I’m in my final year of study, on the BSc (Hons) Agricultural Management top-up at the Royal Agricultural University. I’m not from a farming background, but have close friends who are both arable and dairy farmers.

Alongside the core modules, Integrated Farm Project, Emerging Issues in Agriculture, and the Research Project (dissertation), I chose to study Climate Change and Development, Farmland Ecology, New Developments in Agricultural Science, and Rural Business Diversification

I have always wanted to work with horses, but after a week’s work experience as a groom in a very large re-training yard, I decided that wasn't the life for me! Having studied business management at school, and thoroughly enjoying it, I began to look at ways I could combine something I enjoyed academically with my passion for horses.

I decided to study the BSc (Hons) Agriculture course at the Royal Agricultural University because I wasn’t sure which area of agriculture I wanted to pursue. The course has given me good overall knowledge, and allowed me to specialise in my third year.

From a young age, I have always had a passion for property. At first, I developed my residential knowledge from helping out with family property developments. However, I wanted to support this with academic theory, and studying BSc (Hons) Real Estate at the Royal Agricultural University, enabled me to do so. The course combined residential and commercial theory, which appealed to me and assisted me to build a firm foundation for my career in the property industry.

I chose to study BSc (Hons) Agriculture at the RAU because it provided a course with a mixture of business, science, and global issues. The course structure allows you to tailor your studies to your specific interests, or to keep it broad if you are undecided as to which career you would like to pursue. The 20-week work placement provides an opportunity to build on what you have learnt during your first two years, without having to extend your studies by an additional year.

Before I decided to head to the RAU to study the finer details of agriculture, I was working on a mixed beef and arable farm to broaden my knowledge and understanding in the field.

In 2008 the farm diversified, becoming more consumer focused. A sister company was created which specialised in butchery, selling produce from the farm in the farm shop, and at farmers markets. I was thoroughly enjoying my time on the farm, and had not contemplated going to university. It was the encouragement from the farm owner that persuaded me to further my education at university.

I have always wanted to pursue my interests in the countryside and rural property, so the vocational degree courses on offer at the RAU really appealed to me. After visiting the RAU for an open day, it was clear that the BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management degree was the right course for me. It offered a wide variety of modules and excellent career prospects, due to the strong reputation of the RAU within the industry.

I chose to study Real Estate at the RAU because I have always had a passion for property and development. I wanted to gain a qualification that led me directly into a profession, knowing that there would be a career there for me after I had graduated. I wanted to experience student life in a rural setting as well as gaining a highly regarded qualification, the RAU allowed me to have both of these. The University has a prestigious reputation within the industry and also provides connections worldwide which really appealed to me.

Three years ago, I applied to study the Foundation Degree Environmental Conservation and Heritage Management the Royal Agricultural University. After enjoying the course so much, I decided to stay on and complete the Countryside Management top-up degree. I felt the staff were supportive and I have made long-term friendships.

I have gained a great deal from them, and feel that the RAU has given me a great start to my career.

I decided to study Real Estate because my parents are in development. Real estate on the whole is such a broad industry, there is so much choice as to which practice you can specialise in.

My time at the RAU has been invaluable. Reflecting on my studies, I feel that the practical elements of the coursework we were set was really beneficial when interning during the summer, especially in the field of valuation. Lecturers were very supportive and responsive throughout the three years, and the social side of the University offered a good work life balance.