Opportunities at the Royal Agricultural University

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is dedicated to fostering exceptional opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals in agriculture, land-based industries, and rural business. With a rich heritage dating back to 1845, RAU provides a dynamic environment where innovation meets tradition, equipping individuals with the skills to drive sustainable change in the global food and environmental sectors. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate studies, advanced research, or career development, RAU offers a pathway to success through tailored programs, industry connections, and hands-on experiences.

Academic Programs and Study Opportunities

RAU's diverse academic offerings span undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development courses, all designed to address real-world challenges in agriculture and sustainability. Our programs emphasize practical learning, with access to state-of-the-art facilities like farms, labs, and business incubators.

• Undergraduate Degrees: Explore options such as BSc (Hons) Agriculture, focusing on crop and livestock management; BSc (Hons) Rural Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, ideal for aspiring agri-business leaders; and BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Management, combining science with industry practices.
• Postgraduate Degrees: Advance your expertise with an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, tackling global issues like climate resilience, or an MBA in Agriculture and Food for strategic business acumen in the sector.
• Foundation and Apprenticeships: Entry-level pathways including the Foundation Degree in Agriculture and degree apprenticeships in areas like agricultural engineering, allowing you to earn while you learn.

With small class sizes and personalized tutoring, students benefit from a supportive learning community that encourages innovation and critical thinking.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

RAU is at the forefront of agricultural research, offering ample opportunities for students and academics to contribute to groundbreaking projects. Our research centers, such as the RAU Farm and the Centre for Circularity and Sustainability, provide platforms for interdisciplinary work on topics like regenerative farming, biodiversity, and digital agriculture.

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students can engage in research placements, collaborating with faculty on funded projects supported by bodies like the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
• PhD opportunities abound in areas such as agri-tech innovation and rural policy, with access to advanced tools like precision farming equipment and data analytics labs.
• Industry partnerships with organizations like the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and Agri-Tech companies enable real-world application of research, often leading to publications and patents.

RAU's commitment to open-access research ensures that your work has a tangible impact, from policy influence to entrepreneurial ventures.

Career and Placement Opportunities

Employability is at the heart of the RAU experience, with over 95% of graduates securing roles within six months. Our dedicated Careers Service connects students to a network of 2,000+ alumni and industry partners.

Opportunity Type	Description	Duration/Benefits
Work Placements	Integrated into degree programs, including international options with farms in Europe and beyond.	6-12 months; paid stipends and academic credit.
Internships	Short-term roles with agribusiness giants like Syngenta or local SMEs.	8-12 weeks; networking events and CV support.
Graduate Schemes	Exclusive access to schemes from Defra and major consultancies.	Full-time positions; mentorship and training.

Additionally, RAU hosts annual career fairs, entrepreneurship challenges, and the RAU Incubator for startup ideas, empowering students to launch agri-focused businesses.

Global and International Opportunities

RAU's global outlook opens doors to international experiences, enhancing cultural competence and professional networks. As a member of the Erasmus+ program and with partnerships in over 20 countries, students can participate in:

• Study Abroad: Semester exchanges with universities in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, focusing on comparative agriculture.
• International Projects: Fieldwork in developing regions through collaborations with the FAO and NGOs, addressing food security challenges.
• Conferences and Mobility: Funding for attending global events like the World Agriculture Expo, with travel grants available.

These opportunities not only broaden horizons but also build resilience for a interconnected world.

Student Support, Funding, and Extracurriculars

RAU ensures holistic development through comprehensive support. The Student Success Team offers academic advising, mental health resources, and skill-building workshops on leadership and digital literacy.

Financial opportunities include scholarships worth up to £5,000 for high-achievers, bursaries for underrepresented groups in agriculture, and part-time work on campus farms. Extracurriculars enrich campus life:

• Societies like the Agriculture Society and Entrepreneurship Club for networking and events.
• Sports and volunteering, including conservation projects on the 492-acre estate.
• Guest lectures from industry leaders, fostering inspiration and connections.

In summary, RAU transforms aspirations into achievements, providing a nurturing ecosystem for personal and professional growth. Join us to seize these opportunities and shape the future of agriculture.