FD in Rural Business Management

Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Agriculture AG051A01/25/1 Higher Education

Course Information

This course aims to provide business skills at Level 4 and 5 that also incorporates scope for learners to gains skills specific to business need e.g. agriculture, equine, tourism and strategic goals for business development and change.

The programme will provide graduates with a diverse range of skills to effectively administrate and manage rural businesses and enterprises. Rural business management uses good core skills in business management with more technical skills in the agriculture sector to respond to supply and demand. The course links three key thread together for effective rural business management practice:
At Level 4 the programme will develop core business skills alongside other key areas such organisation and accounting. To support the more specialist nature of farm or rural enterprise it incorporates understanding of the data requirements to support operational decisions and ensuring farm practice meets legislation and compliance.

Professional Business Skills
Planning and Forecasting
Data Management

At Level 5, the programme will develop skills in strategic business planning and continuity, procurement and managing employees. It also allows development in understanding diversification in rural business and planning for change.

The course can be studied full time for two years or part time over four years. Full time study will require 2 days attendance per week at Kingston Maurward campus. If studying part time, this will usually require one day attendance per week, or two half days depending module timetables.

This programme is currently subject to validation by the Open University.

The Programme Specification is available via the Higher Education Policies page or by copying this link into your browser:
https://www.kmc.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Programme-Specification-FD-in-Rural-Business-Management.pdf

Overview

Qualification
  • FD in Rural Business Management
Course Content
  • Year1
    - Introduction to Business
    - Skills Introduction to Marketing
    - Compliance and Legislation
    - Professional Industry Skills Development
    - Study and Research Skills
    - Economic Issues in the Rural Sector
    - Introduction to Accounting and Business Finance

    Year 2
    - Sustainable Resource Management
    - Business Continuity in Rural Business
    - Rural Diversification
    - Research Project
    - Strategy and Planning in Rural Business
Entry Requirements
  • A minimum of 48 new UCAS tariff points. Normally one A Level in a Biology, Maths or Business Management plus other subjects, or a PPP at Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Business or Land based subjects OR MM in Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma Business or Land based Subjects (720), or Level 3 BTEC equivalents. The programme will also be eligible for entry via T-Levels in future years.
    4 GCSEs in Maths, English (grade 4/5 or above) are required. Mature entry is actively encouraged and relevant work experience will be considered in place of formal qualifications, but Access to HE courses in Science or Land based studies are highly recommended.

    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.
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 BSc (Hons) Top Up programmes in Farm or Rural 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.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
22-Sep-2025 30-Jul-2027 09:00am 16:00pm
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Full Time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Mon Tue
Course Fees
Tuition fees (HE Full Fee) £7500.00

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 their own 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.

Students should ensure they have a device they can regularly bring to college to support their studies as part of the University Centre Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy.

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.