My RAU experience

The Royal Agricultural University stood out as the ideal place to pursue my degree because it combines centuries-old agricultural expertise with a forward-looking approach. Positive testimonials from current students and alumni further reinforced my decision. A rich heritage, affordability, exceptional facilities, supportive tutors, and clear career pathways, made the RAU my unequivocal choice for advancing my ambitions in agricultural science.

Every day at the Royal Agricultural University reaffirmed my desire to stay on campus; each sunset marked another lesson that broadened my knowledge and honed my professional focus. From the first semester, immersive farm walks and field visits took me to local arable and livestock enterprises, organic holdings, research plots, and businesses pioneering sustainable practices. Trips to leading agricultural exhibitions and well-curated career fairs deepened this exposure, linking classroom theory to real-world innovation and future employment.

The defining highlight, however, has been the mentorship of my tutors—Karen Rial-Lovera, Nicola Cannon, Jessica Stokes, Philip Hudson, William Leschallas, Christopher Brough, and Tom Westbury. Their encouragement, rigorous questioning, and genuine care fostered an environment where debate thrived, and confidence flourished. Because of their support, I secured the Douglas Bomford Scholarship, published the first research paper on honey-bee sentience in history, contributed to doctoral-level projects, attended the London City Food & Drink Conference, earned the Vice-Chancellor’s Top Academic Achiever Award, and received a nomination for the 2025 LBEL Awards.

 

What I gained from the RAU 

The freedom to engage in open discussion, think critically, and apply theory in the field has shaped my career and gave me a clear direction to achieve my goal of becoming an agricultural research scientist. I will carry the lessons, opportunities, and kindness bestowed by my tutors throughout my career—and remain profoundly grateful for the role they played in helping me become the person and professional I am today.

I worked in the food supply industry for my work placement while carrying out my own field trials at RAU’s living lab and volunteering for an ongoing PhD research. On one hand the supply chain industry equipped me with industry-specific skills and a plethora of transferrable skills, working on field trials and PhD research project helped me have a hands-on experience related to research methodologies, trial design, agronomy, laboratory operations, and I also learned to use C&N machine, atomic absorption spectrometry, carry out soil analysis, soil nutrient analysis, soil microfauna and biodiversity analysis and many more. The skills I developed and learned during such a short interval are unimaginable and I hope that these skills would come in handy in future when I begin working as a researcher.     

My studies at RAU have given me a robust foundation in research and hands-on agricultural science. I feel well-prepared, not just in technical skills but in the ability to critically assess challenges, design solutions, and adapt—qualities that are vital for a career in agricultural research. I am confident and consider myself an outstanding candidate for the role of an agricultural researcher.

To anyone considering the RAU, I’d say this is the place that will bring out your best. The community is supportive, the opportunities for growth are unmatched, and the mentors here genuinely invest in your success. I’ve studied elsewhere and spoken with students at other universities, and the difference at RAU is clear: here, you have the chance to excel—both as a student and as an individual. If you’re passionate about agriculture and want an environment that will nurture and challenge you, look no further.