Rural Land and Business Manage - University of G

The Rural Land and Business Management program from the University of Greenwich provides students with a comprehensive understanding of rural economics and business practices. The accelerated format combines on-campus and online learning, allowing students to gain practical experience through industry work placements. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in rural business, land management, consultancy, and valuation, with professional accreditation recognized by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Program Outline

Rural Land and Business Management (QA only), BSc (Plumpton College) | University of Greenwich, London

Degree Overview:

This accelerated BSc program offers a route to rewarding careers within rural business, land management, consultancy, and valuation within the rural sector. It is a highly vocational program designed for those with a clear intention to join the profession, many of whom may be working in practice.

Objectives:

The program aims to provide learners with:

Thorough knowledge and practical understanding of resource use and industries key to the rural economy.

Strong technical skills in key disciplines including valuation, law, finance, business appraisal, and building construction.

Effective consultancy skills to identify and appraise issues on behalf of clients and deliver solutions to property and business challenges.

Skills to work towards personal, academic, and career targets, including achieving full membership of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and CAAV (Central Association of Agricultural Valuers).

This accelerated BSc program offers the ideal opportunity to qualify and gain valuable experience simultaneously. Fully endorsed by the CAAV and key land agency stakeholders, it is designed to equip graduates with career-ready skills.

Outline:

Structure:

The program is delivered over two academic years, combining block on-campus delivery with online support.
It includes Level 4, 5, and 6 modules.

Course Schedule:

The academic year runs from September to June.

Modules:

Introduction to the Rural Economy
Introduction to Rural Property Law
Valuation 1
Building and Construction Management
Introduction to farming systems
Integrated Project 1
Property Agency and Marketing
Infrastructure and Compulsory Purchase
Valuation 2
National and Local Taxation
Sustainable Business Management
Research Methods and statistics
Integrated Project 2
Strategic Rural Asset Management
Planning and Development
Valuation 3
Business Planning and Performance
Natural Resource Management
Project Investment and Feasibility
RLBM Honours Project

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen.
Each course has formal assessments that count towards the final grade.
Some courses may also include practice assignments that help monitor progress but do not count towards the final grade.
Feedback on assignments is provided within 15 working days.

Teaching:

The program is taught by an expert team with experience and knowledge closely reflecting the course modules.
The team consists of leading academics, experienced industry professionals, and diverse industrial networks.
External international experts deliver guest lectures on individual modules and provide career guidance.

Careers:

The course is designed to fill a particular need in the training of rural property and business advisors who wish to qualify as Chartered Surveyors and Fellows of the Association of Agricultural Valuers.
The demand for these skills has risen significantly in recent years, and professional firms in these sectors are facing a challenge in recruitment exacerbated by the lack of training opportunities.
Rather than attending a separate module for work experience, this accelerated degree embeds industry work placement activities as part of the curriculum.
Students are "learning on the job" and therefore boosting their graduate opportunities.
These hours of industry work placement will be completed across the three weeks (of the four) where students are engaged with online, distance learning.

Other:

The program is offered by one of the university's partner colleges: Plumpton College, based at Lewes, East Sussex.
Students have access to academic tutors on campus and online throughout the duration of their course.
Students with a learning difficulty, disability, and/or ongoing health condition may be able to access reasonable adjustments to support their studies.
The Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key subject areas within land-based curriculum.
The Library also provides students with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals, and academic journals through online databases.
Learning technology is central to the learning experience of students at Plumpton College and therefore is supported by dedicated staff within the College Teaching and Learning Team.
The responsibilities of this team are to help support students with learning technology to enhance the overall learning experience.