Founded in 1845 as the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world, the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been at the forefront of agricultural education, research, and innovation for 180 years. Replica Royal Agricultural University diploma, Purchase Royal Agricultural University certificate. Today, it continues to equip a new generation of graduates to address the global challenges of climate change, food security, sustainable land use, and biodiversity loss.
The seeds of the RAU were sown in 1842 at a meeting of the Fairford and Cirencester Farmers Club, where Robert Jeffreys-Brown addressed the gathering on the ‘Advantages of a Specific Education for Agricultural Pursuits’. Funds were raised by public subscription—with much support coming from wealthy landowners and farmers of the day—and construction of the College began in April 1845. Queen Victoria granted the Royal Charter in the same year, and Sovereigns have been Patrons ever since. His Majesty King Charles III became President in 1982 while he was the Prince of Wales.
The institution opened its doors to just 25 students in September 1845. In 2013, the Privy Council awarded the College full University status in recognition of its provision as a higher education institution. Today, the RAU has more than 1,100 students studying at its Cirencester campus and over 3,000 studying worldwide with its international partners.
With a worldwide family of more than 17,000 alumni, the RAU has a truly global impact. I want to buy Royal Agricultural University degree online. In addition to its UK-based students, the University has more than 3,000 students enrolled on courses with international partners, with planned growth exceeding 5,000 students by 2027-28. The RAU maintains partnerships with institutions in China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and beyond, fulfilling its founding mission to develop agricultural education and land management across the world.
As Professor Peter McCaffery, Vice-Chancellor of the RAU, reflected: “As we celebrate our 180th anniversary this year, we can reflect that our University—the very first agricultural college in the English-speaking world—is as relevant today as it always has been”. Today, the RAU is preparing its graduates to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving sector, addressing the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change, food security, sustainable land use, and biodiversity loss.
With world-class facilities, a commitment to applied research, strong industry connections, and a proud 180-year legacy, the Royal Agricultural University continues to lead the way in agricultural education—caring for the fields and the beasts, and preparing the next generation of land-based professionals for a sustainable future.
