The Royal Agricultural University
Cirencester, United Kingdom • Founded 1845
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 2013, The Royal Agricultural University is a for-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Cirencester (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), South West England.
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is a very small-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 11-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this UK higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
RAU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find The Royal Agricultural University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on The Royal Agricultural University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Degrees
The Royal Agricultural University's degree catalogue by academic level. Continuing education and non-degree pathways sit outside the standard tiers but are sometimes offered alongside.
Bachelor's 9 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Environmental Management
- Farm Management
- International Business
- Real Estate
- Wildlife
Master's 7 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Environmental Management
- Food Science
- Heritage Preservation
- Management
- Real Estate
Doctoral 4 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
- Town Planning
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Rural Skills (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Forestry
- Health Sciences
- Safety Engineering
Food Production and Supply Management (Course/Programme) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agriculture (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Equipment
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
- Farm Management
- Horticulture
- Rural Planning
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Business Education
- Farm Management
- Food Technology
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Rural Land and Property Management (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Forest Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Real Estate
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Search the The Royal Agricultural University programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.
40 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 24 programmes
Showing 10 of 24.
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master's Degree 9 programmes
How to apply to The Royal Agricultural University
What applying to The Royal Agricultural University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. The Royal Agricultural University runs 40 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to The Royal Agricultural University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United Kingdom.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with The Royal Agricultural University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.rau.ac.uk). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (1285) 652 531. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Agricultural University
Quick answers to the most common questions about The Royal Agricultural University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When did The Royal Agricultural University open?
The Royal Agricultural University traces its founding to 1845 (approximately 181 years ago).
In which city is The Royal Agricultural University?
The Royal Agricultural University is based in Cirencester, United Kingdom.
What is The Royal Agricultural University's control type?
The Royal Agricultural University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at The Royal Agricultural University?
The Royal Agricultural University has approximately 1,000-1,999 students.
What programmes are available at The Royal Agricultural University?
The Royal Agricultural University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is The Royal Agricultural University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about The Royal Agricultural University?
The Royal Agricultural University's official website is www.rau.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Below: the United Kingdom's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for The Royal Agricultural University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near The Royal Agricultural University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
Capstone publication or portfolio output from Agriculture & Environmental Sciences programmes affects what you graduate with. Some the United Kingdom institutions retain student work; others publish it as part of programme outputs.
Universities Compared with The Royal Agricultural University
International branch campuses are common among universities at The Royal Agricultural University's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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