Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is an obvious choice for Scottish students who want to take on further learning courses – from hands-on learning, to graduate and masters levels.

Its position as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ has gained international recognition in the industries involved in food, land and the environmental sectors and all aspects of the rural economy. Courses offered range from vocational skills training to professional development.

Undergraduate and postgraduate (taught and research) provision is offered in the following areas:

  1. Agriculture
  2. Animal Science
  3. Applied Science and Technology
  4. Business
  5. Environment
  6. Horticulture
  7. Sport and Tourism

As well as undergraduate and postgraduate courses the college also offers postgraduate research opportunities and specialist training, as well as an extensive provision at further education level.

SRUC’s training services supports the development of the rural and land-based workforce through the provision of a broad range of training opportunities.

The minimum entry requirements for all SRUC courses can be found on its web site at www.sruc.ac.uk/education – for example, typically applicants require the equivalent of 3 A-Levels (BCC) or 4 Highers (BBCC) to be accepted onto an undergraduate degree course.

As a specialist research, advisory and teaching institution, it also currently works with partners in over 50 countries to support global agriculture, rural development, food production and the management of land and natural resources.

Where appropriate to the course, students will study for industry recognised training qualifications and be encouraged to undertake personal volunteering and community projects which may contribute to formal assessments. Formal, short term, work placements feature on many courses.

All six of its campuses will be holding open days for those who have enrolled to further their careers in agriculture this autumn, plus there are also some ‘clearing’ open meetings to allow last minute decision making for courses with places yet to be filled.

These will give potential students an opportunity to find out more about courses, speak to lecturing staff, and take a look around the campus. Some are drop-in meetings but others require prior notification – contact the college concerned for more details or phone 0800 269 453 for enquiries.

Aberdeen open days:

  • Open afternoon: Thursday, August 15, 1:30pm start (finish around 4pm)
  • Open afternoon: Saturday, October 5, 1-3pm and 3pm-5pm
  • Open afternoon: Wednesday, November 13, 1.30-4pm
  • More info: e-mail aberdeen@sruc.ac.uk

Ayr open days

  • Open evening: Wednesday, June 12, 4-6.30pm drop-in mtg
  • Open afternoon: Friday, August 9, starts 1.30pm (‘til around 4pm)
  • Open evening: Wednesday, October 9, 4:30-6.30pm drop-in
  • Open afternoon: Wednesday, November 20, starts 1.30pm (till around 4pm)
  • More info: e-mail ayr@sruc.ac.uk

Barony open days

Barony’s open days are run by subject and all are drop-in events and the times indicated show opening and closing times for the event.

For 2019/20 intake:

Thursday, August 8, 2019, 10am-2pm – this is an open day for any spaces remaining on courses starting in autumn, 2019

For 2020/21 intake:

  • Agriculture: Tuesday, October 8, 4pm-7pm; and Saturday, November 16, 10am-1pm
  • Animal Care: Tuesday, October 8, 4pm-7pm; and Saturday, November 16, 10am-1pm
  • Engineering: Tuesday, October 8, 4pm-7pm; and Saturday, November 16, 10am-1pm
  • Forestry/Arboriculture: Tuesday, October 8, 4pm-7pm; Saturday, November 16, 10am-1pm
  • Veterinary Nursing: Tuesday, September 3, 2019, 10pm-2pm; and Wednesday, November 27, 10am-2pm.

More info: e-mail barony@sruc.ac.uk

Edinburgh open days

  • Open morning: Saturday, August 31, 10.30am-1pm
  • Open afternoon: Wednesday, October 2, 2-5pm
  • Open afternoon: Wednesday, November 13, 2-5pm
  • More info: e-mail edinburgh@sruc.ac.uk

Elmwood open days

  • Open evening: Wednesday, August 14, 5pm start
  • Open evening: Wednesday, October 2, 5pm start
  • Open evening: Wednesday, November 27, 5pm start

All these begin with registration at 5 pm and close around 7 pm and the evening will include a welcome from the senior tutor, a presentation about your chosen subject and the opportunity to speak with specialist lecturers.

Funding, admissions and student support team will also be on hand for any questions you may have.

More info: e-mail elmwood@sruc.ac.uk

Oatridge open days

Open afternoon for courses with places still available for 2019: Friday, August 16, 1:30pm start

For those joining this year:

  • Animal Care and Vet Nursing open afternoon: Friday, October 11, 1:30pm start
  • All other subjects: Friday, October 18, 1:30pm start.

More info: e-mail oatridge@sruc.ac.uk