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.

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

I live in Suffolk and my grandparents have a farm so every day I would always be up there messing around and seeing how it all worked! My father did a Land Management degree and is now has a real estate company specialising in commercial property. For me, coming from a two year agricultural course, I want to try and combine the two, farming and property, so it was a no brainer to make the choice to come here, especially considering its glowing reputation and the pathways it leads you onto.

“I had a brilliant three years at Cirencester and will always have a lot to thank the RAU for - not only did I make great friends and get a well-credited degree, but I also had the help and support to come away with a brilliant job too!”

My RAU experience

The MSc in Real Estate offers a practical approach to learning rather than a theoretical deskbased approach structured around real-life case studies, which is good preparation for the industry. This is furthered by the viva voce examination, which is not dissimilar to the APC interview. The course has great lecturers, all of whom have extensive experience within the industry, and prepares you commercially for your future career.

The MSc in Real Estate gives you a solid foundation with which to begin your career in the industry.

My RAU experience

Growing up in a rural area, I soon realised that I wanted an agriculturally oriented career. After reading geography at Exeter University, the MSc in Rural Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural University stood out by a country mile.

It is intensive but also great fun and has the advantage of being vocational, embedding specialist skills and knowledge relevant to my future working life in professional practice as a Land Agent; its automatic RICS accreditation is a huge bonus.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the MSc Rural estate Management course, which is interesting, thorough, and well structured. I've met a lot of likeminded friends who will invariably also become the future key players in the agricultural and land agency industries.

The course at the RAU has provided me with a strong knowledge base.

I studied the MSc in Rural Estate Management at the RAU. I had been working in London for around four years previously, and I was looking to refocus my career. I have always been interested and passionate about the countryside, and decided to direct my career and learning.

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

As an alumna of the RAU, I knew exactly what to expect in terms of the structure of the courses and the lecturing quality available. I knew when it came to studying for a Masters, I did not want to be anywhere else! The industry connections are second-to-none and it has been a fantastic learning experience to start my future career in industry.