WELCOME TO SRUC
Welcome to SRUC. I am delighted that you have received an offer to join our vibrant community - congratulations!
At SRUC, we are a unique institution with a rich heritage of excellence in teaching, research and practical skills development that spans from entrylevel learning through to postgraduate study. Our mission is to create and mobilise knowledge and talent to benefit the nature-based economy - from sustainable land use and food production, to animal health, environmental resilience and innovative technology.
Choosing to study with us means becoming part of a community that is passionate about solving real-world challenges. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way
- from helping you make an informed decision about your offer, to providing an exceptional student experience that prepares you for a rewarding career and future opportunities.
Our Professors, lecturers and support teams are here to help you thrive - academically, professionally and personally. Wherever your passions lie, you will find opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference.
Thank you for considering SRUC. I hope that the information in this guide helps you to feel confident, inspired and excited about what lies ahead.
We look forward to welcoming you. With best wishes,
Professor Wayne Powell BSc, MSc, PhD, DSc, FLSW, FRSE Principal and Chief Executive
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TIMETABLE PPE
Final timetables for the year ahead are released in early August, and our website will be updated as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can view example timetables and term dates by visiting www.sruc.ac.uk/timetables
CAREERS SERVICE
The courses offered at SRUC are varied and open up a huge range of possible career paths. The Careers Service is here to help you with any of your career, employability or continuing education queries. They can support you with writing your CV and gaining interview skills. Visit www.sruc.ac.uk/careers
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Depending on your course, you may need to order or purchase personal protective equipment (PPE). Lists will be on our website as soon as they are available. You will need to know whether your course is “further education” (e.g. NC) or “higher education” (e.g. HNC, CertHE, or degree).
www.sruc.ac.uk/ppe
SRUCSA
SRUC Students’ Association (SRUCSA) is an organisation run by SRUC students, for SRUC students. It exists to ensure the best possible student experience for all those studying at SRUC. For more information, take a look at the SRUCSA website or connect with @SRUCSA on social media. www.srucsa.org.uk
SRUC is an institution working hard every day to share knowledge and discover solutions to some of the world’s most difficult challenges, particularly around climate change. We don’t just focus on carbon emissions but on environmental impact, including energy and water use, sustainable travel, and reducing and recycling, across all our activities including our courses.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Your journey to SRUC
Receive offers from your applications 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Attend an Offer Holder Day (or Open Day)
Accept your offer of a place
Apply for funding
Arrange your accommodation We’ll keep in touch
Get exam results PLACE CONFIRMED - JOIN US AT SRUC!
The SRUC School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences offers programmes in Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Nursing, and specialist postgraduate study, as well as training for the wider veterinary team. The School also supports careers across animalrelated industries, with courses in areas such as Animal Science, Equine Science, Animal Care, and animal-related business and research — providing the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a growing, evolving sector.
Programmes and study pathways are offered at our SRUC campuses across Scotland, this offers an innovative and unique way of learning that brings different professions together.
SRUC’s teaching is supported by an internationally recognised team of animal and veterinary scientists, with a national network of veterinary hubs. Our research is ranked as the best in the UK, and our Consulting offices give us unparalleled links to real rural business.
Our programmes combine practical experience with teaching across different subject areas, so students leave with the confidence to adapt, problem-solve, and work well with others. Whether you want to work with animals, support the wider veterinary field, or make a difference in the rural economy, SRUC gives you the foundation to build a strong, future-ready career.
The SRUC School of Natural and Social Sciences brings together experts in natural sciences (like ecology, agriculture, and environmental science) with social sciences (such as economics, policy analysis, and rural business management), which allows us to solve real-world challenges.
Whether it’s growing food more sustainably, responding to climate change, protecting biodiversity, or rethinking how communities live and work, our programmes and research equip students to understand and solve complex problems. We achieve this by looking at solutions that work for both people and the planet - in Scotland and around the world.
Our work supports policy change in Scotland, strengthens communities across the globe, and connects students directly with innovations happening on the ground. From AI and vertical farming to social innovation and environmental systems thinking, our students don’t just study change - they learn how to lead it.
At SRUC, you’ll benefit from handson learning, access to world-leading research, and strong links with real businesses through our national consulting network. You’ll learn from academics and professionals who are at the forefront of change, gaining practical skills as well as systems thinking that will prepare you to turn global challenges into meaningful career opportunities.
VISITING AN SRUC CAMPUS
Visiting an SRUC campus is a great opportunity for you to get a feel for the campus and course. We offer on campus events such as Open Days and Programme Specific Offer Holder Sessions; both are designed to focus on you and your individual journey. These on-campus events are personal, interactive, and tailored to your chosen subject area.
These events give prospective students the chance to:
Meet and mingle with other people interested in the same programme.
Have real conversations with academic staff who will be teaching and supporting you.
Explore the campus, facilities, and learning environments you’ll be using.
Learn more about your programme and what you’ll study throughout your course.
View accommodation options, where available.
Take part in engaging activities that give you a flavour of what a day in the life of an SRUC student feels like.
Ask questions and meet the friendly staff who will be part of your student experience.
If you’re unable to visit one of our campuses in person, you can still explore SRUC from wherever you are. Our Virtual Experience platform includes recordings of previous online Open Days, campus tours, programme introductions, and student life content. This is a great way to get an authentic feel for SRUC all at your own pace and in your own time. www.sruc.ac.uk/experience
YOUR FIRST 4 WEEKS AT SRUC
Follow SRUC’s social media channels to get familiar with our campuses, people, and student community before you arrive. It’s a quick way to see real experiences and feel connected to SRUC from day one.
WK 1 WK 2 WK 3 WK 4
You can view draft timetables on the SRUC website to get a sense of your weekly schedule, with final timetables released in early August.
WELCOME WEEK
This is your chance to settle in, meet new people, and get comfortable with your surroundings. You’ll explore the campus, attend key induction sessions, and receive the essential information and skills you’ll need for your programme, helping you feel prepared and ready for the year ahead.
FIRST WEEK OF TIMETABLED CLASSES
Your academic journey begins with meeting your lecturers, attending your first classes, and understanding what’s expected of you. You’ll be introduced to key assessments, your timetable, and how your programme is structured. Many courses will also include early practical sessions or site visits, giving you hands on experience right from the start. This week sets the foundation for how you’ll study and learn at SRUC.
BUILDING A ROUTINE
By now you’re starting to balance classes, studying, and your social life as you figure out what schedule works for you. It’s a week of refining habits, staying organised, and finding time for self-care. Things begin to feel more familiar as you settle into a sustainable routine.
AN SRUC STUDENT
You’re beginning to feel fully part of the SRUC community, both academically and socially. Practical learning and hands-on experiences become more engaging as you understand your course better. This is when your confidence grows and your student journey really starts to take shape.
As you prepare for the academic year, keep an eye out for chances to get involved - whether that’s becoming a Student Ambassador or joining SRUCSA to take part in societies, events, and student-led activities.
STUDENT PROFILE
SCOTT GALLOWAY
• HNC Horticulture
• HND Horticulture
• BSc (Hons) Horticulture with Plantsmanship
“ Progressing year by year gave me the flexibility to study while I worked in the industry. This way I was able to gain the hands-on practical experience I wanted alongside the classroom-based learning needed to develop my career.
During my studies, I was lucky to be able to work with the National Trust for Scotland and Royal Horticultural Society. The Horticulture with Plantsmanship degree offered a varied programme of courses that definitely helped prepare me for my career today.
I now work in local government as a Greenspace and Biodiversity Policy Officer. I write strategies and plans to protect and enhance biodiversity and lead on a number of nature restoration projects to secure climate adaptation and halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
I would highly recommend studying with SRUC if you are looking to start a career in horticulture.”
WHY CHOOSE SRUC?
There are plenty of reasons to join our worldleading, multi award-winning institution –here are just a few of them.
2023 | 2025
CAMPUSES GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY
SRUC has campuses across Scotland, each with excellent facilities for their specialist subject areas. Whether enjoying city life in Edinburgh or Aberdeen, or the quieter surrounding countryside of Dalkeith, West Lothian or Fife, you’ll find plenty to see and do in our campus locations.
SRUC has excellent Graduate Outcomes according to the Destination of Leavers in HE survey. The growth of the greeneconomy is leading to an increase in opportunities across many sectors relevant to SRUC subject areas.
WORLD RANKINGS MODERN INSTITUTION
SRUC is highly regarded in its field and is ranked as one of the top 20 universities in the UK in the Times Higher World University Rankings by subject and Sustainability Impact Rankings in 2025.
SRUC has been consistently ranked as one of the Top Young Universities in Scotland since 2021 by the Times Higher Education World Young University Rankings.
RESEARCH EXCELLENCE SMALL & PERSONAL
The research power of Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences at SRUC and the University of Edinburgh is ranked No.1 in the UK based on the quality and breadth of work (REF2021).
SRUC is a small enough institution for your experience to feel personal and supportive, with direct access to your lecturers and support staff, yet large enough to offer a great student experience and world-class specialist facilities.
ACCOMMODATION AT SRUC
ABERDEEN
• SRUC has a partnership arrangement with Aberdeen University; SRUC students can access shared en-suite flats at Hillhead Student Village.
• Transport to Craibstone is available.
• Other accommodation options are widely available across Aberdeen.
• Apply for alternative providers online via their own websites.
BARONY
• Barony Campus offers on-campus accommodation with combinations of single and twin rooms, with either shared or en-suite facilities.
• All accommodation is catered and residential staff are available for support outside office hours.
• Private accommodation can also be found in the Dumfries area.
EDINBURGH
• SRUC Edinburgh does not have its own accommodation, but private halls of residence are widely available across the city.
• Students can apply for city accommodation anytime via providers’ websites.
• Many students also rent independently; there are plenty of flat share and rental options as Edinburgh has a vibrant student rental market.
ELMWOOD
• Students are advised to seek local private accommodation.
GLASGOW
• Students are advised to seek local private accommodation.
OATRIDGE
• SRUC Oatridge campus has several student residences on site offering a choice of standard and en-suite accommodation.
• Apply for accommodation from 1 April each year; submit the residence application form directly to your Campus Residential Manager.
• Private accommodation can also be found across West Lothian.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
If you have any questions, please contact RegistryFunding@sruc.ac.uk
FURTHER EDUCATION FUNDING
• Eligible full time Scottish students apply directly to SRUC for Education Maintenance Allowance and FE Bursary support.
• Applicants with course offers will receive the funding application link around late May.
• Students from the rest of the UK should contact their local authority for funding.
HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING
• Full time and part time Scottish students apply to SAAS each academic year.
• Full time students can receive support with, tuition fees, student loans, bursaries.
• Part time: SAAS Part Time Fee Grant (may not cover full fees; no student loans).
• Applications open in April; apply by 30 June to ensure funding is in place.
REST OF UK FUNDING
• Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, ROI, Channel Islands or Isle of Man may have tuition fees covered through their national student finance body.
• See the relevant national website for details.
• At SRUC, tuition fees are charged for the first 3 years of the 4 year degree and we offer all non-Scottish UK students the 4th year free!
STUDENT SUPPORT
Starting a new course can bring challenges such as managing finances, balancing time, work, and family commitments. Our student support teams are here to help with any issues you may face, including academic support to help you get the most from your studies. If you need assistance, support is readily available, and we encourage you to contact us as early as possible.
Visit www.sruc.ac.uk/studentsupport for more information and contact details. All students are encouraged to complete our student support form. This will be shared with your campus support team to ensure you receive any help you need.
CHLOE HARKNESS STUDENT PROFILE
• NC Horse Care
• NC Countryside Management
• HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management
• HND Wildlife and Conservation Management
• BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Conservation Management
“ My favourite thing about studying at SRUC was how relaxed and supportive it is.
I had severe anxiety in my final year of high school but gained confidence at SRUC, supported by staff and classmates, making lifelong friends. The courses offered incredible opportunities, including trips to Romania and Kenya, practical conservation sessions, and industry connections. I initially chose NC Horse Care to work in the equine industry, then moved to Countryside Management to learn conservation.
Progressing through the different levels of conservation helped ease my anxiety, allowing me to commit gradually. I am graduating this year and have secured a job as a Seasonal Ranger with the Cairngorms National Park Authority. My varied studies have prepared me well for a career in conservation, and I hope to progress to a permanent ranger position or a career in ecology.”
MORE INFORMATION & USEFUL LINKS
Virtual Experience
Explore our Virtual Experience platform for videos, tours, student stories, and key info about studying at SRUC.
Student Life
Explore what life is like at SRUC from before your arrival.
International Students
You’ll find all the information you need as an international student here. Fees and Funding
Find out more information about Fees & Funding here.
Contact Us
offerholders@sruc.ac.uk
0800 269 453
www.sruc.ac.uk
@SRUCStudy @SRUC @SRUC
Virtual Experience
Visit www.sruc.ac.uk/experience for virtual campus tours, student stories, and a personalised introduction to study at SRUC.
Supporting responsible forestry
SRUC is a charitable company limited by guarantee (Company No SC103046, Charity No SC003712). General information about SRUC’s research and consultancy work may be obtained from: SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG. Telephone: 0131 535 4000 Web: www.sruc.ac.uk
Photographs are provided by SRUC, current and former staff and students of SRUC, RBGE, and professional photographers. Front cover image © SRUC.
This prospectus has been designed and printed by www.albaprinters.co.uk
