Robert Gordon University (RGU) has been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). TEF is a Government initiative which helps assure a world-class higher education sector in the UK. It assesses, recognises and rewards the quality of undergraduate teaching across the country, using metrics including continuation rates, student satisfaction and employment outcomes.

RGU was praised for supporting students from all backgrounds to achieve outstanding outcomes and for their high levels of continuation rates and exceptional professional practice. The Gold rating was also awarded in recognition of RGU’s employability levels, with very high proportions of graduates progressing to skilled employment or further study, and a comprehensive range of opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills that are most highly valued by employers.

RGU’s Principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said: “Our Gold rating places RGU among the UK elite for quality teaching and learning. It demonstrates that our staff show an exceptional dedication to a high quality educational agenda and to an excellent student experience, alongside our commitment to widening access to the university. We place students and their graduate prospects at the top of our priorities, ensuring they achieve an industry-recognised qualification as well as a highly-valued skill set, and we warmly welcome being acknowledged for employability.”

More about this…

Post Study Work Visa Changes

International students studying at Robert Gordon University 2020/2021 can now benefit from the post-study work visas issued by the UK Government. The university is renowned for the employability of its graduates, who are in high demand by UK employers.

The post-study work visa will allow international graduates to begin their careers in the UK after graduation, taking advantage of employment opportunities and fulfilling national skills needs.

The university’s Aberdeen Business School has the distinction of being the first institution in the world to be accredited by both the BGA and AMBA. The Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA) are the international leading authorities in the field of business education at postgraduate level.

Why RGU?

• Top university in Scotland for graduate level jobs (The Guardian, May 2019)
• 2^nd in the UK for graduate employment rate (QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2020)
• 34^th in the world for graduate employment - higher than Harvard, Cambridge and Oxford (QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2019)
• Aberdeen is ranked as the joint most affordable city in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2019)
• 1^st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for Health Professions (Guardian University Guide, 2020)
• 1^st in Scotland for Physiotherapy (Complete University Guide, 2020)
• 1^st in Scotland for Food Science (Complete University Guide, 2020)
• 1^st in Scotland and 2^nd in the UK for Physiotherapy and Radiography (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2020)

Startup Accelerator

The accelerator programme runs over five months and aims to fund and mentor teams and individuals to fine-tune their ideas in order to create businesses with high growth potential. The programme entered its second year in 2019 and remains the only one of its kind in north-east Scotland. Teams stand the chance of being awarded GBP 10, 000 in funding and other associated benefits while undertaking the programme.

Robert Gordon University is a dynamic, modern and professional university with an international reputation for providing high quality education (Sunday Times 2016). RGU was also awarded a TEF Gold award this year, putting it in the top 20% of Universities in the UK.

Robert Gordon University is well-established in the energy markets, much like the city of Aberdeen where it resides. As such, its engineering courses are renowned for not only being taught well in Europe’s gas and oil capital, but also having great links with local businesses and easy access to work placements.

Despite RGU’s reputation in the energy industry, healthcare is actually the subject with the highest percentage of RGU students enrolled in full or part time study, demonstrating the variety of course available.

The University’s teaching methods and lecturers are generally regarded by postgraduate students as helpful and engaging. The hands-on element of many of its courses is also seen as a huge positive and ensures students stay engaged and interested in their subject.

Many undergraduate courses at RGU also take a very practical approach to learning. Lecturers at the university receive a lot of praise from student reviewers for the support they offer to students as well as the fact they are very personable and approachable.

RGU’s teaching quality has been acknowledged for its high standard as it was awarded a gold rating – the highest accolade – in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which looks at teaching, learning and outcomes for students and places RGU in the top 20% of universities in the UK.

Its educators work passionately with industrial organisations, research institutes, government departments and professional bodies to develop students beyond their degrees and into full time employment.

Courses are designed through innovative and applied techniques which advance academic understanding in real world contexts, and deliver an excellent return on investment for students’ time at RGU.

Smaller class sizes at RGU are reflective of the overall size of the university, which means students benefit from increased interaction with academics.

RGU has a developing reputation for research, with areas of particular interest around creating solutions to real problems experienced by business, industry and organisations. Students, including undergraduate level, have a chance to work with academics as their research develops, responding to changes in their chosen field of study.

Study options are offered across…

Aberdeen Business School

This school provides a comprehensive catalogue of management and professional business courses to suit a range of career paths.

School of Applied Social Studies

This offers a variety of professional learning opportunities in social work, social care, community care, child care, criminal justice and related professions.

School of Computing Science and Digital Media

Working with state-of-the-art facilities, the School ensures students gain the creative skills required to become the innovators of the future.

School of Creative and Cultural Business

This provides the in-depth knowledge and practical application skills that are required in today's communication, marketing and media fields.

School of Engineering

This combines a wide range of expertise in engineering with purpose built facilities and strong commercial links.

Gray's School of Art

The School equips students with invaluable visual, intellectual, social and communication skills.

School of Health Sciences

This offers a supportive environment for disciplines including diagnostic radiography, physiotherapy, health promotion, and sports & exercise science.

The Law School

The School has a reputation for being a successful and innovative department with high standards in research, teaching, assessment and administration.

School of Nursing and Midwifery

The School provides a supportive learning environment for anyone interested in starting a career in nursing or midwifery.

School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

The School has an impressive track record with seven courses accredited by professional bodies.

Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment

The School combines innovative thinking with new technologies and traditional practice.

The Graduate School

This school coordinates RGU’s postgraduate research activities.

ICRGU

The international college offers students alternative entry points to help achieve their ambitions at RGU.

RGU is made up by a number of departments and schools.

Aberdeen Business School

Accredited by AACSB International, Aberdeen Business School offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees in general and more specialist business areas.

School of Applied Social Studies

A multi-disciplinary school offering undergraduate, postgraduate and continuous development courses.

School of Computing Science and Digital Media

The school is shaping the future industry-sought skills in digital media, computer networks, cyber security, intelligent information systems and technical architecture.

School of Creative and Cultural Business

A dynamic multidisciplinary school covering a wide portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees across the communication, media and digital industries.

School of Engineering

With state-of-the-art facilities and lectures from industry experts, the school readies students to transform technologies for tomorrow’s world.

Gray’s School of Art

Gray’s School of Art is a multidisciplinary school, with an undergraduate and postgraduate programme across fine art and design.

School of Health Sciences

Focuses on producing graduates who positively impact the lives of individuals and contribute to the health of our society.

The Law School

The Law School provides a range of accredited and professionally recognised law degrees at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level.

School of Nursing and Midwifery

The school has innovative approaches to education providing students with rewarding careers.

School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

With a range of practical and professional courses, the school helps students to develop career skills.

The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment

The school’s undergraduate and postgraduate course portfolio takes a forward-thinking approach, underpinned by research.

The Graduate School

The school supports students undertaking research, providing internationally recognised supervisors.

Robert Gordon University is proud of its reputation as a friendly university, and welcomes applications from international students with a wide range of qualifications and from a diverse range of backgrounds.

In general, requirements are expressed in terms of qualification levels, subjects and grades. In Scotland, these include Scottish Highers, HNC and HND qualifications. Robert Gordon University also accepts A Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Irish Higher Leaving Certificates.

Students must check entry requirements on the RGU website for each course. For some courses that are on offer at the University, students may be asked for more than the minimum entry requirement. This is dependent on the number of applications received in relation to the number of places available.

Visit the RGU website for application details.

RGU has invested GBP 120 million into the modern Garthdee campus, and it has exceptional facilities for students to make use of.

Teaching Facilities

State-of-the-art and specialist facilities help students excel in their specific field. For Art and Design this includes a glass and ceramics workshop, fashion manufacture workshop, painting studios, photographic darkroom studio, printmaking workshop and more. For Engineering, this includes a DART Simulator, electrical power laboratory, nanocomposite manufacturing facility, wave tank, wind tunnel to name a few. For Health and Life Sciences there is an analytical science lab, cell culture lab, clinical skills centre, human performance laboratory, radiography suite, forensic imaging laboratory, mock crime scene facility to name a few. For Law, there’s a moot court and law clinic.

Recreational Facilities

As well as excellent teaching facilities, students can make the most of the university’s recreational facilities. Sports facilities include a sports hall, pool, climbing wall, a studio available for hire, gyms with personal training offers and a range of classes. There is also a physiotherapy treatment clinic and a range of sports clubs and societies. Catering outlets can be found across campus serving a variety of food including halal and vegan options.

Accommodation

The university is able to offer safe, secure and affordable accommodation for students who would like to live in university accommodation. This can be a good way to integrate into the student community, especially for first year students and international students. There are five sites across the city, with a range of flats and facilities to choose from.

Library

A striking building at the heart of campus, the new library building opened in 2013 and has four floors with over 250 workstations and focuses for the Business School, Health and Social Care, and Design and Technology subject areas.

Academic Facilities

The University’s Garthdee campus hosts a state-of-the-art library to assist students with their studies.

The library tower, which has stunning views over the city and has 250 computer workstations. Throughout the University as a whole, there are 2,500 computers available for student use.

Teaching and clinical facilities available at the Garthdee campus include:

DART training facility which simulates drilling on an oil platform
Clinical Skills Centre with mock hospital wards
Human Performance laboratory
Three-dimensional motion analysis system
Bioanalytical tissue culture and microscopy facility
Clean Room suite
Moot court
TV and radio studios
Green screen
Motion capture studio

Recreational Facilities

The Student Union at Robert Gordon University is led by a number of representatives focused on everything from education and welfare, to sports and physical activity. Over the course of the academic calendar, they hold a number of events, including the Graduation Ball and Freshers’ Week. The Student Union is the student voice within the University and offers advice and support for those that need it.

RGU: Sport boasts modern, world-class sporting facilities. It houses three gyms, a 25m pool, a sports hall and a climbing wall.

Accommodation

Students can choose to live in university accommodation located in and around the City Centre and Garthdee Campus. Have a look at residential options available…

There are a number of scholarships available with international students in mind.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship

A scholarship available to full-time on campus students undertaking an undergraduate course, it offers one year’s full tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merits. Students must have been offered a place, be self-funding and pay international fees.

RGU Financial Award for Full-Time On Campus Masters Course

A scholarship available to full-time on-campus master’s students, it offers a GBP 2000 discount on the tuition fees and is for students who have met the academic entry requirements for their course, are self-funding and paying international fees.

RGU Financial Award for Full-Time On Campus Undergraduate Courses

A scholarship available to full time on-campus undergraduate students, it offers a GBP 3000 discount on one year of undergraduate tuition fees, and is for students who have met the academic entry requirements for their course, are self-funding and paying international fees.

There are also a range of scholarships from external groups, such as the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission which helps international students looking to study in the UK.

Saltire Scholarship

Students from India, Pakistan, China, Hong Kong, USA, Canada and Japan are eligible to apply for the external Saltire Scholarship award.

This award worth GBP 8,000 can be used towards tuition fees for any one year of full-time study on a postgraduate master’s programme.

RGU offers a range of scholarships owing to its strong industry links. Scholarships for students are available depending on their course and year of study. Company scholarships and the sport scholarships are available to eligible undergraduate students.

There are also a number of scholarships and bursaries available to postgraduate students, who are advised to check for details with the University. The most notable among these is the Achievers Scholarship Award.

Here’s a look at some on offer…

Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate Scholarship

Mode of Study

Any full-time on-campus undergraduate course

Value of Award

• One full year’s tuition fee for one year of study
• For students starting in Year 1 or Year 2 of an undergraduate course

Eligibility Criteria

• Selection will be based on academic merit
• Student must hold an offer from Robert Gordon University for a full-time, on-campus undergraduate course
• Student must be an international fee payer for tuition fee payment
• Must be a self-funding student

RGU Financial Award for Full Time on Campus Masters Course

Mode and Level of study

Full time, on-campus Master’s course

Value of Award

• GBP2,000 discount towards masters course tuition fee

Eligibility Criteria

• Student must have received an offer from Robert Gordon University and met the academic conditions stated in the Letter of Offer from the University
• Be classed by the University as an international fee payer for tuition fee payment
• Must be a self-funding student

RGU is ranked first in Scotland and 4^th in the UK for employability with 97.6% of graduates gaining employment within six months (HESA published 2018). It is also ranked 27^th in world for graduate employability rate by QS World University Rankings, 2018.

RGU puts graduate employability at the heart of their approach to teaching. Courses are developed in collaboration with industry specialists to ensure that the teaching reflects the world of work students will be joining. Many courses include professional experience opportunities and most are accredited by relevant professional bodies.

Placement teams across the schools help students find compulsory and optional work experience, delivering real experiences of the working world. The Innovation@RGU team also supports students from all subject areas with interest in self-employment, entrepreneurship, creating start-ups or developing spin outs through initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Advancement Programme and the Startup Accelerator Scheme. There are also a number of opportunities for students to study abroad, helping to broaden their global perspectives further.