The Complete Guide To Robert Gordon University

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

This is a story of how one merchant’s belief helps nurture today’s youth.

Robert Gordon believed in equipping people with vital knowledge and skills through education. Hence, he opened Robert Gordon’s Hospital in 1729 to teach Burgesses of the Guild’s underprivileged youths.

His legacy for education continued even after his passing. After becoming a college in 1881, the institution continued to expand its teachings. Then, it received university status in 1992 and became Robert Gordon University (RGU).

What happens next? Keep scrolling and you will see.

Total Student Population	Over 16,500 students
% of international students	Around 24%
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	Approximately 1:10
Graduate Employability Rate	Top 550 on the 2022 Graduate Employability Rankings

1.2 Robert Gordon University Rankings 2025

Robert Gordon University (RGU) ranks #910-#950 globally in the QS World Universities Ranking 2025. The table below are courses offered by the university that managed to rank in the QS Subjects Ranking.

QS Subject Category	Ranking For 2025
Engineering – Petroleum	151-175

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1 Robert Gordon University Campuses

Traces of the Aberdeen trickle into Robert Gordon University. It paid homage to “The Granite City” by integrating granite into its design. Furthermore, the advancement in RGU’s Oil and Gas courses showcased the city’s strength in the field. And that is just one of its beauty.

While honouring its heritage, this UK university has other unique traits too. So, hang on tight as we uncover them.

Garthdee Campus

Key Highlights

• An institution with 250 years of teaching experience. The earliest faculty to open is Gray’s School of Art (est. 1881).
• It now has over 300 courses across its 11 academic schools.
• In recent years, RGU has invested around GBP 120 million into developing its facilities.
• Sitting on the banks of the River Dee, it nestles among tall trees and a wide parkland.
• Bonus: The campus is about 5 miles from Aberdeen Beach and Greyhope Bay, where dolphins come out to play.

How To Get Around?
🗺️Around 2 km or a 2-minute walk from Garthee city.

• Travel by train, bus or bike.
• A bus stop sits on campus and it is a 2-minute walk away.
• The Young Persons’ Free Bus Travels is available to students under 22.
• Tip: For train travellers, get a 16-25 Railcard for GBP 30/ year and add a PlusBus ticket to the pass for unlimited bus rides.

2.2 Learning Facilities

2.3 Recreational Facilities

2.4 Student Activities

A day at RGU may look like this:

Or, it may involve

• Students’ Union 
• Clubs and Societies (C&S)
• Sports
• Classes and Programmes (e.g Swimming, Strength Training, HIIT)
• Public Climbing Wall
• Pickle Ball (*Newly introduced in 2024)
• Streetsport. (A programme that addresses societal issues. It connects marginalised groups via sports, physical activities & creative ventures)
• Campus Walks
• RGU Student Blog (for students by students to share their experiences)
• Volunteering
• Media (RGU: Radio, RGU: TV, Radar Magazine)
• RGUplus

2.5 Student Services

Do you believe in learning to thrive in uni? Robert Gordon University does and it sets you up with vital resources, such as

• Student Help Point
• Medical Services
• Counselling & Wellbeing Service
• The Inclusion Centre: Disability & Dyslexia
• RGU: Union Advice and Support
• RGU Peer Support
• RGU: Nightline, a student-led peer-to-peer helpline
• Career Support
• Student Life Hub
• Study Support Services
• Transition Support
• The Law Clinic
• The Physiotherapy Clinic
• Emergency Food Parcel Collection
• Breakfast & Supper Clubs

If approaching the adults is daunting, start with student-led initiatives or assistance. From there, your peers can direct you to the right help.

2.6 Robert Gordon University Accommodation and Cost

Garthee Campus Accommodations

On-campus

• Crathie Student Village (GBP 188 – 275/week)
• Garthdee Towers (GBP 172 – 185/week)
• Ramsay Development (GBP 172 – 185/week)
• Woolmanhill Flats (GBP 99 – 151/week)

Off-campus

Nearby towns/ villages/ suburbs:
Garthee, Aberdeen, Rubislaw, Ferryhill

Cost of Living in Aberdeen

Before you fly off, budget around GBP 1,157 – 1,480 for your monthly living expenses. These include rent, food, utilities, personal care, and telecommunications.

First-time students must present financial evidence to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The money must be enough for 9 months of course fees and living expenses. And, it needs to be in your bank account for 28 days before your application.

*Note: Your lifestyle will change your weekly expenses. So, plan your budget accordingly.

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarhsips

3.1 Courses You Can Study At Robert Gordon University

Fields Of Study	Courses
Accountancy & Finance	Business with Finance & Economics, Accounting with Data Science, Accounting & Finance
Architecture, Construction & Surveying	Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction & the Built Environment
Art & Design	Fashion & Textile, Fine Art, Photography, Product Ceramics & Jewellery
Business & Management	Business Management, Business Analytics, Fashion Management
Communication, Marketing & Media	Journalism, Digital Marketing, Digital Media, Media
Computing	Web & Mobile Design, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Games Design
Engineering	Renewable Energy, Mechanical, Engineering Design, Electrical & Electronic
Events, Tourism & Hospitality	International Hospitality Management, International Tourism Management, Events Management
Health & Sports Science	Sport Coaching, Applied Sport & Exercise Science, Physiotherapy
Law	Law, Criminology, Maritime Studies
Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedic Practice	Nursing, Midwifery, Healthcare Practice, Occupational Health
Pharmacy & Life Sciences	Physiotherapy, Pharmacy,  Biomedical Science
Social Studies	Applied Sociology,  Applied Psychology, Applied Social Sciences

3.2 Course Fees At Robert Gordon University

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of the university’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 Robert Gordon University Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by RGU to international students. Check out the full list here. (Coming Soon)

Scholarship	Details
Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship	Value: Full 1st Year’s Tuition Fee – Applicants must have direct entry into Year 1 or Year 2 of their studies. – For self-funding undergraduate students only.

3.4 Popular Courses At Robert Gordon University

Architecture Studies

“Is it worth 6 years to study Architecture at RGU?” Why not?

This 6-year course thoroughly prepares you to become a registered Architect. It includes both Bachelor’s and Master-level modules. The first 3 years will be spent on building your knowledge and skills. Then, you will challenge more advanced subjects in Y5 and 6.

Another key component of this course is its Project-based learning. Part of your grades come from creating 2 portfolios each year of your studies. Moreover, your Y3 curriculum has

• 0.5 hours per week of fieldwork
• 30 hours per week of supervised studio time
• 2 hours a year of external visits

You can also opt for a Year Out or Professional Experience Year in your 4th year. It gives you 12 months to work in an architect’s office.

As a student here, you may call the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Build Environment your “other home”. This is because it has vital facilities to breathe life into your designs, including

• computer-controlled making tools
• traditional hand and power tools
• digital fabrication technology
• laser-cutting machines

An expert technician oversees your usage of the equipment. So, you will be in safe hands.

Above all, Robert Gordon University is among the top Scottish and UK universities in Architecture. It earned accreditations from

• Royal Institue Architects (RIBA)
• Architects Registration Board (ARP)
• Chartered Association of Building Engineering (CABE)
• Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)

Oil and Gas Engineering

Earlier, we mentioned that Aberdeen is known for its Oil and Gas sector. But did you know it is the Oil and Gas Capital of Europe? North East Scotland houses 80% of the UK’s workforce in this industry. As such, Robert Gordon University strives to nurture future field experts.

To date, the institution has been teaching the subject for 50 years! The first energy course was delivered in 1971 when it was still the Robert Gordon’s Institute of Technology (RGIT). With time, its expertise grew and you will learn about

• Oil Wells: lifecycle, process, design and platforms
• Materials and Corrosion Science
• The Subsurface or the layer beneath the earth
• Sustainable Enterprise Development

Moreover, the University houses modern facilities that bring oil rigs to the classroom. The DART Simulator displays 3D graphics of the industry’s equipment and processes. It also has 2 driller chairs and a control cabin for a realistic experience.

When it comes to job prospects, RGU knows the drill. It has vital accreditations from the Energy Institute and Engineering Council UK (ECUK). With that, you qualify to become a registered practitioner and find work back home.

Above all, Robert Gordon University won top prizes in the Energy Institute (EI) competition for 9 years straight. In 2023, Agga Agga and Suzanna Carson were awarded 1st and 3rd prizes for their theses.

Pharmacy Course

If chemistry sets and experiments excite you, you might enjoy RGU’s Pharmacy Course.

At Robert Gordon University, you will explore human and medicinal sides of pharmaceutical studies. Yes, this means that you will learn

• about the human anatomy and diseases
• how drugs and medicines are made
• the legal aspects and regulations of administrating medicine
• how to safely prescribe to patients

Speaking of chemistry sets, RGU has facilities for lab work and simulated practices. At the Cell Culture Lab, you can access microscopes, cell culture hoods and incubators. Meanwhile, the Pharmacy Simulation Centre trains your people skills by creating a realistic working environment.

Additionally, this course ensures you get plenty of training. It comprises over 300 hours of placements in one of these settings:

• Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Pharmaceutical company
• Community Pharmacy
• NHS

Morven Forsyth, an RGU graduate had her first placement at a Glasglow neonatal unit. She also conducted her 4th project at an Arbedeen paediatric hospital.

Most importantly, the university also helps you be career-ready. It earned accreditations from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Pharmacy Board Malaysia. Plus, it tracks your progress through yearly practical and oral assessments.

Computer Science

“Warning: Computer Science has hacked into the popular courses list.” 

Robert Gordon University ranks among the top 3 in Scotland on the 2023 National Students Survey for Computing. And, here is its secret formula.

Step 1: Make a well-rounded curriculum

RGU introduces software design, systems development and programming modules. While building vital skills, it also allows you to explore other fields like

• AI
• Game Design
• Cyber Security

Step 2: Carve out exciting facilities

The School houses 9 IT labs and 335 desktops. Moreover, it has a Cisco (CNA/P level) security apparatus for

• digital forensics
• cryptography
• malware analysis
• penetration testing

Step 3: Host extra activities for practice

A crowd favourite here is the annual student-led Hackathon by RGUHack. It challenges its participants to code and programme something interesting within 24 hours. The event also has

• upskilling workshops
• yummy food
• swaggy technology

Together, they become a high-spec learning experience with British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation.

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1  Robert Gordon University Entry Requirements 2025

 Minimum entry requirements for a Foundation:

• SPM: 3 passes at Grade D
• UEC: 5 passes at grade C

Minimum entry requirements for Undergraduate Degree:

• UEC: Grade B6 or 60% grade average
• STPM : CGPA 2.33 or C+
• A-Level: BBC grades
• IB Diploma: 26 points
• SAM: Completion of High School Certificate plus ATAR 65
• CPU: 65% in 4 Grade 12 subjects.

Minimum entry requirements for Postgraduate Degree:

• Undergraduate: CGPA 2.67/ 60 – 64% average

Minimum language proficiency requirements (IELTS):

• Foundation: 5.5 Overall
• Undergraduate: 6.0 Overall
• Postgraduate:  6.5 Overall

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2 Robert Gordon University Intake Periods for 2025

The intake periods for 2025 are as follows:

• Foundation: January, September
• Degree: January, September
• Postgraduate: January, September

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3 Admission Process To Study In The UK

Need more information about how to study in the UK? Here are some articles that will be able to help you!

• The Ultimate Study In UK Guide For Malaysian Students
• Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant 
• Education Consultant: A Free Study Abroad Guide

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

6. Conclusion

People come, people go. But, RGU has more to show.

Robert Gordon University has over 250 years of experience and a big heart to give. It continues to uphold its founder’s spirit and nurture budding youths. With that, 450 individuals received upskilling courses and 213 entrepreneurs launched their companies.

As we close this chapter, we wish you all the best in starting yours.

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