CAFRE celebrates Class of 2025 Master’s Graduates in Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise

Celebrating their Master’s Degree awards: David Moore (Ballymoney), James Waugh (Portadown), Daniel Sproule (Killylea), Mairead McCrory (Draperstown), Ruth McClintock (Larne) and Elizabeth Adair (Antrim).

Also pictured are Michaela Tener (Lecturer, CAFRE) and Dr Victoria Murphy (Senior Lecturer, CAFRE).

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) marks another academic milestone as students graduate with Master’s Degrees in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise from Queen’s University Belfast.

Postgraduate students from CAFRE’s Loughry Campus in Cookstown have successfully completed their studies and graduated with Master’s Degrees in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise, delivered in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast.

The three-year, part-time Master’s programme is tailored specifically to the needs of the agri-food and rural sectors. It blends academic excellence with practical, industry-focused learning, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in one of Northern Ireland’s most vital economic sectors.

David Moore from Ballymoney graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise. David studied part-time at CAFRE Loughry Campus and celebrated his course achievement at the Graduation Ceremony at Queen’s University Belfast.

Dr Victoria Murphy, Senior Lecturer at CAFRE, congratulated the Class of 2025 and praised their hard work:

“The time, energy and dedication you have invested in your studies have been recognised today. Graduation is a proud moment to celebrate your achievements with family and friends.

“We are confident that your Master’s Degree will open doors and help you progress in your careers within agri-food and rural businesses.”

Elizabeth Adair from Antrim graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise. Elizabeth studied part-time at Loughry Campus, whilst working as a Commercial Manager with Pilgrims Europe. Elizabeth celebrated her course achievement at the Graduation Ceremony at Queen’s University Belfast.

Throughout the programme, students engaged in six taught modules across two years of evening study, followed by a research project exploring a self-selected topic in depth. Each student completed a final Master’s dissertation, presenting their findings and contributing original insights to the agri-food and rural business field.

Course Lecturer Michaela Tener highlighted the real-world emphasis of the programme:

“The Master’s course at Loughry is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the agri-food sector. Through case studies, interactive learning, and industry engagement, students build essential skills in project management, critical thinking, teamwork, and independent research.

“Our goal is to develop graduates who are ready to lead and innovate in agri-food and rural enterprises.”

Ruth McClintock from Larne graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise having successfully completed study at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus. Ruth was presented with her award at the Graduation Ceremony at Queen’s University Belfast.

CAFRE is encouraging recent Honours Degree graduates and professionals looking to upskill to consider applying for the next intake of the Master’s programme. Options are available for full-time study over one calendar year or part-time over three years.

Applications are now open for September. Prospective students can explore course options and apply online at: www.cafre.ac.uk

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 – a group of future leaders poised to make a lasting impact on the agri-food and rural sectors.