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, Ayr, Broxburn (Oatridge), Cupar (Elmwood), Dumfries (Barony), and Edinburgh. There are associated farms, horticultural units and other facilities on or near each campus.

Courses and subjects

The college runs courses leading to further and higher education qualifications, from Access and National Certificate (NC) right through to degrees and postgraduate. 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 and Biological Sciences; Animal Care; Business Management; Countryside and Conservation; Landbased Engineering; Environment and Renewable; Forestry and Arboriculture; Garden Design; Golf and Greenkeeping; Horse Care and Forgework; Horticulture and Plantsmanship; Hospitality and Cookery; Landscape; Organic Farming; Rural and Estate Skills; Sustainability; 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, careers and healthcare.