Robert Gordon University (RGU) maintains its commitment to providing students with an applied learning experience, underpinned by strong industry connections and contemporary facilities, all aimed at fostering successful careers. RGU remains focused on delivering demand-driven courses that align with current and future employer needs, securing it the reputation for producing graduates that are highly sought after by employers.

The university's strategic investments and collaborative partnerships underscore its dedication to developing demand-driven courses that ensure consistent successful student careers and societal advancement, in line with RGU’s founding ethos.

STUDY AT ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is an innovative, inclusive, impactful and professionally focused institution centred on demand-led teaching and research. It provides industry-led undergraduate and postgraduate courses leading to highly relevant awards and degrees. Situated on one of the most picturesque campuses in the UK, the university provides facilities that significantly influence the learning capacity of all its students.

HISTORY OF ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

Robert Gordon University's role within the community can be traced back nearly three and a half centuries to the birth of Aberdeen merchant and benefactor Robert Gordon in 1668. Robert Gordon's mercantile endeavours established a strong and remarkably modern belief that his investment in the education of his townsfolk would equip them with the skills and knowledge to strengthen their success in Europe and further afield.

Present day: Campus development continues in parallel with the growth of RGU's reputation. All teaching is delivered at its Garthdee Campus in state-of-the-art facilities on the banks of the River Dee. Both phases of building development were completed by 2015, providing a fantastic learning environment for its students in a beautiful riverside setting.

Today, more than 260 years after his death, the University which bears his name remains true to his spirit and enterprise.

SPECIALIST AREAS AT ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

RGU (Robert Gordon University) offers specialised expertise and courses in areas such as business and management (including accounting, finance, and project management), computing, creative industries, engineering, health sciences, and architecture, with a focus on practical experience and industry engagement.

RGU also offers a variety of short courses and modules across a range of subject areas designed to help students enhance their career prospects, develop their skillset, or explore their interests.

RGU is committed to high-quality, interdisciplinary, and internationally recognised research that impacts real-world challenges. Its research degree titles therefore reflect the broad expertise of its academic staff. At RGU, a doctoral research project is a significant commitment. However, students are well supported by its dedicated Graduate School, with subject expertise from supervisory teams, and by a welcoming international community of over 300 doctoral students.

RGU delivers high-quality experiences for all students, developing their skills and expertise, and supporting them well into employment.

LIFE ON CAMPUS

Boasting plentiful social and cultural activities, Aberdeen offers RGU students a wonderful environment for study, work and leisure. On campus, students can take full advantage of first-class facilities as well as its beautiful green open spaces.

The Garthdee Campus is situated in wonderfully spacious parkland, adjacent to the River Dee. Mature trees and walkways combine with striking architecture to provide a beautiful backdrop for both work and recreation.

With its stunning natural surroundings, strong economy, exceptional educational and healthcare systems, and a thriving sense of community, Aberdeen is indeed a standout city in the UK. Aberdeen's unique combination of beauty, opportunity, and community spirit makes it a truly exceptional place to call home.

STUDENT SUPPORT AT ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

The university has heavily invested in its support networks both on and off campus to make the experience of studying at RGU the best it can possibly be. From travel to tuition fees, accommodation to application forms and finance to free time, the Student Life Hub (formerly called the Student Help Point) can assist students whether they are on campus or online.

Studying at university is an exciting and rewarding experience. For some, it also brings changes which might at times be difficult and stressful. The Student Counselling & Wellbeing Service is available for all its students. Its Study Skills team also offers advice on a range of study skills, supporting students in meeting their academic potential, and in becoming confident, independent learners.

Its online “Report and Support” platform enables anonymous or named Gender Based Violence disclosures, offering direct help in complete confidence and detailed guidance and specialist support.

The dedicated team at the Inclusion Centre is also on hand to provide students with information and advice to support them throughout their time at RGU. As part of the Scottish Government's Period Poverty initiative, RGU provides free sanitary products on campus.

The university offers various scholarships to all its students and encourages prospective students to reach out to Across the Pond for the details.

ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY FACILITIES

The RGU Campus is located at Garthdee, Aberdeen by the River Dee. The campus boasts a range of modern, purpose-built laboratories and equipment with the latest computing, research, health, and engineering technology ensuring all its students always have support to undertake complex and challenging projects.

The university prides itself on giving its students access to an abundance of specialised facilities to ensure they gain as much hands-on experience as possible to prepare them for the workplace in any chosen profession.

It has a dedicated IT services team on hand to help with any IT issues whether an individual is a student, staff member or visitor to RGU. Located at the heart of the campus, visitors cannot miss the striking green glass Library tower. There are four floors of books and journals, computers and study space for students to utilise.

Its campus boasts a plethora of art, design and craft facilities where its students experiment and explore their creative potential whilst studying at RGU. There are also a host of restaurants and cafes on campus, as well as a DART (Dynamic Advanced Response Training) simulation suite (a suite offering realistic, real-time training in a virtual drilling environment to prepare students for careers in the oil and gas industry).

SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

RGU SPORT is home to over 30 sports clubs ranging from football to curling, weightlifting to cheerleading. Everyone is welcome whether they are looking to try something new or are a high-level, performance athlete. Membership is free for all RGU students!

RGU SPORT also offers several courses in professional qualifications such as NPLQ (Gen 10). So, if an individual is looking to try something new, they might consider trying the Learn to Climb courses.

Going to university is not just about obtaining a degree; there is an entire lifestyle that accompanies being a student. Studying is a significant part of the experience, but there are also many opportunities available which will allow students to try new things, meet new people, and make the most of their free time. This is where the Students’ Union comes in!

When a student joins RGU, they automatically become a member of RGU:Union, and they are there to make every student’s time at RGU the best it can possibly be by providing a number of different activities and opportunities to get involved with. These include sports clubs, societies, student media, raising money for charity, or volunteering in the community – the list is endless, but the bottom line is that the Union exists to help students, and that is its number one priority.

RGU:Union is run by students, for students. Elections are held each year to vote in a team of student leaders. It is the duty of these student leaders to ensure that all students get the most out of their experience here. All of this is largely funded by the University; the student union also raises funds through the student shop and events, which then gets fed right back into helping students!

The Union thrives on student involvement and is always on the lookout for keen students to get involved with the good work that goes on there. There are countless different opportunities available throughout the year, ranging from becoming a Class Representative or a Faculty Officer, to playing a part in Freshers Team or taking part in volunteering programs. Students simply choose an area that interests them and go on to help the Union to help students at Robert Gordon University!

ACCOMMODATION AT ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

Leaving home for the first time can be one of the most exciting aspects of attending university. It is an opportunity to live independently, meet new people and make new friends – and because Aberdeen is a truly student-focused city, its students meet people from all over the world.

RGU has self-catering accommodation at four sites across the city, with easy access to the city and the university campus, which are a great option for many students.

The university is also aware that for many students (including those who would like to live with family or dependants), halls may not be the best option, so RGU ResLife provides students with advice relating to other available options. ResLife also produces the Moving On Guide annually, which provides students with top tips and advice around finding accommodation in private halls and private flats. It also provides some useful information about what to look out for and some things that prospective renters may wish to consider before signing a lease for a property.

There is a large private rented sector in Aberdeen which has become more flexible and affordable in recent years. Whilst most landlords and agents operate in accordance with legislation and good practice, students should take extra care to ensure they are not affected by rogue landlords, scams or illegal practices. The university strongly recommends that students read the advice from RGU:Union Live Right and Shelter Scotland before signing any leases or handing over any money, and if in doubt, they can contact the ResLife team directly.

Within the private rented sector, students can look for a room in shared accommodation (sometimes with a resident landlord) or rent a whole flat either by themselves or with a group of friends. Please note, the university does not endorse any specific websites or agencies. It strongly advises that students confirm all relevant details and follow the advice contained on the Shelter Scotland website.

Also, landlords or letting agents will likely ask for a UK-based guarantor (someone who is prepared to pay the rent should the student default). If students are unable to provide a UK-based guarantor, the landlord may ask for a certain amount of rent upfront (usually between 3-6 months’ rent) as an alternative.

There are, however, several guarantor schemes available in the UK, which the landlord or letting agent may direct students to. Students should please ensure they fully understand any upfront costs and ongoing fees that such schemes entail before they sign up.

Should individuals be looking for accommodation for visitors or somewhere to stay for a short while, RGU Accommodation offers short-term lets (maximum four weeks) available for students and non-students in its Woolmanhill Flats student accommodation. This option is, however, not suitable for students with children or other family members. For groups with children or other family members, hotels or short-term lets in private accommodation may be the best option.

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Robert Gordon University is proud to state that of the 18,000 students studying with it, more than 150 countries are represented within its student body. The student recruitment team at RGU travels throughout the world to meet with prospective students, and when that is not possible, it has agents in most countries who can help answer questions about RGU.

As well as being home to a diverse community of students, the University is globally recognised for its rankings in graduate employability, industry connections and quality of teaching.
Therefore, the university invites individuals to come and study at RGU. Discover Scotland. Discover Aberdeen.

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

RGU actively cultivates and reinforces its industry partnerships. These collaborations ensure that courses are relevant, high-quality, and tailored to meet the evolving demands of employers.

Students benefit from opportunities such as work placements, industry-led projects, and guest lectures, which facilitate valuable networking and professional development. RGU continues to prioritise strong industry connections and high-quality facilities, as well as a research strategy focused on addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary expertise and collaboration.
•    9 Chancellor Fellowships.
•    4 Research Champions.
•    £1.2m hydrogen testing facility at the National Subsea Centre (NSC).
 

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS

There are several benefits to undertaking a period of study or work abroad. Although challenging, the experience can be extremely rewarding, and participating students will develop their knowledge and skills by learning in a different social and cultural context.

While it is always advisable to learn the language of any country students might study in, all RGU students who undertake a study abroad period will be taught in English! Students may also be entitled to receive a Turing Scheme grant, and all the credits earned abroad will even count towards their RGU degree.

There are no nationality restrictions on students who wish to participate in study abroad. However, eligible students cannot be in their first year, or in most cases, in the final year of their degree. Also, not all courses offer the opportunity to study or work abroad, but there are over 100 partner institutions to choose from around the world.

The Exchange Programme offers students the chance to study their course in different contexts, with different teachers and different classmates. Participants are usually surprised by the different approach and the insights that students from other countries bring to their learning. It is nonetheless both challenging and highly rewarding.

The exchange experience enhances student personal development, job opportunities, their confidence, and enjoyment of life. Exchange students are not tourists – they live and participate in the day-to-day life of the country they have chosen. Living and studying in a new country is a challenge – so they are bound to find themselves facing new and unexpected situations. Overcoming these obstacles and learning to manage their life within another culture brings maturity, confidence and self-reliance – great life skills.
 

EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

RGU places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the professional world, whether during their studies or post-graduation. The university consistently achieves high graduate employability rates, reflecting its dedication to career readiness for the benefit of students.

RGU's focus remains on ensuring students are well-equipped to transition successfully into employment or further study. Its Employability team is committed to supporting its students throughout their career, providing advice and opportunities for making the most of their time at university, individual discussions about possible career options through to decision-making and support through the job application process.

Its Careers Consultants offer confidential, impartial, one-to-one appointments to support its students to: explore their career options, source vacancies for part-time jobs, internships and graduate roles, CV preparation, cover letter and application forms, prepare for interview and assessment centre preparation, as well as personal statement and elevator pitch development.

Current students can book a virtual careers appointment and will receive a confirmation email; appointments are usually available Monday – Friday.

For prospective students or alumni, the Careers Team offers 30-minute in-person or virtual careers appointments. Careers advice and guidance can also be provided by telephone, email, or Zoom.

Students and alumni are advised to spend some time prior to an appointment to consider what they would like to gain from the session. A wealth of resources is available on the RGU eHub, including many practical tools.

Some of its students have gone on to launch businesses, pursued careers in international organisations like SHELL, Baker Hughes, Disney, UNICEF, GIZ, Save the Children, Valtos, Atlantic Airways; as well as local UK organisations like Scottish Water, London Stock Exchange, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and WOOD Group.

STUDY IN ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY, ABERDEEN

In the city of Aberdeen (also known as The Granite City) and situated on the banks of the River Dee, lies the Robert Gordon University campus, where significant investments have been made in developing the campus to ensure its up-to-date facilities, equipment and workspaces enhance its student learning experience, as well as inspire innovation. The city of Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland, and like any major UK city, has its own international airport and rail station, connecting it to the rest of the UK and the world. Being by the North Sea, the city also has its own beautiful beach, a harbour, major global retail outlets, and several hundred businesses and companies. It is also one of the UK’s safest and most affordable cities to live in.

At RGU, the university wants students to make the most of their time studying with it, however or wherever they study. Studying there is about the atmosphere and feeling that they are part of the RGU community.

There are several different routes and levels of courses at RGU. Prospective students can also progress to university from college or through its widening participation programme. For students to gain a hands-on perspective about studying at RGU, the best way is to contact a Student Ambassador via its “Chat to our staff & students” feature on its website. Prospective students can also chat to staff members of some of its support departments.

WHY STUDY AT THE ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is an innovative, accessible, impactful and professionally minded modern university. Situated on the banks of the River Dee, the university has invested in developing its campus to ensure its up-to-date facilities, equipment and workspaces enhance the learning experience and inspire innovation.

With over 16,000 students from 150 countries, RGU provides industry-led undergraduate and postgraduate courses that enable its graduates to thrive in their future careers. RGU is a place where curious minds from across the world come together to learn, connect and establish friendships for life. Offering over 300 on-campus and online courses including engineering, architecture, computing, life sciences, the creative industries, health and social care, and business, the university works in close collaboration with industry to ensure that all its courses are relevant, demand-driven, and tailored to future employment markets.