BSc (Hons) Rural Land and Business Management

Course overview

The BSc (Hons) Rural Land and Business Management (Accelerated)
degree provides a clear chartered surveyor rural pathway for students seeking a
RICS rural surveying degree and a fast-track route into professional roles
within rural surveying, land management, agricultural valuation, rural
consultancy, and estate management.

This University of Greenwich-validated degree has been accredited by the
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), making it an ideal
qualification for those aiming to work towards Chartered Surveyor status. The
programme is also strongly aligned with the Central Association of Agricultural
Valuers (CAAV), supporting progression into agricultural valuation and rural
professional practice.

Designed as an accelerated rural land management degree, this programme
offers an alternative route into the rural surveying profession, particularly
suited to motivated individuals, career changers, and those already working
within rural land agencies or related sectors. Delivered over two years, the
course follows a block-release model, allowing students to work in a rural land
agency while studying, with teaching delivered at Plumpton College typically one
week in every four.

The degree is endorsed by leading rural land and property firms, including
Savills, Knight Frank, Batcheller Monkhouse, BTF Partnership, Dalcour Maclaren,
Lambert & Foster, Fisher German, and the National Trust, ensuring strong
industry relevance and excellent employer recognition. Paid internships are
available, offering the opportunity to earn while you learn and gain practical
experience directly aligned with a RICS-accredited rural surveying career.

Teaching combines technical and professional skill development with
practical, client-focused learning. You will gain strong competencies in rural
valuation, land and property law, finance, business appraisal, building
construction, and consultancy, all mapped to the requirements of RICS and CAAV
professional standards. This prepares graduates to progress confidently along
the chartered surveyor rural pathway while building a strong professional
profile within the rural sector.

Why study this RICS Rural Surveying Degree at Plumpton
College?

• Follow a clear chartered surveyor rural pathway through an accelerated
  degree


• Study a RICS rural surveying degree designed around professional
  practice


• Paid internships available with leading rural land agencies


• Learn through a block-release model ideal for combining study with
  employment


• Benefit from direct employer engagement and industry-led teaching


• Join a college with nearly 100 years of excellence in land-based
  education


• Located in the South East, within easy reach of London and Gatwick
  Airport


• On-site short-term accommodation available for block-release
  students.

Entry Requirements

Required: GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and
Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3
qualifications:

• A-Level (Example grades BCC) – minimum of 104 UCAS tariff
  points across three A-Levels or equivalent qualifications


• C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC – Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at
  Distinction-Merit-Merit


• International Baccalaureate: 26 points


• Access to Higher Education: 45 credits at level 3, of
  which 21 must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher.


• A period of relevant practical experience is also highly
  recommended

Note: We consider a wide range of Level 3 equivalent qualifications in
related subjects such as (but not limited to) Agriculture, Countryside, Biology,
Chemistry, Horticulture, Business Management, Geography, and Environmental
Sciences. (If you’re unsure, please get in touch).

Level 3 qualifications considered includes T Levels, A Levels and BTEC
Extended Diplomas (L3), Irish Highers, Scottish Highers, as well as Access to HE
qualifications.

Mature students with relevant industrial experience, but without the minimum
academic qualifications, may be eligible for entry. This will be assessed at
interview using a portfolio evidence and employer references.

Modules

Students will study a suite of modules over the two year duration of the course.

Term 1 & 2 (September to April)

Level 4 modules:

• Introduction to the Rural Economy (15 credits)
• Rural Property Law (15 credits)
• Valuation Principles and Practice (15 credits)
• Introduction to Farming Systems (15 credits)
• Building Construction and Management (15 credits)
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (15 credits)
• Integrated Project 1 (30 credits)

Term 3 & 4 (May to November)

Level 5 modules:

• Applied Valuation (15 credits)
• Property Agency and Marketing (15 credits)
• Integrated Project 2 (30 credits)
• Rural Property Taxation (15 credits)
• Sustainable Business Management (15 credits)
• Infrastructure and Compulsory Purchase (15 credits)
• Research Methods and Statistics (15 credits)

Term 5 & 6 (December to July)

Level 6 modules:

• Management of Environmental Resources (15 credits)
• Strategic Rural Asset Management (15 credits)
• Advanced Valuation (15 credits)
• Rural Planning and Development (15 credits)
• Project Investment and Feasibility (15 credits)
• Business Planning and Performance (15 credits)
• Honours Project (30 credits)

Modules and terms are indicative and subject to updates.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment on the Rural Land and Business Management programme is designed to reflect professional practice and develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in the rural sector. Students are assessed through a mixture of coursework, written examinations, practical presentations and integrated project work. Assessment tasks are designed to mirror real industry scenarios, support progression towards professional practice, and are scheduled across the programme to provide a balanced assessment load. Formative assessment and feedback are used throughout to support learning and preparation for summative assessment.

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Studying Rural Land and Business Management at Plumpton feels practical, professional and connected to the real rural sector. You develop academic knowledge alongside industry insight, field-based understanding and business awareness, in a setting shaped by land, enterprise and practice. It feels career-focused, supportive and closely linked to rural professions.

Industry links

This degree is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It benefits from close industry connections with firms including Batcheller Monkhouse, Fowler Fortescue, Fisher German, Savills, the National Trust, and others as active members of the Course Steering Group. The course is also endorsed by the CAAV. Local and national rural firms provide work experience or internships for trainee surveyors on the course. Plumpton hosts may conferences and seminars thorughout the year for firms such as Strutt and Parker and organisations like the CLA and students get to attend these events and hear  first hand from those working in the industry.

Student testimonial

“I met Louis at an employer / potential student meet and greet at Plumpton in February 2026. Louis was applying to start the course in September 2026. As a result  of our meeting, we offered Louis a position here at Fisher German in Ashford, and he will work and train with myself and colleagues alongside his studies at Plumpton, and in doing so he will be gaining an academic qualification and hours towards his APC and CPD diaries”

Catherine McKean, Fisher German, Ashford office

Progression routes