UWTSD Home - Study With Us - Undergraduate Courses - Rural Enterprise Management (BA)
The purpose of the programmes is to engage students in contemporary business thinking and to prepare you to contribute to a more responsible business future, in which business starts to become the solution, rather than the problem, to local and global issues. We also increase the emphasis on the green and circular economy as well as concepts such as neurodiversity in the workplace.
We have identified a need for a shift in business learning and teaching that moved away from traditional linear, profit-oriented models to a model of business learning which was underpinned by sustainable and ethical thinking.
This programme promotes an understanding of the characteristics, challenges and opportunities of enterprise in rural areas and strives to increase your understanding of rural enterprises, their management, the economy and the business environment within a changing global context.
You will embrace a future-facing outlook, including learning to think about the consequences of actions, and how business and society can be adapted to contribute to sustainable futures.
Graduates will be prepared for a career in rural enterprise management by developing professional skills and intellectual skills, including critical thinking, complex problem solving, creativity and reflection.
We hope that our graduates will be a part of shaping business thinking in the world.
Speak Welsh? 40 credits of this course are available through the medium of Welsh.
Rural Enterprise Management (BA)
UCAS Code: 238A
Apply via UCAS
How to apply
All applications to study for a full-time undergraduate degree programme are made through UCAS. Part-time applications can be made through the University.
All our courses fall under the UWTSD institution UCAS code T80.
Book an Open Day Request Information
Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year
Why choose this course?
- Be part of rethinking business for a changing world by joining an award-winning business school set in the heart of a rural economy*
- Study business from a contemporary perspective with modules designed to give you the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for leading rural enterprises in the future.
- Join a supportive environment where you will discuss topics in small groups in a learning community of staff and students
- Enhance your employability through strong established links with industry and the public and third sectors through live projects, internships, guest lectures and fieldwork.
- Benefit from excellent academic and pastoral support**
*UWTSD Carmarthen Business School: Rethinking Business for a Changing World Winner of ‘Tomorrow’s Employees’ at the Green Gown Awards 2018
**UWTSD ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in teaching quality in Business Studies – The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
What you will learn
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.
Year One – Level 4
- Contemporary Management Approaches (20 credits; compulsory)
- Distinctiveness and Regeneration (20 credits; compulsory)
- Financial Management for Business Sustainability (20 credits; compulsory)
- Global Business Challenges (20 credits; compulsory)
- Learning and Collaboration for Global Citizenship (20 credits; compulsory)
- Sustainable Enterprise (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Two – Level 5
- Business Inquiry and Research (20 credits; compulsory)
- International Independent Study Abroad (20 credits; optional)
- Internship and Volunteerism (20 credits; compulsory)
- Politics and Policy Analysis (20 credits; compulsory)
- Rural Business and Diversification (20 credits; compulsory)
- Rural Resilience (20 credits; compulsory)
- Technological Change and Innovation (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Three – Level 6
- Globally Responsible Business (20 credits; compulsory)
- Project Management for Sustainability (20 credits; compulsory)
- Social Entrepreneurship (20 credits; compulsory)
- Strategies for Resilience and Prosperity (20 credits; compulsory)
- Sustainable Business Dissertation (20 credits; compulsory).
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.
This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework.
The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving.
- Find out more about the Graduate Attributes Framework
Related Links
Student and Carmarthen Life
Key Information
- Programme Director: Dr Louise Emanuel
- Glenn Behenna
- Dr Alex Bell
- Anthony Burns
- Davina Evans
- Dr Roisin Mullins
- Dorian Reynolds
- Jessica Shore
We are interested in applicants who want to contribute to the future of the rural economy. Previous study of business is not required and we welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.
Our standard offer for the BA is 88 UCAS tariff points. A-Level and Edexcel awards, as well as a range of other certificates at this level from UK, EU and International bodies, are accepted.
A number of other equivalent qualifications are also accepted in contribution to your UCAS tariff points and the admissions panel will consider each application on an individual basis. Please note also that our offers are not based solely on your academic achievements; we take into account your full range of skills, experience and attainments when considering your application.
A report by the World Economic Forum notes that by 2020 35% of the skills that are considered important for today’s employment will have changed; according to the report, the top three skills required by the workforce will be complex problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. By studying Rural Enterprise Management with us you will gain the skills and abilities to creatively solve the problems of the future by engaging in problem-based learning which aims to transform your thinking about business and management. Within the programme you will be working on live projects for a range of organisations and will also undertake a compulsory internship within the public, private or voluntary sector.
Our graduates progress to a range of areas within the public, private and voluntary sectors in areas such as sustainability leadership, financial management, marketing, human resources management, project management, community development and regeneration.
An emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation within the programme has also meant that a number of our recent graduates have left to successfully set up their own enterprises and Carmarthen Business School is proactive in signposting students to internal and external support for business development.
Several of our graduates also choose to progress to further study at Masters and Doctoral level either within UWTSD or at other universities. At Carmarthen Business School we offer a range of postgraduate programmes and have a number of active Doctoral students.
It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as major project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade.
Students may also wish to attend optional overnight field visits in the UK or overseas at some point during their programme of study, with an estimate of £600-£1000. Again, attendance at additional overnight field-visits are not compulsory and have no bearing on the final grade. Costs for field-visits which are part of modules are included in course fees.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
BA Rural Enterprise Management students have the opportunity to apply for our study abroad programme. If accepted, students will study overseas in one of our US or Canadian partner institutions for the second semester of level 5.
