Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) specialises in delivering skills, education and support for Scotland’s landbased industries.

The six campuses are located across a wide geographical area, in Aberdeen (Craibstone), Ayr (Riverside), West Lothian (Oatridge), Fife (Elmwood), Dumfries (Barony) and Edinburgh (King's Buildings). Horticulture and Garden Design programmes are also run at Queen's Park in Glasgow. There are associated farms, horticultural units and other facilities on or near each campus.

The college has around 5,000 students and 1,300 staff across the UK.

Courses and subjects

The college runs courses leading to further and higher education qualifications, from Access and NC right through to degree and postgraduate level. Vocational qualifications are also available, as are work-based learning (such as Modern Apprenticeships) and short skills-based training courses. The Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow validate the degrees.

Courses are available in the following areas: Agriculture; Animal Care; Animal Sciences; Business; Conservation; Engineering; Environment; Equine and Horse Care; Food; Forestry and Arboriculture; Garden Design; Golf; Horticulture and Landscaping; Organic Farming; Poultry; Rural and Estate Skills; Sustainability; Veterinary Medicine; and Veterinary Nursing.

The SRUC is Scotland’s only agricultural and rural studies college.

Facilities and services

All campuses have excellent learning and teaching facilities as well as social spaces and sports facilities. On site student accommodation is also available at some campuses.

Each campus has special facilities according to the courses they teach, for example the farm and Scottish National Equestrian Centre at Oatridge, the 18-hole golf course at Elmwood and the wildlife hospital at Barony.

There is support and guidance available for students at all campuses, covering issues such as finances and careers information. 

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