About SNSS

At the SRUC School of Natural and Social Sciences, we envision a future where science, technology, and creativity converge to transform horticulture.

Through pioneering research and innovative approaches, we develop resilient, regenerative, and high-impact solutions that advance landscapes, food systems, and communities. By fostering a collaborative learning environment and translating knowledge into practice, we empower future leaders and drive the evolution of horticulture toward a sustainable, innovative, and globally relevant future. 

This vision is underpinned by SRUC’s exceptional horticultural facilities, which provide immersive, practice-led learning and research opportunities. Our cutting-edge vertical farm at SRUC Edinburgh campus enables exploration of controlled-environment production and next-generation growing systems, while our Elmwood campus allotments and orchard offer living laboratories for crop cultivation, biodiversity, and community growing projects. At Oatridge campus, extensive grounds and specialist spaces support landscape design, grounds maintenance, and practical horticultural training at scale. Together, these facilities equip learners and researchers with the tools, environments, and inspiration needed to shape the future of horticulture. 

The Agricultural Systems section at the SRUC School of Natural and Social Sciences (SNSS) sits at the heart of SRUC’s mission to support a resilient, productive and sustainable rural economy. Bringing together education, research and industry engagement, the Agricultural Systems section at SNSS addresses the full complexity of modern agriculture and land-based engineering.

Our tertiary education portfolio spans levels 4–12, encompassing further education, undergraduate and postgraduate study in Agriculture and Land-based Engineering. At all levels, our programmes are designed to be flexible and inclusive by delivered through online courses, campus-based learning, and work-based pathways, ensuring accessibility for learners at every stage of their career.

Expert agricultural systems research underpins our teaching and impact at SNSS. We host nationally and internationally recognised research in beef and sheep systems, hill and mountain farming, and crop, soil and plant science. Working within real-world farming and trial environments, our teams generate sector-leading applied knowledge that informs local and international policy, advances practice, and equips graduates to lead innovation across agricultural systems.

Business plays a vital role in the welfare of a nation and requires skilled leaders to achieve maximum efficiency.

At the SRUC School of Natural and Social Sciences (SNSS), we aim to produce well-rounded graduates with the knowledge, skills, and connections to work in all areas of society, while giving opportunity to specialise in food security, surveying, golf, tourism and agriculture.

The learning strategy used at SNSS is strategically designed to allow SRUC students to develop a holistic understanding of the business world through engagement with research, consultancy and industry.

Within the Natural Capital section of the SRUC School of Natural and Social Sciences, our objective is to establish ourselves as a leading hub for research, education, and innovation that advances the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems. We are co‑creating this vision with staff, students, and partners - harnessing our collective expertise to build capacity, foster collaboration, and influence policy and practice nationally and internationally.

Through a focus on ecosystem services, climate resilience, ecological restoration, and technology-enabled analytics, at the SRUC School of Natural and Social Sciences, we are expanding our research portfolio and creating an inclusive tertiary student experience. This vision will be enabled by our talented educators and researchers, whose expertise is enriched by access to Scotland’s iconic habitats and species. Working within these living laboratories, our teams deliver research and teaching that are both globally relevant and locally grounded.

Strong partnerships with industry leaders and accrediting bodies ensure our work is aligned with professional standards and sector needs, translating innovation into practice and preparing graduates for impactful, nature‑focused careers.

The Social Sciences section of the SRUC School of Natural and Social Sciences (SNSS) brings together researchers working across economics (including agroecological and behavioural economics), sociology, social and economic geography, food marketing, and public policy to address the social and economic challenges facing rural and agri-food systems.

Social sciences research focuses on food security, climate change, ecosystems, food supply chains, food waste and circular economy transitions, with strong attention to how markets, institutions, communities and households shape place-based outcomes. Work is interdisciplinary and applied, combining quantitative and econometric analysis with behavioural, qualitative, participatory and spatial methods to examine consumer and producer behaviour, governance, inequality, rural livelihoods and food system resilience. 

A defining feature of the Social Sciences section at SNSS is its close engagement with policy stakeholders at local, national and international levels. These stakeholders, alongside collaborative work with industry partners across the agri-food supply chain and rural economies, ensures that SNSS social sciences research informs evidence-based policy and practice.  

Learning and teaching at SNSS is research-led, actively contributing to courses and programmes at SRUC in ecological economics, food security, food systems and supply chains, environmental management, climate change and policy analysis.  

Looking ahead, the Social Sciences section of SNSS aims to extend its leadership in applied social science through more integrated, system-level research on food systems, resource use and sustainability transitions, shaping policy and industry responses in Scotland and internationally.