Royal Agricultural University

Stand out from the crowd 

Known all over the world for growing experts in our fields, we’re helping to shape the future of the land and all who depend on it. Established almost two centuries ago, we’ve cultivated a strong international influence, reputation and educational experience to be proud of. Today, we’re building further on our impressive heritage to enable our postgraduate students to drive innovation, ideas and intelligent solutions to global challenges. 

What that means for you

As a student with us, you’ll get to experience an education without walls. Set in the stunning Cotswolds close to lively Cirencester and just 90 minutes from London, we’re surrounded and inspired by nature. With us, you’ll benefit from a hands-on approach to learning and the freedom and specialist facilities you need to apply theory to practice and explore your potential to the fullest. 

• 2^nd in the UK 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (Small or Specialist category).
• 8^th for Student Experience (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
• We’re the leading specialist university for research in England.
• More than half our research is ‘world leading and international in quality’ (Research Excellence Framework). 

Find out about postgraduate study

The support to succeed

Our smaller size means we can make a bigger difference to you, too. We nurture a friendly community and sense of belonging that’s hard to find. Whether you want to be noticed by top employers, forge your own business or have entirely different ambitions, our tailored support and academic excellence mean you’ll grow the capabilities, confidence and professional connections you need. With a strong network of alumni, industry leaders and global partners, our impact is far reaching. This is your chance to grow yours too. 

An unexpected breadth of programmes

As the very first of our kind two centuries ago, we’ve always been a pioneering institution. Now, our expertise has expanded to more programmes with the power to change the way our world works, for the better.

We have courses available for both January and September start, so be sure to visit our website to find out more!

Agriculture

• Agriculture – Graduate Diploma
• Agricultural Technology and Innovation – MSc / PgDip / PgCert
• Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security – MSc / PgDip / PgCert
• Agroecology – MSc / PgDip
• Regenerative Farming – PgCert

Business

• Business Management – MSc / PgDip / PgCert
• Food and Agriculture – MBA
• Water Management – MBA
• Business Administration (Food and Agriculture) – PgDip
• Business Administration (Water Management) – PgDip
• Business Administration – PgCert

Cultural Heritage

• Conservation and Management of Historic Buildings – MSc / PgDip
• Cultural Heritage Management – MSc / PgDip / PgCert
• Heritage and Archaeology – MSc / PgDip / PgCert
• Cultural Heritage Research – PgCert
• Retrofitting, Regeneration and Sustainability in Historic Buildings – PgCert
• Historic Building Studies - PgCert

Equine

• Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management – Graduate Diploma

Land and Property

• Real Estate – MSc / PgDip / PgCert
• Rural Estate Management – MSc / PgDip / PgCert

Research

• PhD Programme
• MSc by Research Programme

Brand new facilities at your fingertips 

Naturally, our facilities add incredible value to the learning experience for our students. However, they also mean that our research and its impact can be developed too. Our industry-leading facilities also draw in commercial and consultancy connections, meaning you’ll gain exposure to live ground-breaking developments – in every sense of the word. 

Many of our facilities are brand new and all are industry standard. They include:

• Analytical laboratory including AA spectrometer, Calorimeter and CNS Elementar El Vario Cube.
• Multi-functional experimental barn for large-scale activities.
• High precision balance laboratory.
• Clean Project laboratory and portable x-ray fluorescence machine suite.
• Field science laboratory.
• Genetics laboratory including high performance liquid chromatography equipment.
• Microbiology laboratory including CAT II cabinet and horizontal laminar flow hood.
• Experimental field space.
• Fieldwork habitats and environments including arable, woodland, grassland, an award-winning vineyard and a seven-acre market garden.

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Industry partners and potential

We’re a high profile hub for a worldwide network of commercial partners, key employers, agricultural universities and other institutions across China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and more. Closer to home, more than 100 local and regional agricultural and other businesses allow our students to learn from their operations, providing plenty of opportunities to gain first-hand experience of current best practices, emerging techniques and innovative approaches. 

Funding support and scholarships

Inclusion is incredibly important here at the RAU. And where we can remove barriers to benefitting from an education here, we will. Once you have a formal offer to study with us, we can support you to apply for a wide variety of potential funding opportunities – from scholarships to grants. Plus, if you’re already an RAC/RAU alumnus (UK or international), you’ll already be eligible for a 20% reduction in tuition fees. 

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Achieving what success means to you

Our students grow into thriving professionals with the critical thinking skills, sharp commercial acumen and technical expertise needed to make an impact in business, industry and the wider world.  

• A huge 85% of our postgraduates are in highly skilled employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
• Our business incubator has supported 200+ start-ups and SMEs, raising around £33million in investment.
• Feeding your entrepreneurial spirit, we’re one of only six UK universities to be made a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs.
• Our global alumni network connects you to 17,000 members instantly.
• We’re the country’s leading supplier of rural chartered surveyors.

Whether you’ve ambitions of growing your own business or becoming highly employable, you’ll enjoy all you need to stand out from the crowd. Explore more and apply now.