There’s still time to apply to start a degree course this year - that’s the message from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

Students can make up to five university choices through UCAS until the 30 June deadline, before Clearing (the process of matching applicants with unfilled places) begins.

Julie Walkling, director for students at the RAU in Cirencester, said: “In most cases, universities will still be very happy to receive your application at this stage, and will consider it carefully if there are places available.

“At the RAU for example, we want to hear from a wide range of students who have the potential to succeed, with courses in business, environment, conservation, real estate, rural land management and equine studies, as well as in agriculture.

“Take your time and research your options well before deadline day, so you aren’t making a rushed decision. Above all, choose something you’re passionate about and that you can see yourself committing to for three or four years. We’d love to see you here.”

Alex Neason, who studies Agriculture with Applied Farm Management at the RAU, won the John Innes Foundation bursary for students from non-farming backgrounds.

He said: “You don’t need to have a family farm to be successful in the industry. With rising populations putting increasing stress on the UK food produce industry, we are going to need not just more people, but more highly skilled people, working within agriculture to keep up with such demands.”

The majority of students will learn if their University place has been confirmed on 15 August this year, when A level results are published, although BTEC results are available earlier. Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results are published on 6 August.

The RAU offers a range of scholarships and support packages including the Core Bursary for students from lower income families and the Widening Access Financial Support Bursary for those living in areas with lower progression rates to university.