Contextual admissions is a term used to describe the use of additional information, including school performance data and socio-economic markers, to provide context for an individual student’s university application and achievement.

At the Royal Agricultural University we want to encourage students from a wide range of backgrounds to participate in higher education. The additional insight gained through contextual information allows us to recognise a student’s achievements and identify their potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.

I didn't have any doubts about coming here, because of the amount of farmers in Zimbabwe, they kept saying go to the Royal Agriculture University.

Not only have I met really fantastic friends, but I feel like I've made some good contacts here.

The common aim with our courses, is to set the bigger picture of the environment being the area in which we must all operate. It's all about giving different experience, of different farming systems, under different environmental challenges and conditions.

My RAU experience

Embarking on a career in agriculture was made possible after choosing to study for a degree in a subject I was, and still am, really interested in. The RAU FdSc Agriculture and Farm Management course gave me the opportunity to gain both practical experience and theoretical knowledge in a diverse and growing industry.

A particular draw to the RAU was its rural location and expertise in education for well over a century.

My RAU experience

I have a real passion for wildlife, so the British Wildlife Conservation course really appealed to me. It combined a practical hands-on conservation approach with supporting academic theory, which builds a good foundation for my career in the conservation sector. The work placement element of the course is particularly valuable. I completed mine at Itchen Valley Country Park as a Volunteer Park Ranger, and gained key industry contacts and real-life conservation experience.

My RAU experience

I chose to study at the Royal Agricultural University because of two main reasons:

My RAU experience

I completed the foundation degree in Environmental Conservation and Heritage Management at the Royal Agricultural University and found both the teaching and course content to be excellent. This, and recommendations from previous students, led me to enrol on to the BSc (Hons) Countryside Management top-up.

My RAU experience

The course is a great springboard for anyone wanting to launch their career in business, especially agribusiness. It gives you a strong grounding in fundamental business practices whilst allowing you to further specialise in an area of interest. I completed my work placement within the public relations office at McLaren, which combined the theory I’d learnt with my passion for motor racing.

This course proved invaluable in preparing me for my future career progression. 

My RAU experience

I chose this course because it was important for me to study something I have a genuine interest in. I wanted to fuse my love of equestrianism (racing in particular) and agriculture with business knowledge to increase my earning potential. This course, unlike many others I looked at, met those needs exactly.