Rural & Estate Skills

At SRUC we offer several courses that look into the different areas of rural and estate management, from gamekeeping through to rural business management and organic farming.

Rural and estate management is a wide-ranging subject, including elements related to sporting estate management, where land is managed for the rearing of game birds and deer, to management of the countryside for public amenity, nature conservation and agriculture.

Good business management is also crucial in rural areas to ensure that the management of estates and rural communities keeps up with changes in the economic climate, enabling diversification into new activities when required.

The Rural Business Management degree course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is designed for those keen to work in estate management, land and estate agency.

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

Study rural and estate skills at SRUC

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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 rural skills with us.

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SRUC launches new PhD programme

In a significant step towards shaping the future of agriculture, rural and environmental studies, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has launched a new PhD programme.

Respecting rural diversity

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has cemented its commitment to diversity by signing the Agrespect pledge.

Professor to help shape future rural policy

SRUC’s Head of Integrated Land Management has joined a panel of academic experts to review and advise on future rural policy in Scotland.

Pathfinder project plots the way ahead for rural skills careers

An innovative partnership funded by the Scottish Funding Council will see rural skills career pathways easier to follow, thanks to a joint prospectus produced by SRUC and Borders College.

Scotland Praised by the OECD in a new report on rural innovation

A new report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) praising the innovation of rural Scotland was launched this week.

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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Business

Rural Business Management at SRUC offers innovative courses designed to meet your needs as well as those of prospective employers, ensuring excellent employment prospects.

Environment

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

Sustainability

Sustainability, conservation and protecting the environment are now of prime importance.

Conservation

Good management of the land and countryside is key to ensure that it can be profitable, accessible and sustainable while allowing wildlife to thrive.

Agriculture

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

Forestry & Arboriculture

Forestry focuses on the management of forests and woodland, from planting through to thinning and felling.

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) and Technical Apprenticeship (TA) 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, equivalent to NC up to HND/Degree level.

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.