Royal Agricultural University

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU), formerly the Royal Agricultural College, is a university in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England. Established in 1845,[4] it was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world.[5] The university provides more than 30 land-based undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to students from over 45 countries through the School of Agriculture, the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, the School of Equine and the School of Real Estate and Land Management.

The Royal Agricultural University was founded as the Royal Agricultural College in 1842,[6] at a meeting of the Fairford and Cirencester Farmers’ Club. Concerned by the lack of government support for education, Robert Jeffreys-Brown addressed the meeting on "The Advantages of a Specific Education for Agricultural Pursuits".[7] A prospectus was circulated, a general committee was appointed and Henry Bathurst, 4th Earl Bathurst was elected president. Funds were raised by public subscription: much of the support came from the wealthy landowners and farmers of the day, and there was no government support. Construction of the main building, in Victorian Tudor style, began in April 1845 and was designed by S. W. Daukes and John R. Hamilton, and built by Thomas Bridges of Cirencester.[8] The first 25 students were admitted to the college in September 1845.

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, is renowned as the oldest agricultural institution in the English-speaking world, established in 1845. It holds a unique Royal Charter granted in 2013, elevating it to university status, and is celebrated for its pioneering role in agricultural education, sustainable land management, and rural business innovation. With a focus on practical, industry-relevant learning, RAU attracts students passionate about addressing global challenges like food security, climate change, and environmental conservation.

RAU is particularly popular for its specialized undergraduate and postgraduate programs in agriculture and related fields. Key areas of excellence include:

• Agriculture and Farm Management: Renowned for hands-on courses that blend science, technology, and business, preparing students for modern farming practices.
• Equine Science and Management: One of the UK's leading programs, offering expertise in horse health, welfare, and equestrian business.
• Environmental and Rural Studies: Innovative degrees emphasizing sustainability, conservation, and countryside management.
• Real Estate and Property Management: Specialized training in rural property valuation, development, and land use planning.
• Food and Agri-Business: Courses exploring supply chains, entrepreneurship, and global food systems.

The university's state-of-the-art facilities, such as the 492-hectare farm estate, research centers, and innovation hubs, provide unparalleled practical experience. RAU's strong ties with industry partners, including the National Farmers' Union and major agribusiness firms, ensure high employability rates—over 95% of graduates find roles within six months. Its vibrant campus life, with societies like the RAU Farming Club and international student support, fosters a close-knit community.

In research, RAU leads in areas like regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, contributing to policy and practice worldwide. As a small, specialist university, it offers personalized teaching with small class sizes, making it a top choice for those seeking a career in the land-based sector. RAU's commitment to sustainability and innovation continues to shape the future of agriculture.