Intro

We are delighted to introduce you to Robert Gordon University, situated in Aberdeen, on the North East coast of Scotland. Robert Gordon University has a heritage going back 250 years, and it was granted university status in 1992. Since then the university has gone from strength to strength, proactively engaging with businesses in the development of many of its degree courses and meeting regional and national needs at a time of constant change and development. As a result we have a reputation for producing graduates that are highly sought after by employers. Today Robert Gordon University delivers more than 300 courses to over 16,000 full and part-time students from 120 countries.

Over the last decade we have consistently had one of the best records of any UK university for graduate-level employment and we were quoted in The Times Good University Guide 2022 as the best modern university in the UK , for over 6 years. We’ve invested £120 million in the development of our campus including modern, purpose-built facilities, industry standard equipment and dedicated study spaces. You will benefit from these exceptional facilities by undertaking industry-level projects and study in an environment that encourages independence and innovation.

Aberdeen

Few places in Britain can offer students the chance to experience the buzz of a modern city, medieval buildings, spectacular gardens and award winning, unspoiled beaches – all in one compact, easy to navigate place. Aberdeen is a dynamic, vibrant city, thanks to its strong ties with the oil industry. As you’d expect from somewhere that has enjoyed great prosperity, amongst the iconic granite buildings are a wealth of fantastic bars, eateries, shops, museums and galleries, theatres and live music venues. Aberdeen is also the perfect size for students – the city is small enough for new arrivals to get to know their way around quickly and easily. The perfect base for exploring Scotland – Good transport links mean Aberdeen is a great base for seeing the rest of Scotland while you’re there.

All the main Scottish cities, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, can easily be reached within 2 or 3 hours. In fact Scotland is often called “the best small country in the world” and you can visit its most famous whisky distilleries, castles, lochs and golf courses without spending too much time travelling. Scotland’s stunning landscape is also a world class location for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing and more adventurous activities like bungee jumping! Students can easily experience the best of this amazing country during their time in Aberdeen.

Canadian Students

Given the close historical links between Canada and Scotland, we are delighted to see the number of Canadian students choosing to study at Robert Gordon University grow each year.

Popular subject areas for Canadian students to chose include our MSc in Physiotherapy, MSc Library & Information Studies, MSc Construction Project Management and our MPharm.

Attracted firstly by our career focused courses, many of our Canadian students then fall in love with our location. Aberdeen is surrounded by sweeping hills on one side, and miles of sandy beaches to the other.

Applications close early (May) – contact KOM for more information.

Faculty/Program List

Faculty List

  • Accounting And Finance
  • Architecture, Construction And Surveying
  • Art & Design
  • Business And Management
  • Communications And Media
  • Computing
  • Engineering
  • Events, Tourism And Hospitality
  • Health And Sport Sciences
  • Pharmacy And Life Sciences
  • Law
  • Social Studies

Testimonials

RGU was a great opportunity for me to be able to further my education in an international environment. I have always wanted to be able to study abroad and the modern campus, along with the friendly and welcoming faculty that flew over to Canada to meet with students, was a motivating factor in my decision. My program has challenged my thinking, encouraged my opinions, and has provided a good foundation to go into the workplace. My only regret is that I wish I came to Aberdeen and RGU sooner.

Kaitlin O., BA (Hons) Management

1)      How did you end up coming to RGU to study. Tell me your journey.

When I first came out of highschool I went to a local University to study law, which I quickly learned it wasn’t for me and took a year off after that. I decided to go to Algonquin to study an advanced diploma in business marketing which was fantastic. Near the end of my studies there, a rep came to speak about completing a degree abroad and that really sparked my interest.

2)      What were the deciding factors to spur your decision / why did you choose RGU?

There were several options for this articulation, however, RGU caught my attention because it was only one year in marketing and I would recieve my degree. It was also a little less expensive than others and I had always wanted to visit Scotland so it really seemed like a win-win.

3)      What is it that you liked about RGU that you continued doing your MSc with us, why did you decide to continue doing your MSc instead of going back to Canada/what made you stay?

Near the end of 4th year, I saw that they had a digital marketing MSc which wasn’t available in Canada at the time and once again, it was only year, so I figured why not. Turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

4)      Prior to coming to RGU what were your dreams? After coming to RGU how did it change?

Before coming to RGU, my dreams were really just to get a great job in an advertising agency or something similar. At the back of my mind I knew I always wanted to work for myself in a creative industry. but figured that would never happen. During my MSc I met three guys who I eventually started a business with and now I am working for myself, with my pals making films!

5)      How did RGU help you achieve your goals and dreams.

I think I wouldn’t still be here if it was from the great support that I recived from some of the staff at RGU. Elliot Pirie and Chris Moule were key in my progression to where I am at now and I wouldn’t be here, doing what I love if it was not for them.

6)      What do you like about Aberdeen?

Aberdeen, for me is still a new place with tons to explore. It has a fantastic energy about it and great food and drink spots. Also, when I first came here, it was the first time I was living away from home and completely independent and I found the people in the city to be incredibly kind and helpful when asking for suggestions/directions etc. It has a big city feel in a small town and not to mention being right by the sea and short drives away from the some of the most scenic places I have ever been. Also, I was able to meet a lovely girl here which is a great bonus!

7)      Things that exceeded your expectations when you came to RGU/Aberdeen that was different from Canada.

I think the biggest thing was the university experience. My first experience at University was really not good at all and was worried that it may be the same. However, that feeling changed quickly when I got to RGU. The courses opened my eyes about thinking critically, which has been something I have been able to apply every day in my life and once again, having such great support from lecturers made it that much easier to keep going. Another thing I picked up here was self learning… something that I had never been good at before.

8)      How your education has enriched you perhaps your opinions? Culturally?

I think my question above really answered this as well… my education at RGU has given me confidence in my knowledge and creativity, enough so to be able to apply that in a business that I now run. The innovation team at RGU also made it possible to realise this dream of running a business and was and still is there to support us throughout our journey.

James G., Msc. Digital Marketing (Co-Founder of Snap Digital, RGU Startup Accelerator Cohort 1)
At-A-Glance
Location:Aberdeen, Scotland
Population:220,000
Student Population:16,787
Strengths:Business, Design Technology and Engineering, Health Professions (Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics)
Campus locations:City Centre Campus, Aberdeen
Garthdee Campus
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