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The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been at the forefront of agricultural education and a key contributor to the land-based sector for more than 170 years.
It combines knowledge and industry connections with an innovative, forward-thinking approach that continues to open doors for its graduates.
Set in 25-acres of picturesque green grounds in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, the University has 1200+ students and offers around 20 programmes at foundation and honours degree level across various areas such as:
Alongside access to arable and dairy farms and an equine centre, students also benefit from an award-winning Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme and Farm 491 – RAU’s agritech business incubator – created to encourage innovation in the sector.
In 2018, the RAU was ranked 10th in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards in the University of the Year category, and holds a silver rating from the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
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 the RAU.
Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:
“Good course, helpful, friendly lecturers, lots of fun.”
“Great university because it is small. Everyone knows everyone.”
“Could not ask for more from university.”
Established in 1845, the RAU has a wealth of experience. Academics work closely with business leaders and employers to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to start their careers.
93%* of graduates are in employment or further study six months after leaving the RAU.
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 Institution 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). In 2019 the RAU became just the sixth university to be made a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE).
RAU graduates leave prepared for successful careers in their chosen field, whether that be leading innovation and change in industry, informing future land-based policy or setting up their own businesses.
Students have rated their job prospects highly after studying at the 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, the RAU came sixth in the job prospects category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018.
*2016/17 UK-based leavers studying a first UG degree, full time. Source: HESA
Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:
“Good career fairs, support for placements.”
“Providing free training to bolster my CV.”
“People came and offered us jobs.”
Academics care about their subjects and their students. Working alongside business leaders and employers, they deliver courses that provide the tools, mind-set and networks students need to play leading roles in shaping the future of the industry.
96% of the RAU’s final-year undergraduates surveyed by the 2019 National Student Survey (NSS) reported that staff were good at explaining ideas – 7% higher than the national average.
A silver TEF award reflects the RAU’s commitment to excellence in education and the student experience.
Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:
“Good course structure, friendly approachable lecturers.”
“Lecturers are always happy to help.”
“Plenty of group work.”
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 including top name acts. Reviews regularly mention these events and rate them highly.
As well as organising social events like film nights, trips off campus and themed nights out, the SU plays a key role in supporting students to raise money for charity.
There are over 30 different clubs and societies to join including rugby, hockey, tennis, African Caribbean Society, Enterprise Society and many more. Many of the teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sports League (BUCS).
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:
“Easy to get involved.”
“Lots to keep everyone busy.”
“SU are excellent, representative and supportive.”
There are over 300 bedrooms on campus across ten halls of residence, with catered and self-catered facilities and a mixture of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities available.
Campus accommodation includes:
The university surgery, launderette, cafe, bar and shop are all just a two-minute walk away. Campus accommodation includes Wi-Fi, housekeeping, car parking, security and free membership to the university gym, and rent is inclusive of these bills. Accessible rooms are available in four of the halls.
Prices vary depending on where you stay and the type of room you choose. Costs range from £5,400 to £8,097.50 depending on if you select self-catered, half board or full board.
You can also choose to live off campus, which the university can help you with. The university will also help you to secure privately rented accommodation in your second and third years.
Student reviewers enjoyed living in the university’s accommodation, mentioning how clean and well-maintained it is.
Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:
“The accommodation is great, we have a kitchenette all be it being a catered block, being half board I can always make what I want for lunch.”
“I live in self-catered en-suite halls and they are fantastic. Our rooms are cleaned regularly too and have massive common rooms.”
“Cleaners are great. Bed is comfy.”
Students benefit from a range of different farming systems on sites close to campus, including the predominantly arable-cropped Coates Manor Farm. They also enjoy access to Kemble Farms Ltd (a large dairy operation) and Leaze Farm (a 300-cow autumn block calving herd). The Rural Innovation Centre allows students to top up their studies with short courses which employers love. Opened in July 2018, the Alliston Centre is home to both the Cirencester Growth Hub (Gloucestershire businesses) and Farm491 (agri-tech entrepreneurs). There is also a health centre, IT suites, a gym and library.
Students gave high ratings and very positive comments about the facilities at the 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:
“The university has many facilities include a gym, library and 24hr computer room facilities.”
“It has everything you could ever need.”
“For such a small university they are surprisingly good!”
The RAU’s picturesque campus is within walking distance of the bustling town of Cirencester, a thriving cultural hub, surrounded by beautiful Cotswold countryside.
With plenty of restaurants, unique boutique shops and popular night spots, many students never want to leave – even after graduating.
Urban adventure is close by too - Bath, Bristol, Oxford and Cheltenham are all under an hour from the university, and London is less than 90 minutes away by direct train.
Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:
“Nice town Cirencester, good shops, pubs, and bars.”
“Not in a city but in a town, lovely community with things going on all the time, in the countryside so lots of country pubs and beautiful walks.”
“Very quiet, nice pubs though.”
There are a range of sports on offer from football, netball, rugby and hockey to clay pigeon shooting, darts and horse riding. A choir, International Society, Officer Training Corp, Racing Club, beekeeping and an Entrepreneur Society are just a few of the groups to join.
The Students’ Union also supports projects in the community, including those at local markets and schools and even the renovation of a garden at the nearby railway station.
Nearby attractions include Badminton Horse Trials, Cheltenham Races (including the renowned Gold Cup), Gloucester and Bath rugby, as well as shopping and cinemas at nearby Cheltenham, Gloucester or Swindon.
Royal Agricultural University students on Whatuni say:
“Mainly sports but rugby is good.”
“Lots of clubs that put on lots of activities.”
“Most societies are great fun and very social.”
The university is large enough that many facilities are on-site, yet small enough to create a close-knit community that inspires students to consider it a home from home. Students are known to staff by name and supported by personal tutors.
The RAU has a dedicated Student Support Services Team to help students throughout their RAU journey.
It’s a caring ethos that the student community shares, in the form of their own peer-to-peer support group. STARs (Student Team Advice Representatives) are a team of current students who have been trained by the Student Support Services Team to offer help and guidance.
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:
“Always around to help you when you need it.”
“Learning support is amazing.”
“Had counselling and student support - outstanding.”
UK Students Per Year: £9,250.
International Students Per Year: £10,000
The RAU 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)
Jordans and the Princes Countryside Fund Sustainable Agriculture Bursary
£3,000 in first year and £1,000 in both second and third year.
Widening Access Financial Support Bursary
£1,500 per year plus reasonable travel costs
Scholarships
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.
Douglas Bomford Trust Scholarship
£2,000 for one 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 and Food
Whether you aspire to become an agricultural entrepreneur, a farm manager or scientist, you will benefit from both hands-on practical experience and in-depth technical knowledge on a course that evolves with the input of industry advisors.
These courses provide a clear response to the current and future issues which affect the consumer, the role of technology and the impact of the economic and political landscape.
Agriculture students complete a 20-week placement in second year to put their learning into practice and make valuable contacts.
Real Estate and Rural Land Management
Students join a powerful network of graduates who have gone on to work around the world and at major organisations such as Savills, Strutt and Parker, Knight Frank, Fisher German and Deloitte Real Estate.
With the opportunity to complete a work placement, students gain industry contacts and could secure employment even before graduating. Both degrees are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Business
Graduates from the full Business degree courses receive dual accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), so in addition to your degree you will receive a separate qualification from the CMI, enhancing your CV for potential employers.
Students can gain industry insight from guest speakers through the award winning Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme, which has supported many students in starting their own successful businesses. Previous guests have included Julian Dunkerton, entrepreneur and founder of Superdry.
The RAU’s strong network of alumni have gone on to pursue careers worldwide and for prestigious companies, from Mitsubishi Motors to Unilever.
Equine
Based in the Cotswolds, you will be ideally positioned to take full advantage of world-leading sporting venues, including Cheltenham Racecourse and Badminton Horse Trials.
You will be taught by a team of research active and industry-linked staff with decades of teaching experience between them.
Courses include a 20-week work placement and some also provide the opportunity for international study tours.
Environment, Wildlife, Conservation and Heritage Management
Gain practical and leadership skills, as well as the necessary knowledge and understanding to manage the countryside, wildlife and rural heritage sites. RAU graduates have gone on to work for prestigious organisations such as The Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, RSPB and the Forestry Commission.
You can take full advantage of the great contacts the university has with industry through guest speakers, field visits and work-based placements. Students have visited sites such as the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, South Wales Coast and Somerset Levels.
Entry requirements vary from course to course, but most require at least 96 or 104 UCAS points. A period of practical experience is highly recommended.
Please see the RAU website for full details of entry requirements.
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