The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, in the Cotswolds, was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world, founded in 1845. It's small and specialised, teaching agriculture, land and property management, equine studies, food, business and sustainable development. The campus includes farms and historic buildings.
Cirencester, United Kingdom
Official website: rau.ac.uk
1845, the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world
Cirencester, Cotswolds
Around 1,300 students
£16,000 – £20,000
International students, undergraduate and taught Master's
£11,000 – £14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on rau.ac.uk before you apply.
MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MSc International Rural Land and Property Management
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BSc Agriculture
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 72
MBA Agri-Food
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
The oldest agricultural college in the English-speaking world.
University farms for practical learning.
A Cotswolds campus with historic buildings.
Graduates join farms, estates, agri-food firms and land agencies.
Property management alumni become chartered surveyors.
Graduates can stay in the UK for two years on the Graduate visa.
Undergrad
14 Jan 2027
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus sits on the edge of Cirencester with halls, farms and a historic main building.
Cirencester is a Cotswold market town. Bristol, Oxford and London are within reach by train from nearby Kemble.
CAS from Royal Agricultural University
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS by 14 January 2027. Master's applications are rolling.
Courses start in September.
A UK Student visa, sponsored by Royal Agricultural University. Once you hold a CAS, apply online, show funds held for 28 days, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Most decisions come back within three weeks from outside the UK.
Sustainable agriculture, rural land and property management, agriculture and the agri-food MBA are popular. Master's courses need a 2:2 and IELTS 6.5.
The university offers some scholarships. Check its funding pages.
