The Royal Agricultural College

Founded in 1845, the Royal Agricultural College is the oldest agricultural college in the English speaking world and has a long-standing, global reputation in research and consultancy. The College offers a unique set of Masters programmes with disciplines as varied as Business and Management, Agribusiness, Equine, Land and Property Management and International Rural Development.

The Campus

Set in 25 acres of magnificent grounds in the heart of the Cotswolds, we have one of the most beautiful settings in the country. The campus is steeped in history and tradition and often referred to as the "Oxbridge of the Countryside". It is large enough that all of the facilities are on-site (except the nearby College Farms), yet small enough to create a friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of community and support network.

Employability

The College has strong industry links, reflected in the impressive graduate employability rates. The strong industry links create an unrivalled reputation in terms of the networking opportunities available and the calibre of work placements offered to students. Students have gone on to enjoy success and make a significant contribution in a wide range of professions around the world.

Academic Life

Postgraduate study is managed and taught by experienced staff and specialist consultants, creating an exciting learning environment in which the students play a pivotal role. Many members of staff are involved in consultancy, research and training activities, both in the UK and overseas, and have produced over 500 publications in the past decade.

Taught Programmes

The career-focussed programmes are designed and updated to meet the changing needs of the employment market and combine academic excellence with practical application. Most of the programmes can be studied either full-time for a year or up to four years part-time and include a research dissertation at the end. The programmes fall into five subject areas:

Agribusiness

Agribusiness is the world's largest industry and offers many opportunities to people with the right qualifications, skills and experience. The School of Business offers unique MBA programmes, which combine traditional MBA study with specialist focus modules and vocational training to ensure graduates have the theoretical and practical knowledge needed in a range of professions.

The MBAs range from Business Management in the Global Food Industry to Wine Business Management, a programme only offered only at the Royal Agricultural College.

Many of the agribusiness MBAs have an international element, allowing students to either study or work abroad for part of their programme.

See http://rac.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/business for more information on the agribusiness programmes.

Business and Management

The business and management Masters programmes at the Royal Agricultural College are suitable for people already in the workplace and for undergraduates looking to further their career prospects or change direction. Programmes allow students to focus solely on general business or select focus modules on wine, food, equine, agriculture or international business, in order to tailor the programme to their needs.

See http://rac.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/business for the business and management programmes.

Equine

Equine programmes at the College take either a business management focus or a scientific approach to study. Students are taught by lecturers and visiting speakers closely connected to the equine world. Workshops, visits to different equine establishments and case studies ensure that students gain knowledge that can be used in a wide range of careers throughout the equine industry.

See http://rac.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/equine for more information on the equine programmes.

International Rural Development

The International Rural Development MSc seeks to develop the necessary skills, understanding and attitudes required to address the issues of sustainable development. Students choose specialist pathways from sustainable agricultural systems to climate change to tourism and development. Students from around the world create a diverse learning environment ensuring that the programme is truly international.

See http://rac.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/international-rural-development for information about the International Rural Development programme.

Land and Property Management

The land and property management courses are accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), allowing students a fast-track route to qualification as a chartered surveyor. The three Masters programmes focus on rural estate management, international real estate or UK real estate providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge for professional practice in the land and property sectors both in the UK and worldwide.

See http://rac.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/land-property-management for information on the land and property management courses

Research Programmes

The Royal Agricultural College offers guidance and support on a wide range of research areas at the Masters and Doctoral levels. Subjects include food chain studies, sustainable agricultural development, sustainable rural development and equine studies.

The College has a wide range of external collaborations with universities and research institutes in the UK and overseas. Applications are welcome from anyone interested in pursuing postgraduate research.

For more information on the research programmes available, visit http://rac.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/research-degrees

Facilities

Facilities include a library with all core module books, three computer rooms with 24 hour access, labs with modern equipment, new lecture theatres, and a grand dining hall. The Tithe Barn is a 16th century farm building housing the Student Union Bar and the Student Common Room. Sports facilities include a gym, various outdoor pitches, tennis courts, a flood lit Astroturf pitch and a cricket green. The College Farms are easily accessible from the campus and provide students with a field laboratory.

For more information on student life and to take a virtual tour of the campus, please visit http://rac.ac.uk/student-life

Fees

Fees vary depending on the particular programme. Full-time taught programmes (2011/2012 figures) range from £5,500 to £8,900 for UK/EU students and £7,900 to £10,200 for overseas students.

Research programmes (2011/2012 figures) range from £2,799 (part-time) to £3,732 (full-time) for UK/EU students and £8,100 for full-time overseas students.

For the most up-to-date fees, please contact Admissions or visit http://rac.ac.uk/study/fees-and-how-to-apply/postgraduate-tuition-fees-and-charges

Funding

A range of funding is available for postgraduate students including loans, bursaries and scholarships. For a full list and details of how to apply, please visit http://rac.ac.uk/study/fees-and-how-to-apply/funding-opportunities

Open Days

There are a number of Postgraduate Open Days throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to visit the Royal Agricultural College and speak with members of staff about the different programmes. Please see http://rac.ac.uk/study/open-days-and-taster-courses/postgraduate-open-days for a list of dates and an online booking form.

For further information on the Royal Agricultural College, please contact:

Admissions

Tel: +44 (0) 1285 652531
Fax: +44 (0) 1285 650219

Email: admissions@rac.ac.uk
www.rac.ac.uk