Rural Enterprise Management (BA, HND)

Our Rural Enterprise Management programmes provide the skills and understanding for graduates to help shape the changing nature of business within a rural context. Students study traditional business areas from a new perspective which takes account of the challenges of rural enterprise.

In a changing world, we recognise that business has to adapt and become part of the solution, rather than the problem by taking responsibility for people and place. Our programmes have sustainable and ethical thinking at their core, and our learners challenge existing business models and debate business solutions for a more sustainable future.

Our Rural Enterprise Management students are part of a community of students and staff where small group problem-based learning enables them to gain the skills required to creatively solve the business problems of the future.

We hope that our graduates will be a part of shaping business thinking in the world.

Course Overview

The rural economy has the potential to significantly contribute to economic growth and entrepreneurial activity; a study by the Federation of Small Businesses noted that ‘the entrepreneurial spirit is alive in our rural communities. There are more businesses per head of population in most rural areas compared to the majority of urban areas’. The majority of rural enterprises are SMEs or microbusinesses which have specific characteristics and face different challenges from urban business and larger corporations.

Our BA Rural Enterprise Management programme aims to develop your understanding of the specific concerns of rural enterprise within a wider business context. The programme has sustainable and ethical thinking at its core and as a learner you will challenge existing paradigms, interrogate new paradigms and debate business solutions which will focus on developing and sustaining rural enterprises as part of the wider rural economy and community.

As a Rural Enterprise Management student at UWTSD’s Carmarthen Business School, you will be part of a supportive learning community with enthusiastic, research-active staff who endeavour to help you maximize your time at UWTSD. We have a progressive and transformational approach to learning that builds independence and self-determination in our learners.

As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to undertake an internship, engage in fieldwork and benefit from a range of guest lectures from entrepreneurs and business leaders. We have links with a wide range of organisations, many of whom offer the opportunity for our students to engage in live project work as part of their studies. Our students also have the opportunity to take an International study abroad semester, offered in universities in the USA and Canada.

Outside of your course, UWTSD’s Carmarthen Campus provides a stimulating and supportive learning environment where first-class learning spaces and high-quality resources combine with green lawns, landscaped areas and flexible social spaces.

Assessment

The Rural Enterprise Management programme is assessed by a combination of innovative and more traditional methods which are designed to develop students’ understanding, problem-solving and creative thinking during their three years of study.

Assessments are closely linked to learning activities, where students build understanding and skills in weekly sessions, and are able to learn from formative assessment throughout the programme.