Robert Gordon University

The history of Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen begins with Robert Gordon's Hospital, founded in 1750 with money left by Robert Gordon, an Aberdeen merchant. After a merger with the Aberdeen Mechanics' Institute, the institution took the name Robert Gordon's Technical College in 1910; in 1965 it was restyled as Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology, and university status came in 1992. Most teaching takes place at Garthdee, a riverside campus in the south-west of Aberdeen that has seen significant spending on new buildings, specialist laboratories and places to study. About 18,000 students, from over 150 nationalities, study with RGU online and on campus.

Vocational and professional relevance is central to its identity: programmes are shaped together with employers, and graduate employment outcomes are strong. The academic schools comprise the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, Aberdeen Business School, the School of Health, Gray's School of Art, and the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology. There are over 70 undergraduate degrees, as well as numerous postgraduate courses that can be taken online, part time or full time, and research is conducted jointly with industry and business.

Information for International Students

Applicants from across the globe are advised by a dedicated international team, while the Immigration Team, based in the Student Admissions Service, helps with Student visa applications. RGU issues the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) after the conditions of the offer are fulfilled and the necessary deposit has been received. For certain science, engineering and technology courses, an ATAS certificate may also be needed. English language requirements are course-specific and listed on each course page.

Preparatory study is available at the International College at Robert Gordon University (ICRGU), which Navitas runs on the Garthdee campus. It offers pre-sessional English, ten-week pre-master's courses, Year One entry and foundation programmes in fields such as pharmacy, nursing, life science and health science, and successful students can move on to RGU degrees. The university seeks to accommodate non-UK students who apply early, but rooms in its self-catering residences, spread over four sites in Aberdeen, are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Virtual pre-arrival events come first, followed by arrival, enrolment and course inductions during the week before classes begin. Every direct-entry, self-funding international student is given a fee discount, and additional scholarships are offered.