International Prospectus
Going to university or college is truly a transformative experience, but that is doubly true for those who choose to study abroad.
Living in another country, immersing yourself in its traditions and its culture and meeting all sorts of new people from different backgrounds is a unique way of broadening your horizons.
Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to work all over the world, but nowhere have I been more warmly welcomed than in Scotland, a beautiful country I am now proud to call home. Scots have long made an indelible mark on the way we live: just think Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone, John Logie Baird’s television and, of course, Alexander Fleming, the scientist who discovered penicillin, saving millions of lives.
And let us not forget John Muir, the Scotland-born naturalist dubbed the father of America’s national parks. Muir helped to teach us the true value of the natural environment, something we are passionate about at SRUC. Our two recent Queen’s Anniversary Prizes – the highest award that can be bestowed on universities and colleges in the UK – are testament to our commitment to tackling the biggest global challenges.
At SRUC, you have the opportunity to make a real difference. Remember the words of Edinburgh’s own Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, who wrote that “the man (or woman) is a success who leaves the world better than they found it”.
We are committed to giving you the knowledge and the skills to do just that.
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive
SRUC is an inclusive college where students benefit from difference and diversity. New ways of learning and working explore diverse perspectives, helping to create a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders.
Jeremiah Chibueze, Co-President, SRUCSA
Global Impact
Issues such as environmental impact and sustainability influence all our lives and are of importance whether you have ambitions to manage your own business or run the country.
SRUC’s courses consider the innovative science that supports land-based and rural industries, the way they interact with and support the environment around them, and the businesses that rely on them – from agriculture and business to veterinary and zoonoses, and a huge variety of relevant topics in between.
STUDY IN SCOTLAND
Educational Excellence
With a world-famous reputation for education, research and facilities, Scotland is home to 19 Higher Education Institutions.
Offering some of the most affordable living costs in the UK, there’s also the benefit of excellent employment prospects once graduating from a Scottish institution, due to the strong working partnerships with industry.
Socially, there’s something for everyone. Scotland is a natural playground for outdoor pursuits on land, water and in the air. It is also home to over 350 festivals, Highland games, dancing and sporting events. You’ll find large student populations in the cities, making them lively and fun with great nightlife.
Cultural Richness and Natural Beauty
You’ll be surrounded by Scotland’s unique and diverse culture and identity, all of which enriches the student experience, making it an ideal place to study and live. Along with its rich history, incredible landmarks and castles, Scotland is also known for its abundance of wildlife, stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes.
There are the most breathtaking mountains, picturesque lochs, rolling countryside, vibrant cities and beautiful beaches along its 10,000 miles of coastline. Excellent transport links mean easy and accessible travel to and from London and other major cities, and once you’re here there’s plenty to explore, including its two National Parks, 12 National Tourist Routes and the world-famous North Coast 500 road trip!
Vibrant Social Scene
Campuses and Accommodation
SRUC offers a choice of campus locations. You can read more about each location by visiting our website: www.sruc.ac.uk/campuses
EMBRACING SCOTLAND’S SEASONS
Snow is not uncommon in the winter months, but that provides the perfect opportunity to take advantage of one of Scotland’s five ski resorts, and then in the summer months, the longer days make it ideal for walks along the stunning beaches or taking a stroll in the enticing Highlands or Lowlands.
A warm and friendly welcome awaits.
edinburgh
In Edinburgh, you encounter an ideal amalgamation: a dynamic cosmopolitan centre nestled among awe-inspiring scenery.
www.sruc.ac.uk/EdinburghLife
Historic Capital
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, exudes a rich tapestry of culture that captivates visitors and residents alike. Steeped in history and tradition, Edinburgh is home to iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyrood House.
Edinburgh boasts a thriving arts scene, with world-renowned festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe drawing performers and audiences from around the globe.
The city’s cultural offerings extend to its museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, which showcase the nation’s artistic and historical heritage.
Accommodation
Many students studying in Edinburgh choose to live off campus in private residences, however we also offer high-quality, budgetfriendly accommodation at our Oatridge Campus on the outskirts of the city.
Edinburgh is a city where 10% of the population are students, so studentfriendly accommodation is readily available.
www.sruc.ac.uk/ accommodation
London: An hour by air, 4 hours by train
CONNECTIONS
Amsterdam: Just over an hour by air
Paris: 90 minutes by air
More than 200 rooms, offering a choice of standard and en-suite accommodation. Rural location close to our working farm. A transport service is available between the accommodation and the campus.
There are a huge number of private providers of student accommodation across the city. All are centrally located and a short bus or cycle ride from the SRUC Edinburgh Campus.
There is a good rental market in Edinburgh with many students opting to find rooms in a shared flat.
aberdeen
In Aberdeen, known as the Oil and Gas Capital of Europe, you encounter a remarkable blend: a dynamic cosmopolitan centre set amid stunning natural scenery.
www.sruc.ac.uk/AberdeenLife
Castle Country
The coastline boasts expansive sandy shores, undulating dunes, and rugged cliffs that stretch for miles in both directions, offering ample room to unwind. Adorning the seaside and countryside are numerous castles and majestic residences, earning Aberdeenshire the title of ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’. Complemented by an array of museums, galleries, cinemas, and concert halls, Aberdeen presents an ideal setting for enriching cultural experiences.
Hillhead, University of Aberdeen
Accommodation
Living in Aberdeen offers a variety of accommodation choices. Many of our students live in University of Aberdeen halls of residence. These are strategically located in desirable areas and cater to diverse budgets, ensuring there’s an option to fit every individual’s needs.
www.sruc.ac.uk/ accommodation
I really loved taking the MSc Food Security programme at SRUC because of its focus on sustainability.
Jean Claude Nsengiyumva, MSc in Food Security
CONNECTIONS
SRUC has an arrangement with the University of Aberdeen to use the Hillhead accommodation complex in the centre of the city.
Accommodation is typically single rooms in four or five-person flats with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. A transport service is available between the accommodation and the campus.
There is a good rental market in Aberdeen with some students opting to find rooms in a shared flat.
Edinburgh: 2.5 hours by train
London: Just over an hour by air
Amsterdam: 90 minutes by air
Private Rental
why study at sruc?
There are plenty of reasons to join our worldleading, multi award-winning institution –here are just a few of them.
Campuses – SRUC has campuses throughout Scotland including in central locations in the thriving cities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
Affordability – Aberdeen has been consistently ranked the most affordable city in the UK to live*. At our Edinburgh Campus we seek to keep the cost of living low by providing access to low-cost, off-campus accommodation options.
Flexible Entry Points – A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are accessible via flexible entry points at SRUC. The institution prides itself on widening access for all students regardless of background.
Graduate Employability –
91% of our graduates are in work or full-time employment within six months of graduation**.
World Rankings –
SRUC is highly regarded in its field and is ranked in the top 200 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
Housing – We have guaranteed off-campus housing available in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh for international students.
Transport Links –
Both Aberdeen and Edinburgh have international airports. This means you can travel easily to and from home and even explore other countries during the holidays.
Modern Institution –
In 2023 SRUC was ranked the Top Young University in Scotland for a second consecutive year in the Times Higher Education World Young University Rankings.
Research Excellence –
The research power of Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences at SRUC and the University of Edinburgh is ranked No.1 in the UK based on the quality and breadth of work***.
SRUC was honoured with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the most esteemed form of national recognition available to educational institutions in the UK. This marks the second time in six years that SRUC has been awarded this prestigious prize.
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It’s been a great experience – it was both challenging and very interesting. The education from SRUC has been tremendous and very helpful for my journey. For me the sky’s the limit!
Tizayi Tundu Sithole, HND Golf Course Management
Small and Personal – SRUC is a small enough institution for your experience to feel personal and supportive, with direct access to your lecturers and support staff, yet large enough to offer a great student experience and world-class specialist facilities.
Safety and Student Life – Scottish cities such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen are consistently voted as some of the best cities in the UK for international students.
New courses: spotlight on our new Postgraduate Programmes
The below courses are suitable for graduates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a wide range of subjects, not only those with a degree in business or related subjects. These programmes are open and relevant to anyone with an interest in business, project management, consulting, or food and agri-business sectors.
MSc Business Consultancy
At this postgraduate programme of study, we prepare future consultants for success in the dynamic world of business advisory. Our programme is designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to excel in the field of consulting. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, real-world case studies, and hands-on consulting projects, you will develop expertise in areas such as strategic analysis, problem-solving, client management, and project implementation.
MSc International Business
Designed for students with diverse academic backgrounds, the MSc International Business programme offers a deep understanding of global business operations and decision-making processes. Through a varied curriculum, you will develop skills to address global challenges while prioritising sustainability. Graduates exit with an understanding of global economics, poised to effectively navigate the international marketplace.
We’re offering a range of exciting new courses at our Edinburgh and Aberdeen Campuses, with January and September start dates.
MSc International Food and Agriculture Business
This course offers participants an advanced grasp of the global dynamics, challenges, and prospects, along with the principles and methodologies pertinent to contemporary international agribusiness management. You will deepen your understanding of agricultural systems, and financial and human resource management, while gaining profound insights into marketing strategies and the supportive industries facilitating agricultural production, processing, transportation, and supply chain optimisation.
MSc Project Management
Tailored to address the escalating industry demand for project management expertise spanning various sectors, this programme aims to empower ambitious project leaders with the requisite skills and knowledge to thrive in fast-paced organisational settings. Delving deeply into project management principles and methodologies, this comprehensive curriculum ensures students are well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of contemporary project environments with confidence and proficiency.
what our students say
Jingyi Wang (Lily) , BSc (Hons) Agriculture
Jingyi Wang (Lily), was cityborn and city-bred - she’d never seen a cow and she had never been to a farm. After high school she began to self-study English, and found she particularly enjoyed the BBC series This Farming Life Taken with the idea of learning more about where food comes from, she applied to several UK universities, but took the offer from SRUC.
I watched some documentaries, especially This Farming Life, and at the end it showed SRUC. I knew that’s where I wanted to be.
Jingyi Wang (Lily)
Starting a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture with no background in farming was no small challenge, let alone in another country and in a different language. She had to work harder and with less established knowledge than her peers, but this didn’t deter her, in part due to the support she received from staff.
I love being out in the forest and I’m very passionate about woodland conservation. I chose SRUC because I liked the idea of a smaller classroom and getting out and about in the field a lot, which was a key part of my choice to come here.
Studying MSc Organic Farming at SRUC has been an exciting experience, the lecturers here are leaders in this field and deliver a holistic studying experience. The study weekends were excellent, we visited various farms and learnt invaluable lessons from the farmers. I was also elected as a Liberation officer and had great experience with my peers at SRUC where diversity is celebrated. I’d recommend students from diverse backgrounds to join SRUC and take agriculture to another level.
Tarisiai Ziyambi, MSc Organic Farming
Valentina Mauri Dornelles, BSc Environmental Management
Agriculture shouldn’t end at theory; Agriculture is practical and SRUC helps young people embrace the practicality of Agriculture. Personally, I truly appreciate the farm visits, the local and international field trips, and the unique model of delivering the course curriculum. It was a lifeshaping experience.
Shalom Oshi,
MSc Food Security
Which Courses Where
GLOBAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
Agriculture BSc/BSc (Hons)
Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Studies PhD
Horticulture (Plant Science and Technology) BSc/BSc (Hons)
Horticulture (Plantsmanship) BSc/ BSc (Hons)
ANIMAL SCIENCES AND ANIMAL WELFARE
Animal Welfare Science BSc/BSc (Hons)
Applied Animal Science BSc/BSc (Hons)
Equine Science and Management BSc/BSc (Hons)
Veterinary Nursing BSc/ BSc (Hons)
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE EMERGENCY
Environmental Management BSc/BSc (Hons)
Wildlife and Conservation Management BSc/BSc (Hons)
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND NATURAL CAPITAL
Business Consultancy MSc
International Food and Agriculture Business MSc
International Business MSc
Project Management MSc
Rural Business Management BA/BA (Hons)
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
I remember my time at SRUC with particular fondness. The teaching staff were friendly and approachable, the classes were very interesting and varied and the assigned work was very rewarding. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone thinking about a future in the field.
Johanne Straube BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science
Entry Requirements
We list entry requirements on our website, in the course overview section. Below is a sample entry criteria:
Undergraduate Degrees
Taught Postgraduate Degrees
Some degrees have specific subject requirements such as science subjects, please check the SRUC website for further details.
For English Language, the requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no component below 5.5).
You can see the list of countries exempt from English entry requirements on the SRUC website.
We will consider applications to Masters degrees from graduates holding a second-class honours degree and above from a recognised university. We will also consider work experience in lieu of academic qualifications unless explicitly outlined in the programme entry criteria.
For English Language, the requirement is an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no component below 5.5).
