Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University is a forward thinking, diverse and career-focused higher education institution based in Aberdeen, Scotland. It’s renowned for the quality of its vocational study programmes, delivering student outcomes that are led by industry demand and supported by relevant, up-to-date curricula. 

Robert Gordon University became a university in 1992, but its educational history stretches back more than 250 years. Today, a student population of over 16,000 study across hundreds of courses and programmes and continue to contribute to Robert Gordon’s status as a globally impactful university. 

Students at Robert Gordon University enjoy studying from its campus on the leafy outskirts of the city, overlooking the picturesque banks of the River Dee. Within the campus, modern architecture blends with lush parklands and peaceful walkways, connecting students with specialist facilities and enhanced student services – the product of a recent £120 million investment into the riverside campus. 

Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland and offers students a bustling city lifestyle on the windy east coast of Scotland. The city is highly varied, from its cuisine to culture, entertainment and events. 

Graduates of Robert Gordon go on to enjoy exceptional graduate employment prospects, supported by the university’s dedicated careers support team – as well as their membership of an energetic and international alumni community. 

Robert Gordon University specialises in delivering vocational education designed to drive the professional success of its postgraduate students. The university offers more than 300 programmes in total, and postgraduate students can explore advanced courses in areas ranging from engineering to life sciences, computing to architecture, health and social care to business. 

Robert Gordon is a pioneering university in many ways. It places a strong emphasis on online learning, and in fact is one of the UK’s largest providers of online higher education learning. As a result of this, and part-time study options, students attending Robert Gordon are able to build their postgraduate study around their life – achieving transformative qualifications while maintaining their personal and professional commitments. 

There are various taught postgraduate courses on offer, ranging from the shorter PGCert and PGDip qualifications to LLM, MA, MBA and MSc degrees. 

Robert Gordon has a strong reputation for research in the UK and beyond, delivering impactful research in growing sectors and identifying new boundaries to expand. Students at the university can contribute to this work and collaborate with leading academics through MPhil, PhD and professional doctorate qualifications. 

Prospective postgraduate students at Robert Gordon University will need to meet the stated entry requirements for their course before they’ll be able to enrol. These admissions criteria typically relate to academic achievement but can often consider previous professional experience or professional qualifications, as well as portfolio submissions and interview performances. 

Students applying to the MSc in Drilling and Well Engineering will need to demonstrate a 2:2 level or higher in an undergraduate honours degree, in engineering or a related discipline such as chemistry, physics or geology. Students with lower qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. 

Applicants for the MA in Fine Art will need a 2:2 level or higher in an undergraduate honours degree, in a relevant subject such as art or design. Applicants with alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis. 

Applicants for the DInfSc in Information Science will typically need an MSc qualification, with merit or distinction grade. International equivalents or degree equivalents are also considered. Applicants will need at least three years of professional experience in an information science role. 

Entry requirements vary between programmes, so students should check the university website for full details before making an application. 

Robert Gordon University is one of the UK’s leading universities when it comes to achieving successful graduate outcomes for its students. This vocational university has an applied approach to higher education and supports employability through various methods. 

Links to industry 

Robert Gordon maintains strong links and partnerships across many different industries and sectors, ranging from businesses to thinktanks, government bodies and non-profits. These partners inform course content and provide great opportunities for internships and placements. 

Personal support 

Students can access one-to-one careers appointments, quick sessions for those little queries, and tailored help with things like mock interviews and assessments. 

Events and services 

A wide range of professional skills workshops, careers learning opportunities and employment events or presentations are also available throughout the academic year. 

Online resources 

Students have access to the Robert Gordon University eHub, a one stop shop for all kinds of useful online resources and accessing in person services. Through the eHub, students can continue their professional development through bespoke online courses, helpful articles and advice, and a range of practical online tools that will help them plan their next career move. 

Accommodation

Robert Gordon University works to provide students with a great range of accommodation choices for the duration of their postgraduate studies. Through the university, students can be assured of finding affordable, modern and secure living arrangements that are conveniently located.  

University accommodation at Robert Gordon is self-catered, and available across four different sites around Aberdeen. Facilities, locations and prices vary, ensuring every student can find the perfect living space for them. Options include: 

• Crathie Student Village, with en-suite rooms available in shared flats. The building is halfway between the campus and the city centre and is close to various shops. 
• Garthdee Towers, offering partial en-suite rooms right on the university’s riverside campus site. 
• Ramsay Development, providing en-suite rooms in a peaceful residential setting while being close to the campus. This site is exclusively for postgraduate or mature students. 
• Woolmanhill Flats, offering hundreds of shared bathroom and en-suite rooms in the heart of the city. 

Some postgraduate students prefer to rent private accommodation. Aberdeen is a friendly city that combines the bustle of a major centre with the welcoming population and affordable costs of a smaller community. There are many student lets to choose from and the university’s team can assist with the renting process. 

Robert Gordon University maintains a broad choice of scholarships and bursaries that are available to postgraduate students of all backgrounds.  

Available funding options include: 

• The Robert Gordon University Alumni Loyalty Discount, offering a 20% reduction to tuition costs for students who have already graduated from a degree at the university 
• Course specific bursaries or scholarships are available, such as the SSSC Bursary for students on the MSc or PGDip in Social Work. This provides eligible students with £3,400 per academic year to help cover students’ tuition fees, as well as means-tested maintenance grants. Students also receive a £500 stipend for travel costs. 
• Robert Gordon offers postgraduate researchers access to a range of funded studentships. These are offered for specific research projects that are identified by the university’s research centres or schools, or external organisations. They typically provide full coverage of tuition fees, in addition to a stipend paid regularly to cover maintenance costs. 

The full range of scholarships and bursaries available at Robert Gordon, their values and eligibility criteria can be found on the university’s website. Details found here are subject to change.