Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University was founded in 1750 as a technical college.  Full university status was granted in 1992.  Watch the history of RGU and find out how we’ve evolved. The University has always focused on delivering education that prepares students for the professional world: by working closely with employers at all stages of the students’ journey, from course development and accreditation to providing scholarships and work based placements and experiences. This is why we have such a successful graduate employment record (seeacademic strengths below).

Robert Gordon University has invested heavily in the Garthdee campus and has just completed phase one of our exciting £120-million campus development. When the project is completed we will offer even more world-class learning and research facilities. Read about the amazing campus transformation. Robert Gordon University has an international reputation for providing high quality education right through from undergraduate to postgraduate and PhD level, alongside high quality courses to support continuing professional and personal development. Find out more on the University's track record.

Aberdeen is situated in the north east of Scotland. Frequent, cheap air, rail and bus connections to Aberdeen exist from the majority UK cities, making it hugely accessible. Find out more about transport links. Love the great outdoors? With two rivers running through Aberdeen, its picturesque sandy beaches, the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park nearby, Aberdeen attracts photographers, artists, sailors, surfers, kayakers, kite enthusiasts, rowers, walkers, golfers, mountain, rock and ice climbers, snowboarders and white water rafters!

Aberdeen is ranked as the best city to live and work in in Scotland, and 2ndbest in the UK, according to "Good Growth for Cities, 2013". RGU has been ranked as the second best value university in the UK for students living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland in the Student Value for Money report 2012 by Simple Landlords Insurance. These rankings take into account university league table standings, average rental costs and tuition fees. 

Each course description in the prospectus gives a guide to the entry requirements that the University accepts. International students should contact International@rgu.ac.uk for guidance on acceptable qualifications and English language requirements. Get more details about entry requirements at Robert Gordon University.

Student Mix

The total student population is approximately 16,000 – this is split 63:37 between full-time and part-time students.

The total student population is 64% undergraduates and 36% postgraduates.

The male/female split is 44:56, and the home/overseas student split is 78:22. 

All courses are based on a modular structure and offer a range of exit qualifications.

Many courses are made up of both compulsory and optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and ambitions. Over 90% of our undergraduate courses offer placement opportunities. The University offers the flexibility of distance learning and part-time study options for some undergraduate courses and for most postgraduate courses. 

All courses are subject to initial approval and validation. Each course is then subject to a subsequent six yearly institution-led Subject Review. Course performance is monitored annually. Each Faculty has Learning Enhancement Co-ordinators (LECs), who are academics with a responsibility to develop learning and teaching practice.

The last national Research Assessment Exercise took place in 2008. The University was judged to have world-class research in 8 of 11 categories that apply to our subject portfolio. Over 70% of research is classed as being of international quality. The University is in the top 20 modern universities for research in the whole of the UK. The University is building on this excellence with the establishment of three multi-disciplinary Research Institutes. They focus on translational research in the areas of excellence. IDEAS – Institute for Innovation, Design and Sustainability Research. Topics: Engineering; Environmental Science; Computing; Architecture & Built Environment and Art & Design. IHWR – Institute for Health and Welfare Research. Topics: Pharmacy & Life Sciences; Health Sciences; Applied Social Studies and Nursing & Midwifery.

ImaGeS – Institute for Management, Governance and Society Research. Topics: Business & Enterprise; Governance & Society and Information & Communication.years. 

Due to our vocational courses – we are consistently named as one of the best UK Universities for graduate employment.  Read more about our graduate employability success rates. In the latest independent National Student Survey, the overall student satisfaction score at RGU has remained at 87% All undergraduate courses offer an effective combination of academic study and practical experience, with most including periods of work placement. All of our courses are designed and developed in close consultation with the relevant professional bodies, and, where relevant, courses will carry accreditation by the relevant professional bodies.