My RAU experience

I studied Rural Land Management as an undergraduate at the RAU, and so returning for my masters was a natural progression. After graduating from my first degree, I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and went on to work in estate management, where I developed a particular interest in the management of historic houses and ways in which estates can diversify their activities to engage new visitors whilst preserving their significance as heritage assets. Being able to study remotely means that the course is flexible and I can study alongside my work and personal commitments.

One of the highlights of the course has been discovering an interest in heritage interpretation, which has become my favourite area of study so far. The broad and flexible nature of the modules has allowed me to explore topics that align closely with my interests, particularly accessibility and audience engagement within the heritage sector.

What I gained from the RAU 

After graduating, I hope to continue my studies and pursue further research within the heritage sector. Throughout the course, academic staff have been very supportive; advising on opportunities for further study and encouraging me to gain practical experience alongside my academic work.

As a result, I have been able to volunteer with a heritage organisation, helping to develop accessibility resources for visitors. I now also serve as a trustee for a charity in the heritage sector. Drawing on my background in estate management, these opportunities have allowed me to build valuable experience within the sector while exploring areas of interest, including accessibility, audience engagement and the sustainable management of heritage assets.

Students are from a range of professional backgrounds, so we all bring different insights and there is a really interesting mix of experience. My advice to anyone considering studying this course would be to think about what you want to get out of the course and make the most of the opportunities available. The flexible nature of the programme means you can often tailor assignments towards your own interests, and I found that the more I engaged with the course, the more I gained from it. If you are thinking about choosing the course, I'd say get in touch with academic staff and current students, and ask any questions you have!