About Business & Entrepreneurship courses
At the RAU our focus is to support you to become a leader, who is capable of developing the rural economy.
So, whether you aspire to a successful career in business or agri-business or, dream of starting your own company we will help you to make it a reality.
A transcript of the course video can be found here.
We offer a curriculum that is grounded in the values, beliefs and ethics of the rural economy which now encompasses a diverse range of ventures from environmental innovators to high technology companies and social enterprises as well as agricultural businesses.
While studying at the RAU students will be taught in smaller classes and have access to their tutors throughout the term. They will be engaged by a wide range of teaching and learning activities, visits and work placements which will allow them gain valuable real-world experience and see how their learning is used in practice.
Given the constantly changing nature of the rural economy we are constantly refining our degrees and updating materials to ensure that students will receive an education that will prepare them to take advantage of these opportunities. In recognition of this and the practical nature of the degrees that we offer, all of our honour’s degrees have two dual accreditations, which is very rare. Firstly, we offer a level 6 accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) meaning that students leave with an additional diploma and associate membership of this internationally recognised organisation to recognise our graduates skills in these disciplines.
Our context
For many people, a rural business is a farm, but this masks a diverse range of ventures from high technology businesses, to online retail and social enterprises, all of which now form a key part of the rural economy. After all, over 35% of farms in the UK have diversified, into industries such as energy production, tourism or value-added food production. However, what unites these groups is the landscape and its environment which are core to their values and business ethics.
It is well known that rural population in the UK are more entrepreneurial, as there are more businesses per head of population, and they are more likely to engage in portfolio careers. Yet, in the UK, the average rural business has a third less turnover, is less likely to export and have reduced growth prospects compared to its urban counterparts.
If you are interested in joining us then you are very welcome to attend one of our open days.
Our vision
To be recognised as a progressive and connected community of practice in management, business and entrepreneurial education that delivers thought leadership for the rural economy and its supply chains.
Our mission
Our vision is supported by our four-fold mission statement:
- To cultivate the leaders and entrepreneurs who create, share and use knowledge to deliver equitable and sustainable business futures
- To develop our students into highly employable, socially and environmentally responsible business professionals
- To support the entrepreneurial talent development and commercialisation of new ideas
- To deliver specialist business education and knowledge transfer using the context of the rural economy, built environment and food chain
Our USP
We develop entrepreneurial leaders for the rural economy and are one of the only business schools in the world which runs its own wine brand.