Outrage at prospect of a change of name for the Royal Agricultural College

The Royal Agricultural College may soon become the Royal Agricultural University.

But this has been met with outrage from students.

More than 700 people have signed a petition against the move to change the name of the Cirencester institution to the Royal Agricultural University – or RAU.

“It’s ridiculous, it sounds like a rugby club,” said one disgruntled alumnus.

The college has announced it intends to apply for university status later this year.

RAC Principal, Professor Chris Gaskell, said: “Recognition of the work of the institution through the title ‘university’ is important, not least for students and prospective students. I am confident that the Royal Agricultural University will build on the reputation and legacy of its parent, the RAC.”

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