Robert Gordon University, commonly known as RGU, is a public University in Aberdeen, Scotland. The university is a single-site campus- Garthdee Campus, which is located adjacent to River Dee. All of its 11 schools and departments are nestled within the campus. Robert Gordon University ranking is #801-1000 in the 2023 QS World Universities Rankings. The university has notched the top rank in Scotland for subjects like Health professions, Journalism, Architecture, and Pharmacy (The Guardian University Guide). Other than academics, RGU offers a wide array of sports and cultural programs. There are over 30 campus student organisations to join and be a part of.
As of Fall 2022, Robert Gordon University has more than 16,000 students. Students from around 147 nationalities make up the international student population at RGU. The university has a good reputation for its affordability and return on investments. The average fees for Robert Gordon University courses is between GBP 16,164- GBP 21,137 (INR 15 lakhs – INR 20 lakhs).
Robert Gordon University Rankings
RGU is ranked:
- 801-1000th in QS Global World Ranking in 2023
- 1001+ in the list of World University Rankings in 2023 by Times Higher Education
- 351-400th in the list of Young University Rankings in 2022 Times Higher Education
- 151-200th in the list of European Teaching Rankings in 2019 by Times Higher Education
Robert Gordon University Highlights
| University Type | Public University |
| Campus Setting | Sub-urban |
| Establishment Year | 1992 |
| Graduate Job Rate | 97.6% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 18:1 |
| Total Students | 16,000 |
| Undergraduate students | 11,000 |
| Postgraduate students | 5,000 |
| Endowment | £1.9 million |
| Cost of Attendance | 23,460 GBP |
| Applications Accepted | Online |
| Work-Study | Not Available |
| Intake Months | January and September |
| Mode of Program | Classroom and online |
Robert Gordon University Programs
There are 114 undergraduate programs and 111 graduate programs at Robert Gordon University. RGU offers a flexible MBA master's degree in Business Administration program, available on-campus and online, MBA Oil and Gas Management specialist degree, and an MBA in Sustainability and Energy Transitions.
Robert Gordon University Campus
- RGU operates a single campus in Aberdeen that sits in spacious parkland, adjacent to the River Dee, in the southwestern suburbs at Garthdee.
- There are facilities such as the University Library, 2,500 IT workstations, physiotherapy clinic, graphics and printing facilities, various food outlets, Treehouse Early Care Centre, and the RGU sports center consisting of a swimming pool, a climbing wall, three gyms, and lots more.
- The school incorporates 16,000 students; 11,000 undergraduate and 5,000 postgraduate students
- There are over 32 campus sports clubs available to student-athletes at RGU
- Students at RGU compete at the Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions.
- There are several student groups through the students’ union such as sports clubs, societies, student media, raising money for charity, or community volunteers at RGU.
Robert Gordon University Residence
- There are four residence halls at RGU open to students across the city
- There are a total of 903 rooms as ensuite and standard rooms in communal flats across the four residence halls.
- Amenities available include TV, parking space, solar panels on the roof for lighting, automated lighting in communal areas, lounge areas, laundry rooms, kitchen with sink and shower, and on-site office open 24 hours a day,
- Room features include a bed, drawer, table, chair, mirror, tiled floor, waste bin, cupboard, and dresser.
- RGU provides information on private sector renting which can include shared accommodations, private accommodations, and short term or visitor accommodation.
Robert Gordon University Admissions
Application Process
- Application Portal:
- Undergraduate: UCAS/RGU Direct Application
- Graduate: RGU Online Application or RGU Direct Application
- Application Fee: UCAS applicants pay 20-25 GBP.
- Application Deadlines:
- UG Courses: January 25 (UCAS); May 1 (Common application)
- PG Courses: There is no set closing date for PG courses. However, it’s recommended to check for the deadline on the relevant course page.
Supporting Documents:
Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
- SQA Higher or GCE A Level or Irish Leaving Certificate Higher or IB Diploma or their equivalents
- Academic transcripts
- Interviews (if required)
- References
- Proof of English Language proficiency
- Portfolio
- Copy of Passport with photograph page
- Proof of Sponsorship or Scholarship
- Specific program requirements
Requirements for Postgraduate Programs
- Official copies of Academic Transcripts
- Official copies of College or University Certificate
- Copy of Passport with photograph page
- CV
- Letters of Reference
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Evidence of Sponsorship or Scholarship (if applicable)
- Interviews (if required)
- Portfolio
- Specific program requirement
IELTS Score Requirement
Robert Gordon University Cost of Attendance
| Cost | Amount per annum (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | 16,650 |
| Housing | 3,600-7,200 |
| Food | 840-2400 |
| Miscellaneous | 880-2,280 |
| Books and supplies | 240-540 |
| Total | 22,214-29,070 |
Note: The cost of attendance given above is just an estimate. Costs may differ due to the student's choice of accommodation, program, level, nationality, social activities, or lifestyle.
Robert Gordon University Scholarships
- RGU awards more than 3,000 GBP yearly as a discount towards postgraduate research tuition fees to international students.
- The university also awards more than 2,000 GBP yearly discounts towards Master's course tuition fees to international students.
- Financial aid to international students include grants, scholarships, student jobs, and graduate fellowships,
- Chevening Scholarship: Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK Government to award international students in order to develop global leaders. The amount covers full Scholarship which includes flights, accommodation, and course fees. Eligible students are typically one year Master’s degree students.
- Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international undergraduate students admitted to study any undergraduate degree at RGU. With the varying amount, the application is done online and applicants are expected to submit a scholarship application form, including a 500 words statement of support.
- RGU International Student Discount for Undergraduate Students: This is an entrance financial aid awarded to international self-funded students, studying full time on-campus undergraduate courses entering into year one or year two. The amount is 3,000 GBP discount awarded towards one year of undergraduate tuition fees
Robert Gordon University Placements
Around 96.1% RGU graduates decided to pursue job opportunities in the UK or further studies, within 15 months of graduation. The average salary of Robert Gordon University graduates (PG) is GBP 24,000, and the maximum salary is GBP 40,000. As per Linkedin reports, maximum number of graduates are working on Operations (11.91%) , followed by Business Development (9.46%).
Robert Gordon University Alumni
RGU alumni benefits include:
- Networking with other global alumni with programs
- Access to the RGU Alumni newsletter filled with interesting articles and opportunities for alumni.
- 20% loyalty discount scholarship on tuition fees for returning RGU alumni
- Staying professionally linked with other alumni on LinkedIn and with the alumni network
Notable alumni:
- Ola Gorie -Jewellery designer
- Callum Innes -Turner Prize-nominated artist
- Titi Horsfall -Author
- Hannah Miley -Swimmer and Olympian
