Business

Shape the rural industries of tomorrow.

Rural businesses encompass agriculture, agricultural supply sector, estate and land management and food production and marketing. In addition, it involves industries supporting the animal sector such as rural veterinary practices.

Our business courses incorporate specialist rural-related modules alongside a business studies core including entrepreneurship, marketing, economics, finance, and IT and human resource management, and business studies, giving you a well-rounded business education along with specialist knowledge of the rural sector of your choice.

We also offer an RICS-accredited stream in our Rural Business Management degree, allowing students to receive a qualification recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This is designed for those interested in working in estate management and land and estate agencies.

Once you have gained the appropriate work experience, graduates who have followed this stream can progress onto the RICS APC (Association of Professional Competence) rural pathway leading to Chartered Surveyor status.

Study business at SRUC

Discover all the business courses we offer.

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Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it's like to study our business courses.

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New degrees to tackle climate change

New degrees aimed at equipping graduates with the skills to meet climate change goals are being introduced by Scotland’s Rural College. Sustainable Land Use: Food and Bioresources, Agricultural

SRUC appoints first Professor of Rural Entrepreneurship

An academic who plays a key role in the United Nations’ Global Peatland Initiative has been appointed the first Professor of Rural Entrepreneurship at SRUC.

Grand prize awaits business skills competition winner

Three students from SRUC’s Aberdeen, Ayr and Edinburgh campuses will compete for a £1000 cash prize after being named as finalists in the annual AgriScot Business Skills Competition.

Scots rural businesses upbeat despite challenges

Nearly three-quarters of rural businesses in Scotland reported that they had a good operating environment in 2018, despite facing a number of challenges.

Small businesses have big role in food security

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) played a key role in maintaining the resilience of the UK’s food system during Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic.

A time to shine for diversified farming businesses

Following the success of the inaugural award in 2021, AgriScot, in partnership with SAC Consulting, has today launched the 'AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year 2022' award.

Open days

We have online and in-person open days coming up! Come visit our campuses, talk to course tutors and students, and find out why studying at SRUC is such a unique experience.

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Download our prospectus

Find out more about all the courses we have on offer at SRUC.

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Agriculture

A broad and varied range of industries await in the world of agriculture.

Environment

We all share a common goal of the responsible management of our natural resources and environment.

Food

The food and drink industry is the UK’s biggest manufacturing sector.

Rural & Estate Skills

This is a broad area encompassing gamekeeping, ecological surveying, estate management and much more.

Student life

Explore what life is like at SRUC from before your arrival all the way through to graduation. Find campus and accommodation information, tips, checklists and helpful information on getting started at SRUC. You can also find information on student support services, term dates & timetables, Moodle and more.

Courses for schools

Your journey starts here.

Apprenticeships

Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programmes offer individuals and employers a package of vocational training designed to meet the demands of today’s land-based industries as well as nationally recognised qualifications. Our apprenticeship programmes allow learners to enhance their knowledge and skills whilst being in paid employment, with learning and assessment being tailored to each programme and the needs of both the employer and employee.

How to apply

Whether you fancy an undergraduate, postgraduate, part-time or training course, here you'll find all the information you need to enrol and start.

Fees & funding

The area of student finance can be a complicated and ever-changing one. But don't worry, funding, including bursaries and loans to help with tuition fees, living, and travel costs, is available to help you complete your studies.