Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is ramping up its international recruitment efforts following its recent attainment of degree-awarding powers. With a focus on students from Sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Pakistan, the institution aims to position itself as a premier destination for agriculture and life sciences education.
From “Sleeping Giant” to Global Contender
SRUC has a history spanning over a century, but until last year, it lacked the ability to award its own degrees. Now, Principal and Chief Executive Wayne Powell believes the institution is stepping into its full potential.
“For many years, SRUC’s been a sleeping giant,” Powell said. “Now we’ve awoken and we can see huge amounts of potential in what we can offer here in Scotland.”
The college is launching international master’s programs in areas such as international food and agriculture business, business consultancy, and project management. These initiatives aim to align education with the future demands of global industries.
Sustainability and Business at the Core
While SRUC specializes in agriculture and sustainability, Powell emphasizes that the college is also attracting students through its business-focused curricula. The institution operates its own consultancy business, giving students hands-on exposure to real-world challenges.
“Some of the things that we work on are at the nexus of the most important challenges facing society. So how do we feed a growing world?” Powell noted. “How do we support environmental sustainability?”
Prospective students are drawn to programs that integrate agricultural knowledge with business skills, particularly within the context of the green economy.
Innovation and Expansion in Edinburgh
With six campuses across Scotland, SRUC has been making strides in agricultural innovation. In January, the Edinburgh campus launched a £1.8 million vertical farming innovation centre—the first of its kind at a Scottish higher education institution. The facility aims to address food production challenges at both local and global levels.
“Our location in Edinburgh creates a fantastic opportunity to come and live, work, and study in a great city,” Powell said.
The institution is keen to promote Scotland as a study destination, aligning with broader national efforts. In January, the Scottish government urged universities to take collective action in attracting international students. At the same time, First Minister John Swinney advocated for a bespoke visa for skilled graduates, though the UK government has yet to act on the proposal.
With a renewed global focus, SRUC is looking to carve out a significant role in international education, blending sustainability, business, and agricultural innovation to attract the next generation of leaders.
