What is RGU (Robert Gordon University)?

Updated

RGU is Robert Gordon University, a university in Aberdeen, Scotland. It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and its teaching is built around connecting students with industry. If you are checking whether RGU matches your study goals, the key points are its location, its course range, and its work-integrated approach to learning.

Where is RGU and what is it known for?

RGU is based in Aberdeen, Scotland. The university describes itself as Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University and positions Aberdeen as a strong student city — it cites QS Best Student City Rankings 2027, where Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for affordability.

Its stated strengths include:

  • Management
  • Health
  • Energy
  • Technology

RGU also describes an international reputation in these areas and a distinctive approach to connecting learning, research and industry.

What can you study at RGU?

RGU offers two main study levels:

Level What it covers Who it suits
Undergraduate First degrees across a range of subjects Students starting university or changing direction early
Postgraduate Degrees for career advancement, career change, or pursuing a passion Graduates and professionals looking to move up or switch fields

The university states it has more than 300 courses in a range of subjects. Course search is available directly on the RGU site, which is the most reliable way to confirm whether a specific subject is offered at the level you need.

How does RGU approach learning?

RGU emphasises a work-integrated approach. In its own description, students connect their studies with the world around them from day one, and the university brings together education, industry, research and enterprise to prepare graduates for the future.

This matters if you want a degree with applied, industry-facing elements rather than a purely theoretical route. The university's positioning around employability is backed by its cited rankings:

  • Top 3 in Scotland and Top 10 in the UK for Graduate Prospects – On Track (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 2nd in Scotland for Student Support (Daily Mail University Guide 2027)

What recognition and awards does RGU cite?

RGU lists several awards and rankings on its homepage:

  • Scottish University of the Year 2021
  • Shortlisted for UK University of the Year
  • Higher Educational Institution of the Year (The Herald Higher Education Awards 2026)
  • Partnership with Schools Award for RGU's Hub Widening Access Model (The Herald Higher Education Awards 2026)
  • NCCPE Bronze Watermark for public engagement
  • Ranked 3rd in Scotland by People & Planet for sustainability commitment
  • Athena Swan recognition for commitment to gender equality

These are the university's own cited achievements. Treat them as signals of institutional direction rather than as a substitute for checking the specific course, entry requirements and costs that apply to you.

Who is RGU for?

RGU is likely to fit you if:

  • You want to study in Aberdeen, Scotland
  • You are looking for undergraduate or postgraduate study options
  • You are interested in management, health, energy or technology
  • You value a course with industry connections and employability focus
  • You are an international student — RGU has a dedicated International Students section

It may be less suitable if your subject interest falls outside its course range, or if you need a location other than Aberdeen. The most practical next step is to search RGU's course listings for your subject and level, then check the entry requirements and start dates for that specific course.