About Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University is a modern, professional university in Aberdeen, Scotland's oil and gas capital. Known for exceptional graduate employability, strong industry links, and practical education in health, engineering, and business, RGU offers career-focused programmes in a compact, friendly campus setting.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 13,000 total students
- • 3,000 international students
- • 60 student societies
Location
- • Located in Aberdeen
- • Public university
- • Established 1992
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, MPharm
Popular Subjects
NursingArchitectureBusiness ManagementEngineeringPharmacyLawComputer SciencePhysiotherapyArt and Design
Student-Staff Ratio
16 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Aberdeen Business School
Accounting and Finance, Communication and Marketing, Law, Management, Tourism
School of Computing
Computer Science, Cyber Security, Digital Media, Software Engineering
School of Engineering
Mechanical and Offshore Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering
School of Health Sciences
Nursing, Midwifery, Applied Social Studies, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy
Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment
Architecture, Construction and Surveying
School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics
Gray's School of Art
Fine Art, Design, Fashion and Textiles
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAB - CCC depending on programme (Scottish system: AABB - BBCC)
Alternatives: IB: 26-34 points depending on programme, BTEC: DDD-MMM depending on programme, HNC/HND accepted for advanced entry
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 78
Portfolio for Architecture and Art • PVG check for health programmes • Interview for some programmes
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Honours degree (2:1 or 2:2 depending on programme)
GPA: 2.7
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 88
Two references • Research proposal for PhD • Portfolio for creative programmes
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £15,000
- Postgraduate: £15,000
- Foundation: £13,000
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £5,200
- Food: £2,200
- Transport: £500
- Entertainment: £1,000
- Other: £700
- Total: £9,600
Scholarships
RGU International Scholarship
MeritMerit-based scholarship for international students.
Value: £4,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic achievement
Principal's Scholarship
MeritPremium scholarship for top international applicants.
Value: £6,000 (Partial)
Outstanding academic record • Exceptional applicants
Scotland's Saltire Scholarship
MeritScottish Government scholarship for international students.
Value: £8,000 (Partial)
Students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, USA • Postgraduate programmes
Campus & Facilities
Garthdee Road, Aberdeen AB10 7QE
Modern, purpose-built campus on the banks of the River Dee, just 2 miles from Aberdeen city centre. Award-winning Sir Ian Wood Building provides state-of-the-art facilities in a stunning riverside setting.
Size: 30 acres
Facilities
Academic
Sir Ian Wood Building, Gray's School of Art studios, Scott Sutherland School (architecture), Engineering laboratories, Health simulation suites
Research
IDEAS Research Institute, Health Sciences Research, Oil and Gas Innovation Centre
Student Life
RGU:Union, The Garage café and bar, Campus shops, Student Hub
Libraries
Georgina Scott Sutherland Library
Modern library in Sir Ian Wood Building with 24/7 study spaces and extensive digital resources.
24/7
Sports Facilities
RGU SPORT
Modern sports centre with gym, swimming pool, sports halls, and outdoor pitches.
Aberdeen Sports Village
Partnership access to elite sports facilities.
Student Services
Student Support
Academic support, financial advice, and welfare services.
studentsupport@rgu.ac.uk
Wellbeing
Mental health support and counselling services.
wellbeing@rgu.ac.uk
Careers and Employability
Career guidance with exceptional industry connections.
careers@rgu.ac.uk
Accommodation
Woolmanhill
University-managedCity centre accommodation close to amenities.
Cost: £120 - £155 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • Social spaces • Laundry
Distance: Free bus to campus
Contract: 40-51 weeks
Garthdee Halls
University-managedOn-campus accommodation with stunning river views.
Cost: £110 - £140 (per week)
Standard and en-suite rooms • Kitchens • Common rooms • 24/7 support
Distance: On campus
Contract: 40 weeks
Various Aberdeen halls
Private partnerPartnership with private accommodation providers.
Cost: £100 - £170 (per week)
Various room types • City locations • Modern amenities
Distance: Varies
Contract: 44-51 weeks
First-year undergraduates guaranteed accommodation. Apply through RGU accommodation portal after receiving offer.
International welcome programme, airport pickup, peer mentoring.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 60
Teams: 30
Cultural Activities
- Aberdeen Festivals — Throughout the year
- Scottish Culture — Regular
- Outdoor Activities — Throughout the year
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@rgu.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: No
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)1224 262000
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
100
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 88%
Further study: 6%
Unemployed: 4%
Average Salary
£28,000
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
ShellBPTotalEnergiesNHS ScotlandWood GroupAberdeen City CouncilEngineering companiesArchitecture firmsLaw firms
Career Services
- Careers and Employability: Exceptional industry connections, particularly in energy sector.
- Professional Placements: Most programmes include professional placements.
- Graduate Recruitment: Strong links with major employers for graduate schemes.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Aberdeen International Airport
10 km • 20 minutes by bus
Public Transport
- Bus: First Aberdeen buses serve campus and city. Free RGU bus between campus and city centre. • Free campus shuttle; £2.00 local single
- Train: Aberdeen station with services to Edinburgh (2.5 hours), Glasgow (2.5 hours), London (7 hours). • From £30 to Edinburgh (advance)
Local Area
Aberdeen is Scotland's third largest city, known as the Granite City and the oil capital of Europe. Beautiful architecture, easy access to Highlands and beaches, and high quality of life.
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Aberdeen Beach, Cairngorms National Park (nearby), Aberdeen Art Gallery, Dunnottar Castle (nearby), Royal Deeside
Shopping: Union Square, Bon Accord Centre, Union Street
Entertainment: Aberdeen nightlife, His Majesty's Theatre, P&J Live arena, Local pubs, Beach activities
Additional Information
Accreditation
Scottish Funding Council, RIBA (Architecture), ARB (Architecture), General Pharmaceutical Council (Pharmacy), NMC (Nursing), HCPC (Allied Health)
Partnerships
- Industry: Energy sector — Strong links with Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, and energy companies.
- NHS: NHS Grampian — Clinical training for nursing, pharmacy, and health students.
- Research: Oil & Gas Innovation Centre — Research partnerships with energy industry.
Research Highlights
- Energy Research — Research on oil, gas, and renewable energy technologies. (2024)
- Health Sciences — Research on healthcare improvement and health technologies. (2024)
- Architecture — Research on sustainable design and built environment. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Annie Lennox — Grammy Award-winning musician (1974)
- Engineering leaders — Many graduates in senior positions in energy sector globally (2024)
Metadata
Source: Robert Gordon University official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io