Royal Agricultural University (RAU), founded in 1845, is the oldest agricultural college in the English-speaking world. Located in the Cotswolds, near Cirencester, the university specialises in agriculture, business, equine management, and land and estate management. RAU is home to over 1,000 students from around 40 countries, offering a close-knit academic community with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning.
With a long history of agricultural innovation, the university maintains strong links to the farming industry, providing its students with unique networking opportunities and work placements that help develop career-focused skills. RAU's small class sizes and industry partnerships ensure students receive personalised attention and access cutting-edge research in their respective fields.
RAU is committed to ensuring that its graduates are career-ready upon completion of their studies. It boasts a graduate employment rate of 97.5%, with most students finding employment or further study within six months of graduation. The university's focus on sustainability and land-based industries makes it a leader in providing future agricultural and rural leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
RAU offers various student services designed to support academic success and well-being. Some of the essential services include:
- International Student Orientation: RAU provides a comprehensive orientation programme for international students upon arrival. The programme covers essential topics such as study skills, time management, research techniques, and academic writing to ensure a smooth transition into university life.
- Personal Tutors: Students are assigned a personal tutor who provides academic guidance and pastoral support throughout their studies.
- Careers and Enterprise: RAU strongly emphasises employability and offers career advice, CV workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with industry professionals.
- Library and Learning Resources: The university library provides access to extensive research materials, including books, journals, and online databases, all focused on agriculture, land management, and rural business.
RAU is a respected agricultural education and research institution with a practical, industry-driven curriculum. According to the Times University Guide 2024, RAU is ranked 104th overall. Despite not being featured in global ranking systems such as QS and THE, RAU is highly regarded within its specialised fields of study, particularly agriculture and land management.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), RAU achieved strong results, with 52% of its research classified as world-leading or internationally excellent. This underlines the university's commitment to delivering impactful and relevant research in sustainable agriculture, rural business, and environmental stewardship.
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RAU's close-knit community and rural setting enrich student life. In the beautiful Cotswolds, RAU offers students a peaceful yet engaging campus environment, with plenty of outdoor spaces and opportunities to enjoy the countryside. The Students' Union (RAUSU) actively organises social events, sports activities, and volunteering opportunities throughout the year.
Despite its small size, RAU has a vibrant student community with various clubs and societies, including the Agricultural Society, Equestrian Society, and Rural Business Society. There are also plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in sports, including rugby, football, and hockey, as well as equestrian events for those studying equine courses.
The university's location in Cirencester gives students easy access to local amenities, cafes, and cultural events, while the nearby city of Gloucester offers more extensive shopping and entertainment options. Students can also travel to London in under two hours, making it convenient for those looking to experience the capital's cultural scene.
RAU offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options for first-year students, providing a safe and supportive living environment. All first-year students are guaranteed a place in one of the university's halls of residence, within walking distance of the academic buildings. Accommodation is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is encouraged.
- Halls of Residence: RAU offers both self-catered and catered accommodation, ranging from shared rooms to en-suite facilities. All accommodation is furnished and includes Wi-Fi access.
- Private Accommodation: For students who prefer to live off-campus, RAU's Accommodation Office can assist in finding suitable private rentals in Cirencester or nearby areas.