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.

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.

My RAU experience

Studying at the RAU allowed me to start my career in Real Estate with a good foundation of knowledge to build upon in the work place but just as importantly a group of lifelong friends, many of whom are working in the Real Estate sector. The course provided a good balance of technical teaching and real life examples from external speakers, ensuring that as a student you were always exposed to the practical application of the skills taught at the RAU.

Why did you choose to study at the RAU?

The RAU was a convenient university for me to attend as I can commute. I expected that living off-campus would be a disadvantage socially, however I was proved wrong as there are constantly events and social activities to get involved in. At the RAU you are surrounded by friendly, hardworking and like-minded students. Due to it being a smaller university, everyone knows each other and the lecturers make time for you, you’re not just a number.

Why did you choose to study this course at the RAU?

I chose the RAU because of the fantastic reputation it has throughout the working world and it had been recommended to me by a number of professionals working for the likes of Strutt & Parker and Savills.

What is the best part about this course for you? 

I really enjoy how relatable the course is to work in the real world. When doing work experience I have really used my knowledge from the wide range of modules we do. The lecturers are also fantastic at helping you do the best you can.

Why did you choose to study this course at the RAU?

I chose the RAU because of the size, and quality of teaching. Being a more practical course, it makes such a difference being taught by lecturers with first-hand experience.

What is the best part about this course for you? 

Everything that you learn is relevant and preparing you for what you would do in practice, and the whole course is tailored towards a career. I have been so inspired over the past few years, and the teaching and support I have received have been second-to-none. 

Why did you choose to study this course at the RAU?

I chose to come to the RAU to study Real Estate because the course has a good reputation. From attending the open day, I felt that all the lecturers were passionate about the course and this inspired me to pursue a career in the property sector. I was also interested in the variety of modules the course had to offer, as I was not sure what area I wanted to specialise in. 

Lewis won the Grand Idea Competition in 2015 with his business Lily Warne Wool and launched a second, award-winning business, The Dartmoor Shepherd in the year following graduation. His 600- strong, ancient breed flock of Dartmoor sheep now source his gourmet lamb business which supplies local restaurants and an online meat-box scheme - as well as luxury sheepskin products which are retailed online, at shows and into interior design outlets.

I graduated in 2004 after completing the three year, RICS accredited, BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management course. My time at the Royal Agricultural College, as it was then called, was not only extremely enjoyable but it also set me up with many contacts and an educational pedigree from which I have benefitted throughout my career to date.