BSc (Hons) Rural Entrepreneurship & Enterprise
This unique programme is designed for students who have ambitions of starting their own business and want to do so in a supported environment with guidance from specialist lecturers, practising entrepreneurs and industry mentors.
UCAS Code
B19NLocation
Royal Agricultural University CampusDuration
Course duration 3 years (Full time)Academic Year
21 September 2020 - 21 May 2021

Course Overview
*Subject to validation
Taught elements of the degree will give you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of operating a business, with a focus on the entrepreneurial and the strategic skills needed to realise ideas in dynamic, international markets. While practical components will focus on teaching you how to design, develop and finance your venture, this means that you'll graduate with the ability to start your own company in a wide range of markets or bring entrepreneurial thinking to an established organisation.
As a Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship, the university has a long history in supporting entrepreneurs, especially within the rural economy.
This programme is ideal for those looking to:
- Diversify a rural business such as a farm or small holding
- Develop a food businesses
- Create an agri-food venture
- Start a retail or service business
- Build a rural fashion brand
- Grow a social networking business
With this course you can:
- Learn about idea generation, venture growth and business strategies
- Develop fundamental business skills such as financial and management accounting
- Benefit from hands-on experience of preparing business plans and presenting pitches to investors
- Choose optional modules that will help you to develop your business management skills in areas such as marketing, organisation management, finance and supply chain management
International study tour
As part of the 'Entrepreneur in Action' module which is taken in the first year, the entire course of students are taken on a free study tour to a foreign country. In the last three years, we have visited Spain, Bulgaria and Germany. During these study tours we visit entrepreneurs and their businesses with a view to learn the character traits of successful entrepreneurs and how this can be applied to your own personal development. All travel, accommodation and breakfasts are paid for by the University and it provides you with an amazing experience to meet agri-entrepreneurs.
There will be a 15 week self-employment start up placement in the second year. During this time students have access to a wide range of university resources including mentors, business incubator and trading opportunities.
The programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise.
Typical offers
- A Level: CCC – min. 96 UCAS Tariff points (to include at least two A Level passes)
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MMM
- International Baccalaureate: 26 points
Start-up Visa
The Royal Agricultural University is an endorsing institution under the Home Office’s Start-up visa route. The Start-up visa is for graduates who demonstrate high entrepreneurial potential and wish to start a business in the UK for the first time.
The Start-up visa is administered by the University’s Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme and facilitated by School of Business and Entrepreneurship. To be endorsed for the Start-up visa by The RAU, you must be an RAU student or graduate, and have taken part in the University’s Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme. Contact enterprise@rau.ac.uk for further information.
Further information
Alternative entry routes are available for a range of other qualifications. Prior experience is also considered, subject to approval by the programme manager and admissions staff.
Read more general information about our entry requirements.
If you don't meet the entry requirements of this course, you may be eligible for one of our Foundation degree courses or another related degree course.
For any further help, please contact our admissions team:
- Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912
The University places emphasis on enabling you to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and a successful future as an entrepreneur. A mixture of independent study, teaching, learning by doing and the personal academic tutoring enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will enable you to flourish and be an awesome entrepreneur.
Modules are assessed through a blend of examinations and coursework, including real-life case studies, presentations and reports. This course is professionally accredited by the Chartered Management Institute.
Indicative modules*
Modules will cover topics such as:
- 1213 Fundamentals of Marketing and Retailing
- 1400 Developing Academic Skills
- 1003 Global Business Environment
- 1033 Business Finance
- 0000 Idea Development and Validation
- 0000 Business Informatics
- 1236 Entrepreneurship in Action
- 2032 Marketing Management
- 0000 Venture Growth and Development
- 2023 Financial Management
- 2036 Work Placement
- 0000 Business Strategy
- 3081 Consumer Behaviour
- 3241 Cultural Issues in Management
- 0000 Managing Innovation
- 3038 Critical Issues in Organisations
- 3041 Corporate Finance
- 3231 Beverages and Supply Chain
* Subject to validation
** Optional additions to the course will incur additional charges
*** More information to follow
Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. This usually includes teaching costs, registration and examination fees (not repeat or trailing modules, re-sit fees or coursework resubmission). Any costs associated with work placements will be the student's responsibility.
- Re-sit examination or coursework re-submission fees are £5 per credit (for a typical 15 credit module, this will total £75)
2020-21 Applicants
For the academic year 2020-21 the tuition fees for undergraduate programmes are:
UK | EU | International | |
---|---|---|---|
Full-time | £9,250 per year | £9,250 per year | £10,200 per year |
For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.
Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.
Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan 2019/20.
Scholarships
The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.
Prospects
This programme is ideal for those looking to:
- Diversify a rural business such as a farm or small holding
- Develop a food businesses
- Create an agri-food venture
- Start a retail or service business
- Build a rural fashion brand
- Grow a social networking business
Apply now
Applications to study at the Royal Agricultural University must be made through the UCAS system. This applies to all undergraduate courses.
Applications need to be made by the UCAS deadline to ensure we are able to offer you a place on your first choice course.
If you would like to apply during UCAS Extra or Clearing, please check that we have places available.
Applicants wishing to study on a course on a part-time basis will need to apply directly to the RAU.
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk to discuss your requirements and obtain an application form.