Royal Agricultural University
Cirencester, United Kingdom
- Cost of Living£ 19,020
- Tuition Fee From£ 12,750
- Country Rank#134
- Batch Strength1,072
- Global Diversity7.2%
- Gender Ratio45 : 55
Overview
About
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is a higher education institution located in Cirencester, UK. The Fairford and Cirencester Farmers' Club held a meeting that year, and it was then that the concept to build the Royal Agricultural College was first conceived. The college officially started operations in 1845 with only 25 pupils thanks to Queen Victoria's Royal Charter. It was given university status in 2013 and thereafter given its current name.
The RAU offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in a range of subjects related to agriculture, land management, food, and rural business. There are over 30 such land-based undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered at the university. The institution is known for its strong academic programmes, cutting-edge research, and practical, real-world approach to education. The university has a total of 1,100 students enrolled in these programmes.
It has a long-standing reputation for excellence in its field and provides students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the agriculture and land management sectors. Royal Agricultural University courses are operated on two farms close - by which are:
- The majority of Coates Manor Farm is pastureland with minor arable crops.
- Polo and hunting livery stables, as well as related fitness facilities, are offered by Fossehill Farm.
Ranking
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, faces challenges in its national rankings, as evidenced by its 119th position in The Complete University Guide's 2025 UK university rankings, down from 73rd in 2024 and 95th in 2023. However, the institution shows resilience in specific disciplines, particularly in Business and Management. In this field, the RAU ranked 95th nationally for 2025, a slight dip from 79th in 2024 and 87th in 2023, according to The Complete University Guide. The Guardian University Guide paints a more positive picture, with the RAU improving to 99th in Business and Management for 2024, up from 104th in 2023 and 109th in 2022. Despite these fluctuations, the RAU maintains its distinctive identity as the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world, established in 1845. It continues to offer specialised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in agriculture, food production, business, and environmental studies from its historic Cotswolds campus, blending traditional and modern agricultural education in a unique rural setting.
Royal Agricultural University: The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025
In The Complete University Guide Ranking for 2025, the Royal Agricultural University is ranked 119th among UK universities, showing a decrease from its position of 73rd in 2024 and 95th in 2023. This change reflects fluctuations in performance metrics and the competitive nature of UK higher education rankings.
|
Ranked by |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
UK University |
95 |
73 |
119 |
Royal Agricultural University - The Guardian Ranking 2024
In The Guardian University Guide Ranking for 2024, the Royal Agricultural University improved its position in Business and Management, ranking 99th compared to 104th in 2023 and 109th in 2022. This upward trend reflects the university's focused efforts to enhance its programmes and offerings in this field, catering to the evolving demands of the industry.
|
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Business and Management |
109 |
104 |
99 |
Learn More About: Royal Agricultural University Admission
Royal Agricultural University - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025
In The Complete University Guide Ranking for 2025, the Royal Agricultural University is ranked 95th for Business and Management Studies in the UK, indicating a slight decrease from its position of 79th in 2024 and 87th in 2023.
|
Ranked by |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Business and Management Studies UK |
87 |
79 |
95 |
Course Ranking
BBA
|
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
The Guardian - Business and Management |
109 |
104 |
99 |
|
The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK |
- |
87 |
79 |
Learn More About: Royal Agricultural University Courses
Business & Management Studies
|
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
The Guardian - Business and Management |
109 |
104 |
99 |
|
The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK |
- |
87 |
79 |
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
-
-
2022
-
-
2021
-
#1500
Facilities
In the heart of Cirencester, RAU boasts a stunning 25-acre campus encircled by the Cotswolds' undulating hills. Modern academic, administrative, residential, and supporting facilities for the students are all present on the property, along with parking lots and open areas. An all-weather pitch, outdoor fields, and courts are among the other athletic amenities on campus. The Royal Agricultural University facilities are modern and well-equipped for its students which are:
- Library - Library and learning resource centre with an extensive collection of books, journals, and other resources related to agriculture, food, and rural business. It has over 40,000 printed volumes, 1000 current journal subscriptions and 40,000+ e-books. It is a significant informational resource for teachers' and students' teaching, learning, and research. In addition, the library has an expanding collection of full-text databases and the RAU archive, a collection of university papers dating back to its founding.
- Cafeteria - Student common areas, such as cafes and social spaces, where students can work, relax and network with each other. The restaurant, which is located on the east side of the main quadrangle, offers a variety of delicious, nutritious, and filling dishes. The ingredients used in their meals are sourced from local producers. Moreover in other options, students can avail The Retreat Cafe in the Atrium and RAU Shop next to The Retreat Cafe.
- Sports Facilities - The university's campus is home to a number of sporting amenities, including a gym, an all-weather field, squash courts, and tennis courts. Clay pigeon shooting, cricket, equestrian, field sports (hunting, fishing, and shooting), football, golf, lacrosse, hockey, netball, polo, rugby, rifle shooting, rowing, tennis, and sailing are just a few of the sports that students play. The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford are the other two British universities that still have their own beagle pack, leaving just the Royal Agricultural University.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
- Royal Agricultural University's acceptance rate is 70%—80%, and it admits international students from over 45 countries to its campus.
- This means that out of every 100 applicants, approximately 70 to 80 are offered admission to the university.
- The acceptance rate reflects the university's openness to admitting a significant portion of its applicants, making it accessible to a broad range of prospective students.
Entry Requirements
The admission policy here is not stringent and students have a high chance of being admitted here. Although, there are other things to keep in mind whilst applying to this university. The admission committee at the RAU considers a variety of factors when evaluating applicants for admission. The admission committee also keeps a keen eye on students’s extracurricular activities and volunteering actions in NGOs. Royal Agricultural University entry requirements are quite formative, the list of documents are given below:
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Official Academic Transcripts of High School
- Letter (s) of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Proof of financial support
- Passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Minimum English Test Scores - TOEFL (89) & IELTS (6.0)
Graduate Admission Requirements
- Official Academic Transcripts of College
- Letter (s) of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Proof of financial support
- Passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- CAS statement
- Minimum English Test Scores - TOEFL (89) & IELTS (6.0)
- Test scores or GRE/ GMAT if asked by the university
- Resume or CV showing work experience
English Proficiency Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Royal Agricultural University, prospective students are required to meet specific academic proficiency standards. These standards include proficiency in English language tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. Refer to the table below to understand these scores:
|
Exam |
Score |
|
IELTS |
6 |
|
TOEFL |
89 |
Fees
- BSc (Hons) Business Management (Top-up) - £13,500
- BSc (Hons) Countryside Management (Top-up) - £ 13,500
- BSc (Hons) Environment, Food and Society (Foundation Year) - £ 13,500
- BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Countryside Management (Top-up) - £ 13,500
- BSc (Hons) Environment, Food and Society - £ 13,500
- BSc (Hons) Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management - £ 13,500
Scholarship
Royal Agricultural University (RAU) offers a range of scholarships to support students pursuing studies in agriculture, food, and related disciplines. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, support students with financial need, and promote diversity within the field UniScholars provides comprehensive information about RAU's scholarships and assists students in finding out the application process effectively. Given below are the Royal agricultural university scholarships you can apply for:
|
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Award |
|
RAU Sports Scholarship |
Awarded to postgraduate students with an outstanding ability in an elite sport. |
£1,500 |
|
Geoffrey Cragghill Memorial Scholarship |
There is one scholarship available through the Geoffrey Cragghill Scholarship Trust for a Royal Agricultural University dissertation student. |
£2,000.00 |
|
Walter Smith Award |
Support for mature students (over 21 years of age) who have endured extreme hardships. |
£2,000.00 |
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Royal Agricultural University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or in a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Cirencester is a town in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire, England. It is located approximately 87 miles (140 km) west of London and is known for its well-preserved Roman heritage, including the remains of a Roman amphitheatre, and its medieval wool trade. The town is also famous for its market square and historic architecture, including the Norman-era St. John the Baptist Church. Cirencester is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Cotswold Hills, and is a popular tourist destination. When it comes to living here, students need to consider the following costs:
|
Particulars |
Cost (Monthly) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
£ 940 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
£ 696 |
|
Transportation |
£ 75 |
|
Food Cost |
£ 405 |
|
Entertainment |
£ 26 |
|
Groceries |
£ 76 |
|
Clothes |
£ 63 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation |
£ 1585 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation |
£ 1341 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
£ 19020 |