A college has become the first Scottish education provider in close to two decades to be granted degree-awarding powers.

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) previously awarded its degrees through the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

From Monday though it will be able to award taught higher education qualifications, including degrees and Masters itself.

The powers were conferred by the Privy Council and approved by the Scottish Parliament, with the first degree course to begin this week.

Read More:

SRUC will offer a BVSci in Veterinary Science at its new School of Veterinary Medicine in Aberdeen.

Offering full-time and part-time courses from college level through National Certificate all the way up to PhD level. SRUC has campuses in Edinburgh, West Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway, Aberdeen and Fife as well as Queen's Park, Glasgow and and Auchincruive, Ayr.

SRUC is in the top 5 in the UK for studying animal science and agriculture in the Guardian University rankings and, earlier this year, it was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the highest form of national recognition open to educational institutions in the UK – for the second time.  

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “Gaining Taught Degree Awarding Powers is a truly historic day for SRUC. It is the fruit of years of dedication and hard work from our staff. 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. 

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

Amy McLuckie, recent SRUC graduate and now SRUC Laboratory Scientist; and Saul Corbett, co-president of the SRUC Students’ AssociationAmy McLuckie, recent SRUC graduate and now SRUC Laboratory Scientist; and Saul Corbett, co-president of the SRUC Students’ Association (Image: SRUC) “Our degrees will represent all that is at SRUC’s core: sustainability, rural and environmental expertise, giving students an unrivalled all-round educational 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.   

“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.”