With Options in Training and Development for Rural Business or Strategic Management for Rural Business

The Postgraduate Diploma course builds upon the skills developed in the postgraduate certificate course by developing the skills of planning, implementing and evaluating change at an organisational level. Students may specialise either in Strategic Management or Training and Development.

Course Content:

Strategic Management Option

• Communication research and development
• Planning and evaluating change management programmes
• Strategic management for rural business

Training and Development Option

• Communication research and development
• Planning and evaluating change management programmes
• Managing employees for rural business

Work-based learning projects:

Two work-based learning projects are integrated into the full-time Postgraduate Diploma/MSc course. In the first semester, students complete a teaching/training  placement in an appropriate learning environment. In the second semester, students complete a specific communication project for a local business or more recently have organised a conference at the Campus, which the public can attend.

Entry requirements:

Applicants would normally possess a degree in Agriculture, Geography, Horticulture, Food, Consumer Studies, Business Studies, Environmental Science, Rural and Business Studies or related subject. We welcome applicants from a diverse range of disciplines as these different skills can make a positive impact within the agri-food and rural business sectors.

Additional qualifications:

During the course, students may have the opportunity to achieve additional, nationally recognised qualifications to complement their course, which can give a competitive advantage in employment or career progression. These qualifications include:

• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Food Safety Certificates;
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Foundation Certificate in Health & Safety in the Workplace.

These programmes are classified as short competency-based courses and are widely recognised by the industry.