HND Rural Business Management

This course will give you a real insight into modern rural businesses, as well as providing a range of transferable management skills.

Location: Edinburgh
Study mode: Full Time (2 years)
Subject area: Business
Start date: September 2027
Agency code: 654D

Apply now

Programme overview

The innovative content of this programme is designed to meet your needs — and those of prospective employers.

Offering a well-rounded business education, it also develops practical skills that can be applied in a range of environments.

That's as well as excellent employment prospects, especially with current trends in the growth of rural surveying and the Scottish food and drink industry.

Core studies are complemented by specialist elective modules that let you tailor your studies towards your own specific interests. Real-life work placements give you the added benefit of relevant industry experience to build your practical skills and CV.

Throughout the course you'll make useful industry contacts, learn from regular guest speakers and make practical field trips. Our teaching, research and consultancy staff offer constant support and are always there to advise you if you need them.

Graduating from this programme opens immediate doors into employment, or allows you to apply for the third year of our Rural Business Management degree.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

Two Highers at CC. No specific subjects are required. Applicants should be able to offer National 5 (A-C) or equivalent pass in English (for Literacy) and in Maths (for Numeracy).

Other equivalent qualifications are accepted and mature applicants with alternative qualifications and/or work experience should seek guidance from the college.

What you'll learn

This programme has been created to offer a thorough knowledge of business knowledge and create and build on practical skills.

You'll also learn about planning, budgeting, business law and data handling.

Your elective modules will complement your core studies and reflect your own interests. Subjects include food, agriculture, tourism and equine and land management.

Field trips, guest speakers and practical activities enhance your learning experience and develop your knowledge and skills.

Example modules include:

Developing Entrepreneurial Skills
Structure of the Scottish Travel & Tourism Industry
Planning
Budgeting and Control
Business Law: An Introduction

Student experience

Ronald MacPherson

I’m from Grantown-on-Spey in the Highlands and chose to study Rural Business Management at SRUC because it combines two of my biggest interests – the countryside and business. Growing up in rural Scotland, I’ve always had a strong connection to the land and have been interested in entrepreneurship from a young age.

I chose SRUC because of its focus on rural industries and the practical approach to business learning. The course offered the perfect mix of business skills and knowledge of the rural economy, while the strong employment record of graduates was also a major attraction.

One of my highlights has been the graded unit projects, particularly the opportunity to work on adding value to a real business. The first-year field trip to Comrie Croft was also a great experience, and the close relationships I’ve built with my classmates have made my time at SRUC even more enjoyable.

After completing my course, I’m considering continuing my studies at postgraduate level or taking the opportunity to travel. In the future, I’d like to become involved in my family’s construction business or potentially start my own land-based business.

My advice to future students is to get involved in student life as much as possible. Joining clubs, societies and activities is a great way to meet people and make the most of your time at SRUC.

"The course offered the perfect mix of business skills and knowledge of the rural economy, while the strong employment record of graduates was also a major attraction."

Ronald MacPherson, Rural Business Management

Meet the lecturer

Bill Mackay

Programme Team Leader

Before his career in education Bill worked in management within the private sector. Now he's responsible for operational leadership of the Rural Business Management Programme in our South and West campuses.

He produces and delivers modules from 1st year through to Masters on subjects including Management theory, Finance and Business Planning.

Bill is also External examiner for Duchy College, Cornwall and is developing materials for the University of Edinburgh MSc in Poultry.

View Bill's Pure profile

Craig Davidson

Masters of Science in Agriculture Education

Craig is a former student of Agriculture at our Aberdeen campus. He absolutely loved living on the estate and having the farms, woodland, and all the amenities at his fingertips.

Now based in the Edinburgh Kings Buildings, Craig lectures across our agriculture courses. He’s passionate about interactive, hands-on teaching and loves showing people with little agriculture background where food comes from as well as busting the many myths surrounding agriculture and food production.

View Craig's Pure profile

Fees and funding

Eligible full-time students studying HND Rural Business Management should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: There are a number of bursaries available to care-experienced students studying full time. Find out more from our student funding teams at: registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Discretionary fund
- SAAS student bursary
- Care Experienced Accommodation Grant
- Childcare
- Going further bursary
- RUK bursary (for students from outside Scotland)
- The Gregor Thomas Royan Lamb Bursary for Future Farmers
- Centenary bursary
- Change your path bursary

HND Rural Business Management

Apply now

About SRUC

Building on our traditions in tertiary education, research excellence and industry expertise to deliver sustained impact and innovation in the natural economy.

Student life

Explore what life is like at SRUC from before your arrival all the way through to graduation. Find campus and accommodation information, tips, checklists and helpful information on getting started at SRUC. You can also find information on student support services, term dates & timetables, Moodle and more.