Management, Economics and Consumer Studies

The master Management, Economics and Consumer Studies in Wageningen, the Netherlands, deals with the interrelationships between producers, consumers and society-at-large. The programme studies the dynamics in the agri-food chain involving suppliers, producers, retailers and consumers. It covers managerial, economic, sociological and environmental aspects of households and businesses in the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world, in both developed and developing countries.

We offer specialisations for students with a Social Sciences background as well as a technical Life Sciences background.

Production vs. Consumption Process

How much do I consume every day, every month, every year? Have you ever asked yourself this simple question? Every day we consume large amounts of goods and services but we do not give a second thought to where they come from, how they have got there and where they go afterwards. This division between the production and consumption process illustrates the development of our globalised world nowadays. Behind these processes resides an insatiable aspiration for progress as well as the human and monetary capital needed to drive it.

Decision-making factors: economic, social, psychological and more

Another focus of the MSc Management, Economics and Consumer Studies programme is decision making as a part of the consumption process. It contains economic, social, psychological and personal factors, which makes it vital to the functioning of the supply and demand system. You will become acquainted with all these matters by making business studies. It promises to change your viewpoint of the surrounding world!

Profile

The domain of this programme consists of business and all industry components, including production, distribution and final consumption. It covers internal and external factors, such as: managerial, economic, sociological and environmental aspects of households and businesses in the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world in both developed and developing countries.

A graduate from the MSc Management, Economics and Consumer Studies programme is trained in the following competencies:

• Define, structure, formulate, conduct and reflect on research in economic, sociological, managerial or environmental aspects of the food chain;

• Develop, recommend, assess and evaluate creative and appropriate (policy) interventions to contribute to the development of the food chain and its environment in an interdisciplinary setting;

• Adapt to and deal with the dynamics and dimensions in the food chain and its environment;

• Function in diverse interdisciplinary-relevant settings (Beta-Gamma) taking into consideration the dynamic contexts, factors and actors that affect the food chain.

Also, depending on the specialisation, to be able to:

• Analyze, evaluate and innovate management processes in businesses inside and outside the agri-food sector, public and non-profit organizations, with a view of optimizing their processes;

• Assess the impact of political, economic, socio-cultural and technological changes in the environment and recommend appropriate actions to respond to these changes;

• Interpret, analyze and evaluate consumer and household decision-making trends, buying and consumption behaviour; the communication between both consumers and the interaction between consumers and diverse actors;

• Formulate, conduct and assess applied economic and policy research with a focus on environmental, agricultural, developmental or institutional problems at a regional, national or international level.

Management, Economics and Consumer Studies is a programme focused on business-, economical and sociological processes concerning consumers, facility management, agribusiness, and/ or food supply. The education stands out by its unique multidisciplinary approach. Courses on mathematics, statistics and technology play a supporting role. The choice of specialisation defines the emphasis on the mentioned practise areas.

Academic Year

The programme runs annually beginning in September each year. It comprises of 120 credit points (ECTS), equivalent to two academic years. The academic year consists of 6 periods. Period 1,2,5 and 6 comprise six weeks of classes, one week of self-study and the exam week. In these periods students often follow two courses worth 6 credits each. Period 3 and 4 entail of four weeks in which both the lectures and the exams take place. In these periods students follow one course worth 6 credits. The expected workload is 40 hours per week.

SpecialisationsIf you have a BSc in the social sciences:

• Specialisation Management Studies
• Specialisation Consumer Studies
• Specialisation Economics, Environment and Governance

If you have a technological BSc with disciplines related to plant and animal sciences, food sciences and technology:

• Specialisation Management, Innovation and Life Sciences

A Grade Point Average (GPA) for the BSc study of at least 70% of the maximum scale.At least a 7 out of 10 for your written BSc thesis or project.Fluency in English, both written and spoken.Good skills in mathematics and/or statistics.Basic computer skills. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) FCE score : (read more) Cambridge English: First (FCE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at an upper-intermediate level (IELTS 5.5-6.5). It is an international English language exam which provides the perfect foundation for success in study and work. Take Cambridge English: First to prove your ability to use everyday written and spoken English when applying to study abroad. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test: 92

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands