BSc (Hons) in Rural Business Management Top Up


Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Agriculture AG052A01/25/1 Higher Education

Course Information

This course aims to provide a progression route to a full bachelor’s degree in Rural Business Management from the FD in Rural Business Management offer at University Centre Kingston Maurward. The Top Up degree develops business skills at Level 6 that also incorporates skills specific to business need in rural contexts e.g. agriculture, equine, tourism and strategic goals for business development and change that fit the demands of the diversity in agribusinesses.

The programme will provide graduates with a range of skills to work effectively in the rural business sector. This could be in developing strategy for existing businesses, applying entrepreneurial skills in business concepts or start ups and acting in an advisory capacity to other businesses.

The programme aims to develop skills in three key areas to create graduates with confident and professional business skills alongside analytical skills to strategise business planning.
-Strategic Leadership
-Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
-Business consultancy and project management

Roles within the sector allow for the application of skills to start up new rural businesses, fostering the use of diversification or enterprise that supports agricultural supply chains. This programme aims to develop skills in setting up businesses from concept to success.

Another key part of the rural business sector is consultancy, where individuals and companies advise rural and agribusiness to improve production and performance. The programme will develop skills and knowledge in professionalism and project management in this area. There is development is understanding who customers or consumers of products and services are in the sector and how to gain a market share and foster a customer base.

This programme is currently subject to validation by the Open University


Overview

Qualification
  • BSc (Hons) in Rural Business Management Top Up
Course Content
  • Modules include

    Research Dissertation
    Strategic Leadership
    Consultancy for Rural Business
    Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
    Understanding Consumer Behaviour
Entry Requirements
  • Applicants should confirm their ability to study on the Top Up Degree by presenting evidence of:
    a. achievement of 240 credits to Level 5 in a suitable subject or qualification
    I. Foundation degree in Rural Business Management, or equivalent
    II. Diploma HE in Dairy Herd Management
    III. 240 credits to Level 5 achieved in suitable subjects such as Business Management, Farm Management, Agriculture or equivalent. At least 120 Credits should have been achieved at Level 5. This programme accepts applications from international students. International students will need to ensure they can comply with UK visa requirements before enrolment, and for the length of the programme. The College has a limited accommodation offer available, but can provide additional support on request to find other local accommodation. Applicants will need to ensure they meet entry requirements for qualifications, experience and English language through IELTS. International students required to meet IELTS (Academic) 6.0 or above (with minimum 5.5 in each component)
Next Steps
  • This course can be applied for through UCAS in the same way as other degrees (D403). If you wish to make a direct application for this programme then please contact our admissions team. This course is eligible for students finance and loans.

    Following on from the programme, the qualification allows entry into Master's programmes in Business Management.
Career Opportunities
  • This programme aims to prepare learners for farm or rural enterprise management roles. It also aims to prepare those already in industry to upskill to prepare to take on management roles. The programme is aimed to provide skills for self-employment and consultancy in the industry.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
22-Sep-2025 31-Jul-2026 09:00am 16:00pm
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Full Time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Thurs Fri
Course Fees
Tuition fees (HE Full Fee) £9000.00

Students on this course are normally eligible for a student loan depending on their circumstances.
There may be additional costs such as accessing the College transport network, suitable PPE and other course materials. Some offsite visits may require an additional charge (c.£10-£15). Residential Study Tours are sometimes available but this may also include costs (c.£250-£300).

Materials Required

All our learners are expected to wear clothing which must be suitable for the environment, weather and time of year for all practical/outdoor/workshop tasks.
Protective navy blue overalls, steel toe-capped work boots and a hi-viz yellow tabard are mandatory for all practical activities across the college estate. Steel toe-capped wellington boots are also mandatory for livestock tasks.


What's next?

Is this course for you? Go ahead and book online now. If you'd like more information we are happy to answer any questions.