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Royal Agricultural University
About the Royal Agricultural University
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been at the forefront of agricultural education and a key contributor to the land-based sector for 180 years.
We combine knowledge and industry connections with an innovative, forward-thinking approach that continues to open doors for our graduates.
Set in 25-acres of picturesque green grounds in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, the University offers many programmes at postgraduate level.
Alongside access to different teaching farms and an equine centre, students also benefit from an award-winning Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme and Farm491 – RAU’s agritech business incubator – created to encourage innovation in the sector.
PG student numbers:
Postgraduate study areas
There are research and taught MSc and research courses to choose from in the following areas:
- Agriculture, food and the environment
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Cultural heritage
- Real estate and land management
- Research degrees
Agriculture, Food and the Environment
Graduate Diploma in Agriculture
MSc Agricultural Technology and Innovation (September and January entry)
MSc Agroecology (September and January entry)
MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (September and January entry)
Graduate Diploma in Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management
*Check our website for PGCert and PGDip options
Business and Entrepreneurship
MSc Business Management (September and January entry)
MBA Food and Agriculture (September and January entry)
MBA Water Management (September and January entry)
*Check our website for PGCert and PGDip options
Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
MSc Conservation and Management of Historic Buildings (September and January entry)
MSc Heritage and Archaeology (September and January entry)
MSc Cultural Heritage Management (September and January entry)
PGCert Retrofitting, Regeneration and Sustainability in Historic Buildings (September and January entry)
PGCert in Cultural Heritage Research (September and January entry)
Real Estate and Land Management
MSc Real Estate
MSc Rural Estate Management
*Check our website for PGCert and PGDip options
Equine
Graduate Diploma in Bloodstock & Performance Horse Management
Research Degrees
MSc Research Programme (September and January entry)
PhD Programme (September and January entry)
International support
Students from many different countries study here, travelling from far afield. Overseas universities, government bodies and organisations have forged strong connections with the RAU since its early days. Former students have gone on to work for governments, influential companies and set up their own businesses. We will provide you with advice and guidance from initial enquiry, right through to application and enrolment.
Student support
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.
Students are at the heart of everything we do and ensuring that you have a positive experience during your time here is our number one priority. Our dedicated student advice and support network is committed to looking after your physical, mental and emotional health throughout your RAU journey. We provide support with wellbeing and counselling services, disabilities such as dyslexia, autism, and ADHD, faith, and academic support.
Location
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 nightspots, 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.
Accommodation and facilities
There are about 300 bedrooms on-campus with catered and self-catered facilities and a mixture of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities available.
The University student services, IT suite, library, launderette, cafe, bar and shop are all just a two-minute walk away. Campus accommodation includes Wi-Fi, housekeeping and car parking.
You can also choose to live off-campus.
A quote from Rachael, one of our PG student ambassadors:
“My time here at the RAU has been short and sweet. The university campus itself is very quaint and there’s no shortage of friendly faces. I’m currently studying Rural Estate Management, which has been a truly varied and stimulating MSc course, covering all aspects and laying firm foundations for pursuing a career in the land agency sector. Lecturers draw from extensive personal experience and incorporate site visits within the modules, many of which provide case studies for basing assignments around, equipping us with tangible insight into future professional practice. The course is well respected by the industry, and with much support and resources on offer for career guidance, you’re in the right place for prospective employers to find you!”
Notable Alumni:
Rebecca Wilson
Abi Reader
Tiger Wang
Kate Drury
Alumni Quotes:
Simeon Human - PhD
“My course at the RAU has improved my level of critical thinking, academic rigour, and public speaking. I would support the view that PhD research trains you to break down complex problems into manageable parts. My current role is Chief Financial Officer at Health Diplomats, a specialised health, nutrition and wellness advisory group.”
Will Matthews - MSc Agricultural Technology and Innovation
“Coming from a non-agricultural background, the Ag Tech course was initially presented to me as an introductory and conversion course to agriculture, requiring no prior experience in the field. However, I found that the course modules not only provided the agricultural foundation I was seeking but also aligned perfectly with my background in business and my passion for entrepreneurship. I have set up my own business, transforming office spaces into sustainable, thriving ecosystems with vertical farm installations, and continue to explore vertical farming as an environmental, social, and governance initiative.”
Join us at our Postgraduate Open Afternoons and find out more about studying at the RAU through booking onto our PG webinars. More information here:
Contact us
Admissions Department
Royal Agricultural University
Stroud Road
Cirencester
Gloucestershire
GL7 6JS
Email: Admissions@rau.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1285 889912
Web: www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study
Departments
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