Paving the way for the agri-food industries

JAMIE NEWBOLD, PROVOST AND DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, SRUC

In a significant and long-awaited development, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has made history by becoming the first Scottish education provider in nearly 20 years to be granted degree-awarding powers.

This milestone is more than just a new chapter for us; it marks a crucial moment in the developing landscape of higher education in Scotland. For the first time, SRUC will be firmly positioned as an independent degreeawarding institution.

This ground-breaking achievement should not be seen as a mere administrative formality. The decision to grant Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) by the Privy Council and the Scottish Parliament is a clear recognition of a commitment to shaping future leaders in rural and environmental sectors, and an ambition to become a leading tertiary institution with a deep understanding of the evolving needs of the industries, communities and people it serves.

We are already ranked among the UK’s top five for animal science and agriculture, according to the Guardian University rankings, but have always worked towards creating accessible pathways from learning and out into industry. That is one of our unique differences as an institution with both research and commercial focuses which complement our educational pathways.

This focus on creating new levels of accessibility for vital industries, is exemplified by the launch of SRUC’s inaugural Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSci) programme in October 2024. The course is designed to be more than just a path to a veterinary degree; it is a gateway for students from rural and remote Scottish areas to enter a profession that has traditionally been underrepresented by these communities, and one which is looking for an influx of new talent to address workforce shortages.

Over half of the first cohort is drawn from rural locations, making it clear that SRUC’s commitment to widening access to higher education is not just a mission statement—it’s a reality. The programme also introduces a flexible progression route, making it accessible to students who may not meet traditional entry requirements, thus lowering the barriers to degree-level education.

Even more exciting, the veterinary school is just the beginning of our plans to help the industries and sectors we work in to find new talent. SRUC has also recently launched a suite of innovative micro-credentials, offering flexible, accredited, bite-sized learning experiences that cater to the rapidly changing demands of learners, industries, and the job market.

These fully online courses will allow learners to easily access education and expertise in areas such as agriculture communications, data-led agriculture, sustainability in veterinary practice, and ecosystem management for climate resilience, no matter where they are based.

In a world where industries are evolving faster than ever, this innovative approach to professional development is not just timely - it’s necessary.

What makes these courses particularly valuable is their focus on providing learners with the practical, up-to-date knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex job market. With courses led by industry experts, students gain real-world skills that are directly applicable to their careers. It’s an approach that bridges the gap between academic study and professional development, offering an education that is as relevant as it is rigorous.

Looking ahead, we believe these developments have the potential to catalyse much more than just an academic revolution. The land-based sector is a key area of competitive advantage for Scotland. As we continue to grow and expand, there is a unique opportunity to play a central role in Scotland’s national recovery and renewal, particularly as the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and sustainability.

Our degree-awarding powers mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter—not just for us, but for Scotland as a whole. With a long history spanning over 100 years, our roots are firmly planted in sustainability, rural expertise, and environmental innovation. We take pride in preparing our students, whilst also utilising our consultants, learning from our researchers and working with our customers and partners to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world together.

It’s fantastic to see us poised to lead the way in addressing some of the global challenges of tomorrow. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive Scotland’s natural economy forward, alongside our globally renowned research, expert consultants and commercial services, we are not just shaping the future of education but also contributing to the growth of our industry. By building accessible routes into and around the agri-food system, we can help to shape the future of the sector.

With so many exciting developments on the horizon, this is only the beginning - the best is yet to come!

Get in touch: jamie.newbold@sruc.ac.uk