The RAU aims to provide leading agricultural and land-based continued professional development courses and, through our activities at the John Oldacre Rural Innovation Centre, provide a range of accredited rural skills courses designed to develop the skills essential to food production and the management of land.

A key aim of our knowledge exchange strategy is to accelerate the establishment and growth of rural enterprises and Gloucestershire based businesses through Farm491, the Student Enterprise Programme and The Growth Hub Cirencester. Our enterprise

With the current UK agricultural and food policy context about to change with the decision to leave the EU, there is a need for the incorporation of novel ‘participatory’ approaches to knowledge production and innovation.

Our knowledge exchange activity is driven by societal needs both now and in the future. Our global community must address the challenges of climate change and ecological restoration while still being able to provide nutritious, safe food for all and meet the complexity of an ever-growing urban population.

Globally, nationally and locally, the rise of non-communicable diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes are a concern.

We place a strong emphasis on entrepreneurialism, creating opportunities for our students to develop their own business ideas and receive tailored support.

From practical workshops, mentoring and awards, budding entrepreneurs can benefit from the knowledge and experience of their lecturers and the strong industry links the University has carefully cultivated over the years.

“Winner of Enterprise Learning Provider of the Year, Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs Awards 2019"

At the Royal Agricultural University, we are committed to valuing and celebrating diversity and to advancing inclusive practices in all that we do.

We are striving to challenge ourselves to think and act differently in order that everyone at the RAU feels like they belong, can be their authentic selves, and are empowered to reach their full potential.

You can read the University Policy and Procedures Relating To Inclusivity, Equality and Diversity here.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, anyone has the right to request information from a public authority in the UK.

If you wish to make an enquiry about data held by the University and which does not seem to be already available, you may make a request in one of the following ways:

Following the data protection laws which came into force in May 2018, we have made some important changes to our Privacy Notices. These will not only ensure our policies are compliant but that everything we do with our student, staff, visitors, alumni and supporters’ information is as clear and transparent as possible.

For reassurance, these changes do not imply that your data has ever been at risk or misused.

Cookies are information packets sent from a website and stored in your web browser whilst you are browsing a website. The information contained within cookies is sent back to the website each time your browser requests a page from the server. This enables a website to identify and track web browsers.

There are many forms of financial support on offer for our prospective postgraduate students. The funding opportunities below relate to the academic year 2024-2025.

Please note that before applying for a bursary or scholarship you must hold an offer to study at the RAU.