BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management (Foundation Year)

Course Overview

This degree course with a foundation year incorporates an extra year of study at the start of your course, so that you can progress with confidence. It will develop the skills you need for your later studies. It is particularly suitable if:

• You don’t have the grades for immediate entry onto a three-year course
• You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
• You’re starting university after some time away from education
• You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study

Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), you will learn the fundamentals of rural professional practice as well as planning and development, law, valuation, building construction and management. You will develop an essential understanding of sustainability and wider business management to enable you to provide effective advice about farm, estate and other rural businesses while gaining an overall understanding of the multi-functionality of rural practice.

UCAS Code

N230

Location

Royal Agricultural University Campus

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Academic Year

29 September 2025 to 22 May 2026

Course Content

You will learn through a series of lectures, seminars, group tutorials, practical sessions and visits to local farms, commercial properties and rural estates.

Modules are assessed through a range of coursework, often based on real-life case studies and sponsored by land management firms, which help you to see the practical application of the subjects you are studying. In your final year, case studies are supplied by practising surveyors from their own portfolios of work.

You will complete a research project in a subject area of specific interest. The course is also flexible and it is possible to transfer on to the Real Estate degree if certain conditions are met.

A part-time learning route to study is available.

Timetables

Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.

Modules

Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Full time students normally take modules worth 60 credits per 15 week semester but this can vary depend on your elective choice. Part time students taking proportionally fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for your degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 5 and level 6 (weighted 30:70 accordingly).

The modules available for this degree are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Foundation Year

The Foundation year will provide a common core of academic and study skills sufficient to prepare you for subsequent study and academic success at undergraduate level. It will give core underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding in key areas of contemporary issues, provide underpinning subject-related skills and knowledge in key areas required for undergraduate study, including Mathematics, Numeracy and IT. It will also provide generic skills and academic knowledge to support your confidence and discipline as appropriate for higher education study and give subject-specific grounding, in terms of research topics and study focus, to support progression into degree level study in your chosen degree.

• 0IFY20 Land-use and Management: An introduction to the many and diverse ways in which land is utilised and managed, especially within the rural economy, as well as in urban areas. There will also be field trips to explore some of the land-related issues (20 credits)
• 0IFY21 Countryside Evolution and Development: An introduction to the wide range of current socio-economic, political and environmental issues that influence change in our countryside environments (20 credits)
• 0IFY22 Enterprise and Marketing (20 credits): A comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of business such as types of business ownership, business aims and objectives, business functions, internal and external environment and marketing (20 credits)
• 0IFY23 Land-based Data Handling: Learn about a wide-range of data skills including mapping and spatial data, laboratory analysis, desk-based data and fieldwork. This encompasses biodiversity, climate, soil, food production, animal science and the built environment (20 credits)
• 0IFY24 Food and Farming: Understand core scientific theories within agriculture and how they impact on rural business and agricultural management. Including arable, livestock and equine husbandry, basic animal and plant anatomy and physiology, pest and pathogen control and environmental and soil science (20 credits)
• 0IFY25 Developing your Skills: Explore your personal values, looking at the human, social and emotional aspects of professional learning to support the transition to studying at degree level (20 credits)

Year One

In the first year, you will develop an understanding of agriculture and rural land use. You will be introduced to core property studies in law, valuation and building construction, and gain an understanding of economics, accounting and finance.

• 1014 Building Technology (pre-requisite to to 2334 & 2336): Gain an overview of basic building science principles relating to structural stability, environmental performance and sustainability
• 1015 Law 1 (pre-requisite to 2030): Understand and explain how the English legal system is organised and administered through the courts
• 1016 Valuation 1 (pre-requisite to 2037): Explain the factors which underpin value in the property market
• 1044 Agriculture for Land Management (pre-requisite to 2336): Learn how to manage a range of livestock species and cereal crops
• 1320 Fundamentals of Land and Property: Gain an overview of the topics covered in Land and Property programmes
• 1321 Land and Property Economics: Develop an understanding of basic macro and micro economic concepts in land and property markets
• 1440 Academic and Practical Skills: Learn and try out a range of practical skills used in the land and farming sectors
• 1443 Business Finance and Accounts: Learn the fundamentals of accountancy and use software to create and clearly present financial information

Year Two

• 2030 Law 2: Apply legal knowledge to the creation, existence and determination of legal estates and legal interests in land
• 2037 Valuation 2: Identify and use the appropriate method of valuation to meet a range of client requirements and different property types
• 2066 Business, Property Finance and Taxation: Interpret financial statements and recognise how company finance should be structured
• 2333 Planning Law and Practice: Demonstrate a sound working knowledge of the statutory Town and Country Planning system and its procedures
• 2334 Surveying, Inspection and Measurement: Undertake a building inspection report, including advising on the condition of properties and the identification of common building defects
• 2335 Forestry, Land and Resources: Consider and explore topics such as energy generation and usage and sustainable resource management
• 2336 Agricultural Systems and Buildings: Examine the factors that determine how agricultural enterprises and businesses are organized and managed, considering key drivers such as government policy, labour, finances and physical resources
• 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability: Review and critically assess professional communication standards and other competencies needed for successful client and business management

Year Three

In the final year, you will complete a research dissertation on a subject of your choosing, and select two elective modules to suit your specialist areas of interest.

• 3033 Agricultural Law and Valuation: Evaluate and prepare advice for owners and occupiers of let agricultural property based on the relevant legal constraints
• 3244 Estate Business Management and Diversification: Learn about the factors which drive diversification and how they impact estate management
• 3245 Infrastructure and Compulsory Purchase: Demonstrate understanding of the statutory and non-statutory framework for the development of infrastructure projects
• 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
• 3341 Contemporary Issues in Land, Property and Society: Critically analyse a range of issues affecting the land and property sector

Plus a choice of TWO electives selected from a broad range, including:

• 3007 Commercial Property Management: Integrate and synthesise relevant information and principles from various disciplines including law and town and country planning to solve problems encountered in commercial property management
• 3080 Heritage Property: Understand the key concepts behind heritage decisions including statements of significance and conservation management planning
• 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management: Explore the significance of forestry in climate mitigation, timber production and farm diversification
• 3215 Advanced Residential Agency: Advise on a marketing strategy for sale purposes, of a range of different types of residential property, including town houses, new homes, and country houses sold with or without land
• 3246 Development and Development Appraisal: Prepare a development appraisal to an appropriate professional standard
• 3316 Changing Consumer Behaviour: Interpret consumer behaviour using concepts from diverse disciplinary perspectives including psychology, sociology, anthropology and consumer culture

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

Careers and Graduate Destinations

Our graduates have gone on to work for the likes of the National Trust and other national, international and regional landowners, county councils and utility companies. Others have secured work with private estates and chartered surveyors. You can expect to find work in any number of the areas connected to rural property management, including:

• Land and property consultancy
• Valuation
• Estate management
• Residential sales and lettings
• Entrepreneurs/business managers
• Auctioneers
• Utility and compulsory purchase

In the last two years, the main property employers of Rural Land Management graduates have been:

Bagshaws, Balfours, Batcheller Monkhouse, Bell Ingram, Bidwells, Brown & Co, Bruton Knowles, Buccleuch Estates, Carter Jonas, Cheffins, CKD Galbraith, CLA, Colliers International, Cooper & Tanner, Dalcour Maclaren, Duchy of Cornwall, Fenn Wright, Fisher German, Fisher German Preistner, George F White, Godfrey Payton, Halls, Hinson Parry & Co, Hobbs, Parker Kivells, Knight Frank, Lambert & Foster, Maxey Grounds & Co, Moore Allen & Innocent, National Trust, PJSA Chartered Surveyors, RH & RW Clutton, Rendells, Savills, Stags, Strutt and Parker, Staffordshire County Council, Symonds & Sampson, Taylor & Fletcher, United Utilities Water, Valuation Office Agency, Webb Paton, Whirledge & Nott, Wright Manley.

"The course gave me a solid understanding of the theoretical knowledge I require to work professionally in the industry. Following from my summer placement, I secured a graduate job as a Rural Surveyor and am working on some fantastic rural estates."

Lucy Rowton-Lee, Graduate

Entry Requirements

Typical Offers

Required: GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3 qualifications:

• A-Level: (example grades EEE) – minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points across either three A-levels or two A-levels and two AS level subjects or equivalent qualifications
• C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Pass-Pass-Pass
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points
• Access to Higher Education: Pass course with 45 credits at level 3 (Pass in Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)

Visit the UCAS website to calculate your UCAS Tariff points from the qualifications and grades achieved.

You may also be eligible for a contextual offer if you’re from one of our link colleges, have been in care, from a non-white ethnic background, live in an area with low progression rates to university or you are a veteran/child of an armed forces family.

Flexible Entry

The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.

Fees

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.

Applicants

For the academic year the tuition fees for this course are:

UK | International ---|--- Full-time Foundation year | £5,760 per year | £16,950 per year Full-time | £9,535 per year | £16,950 per year

For part-time study, please contact 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 and are subject to Government and regulatory body conditions.

If you are an Irish national you can check if you meet the requirements for Home Fees. Please visit the UKCISA website and consult the pdf guide “England HE – who pays Home Fees”. First check category ‘3 years in Republic of Ireland/UK/Islands, settled in UK’ or ‘Brexit temporary offer for courses starting before 2028: Irish citizens with residence in Europe or overseas territories’. You will possibly need to be fee assessed when you submit an application for study to the RAU.

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.

This might include those with:

• Non-traditional qualifications
• No A-Level results
• Returning to education after some time away
The course provides a strong foundation for future studies, focusing on key areas like:
• Contemporary issues
• Subject-related skills and knowledge (mathematics, literacy, IT)
• Generic skills for academic success
• Subject-specific grounding for progression into degree level studies in Rural Land Management

---

Program Description

This foundation year program offers a common core of academic and study skills to prepare students for successful undergraduate studies. It builds a strong understanding of contemporary issues and introduces core disciplines:

• Mathematics
• Literacy
• Land and property
• Agriculture
• Valuation
• Building Construction
• Business Finance and Accounting

---

Outline

---

Program Content

The program consists of various modules that cover critical areas within the Land and property sector. These include:

---

#Foundation Year

---

0IFY1 Managing Landscape:

Explores geographical, human, and ecological aspects of landscapes.

---

0IFY2 Digital Skills:

Develops information literacy skills and explores the impact of AI in academics.

---

0IFY3 Rural Business Skills:

Learns to apply numerical skills for informed business decisions.

---

0IFY4 Land Related Studies:

Evaluates different land uses and factors influencing their selection.

---

0IFY5 Change in the Countryside:

Identifies characteristics defining "place", "outdoors", and key features of the countryside.

---

0IFY6 Enterprise and Marketing:

Analyzes successful businesses, encompassing e-commerce and personnel management.

---

0IFY7 Environment and Conservation Data Handling:

Conducts practical data collection fieldwork in various environments.

---

0IFY8 Agriculture and Farming:

Develops basic understanding of farm enterprise management.

---

#Year One

---

1014 Building Technology:

Introduces technology used in building construction (pre-requisite for modules 2334 and 2336).

---

1320 Fundamentals of Land and Property:

Provides an overview of topics covered in Land and Property programs.

---

1321 Land and Property Economics:

Develops an understanding of basic macro and micro economic concepts in land and property markets.

---

1440 Academic and Practical Skills:

Learns and practices practical skills used in land and farming sectors.

---

1443 Business Finance and Accounts:

Learns accounting fundamentals and creates financial information using software.

---

2066 Business, Property Finance and Taxation:

Interprets financial statements and structures company finance.

---

2333 Planning Law and Practice:

Develops a comprehensive understanding of the Town and Country Planning system.

---

2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability:

Develops professional communication and client management skills.

---

#Year Three

---

3033 Agricultural Law and Valuation:

Explores legal and valuation aspects of agriculture.

---

3244 Estate Business Management and Diversification:

Learns about factors driving diversification and its impact on estate management.

---

3245 Infrastructure and Compulsory Purchase:

Understands the framework for development of infrastructure projects.

---

3300 Research Project / Dissertation:

Develops a detailed research proposal and conducts research on a chosen topic.

---

3341 Contemporary Issues in Land, Property and Society:

Critically analyses current issues affecting the Land and property sector. Additionally, students select TWO electives from a wide range:

• Commercial Property Management
• Heritage Property
• Forestry and Woodland Management
• Advanced Residential Agency
• Development and Development Appraisal
• Changing Consumer Behaviour
The availability of electives depends on timetabling and student interest.

---

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Coursework (often based on real-life case studies sponsored by land management firms)
• Research project
• Examinations
• Presentations
• Practical demonstrations

---

Teaching

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group tutorials
• Practical sessions
• Field trips to local farms, commercial properties, and rural estates
The program boasts experienced faculty with expertise in various areas related to Land and Property.

---

Careers

---

Potential Career Paths

Graduates of this program can find careers in various areas of rural property management, including:

• Land and property consultancy
• Valuation
• Estate management
• Residential sales and lettings
• Entrepreneurship/business managers
• Auctioneers
• Utility and compulsory purchase

---

Employer Examples

The program boasts a successful track record, with graduates finding employment in organizations such as:

• National Trust
• Private estates and chartered surveyors
• County councils and utility companies

---

Other

• The course has a strong emphasis on practical learning and application, with students gaining real-world experience through case studies, projects, and field trips.
• The program is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), ensuring a high-quality education and recognition within the industry.
• Students have access to support services like careers guidance and academic support throughout their studies.

---

UK International Full-time £9,250 per year £15,300 per year

Royal Agricultural University: A Summary

---

Overview:

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is a renowned institution dedicated to agricultural education and research. Established in 1845, it has a rich history of contributing to the land-based sector. The RAU prides itself on combining knowledge and industry connections with an innovative, forward-thinking approach.

---

Services Offered:

The RAU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation and Campus Facilities:

The university provides on-campus accommodation and various facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and dining options.

Finance, Scholarships & Bursaries:

Financial aid is available to students in the form of scholarships and bursaries.

Social:

The RAU fosters a vibrant social life with various clubs, societies, and events.

Support and Wellbeing:

The university provides comprehensive support services for student wellbeing, including academic advising, counseling, and health services.

Careers Services:

The RAU offers career guidance and support to help students find employment opportunities.

Enterprise & Entrepreneurship:

The university has an award-winning enterprise program that encourages students to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

International Student Support:

The RAU provides specific support for international students, including visa advice and guidance on arriving in the UK.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the RAU can expect a dynamic and stimulating learning environment. The university offers a range of social activities and opportunities to engage with the local community. The campus is located in Cirencester, a charming town in Gloucestershire, England.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry Connections:

The RAU has strong ties with industry partners, providing students with valuable real-world experience.

Award-Winning Enterprise Program:

The university's enterprise program is recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE).

Forward-Thinking Approach:

The RAU embraces innovation and focuses on addressing contemporary challenges in agriculture and related fields.

Experienced Faculty:

The university boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.

---

Academic Programs:

The RAU offers a variety of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various subjects, including agriculture, business, environment, equine management, and land and property.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees and other postgraduate programs in specialized areas.

Foundation Degrees:

Two-year vocational qualifications equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor's degree.

---

Other:

The RAU is committed to research and knowledge exchange, playing a leading role in applied research in agriculture. The university also actively engages in sustainability initiatives and promotes equality and diversity.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

While the context mentions social activities and support services, it does not provide detailed information about student life and campus experiences.

Key Reasons to Study There:

The context highlights some advantages, but it does not explicitly list key reasons to study at the RAU.