Teacher's Guide to SRUC

GEOGRAPHY BIOLOGY

SCOTLAND’S RURAL COLLEGE

Scotland’s national provider of college and university level education in the land-based sector.

WHAT IS SRUC?

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is a small specialist Higher Education Institution. SRUC strives to help grow a natural economy fuelled by the responsible use of the world’s natural resources: people, land, energy, water, animals and plants.

SRUC focuses on solving the global challenges facing the planet, including climate change, biodiversity and access to nutritious food and clean water. By focusing on the sustainability of our natural economy, SRUC will strive to lead the way in delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all, both locally across Scotland and the UK, and beyond.

Whether your students’ passion is for business, science, food, engineering, golf, plants, animals, sustainability,

the environment, or just the great outdoors, you will find courses at SRUC tailored to meet the needs of a whole range of industries.

Issues such as environmental impact and sustainability have an effect on all our lives and are of importance whether you have ambitions to manage a golf course or a farm, run 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 to veterinary, and a huge variety of relevant topics in between.

www.sruc.ac.uk/connect/about-sruc

WHERE IS SRUC?

SRUC offers campus locations spanning Scotland and delivers courses at Aberdeen (Craibstone), Elmwood (Cupar, Fife), Edinburgh (King’s Buildings), Oatridge (Broxburn, West Lothian), Barony (Dumfries), Glasgow (Queen’s Park), Ayr and Inverness, as well as online distance learning courses and apprenticeships all over Scotland.

www.sruc.ac.uk/courses-training/ campuses

WHY IS SRUC DIFFERENT?

SRUC offers courses at all post-school academic levels, from SCQF 4 to SCQF 11. They have created study pathways between many courses, so that students can join – progress – and graduate at whichever levels are most appropriate to their ability and ambition.

While a reasonably large institution, SRUC is multi-campus, meaning the student body at each location is small. This allows them to foster excellent relationships between staff and students.

As well as delivering education in many forms, SRUC has a large research division, making it one of the largest institutions of its type in Europe. SRUC is the UK’s leading research body in many of their subject areas*. They also have a large business consultancy division who turn that research into advice and advantage for business and public sector alike. At higher levels of study (Honours degree and upwards) students benefit from both these components of SRUC’s expertise.

www.sruc.ac.uk/courses-training www.sruc.ac.uk/research www.sruc.ac.uk/business-services

* https://results2021.ref.ac.uk/profiles/ institutions/10005700

MYTHBUSTING

A Yes, and no.

It’s true that SRUC offer courses at lower college levels (see page 12) which can be accessed without any/many school academic qualifications. It’s also true that they have a lot of very positive experiences with students who were not comfortable at school, finding renewed passion and enthusiasm for practical subjects that they enjoy, in a college setting. SRUC is a supportive and encouraging environment for these

students, and many will progress through our study pathways onto much higher levels of qualification than they thought they would initially achieve.

SRUC should also be viewed in the context of other universities, and offer a unique higher education and degree experience (see page 8). They offer only a small degree portfolio, but with unrivalled expertise in their subject areas, comparatively small class sizes, and strong applied/practical elements to all courses, even at degree level. SRUC has very strong industry links, and real-life case studies, field trips, study tours, and the practical application of skills are embedded in all their programmes.

Q SRUC is a place for those who may be struggling at school.

SRUC teaches agriculture and farming.

A Historically, SRUC is an agricultural college, with over a century of heritage and experience. In today’s world, agriculture forms one element of a much bigger picture – that of sustainability, and the natural economy.

SRUC offers a number of subject areas – Agriculture, Business, Animal Science, Forestry, Conservation, Environmental Management – which will help tackle some of the most serious challenges for the future, with local, national, and global impact.

Scotland’s economy in particular is reliant on many industries directly supported by SRUC’s courses, such as the wide-ranging tourism and food and drink sectors.

Scotland has pledged to become a Good Food Nation by 2025, and has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2045.

• 99% of the world’s population breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants

• investment in renewable energy and change to current patterns of consumption and production are vital for future sustainability.

A Yes, and no.

SRUC offers Further Education and Higher Education courses. For FE (‘college’) programmes, such as National Certificate (NC) students apply direct to SRUC. You also apply to SRUC, along with your employer, for Apprenticeship programmes.

Higher Education (‘university’) programmes include Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses, so at SRUC you do have to apply through UCAS for those courses, as well as for the degree programmes.

world is facing big challenges – SRUC offers subject areas of relevance to everyone, whether rural or urban, or based in Scotland, the UK or overseas:

• developments in the food and agriculture sector are vital to combat global hunger and food insecurity

• climate change is affecting every country on every continent; ‘green jobs’ are a growth sector

• the sustainable management of forests is required to halt land degradation and biodiversity loss

Q

Q Only those who live in rural areas are interested in these courses.

A The

Q You don’t need to apply through UCAS for college courses.

Locate your course online at www.sruc.ac.uk/courses and apply using the online form (or contact us for a paper copy)

Locate your course on the UCAS website www.ucas.com and apply using their application system

Contact SRUC online www.sruc.ac.uk/WBL

DEGREE COURSES

BSc/BSc

(Hons), BA/BA (Hons)

4 Highers at BBCC

SRUC offers undergraduate degree courses in the areas of Agriculture, Animal Science, Business, Conservation, Environmental Management, Horticulture, Garden Design, Veterinary Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine (see page 10).

Typical entry requirements

Entry requirements for each course are listed on the course page on the SRUC website. Typically, for a degree programme, students will need evidence of numeracy and literacy (a National 5 A-C pass or equivalent in English and Maths) as well as 4 Highers at grades BBCC. Some courses require grades in specific subject areas such as a science subject.

BSc/BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing and BVSci Veterinary Science are highly competitive and carry higher entry requirements plus the requirement for work experience (see next page).

How to apply?

You need to apply via UCAS, ideally by the January deadline. Some of our courses will still have spaces and will accept late UCAS applications between January and June, but this is not guaranteed.

Why choose SRUC?

• Small and friendly

• Embeds practical and applied skills and experience

• Study visits, case studies, field work an important part of the course

• Extensive links with industry

• World-leading expertise

• Specialist resources and access to first-rate national facilities

• Knowledge exchange which brings research knowledge and real-life business and industry experience into the classroom.

Progression

SRUC also offers Postgradaute courses such as MSc, PgDip as well as MRes and PhDs. SRUC’s research is wideranging and their Challenge Centres tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues and produce research that influences industry, policy, communities and society.

“SRUC stood out as a distinguished organisation in agricultural and animal science research. It also seemed different to other degreeawarding establishments in that it valued practical and technical experience as much as academic theory.”

Catherine Lynas, BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science

HIGHER NATIONAL COURSES

HND, HNC

HNCs and HNDs are very useful qualifications. They are Higher Education courses – equivalent to (in fact, at SRUC often exactly the same as) the first and second year of a degree course. Students learn relevant skills for their chosen career, without the commitment to a 3 or 4 year degree course, but with the option to progress onwards academically if they wish. HN courses consist of a large number of different modules meaning a broad foundation in the subject area is achieved.

SRUC offers HN courses in the areas of Agriculture, Animal Care, Animal and Veterinary Science, Equine Studies, Conservation and Environment, Forestry, Horticulture and Garden Design, Golf, and Business.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for each course are listed on the course page on the SRUC website. Typically, for a HN programme, students will need evidence of numeracy and literacy (a National 5 A-C pass or equivalent in English and Maths) as well

2 Highers at CC

as 2 Highers at CC, often including a specified relevant subject.

How to apply?

As HNCs and HNDs are Higher Education courses you need to apply via UCAS, ideally by the January deadline. Some of our courses will still have spaces and will accept late UCAS applications between January and June, but this is not guaranteed.

Why choose SRUC?

• Small class sizes

• Embeds practical skills

• Extensive links with industry

• Friendly and supportive staff

• Specialist resources and access to first-rate national facilities

Progression

Students who successfully complete an SRUC HND course can usually apply to progress into Year 3 of a related SRUC degree programme, allowing seamless progression to degree level, without the need for additional or repeated years.

“SRUC offers such a wide variety of courses and progression possibilities. I have formed great friendships and made so many connections within the sector, which will greatly benefit me when I graduate and begin looking for employment.”

Stuart, HND Animal Care

Sarah

SRUC SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

Different by nature.

SCHOOL OF VETERINAR Y MEDICINE

Based in Aberdeen but with a footprint across rural Scotland, SRUC is opening the first new vet school in Scotland for over 150 years.

Future technicians, nurses and fully qualified vets will train alongside each other to become fully exposed to the ethos of Veterinary Teams. SRUC has offered Veterinary Nursing programmes for many years, and will add both a Veterinary Science degree programme and pathway HND programmes, such

as Rural Animal Health, offering access routes to the degree for those who cannot initially demonstrate the required entry qualifications.

For further information on these new programmes, please visit www.sruc.ac.uk/vet

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for the BVSci Veterinary Science are provisionally 5 Highers at AABBB to include English and at least 2 science subjects, plus 2 Advanced Highers in Chemistry and Biology at A, plus National 5 (A-C) in English, Maths, and a science subject, and also a minimum of 6 weeks of mixed work experience.

Those applying for the pathway HND programmes will require 3 Highers at BBC including Biology at B, one other science subject, as well as National 5 (A-C) in English, Maths and a science subject. Students who excel in these courses will be able to apply to progress onto the BVSci degree.

Entry requirements for the BSc/BSc (Hons) Veterinary nursing are 4 Highers at BBBB to include English and science, plus National 5 (A-C) in English, Maths, and a science subject along with 4 weeks of work experience.

As all of these programmes are competitive, applications are likely to be assessed by interview as well as personal statement and academic qualifications.

How to apply?

These courses require UCAS applications. Students will need to apply for the Veterinary degree course by the early UCAS deadline in mid-October. For other

courses within the Vet School, UCAS applications by the January deadline are strongly recommended – courses are quite likely to be closed to late applicants.

Why choose SRUC?

• SRUC focuses on practical based education in small group teaching environments, introducing clinical and animal handling skills from day one.

• SRUC Aberdeen offers a top class Veterinary Clinical Skills Teaching Centre including clinical skills and disease diagnostic laboratories and a mock Veterinary Practice with consulting room and pharmacy.

• SRUC has more animal and veterinary scientists than almost any other institution in Europe.

• SRUC uses a distributed model for clinical training that allows students to learn alongside teams in real veterinary practices, supporting their transition to the workplace.

SRUC’s expertise and investment in top-class facilities will help students train as the veterinary professionals of the future.

COLLEGE (FE) COURSES

National Certificate (NC), Certificates and Diplomas

College courses provide students with an alternative to, or progression from, senior phase at school, and are practical hands-on courses which offer a new range of subject areas to students. SRUC offers courses at SCQF Levels 4 to 6 in Agriculture, Animal Care, Conservation, Engineering, Forestry, Horse Care, Greenkeeping, Golf, Horticulture, Gamekeeping, and Rural Skills.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for each course are listed on the course page on the SRUC website and vary depending on the Level of the course. Some have no formal entry requirements at all, and are selected on the basis of an interview assessing enthusiasm and commitment to the course. Some courses require National 4s, and a few also require National 5s.

How to apply?

Applications open in the autumn prior to the course start, and are made via the SRUC website. Applications usually remain open until the start of term, but some courses may close early if applicant numbers are particularly low or particularly high so application before Easter is recommended. Sometimes applicants are selected on the basis of interview as well as academic qualifications.

Why choose SRUC?

• Small class sizes

• Great facilities for practical work

• Extensive links with industry

• Friendly and supportive staff

• Progression opportunities

Progression

SRUC offers progression opportunities between many of our NC and HNC/HND courses.

“My favourite part of the course was the practical nature. I’ve always loved working with my hands and it formed a great basis for what I’ve gone on to do since. Ultimately, the course was fun and the support from staff was fantastic.”

Johnson, NC Rural Skills

Arthur

APPRENTICESHIPS

MA, SVQ, Work-based Learning

An Apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn while working. From day one the student will have a real job, with a real employer, that earns them real pay, and they will gain the hands-on experience that employers value, while working towards an industry-recognised qualification. While working, dedicated time is set aside for study and assessment – this might involve attending college in a regular pattern, such as a day a week, or might be in bigger blocks of time. Students also gain ‘enhancements’ to their CV – industry recognised training courses and certificates.

Typical Entry Requirements

For the entry level Apprenticeship, a satisfactory level of literacy and numeracy is required, along with the agreement and support of the employer.

How to apply?

As a three-way agreement is required between College, Student and Employer, start a conversation with us by emailing your local regional contact:

• apprenticenorth@sruc.ac.uk

• apprenticecentral@sruc.ac.uk

• apprenticesouthwest@sruc.ac.uk

Why choose SRUC?

• Teaching staff with industry-proven experience and skills, giving students invaluable insight as well as providing expert guidance to employers.

• Campus facilities and equipment using the latest technology relevant to the industry.

• SRUC are at the forefront of research in the land-based industries which feeds into all their education programmes.

• Opportunities for academic progression and career development.

• SRUC has a track record of success at the prestigious Scottish ALBAS, including several Learner of the Year winners.

Progression

SRUC offers Apprenticeships at a number of SCQF levels allowing progression from one to the next. Apprenticeships can also offer progression to and from the full-time academic courses such as NC, HNC, HND and degree. Students have the flexibility to move from one type of study to the other, depending on their needs and circumstances.

“The apprenticeship has made me a lot more confident in general and also for taking responsibility for myself and work. It’s given me a lot more skills and confidence, and for me it is a lot more fun working rather than being in class all day.”

Emma Irvine, MA Agriculture

Learn and Earn

SRUC VIRTUAL STUDENT EXPERIENCE

A

Visit www.sruc.ac.uk/experience for student stories, videos, open day recordings, and a virtual tour around our campuses.

This site can be useful to encourage students to think about the wide variety of career paths and outcomes available, and is a useful resource for any virtual/ online careers events at the school.

COURSES FOR SCHOOLS

For students in S4, S5 and S6

SRUC offers a suite of courses designed for an easy transition between school and college/university, available to pupils in S4, S5 and S6. These courses have flexible delivery methods and a clear progression route for pupils, parents and teaching professionals.

Courses are usually offered by distance learning and are designed to be completed over the course of one academic year with a commitment of 3-5 hours of study per week.

You can find full details on the SRUC website. Visit www.sruc.ac.uk/teachers for more information.

WHAT ELSE CAN SRUC OFFER?

Please get in touch with us (email study@sruc.ac.uk) if you would like any display materials, prospectuses, or information about our courses.

The Marketing and Student Recruitment Team are happy to attend careers fairs (either in person or online), and to give talks to student groups. We can also put you in touch with lecturing staff at the college if you are seeking a subject expert to give a guest talk to a class or event.

We hold events for teachers and careers advisors regularly, and offer taster events for schools on-campus in a variety of subject areas.

Visit www.sruc.ac.uk/teachers for more information.