Robert Gordon University
Aberdeen, United Kingdom • Founded 1729 • World Rank #1094
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1992, the Robert Gordon University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Aberdeen (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Scotland.
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Robert Gordon University (RGU) is a medium-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. Robert Gordon University (RGU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 32-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
RGU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for Robert Gordon University: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
Robert Gordon University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Academic Structures
Robert Gordon University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 11 items
- Aberdeen Business School
- Gray's School of Art
- School of Applied Social Studies
- School of Computing and Digital Media
- School of Creative and Cultural Business
- School of Engineering
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
- Scott Sutherland School of Architecture
- The Law School
Degrees
Explore the degree tracks available at Robert Gordon University — from foundation routes through to doctoral programmes. Each level prepares graduates for distinct career or research trajectories.
Bachelor's 26 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Architecture
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Networks
- Design
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Industrial Design
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Law
- Management
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Publishing and Book Trade
- Retailing and Wholesaling
- Social Work
- Surveying and Mapping
- Tourism
Master's 16 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Analytical Chemistry
- Architecture
- Business and Commerce
- Design
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Information Technology
- Law
- Library Science
- Management
- Pharmacy
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Publishing and Book Trade
- Social Work
- Tourism
Doctoral 13 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Biomedicine
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Law
- Management
- Media Studies
- Medical Technology
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sports
Diploma & Certificate 2 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Design and Technology (Faculty) 28 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Art Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business Computing
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Design
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Drawing and Design
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Graphic Arts
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Mechanical Engineering
- Painting and Drawing
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Photography
- Printing and Printmaking
- Robotics
- Sculpture
- Surveying and Mapping
- Textile Design
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health and Social Care (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Dietetics
- Midwifery
- Molecular Biology
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Public Health
- Social Work
Business (School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Fashion Design
- Finance
- Information Management
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Robert Gordon University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
162 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Bachelor's Degree 7 programmes
Honours Degree 52 programmes
Showing 10 of 52.
Master of Business Administration 6 programmes
Master's Degree 88 programmes
Showing 10 of 88.
Professional Doctorate 5 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
How to apply to Robert Gordon University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Robert Gordon University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Research programmes at Robert Gordon University
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Robert Gordon University offers 162 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Each programme at Robert Gordon University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Lodge your application
Apply directly via Robert Gordon University's online portal at www.rgu.ac.uk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (1224) 262 000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Robert Gordon University
The questions below summarise Robert Gordon University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When was Robert Gordon University founded?
Robert Gordon University was established in 1729 (approximately 297 years ago).
In which city is Robert Gordon University?
Robert Gordon University is based in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
Is Robert Gordon University public or private?
Robert Gordon University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Robert Gordon University?
Robert Gordon University has approximately 8,000-8,999 students.
What is Robert Gordon University's ranking?
It ranks #1094 globally and #72 in United Kingdom.
What degrees does Robert Gordon University offer?
Programmes at Robert Gordon University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does Robert Gordon University have?
The institution comprises 11 academic units.
Who recognises Robert Gordon University?
Yes, Robert Gordon University is recognised by Privy Council.
What is Robert Gordon University's official website?
You can find Robert Gordon University online at www.rgu.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Research output among the United Kingdom's top universities sets the publication-and-citation upper bound. Comparing Robert Gordon University's research output to this benchmark gives a fair institutional read.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Network-level rankings exist for some European University Association (EUA) groupings (e.g., U21, Universitas 21). These differ from country rankings and reflect coordinated members' shared performance.
Faculties at nearby universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near Robert Gordon University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
For students considering Business & Management, these the United Kingdom institutions deliver the discipline alongside Robert Gordon University. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.
Universities Compared with Robert Gordon University
Joint research consortia among universities at Robert Gordon University's level — shared grants, co-supervision arrangements — make peer institutions natural collaborators rather than just competitors.
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