a factor? • Attitudes and behaviours of farmers in Northern Ireland towards renewable energy • Optimistic bias: Does it have a role in health promotion? • Is policy the solution to Northern Ireland’s BVD problem?
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally possess a BSc (Hons) Degree at 2:2 or above. We welcome applications from a diverse range of Primary Degrees (please check the suitability of your qualification with Queen’s Admissions). OR Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Business Communication for Rural Enterprise (obtaining a minimum of 50% in each module) may progress on to the course.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £2825 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2825 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2825 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2825 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fee information displayed is for 24/25 cycle.
Provider information
College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise
22 Greenmount Road
Antrim
BT41 4PS