BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management (Professional Placement Year)

Program Overview

Accredited by RICS, the program offers a 12-month work placement and prepares graduates for careers in land and property consultancy, estate management, and other related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Name: BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management (Professional Placement Year)
• Institution: Royal Agricultural University
• Duration: 4 years (Full time)
• Level: Undergraduate
• Location: Cirencester, UK
• Accreditation: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Program Overview: This course equips students with the fundamentals of rural professional practice, including planning and development, law, valuation, building construction, and management.
It also covers sustainability and business management, enabling graduates to provide effective advice and gain a multi-functional understanding.
• Program Objectives:
• Prepare students for careers in rural practice surveying.
• Offer a work-based placement year for real-world experience.
• Provide a pathway to qualification as chartered surveyors.
• Develop graduates with a multi-functional understanding of rural land management.
• Key Features:
• Accredited by RICS.
• Includes a 12-month work placement.
• Provides opportunities for industry contacts and networking.
Full-time students usually take 60 credits per semester, while part-time students take proportionally fewer. Each level requires 120 credits, and the degree requires a total of 360 credits.
• Module Content:
• First Year:
• Understanding agriculture, rural land use, and fundamental property studies (law, valuation, building construction).
• Economics, accounting, and finance basics.
• Second Year:
• Legal knowledge applied to land ownership and interests.
• Methods of valuation for different property types.
• Business finance, taxation, and professional development skills.
• Planning law and practice.
• Surveying, inspection, and measurement techniques.
• Forestry, land, and resource management.
• Agricultural systems and buildings.
• Third Year:
• Professional placement year.
• Fourth Year:
• Research dissertation on a chosen subject.
• Two elective modules based on student interests.
• Available Electives:
• Commercial Property Management
• Heritage Property
• Forestry and Woodland Management
• Advanced Residential Agency
• Development and Development Appraisal
• Changing Consumer Behaviour

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module.
• Common assessment methods include coursework, case studies, presentations, and exams.
• Coursework is often based on real-life scenarios and sponsored by land management firms.
• Case studies are provided by practising surveyors and drawn from their portfolios.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group tutorials, practical sessions, and field trips.
• Visiting lecturers and industry professionals contribute to the program.
• Students have access to a dedicated careers service and support throughout their studies.

Careers:

• Graduates are prepared for careers in rural land management, including:
• Land and property consultancy
• Valuation
• Estate management
• Residential sales and lettings
• Auctioneering
• Utility and compulsory purchase
• Graduates are employed by national and international organizations, including:
• The National Trust
• County councils
• Utility companies
• Private estates
• Chartered surveyors
• Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become entrepreneurs and business managers in the rural sector.

Other:

• The program is offered full-time and part-time.
• Students have the opportunity to join student societies and participate in sports and other extracurricular activities.
• The program is located on the Royal Agricultural University campus in Cirencester, UK.
• The university offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial support options.

UK International Full-time £9,250 per year £15,300 per year Placement year £1,850 per year £3,060 per year