Scotland's Rural College granted power to award degrees in 'historic moment'

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has become the first Scottish education provider in almost two decades to be granted degree-award powers.

The college has awarded degrees previously through the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, however, SRUC can now award taught higher education qualifications, including degrees.

SRUC’s first degree course will be an BVSci in Veterinary Science with the first lot of students starting at its new School of Veterinary Medicine in Aberdeen this week.

The new powers were conferred by the Privy Council and and approved by the Scottish Parliament.

As well as Aberdeen, SRUC has campuses in Edinburgh, West Lothian, Fife, and Dumfries and Galloway.

Professor Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of SRUC, welcomed the “historic” moment for the college.

Mr Powell said the achievement was the result of “years of dedication and hard work” from staff at the education provider.

“I joined SRUC eight years ago and, while there have undoubtedly been significant challenges along the way, I have watched our institution flourish thanks to the dedicated efforts of my colleagues and our students,” he said.

“I would also like to thank the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, who were hugely supportive of our application process.”

He added that the degrees will give students an “unrivalled all-round experience and producing a workforce with the skills to drive a green economy and strategic collaboration”.

“This achievement is perfectly aligned with SRUC’s ambition to become a leading tertiary university, demonstrating excellence in supporting skills and career opportunities for our students,” Mr Powell said.

“Our five-year strategy, launching within a few months, will show our ongoing commitment to developing new ways to thrive through collaboration – driving innovative new ways of working between business, government, communities and academia.

“More than ever before, SRUC is in control of its own destiny. Gaining degree awarding powers really is just the beginning.”