Royal Agricultural University

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been a leader in land-based education since 1845, making it the oldest agricultural university in the English speaking world. The uni is set in 25-acres of picturesque green grounds. It offers around 20 programmes at foundation and honours degree level across various areas such as:

• Agriculture, Food and Environment
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Equine Management and Science
• Real Estate and Land Management

There are also two university farms and an equine centre which provide practical experience for students whilst most students will complete work placements.

In 2018, RAU was ranked 16th in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards in the university of the year category and was also awarded silver in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework.

Enjoyment is one of the most common themes raised by our student reviewers: from their courses to their social lives, students seem to have a great time studying at RAU.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“It’s been really fun, have loved it so far. I’m really enjoying the course, the social aspect is really good. I’ve also really enjoyed sports at the university and have made lots of friends out of it.”

“I am really enjoying it. I’ve made lifelong friends and am doing well academically. I’ve learned many new skills such as drystone walling and tractor driving and I am extremely grateful I ended up where I am.”

“My time at the RAU has been some of the best years of my life, I have learnt so much not only academically but in my life. It is a fantastic place offering an excellent Rural education to the next generation of Farmers, Land Managers and Legislators.”

The university has strong links to industry and its careers-focused courses mean it has employability rates of 96% on average over the past five years with 80% going on to managerial roles within six months of graduating.

 A number of courses are professionally accredited, for example, students on Real Estate and Rural Land Management have courses which are accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), while students studying Business Management and Enterprise degrees have accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS).

The Careers Service offers advice and guidance on finding a job, CVs and interviews with drop in sessions and appointments as well as a range of publications students can take away. The Student Job Portal posts positions of available opportunities for students. Most students will complete a 20-week work placement during their course.

The uni also has an innovation centre which runs additional training courses for students to obtain extra skills and licences which are highly sought after by employers.

Students have rated their job prospects highly after studying at RAU, with close industry links and lots of hands-on experience, plus great support and advice from the Careers Service when it’s needed. In fact they rated them so highly, RAU came 5th in the job prospects category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“Good contacts for work placements.”

“Good careers department with good links. Placements in all sectors across the globe. Good resources for training in transferable skills.”

“Really helpful, careers hub. Helps out with CVs and cover letters to give you the best chance of getting the job you want. Also, on their gateway page there are many jobs to choose from.”

Many teaching staff are leaders in their field, conducting research and consultancy as well as providing a network of employers to introduce students to. Students consistently praised helpful and engaged staff, many of whom make the effort to really get to know their students.

Many students have the option to undertake a 20-week placement in their second year which can be invaluable in further understanding their course area and also aids employment after their course has ended.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“Intensive learning system, due to the small numbers of students in each lecture room. Which gets all the students hands on and alert to what the lecture has to say or do.”

“Very practical based and lots of contact hours.”

“I enjoy the wide ranging and engaging topics that are discussed, as well as being shown how they impact on the world. We also have very good in class debates on the subjects and solutions.”

Representing students and ensuring their voices are being heard, The Students’ Union runs campus events, a weekly sports night and Students’ Union night as well as a variety of balls which are known for top name acts. Reviews regularly mention these events and rate them highly.

The student bar, the Tithe, is the hub of uni life and where most events take place. The SU employ a free shuttle bus to Cirencester for off campus trips.

There are over 35 sports clubs and societies and students are free to start up new ones.

RAU student reviewers are incredibly happy with the students' union, praising their regular events, friendly team and open door policy.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“Lots of events going! Lots of  fundraising events and activities for everyone to get involved.”

“Put on lots of good events, their door is always open and happy to help. Easy to go to with any issues.”

“In my first two years at the uni I was very active with the Union’s activities. They are extremely helpful, nice and supportive with the students and help enrich the University experience.”

There are 350 bedrooms on campus across 8 halls of residence with catered and self-catered facilities and a mixture of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities available. The uni surgery, launderette, cafe, bar and shop are all just a two-minute walk away. Campus accommodation includes Wi-Fi, housekeeping, car parking and free membership to the uni gym, and rent is inclusive of these bills. Accessible rooms are available in 4 of the halls.

Campus accommodation includes:

• Bledisloe Court (9-10 students in each house)
• Coard Court (4 students in each house, majority of rooms are en-suite)
• Main Building (en-suite single and twin rooms)
• Woodlands Lodge (en-suite rooms)
• Vic Hughes Hall (2 halls, one catered and one self-catered)
• West Lodge (en-suite rooms)

Prices vary depending on where you stay and the type of room you choose. Costs range from £5,586 for a standard single half board to £8,167 for large, fully catered en-suite room.

You can also choose to live off campus, which the university can help you with. The uni will also help you to secure privately rented accommodation in your second and third years.

Student reviewers enjoyed living in the university’s accommodation, voting RAU 14th in the accommodation category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“Very good.”

“Accommodation is lovely and sociable living so close to all your friends.”

“Amazing, warm, comfortable. Very homely with fantastic amenities. Up to date facility’s, no complaints.”

The uni has farms based in two sites close to campus. Each offers a different farming system and are run on a commercial basis. Students also benefit from educational access to Kemble and Leaze farms. The Rural Innovation Centre allows students to top up their studies with short courses which employers love. There is also a health centre, IT suites, a gym and library.

Students gave high ratings and very positive comments about the facilities at RAU. Many commented on the number of facilities on offer, how accessible they were and the high standard of them.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“Good. We have labs, a mixture of large and small lecture halls, library, dining hall, nurse, bar, gym, chapel. Something for everyone.”

“The facilities on offer at the RAU are extremely good and very useful for my studies as well as socially. The gym is very useful and catering facilities good too.”

“Everything you want and more! Free membership for gym, free use of pitches and courts. Really good kitchen, dinner hall, library and common area.”

The bustling market town of Cirencester is twenty minutes’ walk from campus although the uni also provides a free shuttle bus. There is a variety of shops, cafes and bars here as well as a number of clubs with student nights. The popular cities of Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham and Oxford are under an hour away and provide additional choice.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“Ciren isn’t a city! That’s what I like about it.”

“The closest city is Cheltenham which is 20mins away. However it's only a 5 minute walk into the historic town of Cirencester. It offers many bars restaurants, high end shops and pubs, so there is plenty of things to do. There are currently two clubs in Cirencester which are both readily attended on Monday night and Wednesday night. On a Friday is well attended student union bar called the Tithe.”

“Small town, has essentials and lots of pubs but need to travel for more variety.”

There are over 35 clubs and societies from the usual rugby and football teams to quirkier options including the Board Games Club and Water Skiing Society.

Students are free to set up their own clubs and will receive funding from the Students Union.

Reviewers regularly commented on the range of societies they could join, and how friendly the members were.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“Fun and sociable.”

“The clubs on offer are very good, we have a wide range of sports clubs swell as other social clubs. The OUOTC (Oxford University Officers Training Corps) is by far in my opinion the best on offer. It help teach students important life lessons in a fun and engaging environment and the social life is amazing.”

“Lots of societies and clubs to choose from and all are regularly attended and help students out to make new friends and open new opportunities.”

RAU offers a range of on-site counselling options for students, including a visiting nurse and sexual health clinic. There is also a Wellbeing service providing drop-in appointments for any students who feel they need to talk to a professional about issues they may be facing, whether academic or personal.

Courses have also been designed with impairments in mind so they are accessible to as wide a range of students as possible.

Students have been very positive about the level of support available to them, and particularly positive about the support they get from their tutors.

Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:

“Have mental well-being days, support officer’s door is always open. Lecturers have an open-door policy.”

“The academic support is very good in my opinion, I have dyslexia and all the support and guidance offered and given to me have been invaluable.”

“Plenty of student support from tutors for your university work and also disability support for those who have learning difficulties or other. The university offers counselling and sexual health nurse and a regular nurse to help those in need.”

UK Students Per Year: £9,250.

International Students Per Year: £10,000

The Royal Agricultural University provides a range of scholarships and bursaries for prospective undergraduate students, offering financial support for those who are eligible. 

Bursaries

University Core Bursary
Maximum of £3,000 financial help (£1,000 for each year of study)

RAU Support Bursary
£1,000 per year (up to a maximum of three years).

Equine Travel Bursary
£3,500 in total to cover two study trips (excluding subsistence)

Scholarships

Emmott Foundation Scholarship
£3,000 per year (up to a maximum of three years)

FE Turner Award
£1,500 per year (up to a maximum of three years)

RAU Cirencester Scholarship
Up to £3,000 per year fee waiver (up to a maximum of three years)

RAU Outstanding Achievers Scholarship
Up to £2,000 per year (up to a maximum of three years)

RAU Sports Scholarships
Up to £3,000 per year (up to a maximum of three years)

Sir Emrys Jones Scholarship
£1,500 for normally one academic year

Walter Smith Award      
£2,000 per year (up to a maximum of three years)

More detailed information about this funding, including how to apply and eligibility, can be found on the RAU site. 

Agriculture

Course content is created in partnership with industry to make it relevant. The Rural Innovation Centre gives students access to a variety of research trials. Students complete a 20-week placement in second year to put their learnings into practice and make valuable contacts.

Real Estate and Rural Land Management

These courses are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and allows graduates to enter employment in rural practice or commercial and residential property surveying. There is an optional overseas study tour available to students.

Business

Graduates from the full Business degree courses receive dual qualifications; a degree from the RAU, and an equivalent professional qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This is recognised by employers as a testament to the relevance of our graduates’ training in the professional management of any corporate environment.

Equine

Close links to the equine industry provides students with unique contacts and experiences. Teaching covers every aspect of equine related enterprises and equestrian sports where students learn the business, applied science and management skills to succeed. Courses include a 20-week work placement and some also provide the opportunity for international study tours.

Food Production and Supply Management

Course developed in consultation with major companies within the agri-food sector addressing globalised issues whilst focussing on the management and quality enhancement of products. A 20-week work placement is included within the course helping to make valuable industry contacts and additional hygiene qualifications will be gained throughout.

British Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Conservation and Heritage Management

These courses enable students to make a difference for a sustainable environment, learning how to manage the countryside, wildlife and rural heritage. Industry contacts provide multiple guest speakers, field visits and work-based placements. Additional practical rural skills training courses are included in the course. Foundation degree pathways offer the opportunity to progress onto bespoke top-up degrees.

BSc (Hons) Agriculture requires BCC at A-Level one of which should be classed as a science subject – Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science. GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above are also required (Grade 4 for new GCSEs). BTEC qualifications would require DMM. UCAS points: 104

BSc (Hons) Food Production and Supply Management requires BCC at A-Level or DMM in BTECs. GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above are also required (Grade 4 for new GCSEs). UCAS points: 104.

FdSc British Wildlife Conservation and FdSc Environmental Conservation and Heritage Management requires CD at A-Level or MPP in BTECs. GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above are also required (Grade 4 for new GCSEs). UCAS points: 56. Top-up options available to BSc (Hons) degrees.

BSc (Hons) Real Estate and BSC (Hons) Rural Land Management requires BCC at A-Level, or DMM in BTECs. GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above are also required (Grade 4 for new GCSEs). UCAS points: 104.

BSC (Hons) International Business Management requires CCC at A-Level, or MMM in BTECs. GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above are also required (Grade 4 for new GCSEs). UCAS points: 96.

BSC (Hons) Applied Equine Science and Business requires CCC at A-Level one of which would ideally be a science subject. GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above are also required. BTEC qualifications would require MMM. (Grade 4 for new GCSEs). UCAS points: 96.

Alternative qualifications may also be accepted for all the unis courses and a period of practical experience is highly recommended.