MSc Agri-Business Management
The aim of this programme is to provide students with an academically rigorous and professionally relevant education that will serve their career needs throughout their personal and professional development. The degree combines essential management knowledge with relevant practical and professional skills to prepare students for the challenging business world.
Course content
The MSc Agri-Business Management programme has been selected because, although the agri-food sector is a key strategic industry in Uzbekistan, it is one in which there has been very little development of higher level and postgraduate skills, particularly in the wider field of agri-business. This is particularly the case with respect to entrepreneurship and business innovation. With the development of new agricultural clusters, there is now a clearer and more structured process for identifying education and training needs, with the current emphasis very much on entrepreneurship, business development, sustainability, technology, innovation and food security.
A recent report by the USAID Agribusiness Development Program identified that there are currently no Level 7 programmes in Agri-Business Management available in Uzbekistan, despite the growing demand for these higher-level skills. IAU has thus been encouraged by USAID to develop a specialist MSc Agri-Business Management programme, with support and advice on programme development and marketing offered through Missouri State and Texas A&M Universities, which are partners in the USAID Agribusiness program.
Although this programme will be taught at the International Agriculture University (IAU), Tashkent, it will be subject to the University’s rigorous quality assurance procedures which involve subject specialists and internal peer review of the course at periodic intervals, normally of 6 years. This process ensures that the programme engages with the applicable national Subject Benchmarks and references the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Modules
Throughout the programme, students will develop critical skills in observation, thinking and analysis in order to engage with the development of business strategy and innovation in agriculture and food. This will be enhanced by access to practical knowledge and commercial expertise acquired through contact with farm managers, organisations, employers and entrepreneurs.
Core Modules
U4413 – Research Skills
U4414 – Dissertation
New – Leadership and Business Strategy
New – Sustainable Agricultural Systems
U4086 – Financial Management
U4260 – Marketing Strategy
U4023 – Operations Management
U4263 – Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
New – English for Academic Purposes
Careers and graduate destinations
This degree programme has been established in response to the Uzbekistan Government’s recognition of skills shortages in agri-business skills, as highlighted by the recent report from the USAID Agribusiness Program. This will be of particular relevance to many agri-food professionals seeking to improve their skills and qualifications. A part-time route will be offered to meet the needs of these candidates.
The degree will also be of interest to recent graduates in agriculture and in general business management who want to improve their knowledge and career potential. The degree will therefore open a range of career opportunities on a local, national and international level. Graduates have a wide range of career opportunities within the agri-food business sector, from food production through processing, marketing, distribution and sales.
This programme will educate and train the entrepreneurs and business professionals of the future with the specific skills required to gain access to these careers. Alternatively, students may qualify for progression to postgraduate research either at the IAU or RAU or elsewhere.
Graduates are highly likely to go on to pursue a career within:
- The agricultural and environmental sectors
- Industries allied to crop and animal production, processing and distribution
- Business consultancy • Government and international agencies
- The development of new companies through entrepreneurial initiatives
- Doctoral study and an academic career
- Research institutes
Entry requirements
The following standard University entry requirements will be appropriate for the MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security programme:
1. A minimum of GPA 3.0 which is equivalent to a 2.1 honours degree from a UK university.
Mature candidates with significant relevant work experience and lower academic qualifications may also be considered for entry, following an interview with the programme managers.
2. IELTS Academic (UKVI version) min. overall 5.5,IELTS
Academic (UKVI version) min. overall 5.5, band score is the conditional entry
case for the postgraduate students. The candidates for the postgraduate degree
with an overall band score 6.5 are considered unconditionally accepted
students.IELTS Academic (UKVI version) min. overall 5.5, band score is the conditional entry case for the postgraduate students. The candidates for the postgraduate degree with an overall band score 6.5 are considered unconditionally accepted students.
- 46 - 59 – TOEFL
- B2 Level – CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
- 85-90 scores on Duolingo English Test
Please note that University offers a Corinium Language Associates examination (developed on demand to test candidates of the International Agriculture University) for those who don’t have the above-mentioned certificates on a paid basis.
OR: Obtained first degree in an English-speaking country;
Obtained first degree from the International Agriculture University, Tashkent;
Pass RAU internal integrated English language proficiency (EAP reading and writing) test with 60%.
Fees
The tuition fee for the MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security is 44 800 000 UZS.
Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. This usually includes teaching costs, registration and examination fees (not repeat or trailing modules, re-sit fees or coursework resubmission). Any costs associated with work placements will be the student’s responsibility.
Scholarships
Currently, scholarship is not available for our postgraduate courses. Register here, to receive news about our programmes.
