INTERNATIONAL

STUDENT GUIDe
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
A WARM Welcome 3
Why CHOOSE ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY? 4
INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION 6
INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE 8
a vibrant INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 10
Aberdeen: a cosmopolitan city 12
Aberdeenshire: the great outdoors 14
Courses
POSTgraduAte COURSES 16
UNDERgraduate COURSES 17
OUR UNIVERSITY PREPARATION COURSES 18
FURTHER INFORMATION
How to apply 21
Research 22
Student support 25
FINANCE, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FEES 26
ACCOMMODATION: your new home 28
LOCATION MAPS 30
Index 32
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

A WARM WELCOME
FROM THE HEAD OF THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE,
STUART RENNIE

I am delighted to introduce Robert Gordon University

to you. Awarded Scottish University of the Year 2011 Scottish University
of the Year 2011
ABERDEEN HAS BEEN by The Sunday Times, the University is home to a
vibrant community of 14,000 students from 132 The Sunday Times

IDENTIFIED AS one of the

different countries.
My role as Head of International Recruitment has First in Scotland
best places to be a student; provided me with the opportunity to travel extensively,
and I am constantly impressed by the high quality and and second across
with our wonderful sandy determination of the students I meet on my travels. the UK for graduate-
I understand that choosing to study overseas takes a level jobs
beaches and mountains great deal of courage and consideration. It will involve
a considerable investment from you in terms of finance,
The Times 2011

and OUR thriving economy. time and effort; therefore it is vital that you make the
decision that is right for you. Best Modern University
ABERDEENSHIRE WAS ALSO Accolades and awards we have recently received in the UK
The Guardian 2011
NAMED NUMBER ONE REGION
not only prove our commitment to our students, they
also demonstrate our strong links with professional

FOR QUALITY OF LIFE.

industries and the value employers and professional
organisations place on the quality of our undergraduate
Top Modern University
and postgraduate qualifications. for Research in
FROM WWW.accommodationforstudents.com AND
Bank of Scotland Quality of Life League, Dec 2009
Aberdeen also provides the perfect location to study. Scotland
The UK’s No 1 student accommodation website RAE 2008
www.accommodationforstudents.com identified
Aberdeen as one of the best places to be a student.
Our own international students also tell us that
they find Aberdeen an extremely friendly and safe
city and consistently score us highly for overall
student experience in the independent international
student barometer.
This International Guide has been put together
to provide you with lots of information about the
University, the student experience and what life is
like in Aberdeen. Please also visit the website
www.rgu.ac.uk, look at our Undergraduate
prospectus or Postgraduate guides and follow us
on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube to find out more.
Thank you for taking an interest in Robert Gordon
University. I really hope to welcome you here in the
near future.
Stuart Rennie
Head of The International Office

2 A CLEAR FUTURE 3
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
WHY CHOOSE ROBERT
GORDON UNIVERSITY?
Deciding where to study abroad may possibly be one of the biggest decisions you
have ever had to make. It is vital that you gather as much information from as many
different sources to ensure the University you choose is right for you.
This is what our national newspapers have recently
said about us…
Scottish University of the Year
“With a graduate unemployment rate that is lower than
the most famous universities in the country, including
Oxford and Cambridge, plus a flourishing reputation
for research, high student satisfaction rates and
ambitious plans for its picturesque campus,
Robert Gordon University is The Sunday Times
Scottish University of the Year.”
– The Sunday Times (12 September 2010)}
Practical and professional
“The name Robert Gordon has been synonymous with
education in Aberdeen since foundation as a technical
college in 1750. Since [then they] have focused above
all on delivering education that meets the practical
and professional needs of contemporary society.”
– The Independent (20 May 2010)
Pedigree in education
“Robert Gordon University has a pedigree in education
that goes back 250 years.”
– The Times (27 May 2010)
Best for graduate employment
“Consistently one of the best UK universities for
graduate employment due to a single-minded
focus on professional education.”
– The Independent (20 May 2010)
Employment Record
“Work placements, lasting up to a year, are the norm,
helping an employment record that has been
Scotland’s best for several years and consistently
one of the UK’s leaders.”
– The Times (27 May 2010)
4 A CLEAR FUTURE
Model modern university
“Robert Gordon University is the model modern
university producing dynamic graduates capable
of making an immediate contribution to life, work
The emphasis is firmly
on vocational and
and wider society.”
– The Sunday Times (12 September 2010)
Higher education’s shining star
“Since it became a university 18 years ago, RGU has
professional courses
emerged to become one of higher education’s shining
stars. This is the first time a modern university has taken
and a wide range of
one of our University of the Year awards since 1999.”
– The Sunday Times (12 September 2010)
placement options on
One of the best graduate recruitment records offer. As a result, the
“The emphasis is firmly on vocational and professional
courses and a wide range of placement options on offer. University has one of the
best graduate recruitment
As a result, the University has one of the best graduate
recruitment records in the UK.”
– The Guardian University Guide 2011 (8 June 2010)
records in the UK.
THE GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2011
Working in the knowledge industry
I get to meet and work alongside
some amazing intellectual minds.
I have been lucky enough, thanks to
my postgraduate degree from RGU,
to explore the options in the
international job market and
work for organisations in the UK,
India and Australia.
Sachin Rajshekhar from India,
MSC in Computing
Now heads up the Australia and New Zealand
division for Zenith Software Limited
5
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

NORWAY

IRELAND RUSSIA
CANADA POLAND
FRANCe
CZECH ROMANIA
REPUBLIC
USA SPAIN
KazakHstan
ITALY CHINA
GREECE KUWAIT
ALGERIA PAKISTAN TAIWAN
MEXICo CARIBBEAN SAUDI ARABIA
UAE THAILAND
INDIA
Venezuela PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA CAMEROON VIETNAM
COLUMBIA
KENYA SRI LANKA
GHANA MALAYSIA

ANGOLA
BRAZIL

AUSTRALIA

6 A CLEAR FUTURE 7
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
INVESTING IN
YOUR FUTURE
OUR REPUTATION WITH
PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS
Investing in your education may seem dauntingly
expensive with no guarantees of employment at the
end of it. However, investing in higher education at
Robert Gordon University makes sense.
Studying for a degree with us will significantly enhance
your chances of achieving your career ambitions and
boost your earning potential. In fact, in the Times
Good University Guide we were rated as the highest
performing new university in the UK for graduate
earnings and the top Scottish university for students
gaining graduate-level employment.
We believe the key to our students’ success is the
reputation the University has built up with employers
worldwide for preparing graduates for the professional
world. We work closely with employers at every stage
to ensure our courses prepare you for your career; from
course development and accreditation to providing
scholarships and placements.
WORK PLACEMENTS (INTERNSHIPS)
In today’s competitive job market, work experience
gives graduates something extra. The skills a student
develops on placement are invaluable assets when
beginning a graduate career.
90% of our undergraduate degrees and many of our
postgraduate degrees include a professional placement
experience. Over the placement period you will get
to see the workplace from an ‘informed’ perspective,
allowing you to put into practice the theories, strategies
and skills that you have discovered during your studies.
8 A CLEAR FUTURE
I benefited significantly
The aim of the placement is to enable you to develop
and enhance transferable skills and academic
from my studIES at RGU.
knowledge by taking a proactive approach in a real-life
professional environment and whilst making a positive
my English & professional
contribution to your placement provider on a daily
basis. The personal and professional development your
knowledge improved
placement will provide will put you ahead in the race
for securing that all important graduate-level job.
dramatically. MY placement
WORKING WHILST YOU STUDY
added credit to my CV AND
As an international student it may be possible for you to gave me A real-life work
experience, AND I was
work in the UK whilst you are studying, however your
nationality will determine what conditions you need to
meet so that you can work in the UK. The visa stamp
on your passport will indicate if you are allowed to work
or not.
confident to compete with
As an adult student with a suitable visa: native English speakers IN
• You are allowed to work part-time during term time,
up to a maximum of 20 hours a week and full-time
THE job market. I now work
during vacations
for a GLOBAl organisation
with 40,000 employees.
• The work you do must not fill a full-time permanent
vacancy (other than on a recognised Foundation
Programme), and you cannot be self-employed
Yu Wu (Helen) from China
Due to Aberdeen being a good sized, thriving, social
MSC in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
city, there are lots of opportunities for part-time
employment in restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, cinema Now working as a Sales Engineer at SKF UK Limited
and theatres. Some students also choose to take a part-
time position which relates to their career ambitions,
working in an office or agency environment.
9
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
A VIBRANT INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY
Robert Gordon University is proud of its
tradition of attracting international students.
This year over 800 full-time international
students from 132 countries chose to study at
our University. The resulting mix of cultures –
local, national and international – provides
a rich experience for both staff and students.
Embedded within the University’s vision
is the want to increase and celebrate our
diverse student population and ensure
we meet the needs such diversity brings.
10 A CLEAR FUTURE
OUR PARTNERS
The University has developed a range of well-
established partnerships with colleges, universities
and institutions in Europe and worldwide.
These include Curtin University, Australia; Stavanger
University, Norway; University of Houston, USA
and the Chinese University of Petroleum (Beijing).
Multi-disciplinary teaching, research and enterprise
collaborations with our partners will enable us to
become a truly global university; increasing our
reputation overseas and supporting our commitment
to internationalisation.
STUDY ABROAD AND ERASMUS
As an international student, you understand how
studying abroad as part of your degree can be a
rewarding and life-changing experience. It will broaden
your education as well as develop your confidence
and independence.
Robert Gordon University participates in the Erasmus
Programme, the European Commission’s flagship
educational exchange programme, which was
introduced with the aim of increasing student mobility
within Europe. As an international student, you would
have the opportunity to study at another University
within Europe as well as in the UK.
Our undergraduates have the opportunity to spend
either a study period or work placement abroad for one
semester or a whole year, depending on their course.
The University has links with over 67 universities in 17
different countries, many of which teach in English.
11
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
ABERDEEN: A
Aberdeen is Scotland’s third most populous city with
a total estimated population of 210,400. The city is
affectionately known as the Granite City and the Silver
City with the Golden Sands, due to the majority of its
striking buildings being made of pale granite that was
COSMOPOLITAN CITY
quarried nearby at the Hill of Rubislaw. Aberdeen
is also known as the Oil Capital of Europe and the
Energy Capital of Europe.
The petroleum industry in Aberdeen began with the
discovery of significant oil deposits in the North Sea
during the mid 20th century. Although today’s reserves
are still flowing fast, the city is successfully redeveloping
itself as a research and development hub for energy.
12 A CLEAR FUTURE
Union Square is the newest in a number of shopping
and entertainment destinations in the heart of
Aberdeen. Built at a cost of over £250 million,
Union Square boasts over 60 stores and restaurants
(including Apple, Zara, Hollister, Nandos and YO!
Sushi), a 10-screen cinema and 203-bedroom hotel
right in the centre of the city. There are also many
specialist food shops within the city, where you can
buy all the familiar foods from your home country.
Due to Aberdeen’s economic success, the city has
its own international airport from where you can fly
direct to a number of fantastic European destinations
from as little as £50 ($100) return. The rail and road
links are also excellent; making it easy for you to
explore everything Scotland (and the UK) has to offer.
Independent research of our international students
also tells us that they rate Aberdeen as a safe city in
which to study and live.
13
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

ABERDEENSHIRE:
The historic county of Aberdeenshire has a great
diversity of scenery, including sandy beaches and
stunning coastlines in the east and the Moray Firth in
the north. Inland are the Grampian Mountains and

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

part of the Cairngorms National Park.
You can also explore the county following Castle Trails,
The Whisky Trail and the Victorian Heritage Trail.
Surfing, kayaking, mountain climbing, snowboarding
and white water rafting are also all within your reach.
It’s no surprise that Aberdeenshire has been named the
number one region for quality of life (Bank of Scotland
Quality of Life League, Dec 2009).

14 A CLEAR FUTURE 15
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
ABERDEEN
BUSINESS SCHOOL
Communication,
Marketing and Media
MSc Corporate Communication
and Public Affairs
MSc Fashion Management
MSc International Marketing Management
MSc International Marketing Management
with Retailing
MSc Journalism
Information Management
Graduate Certificate Information Studies
MSc Information and Library Studies
MSc Information Management
Law
LLM/MSc Construction Law and Arbitration
Diploma in Legal Practice
LLM/MSc Employment Law and Practice
LLM International Commercial Law
LLM International Information
Technology Law
LLM International Trade
LLM/MSc Oil and Gas Law
Management, Accounting
AND Finance
MSc Accounting and Finance
MSc Financial Management
Graduate Certificate Project Management
Graduate Certificate Management Studies
MSc Health, Safety and Risk Management
MSc Human Resource Management
MSc International Business
MSc International Marketing Management
MSc International Marketing Management
with Retailing
MSc International Tourism
and Hospitality Management
MSc Management
Master of Business Administration
Master of Public Administration
MBA Oil and Gas
MSc Oil and Gas Accounting
MSc Project Management
MSc Purchasing
and Supply Chain Management
MSc Quality Management
16 A CLEAR FUTURE
FACULTY OF
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Computing
MSc Information Engineering
MSc Information Engineering
with Network Management
MSc IT Management
MSc Software Technology
MSc Software Technology
with Network Management
Engineering
MSc Asset Integrity Management
MSc Communications Engineering
MSc Drilling and Well Engineering
MSc Oil and Gas Engineering
MSc Petroleum Production Engineering
MSc Subsea Engineering
GRAY’S SCHOOL OF ART
Master of Fine Art
Master of Design
SCOTT SUTHERLAND SCHOOL
OF Architecture and
Built Environment
MSc Advanced Architectural Studies
MSc Architectural Studies
MSc Construction Project Management
MSc Design Management
Graduate Diploma in Surveying
MSc Property Development
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
FACULTY OF ABERDEEN FACULTY OF FACULTY OF
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE BUSINESS SCHOOL DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
Applied Social Studies BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Computing Applied Biomedical Science
MSc Social Work BA (Hons) Communication and PR BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences
BA (Hons) Events Management BSc (Hons) Computer Science BSc (Hons) Applied Sport
Health Sciences and Exercise Science
BA (Hons) Fashion Management BSc (Hons) Computing
MSc Clinical Biomechanics for Graphics and Animation BSc (Hons) Biosciences
BA (Hons) International
MSc Health Improvement Business Management with Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) Computing
and Health Promotion BA (Hons) International for Internet and Multimedia BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
MSc Obesity Science and Management Hospitality Management BSc (Hons) Information BSc (Hons) Forensic & Analytical Science
MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) BA (Hons) International Systems Technology Bachelor of Midwifery
MSc Sports Biomechanics Tourism Management BSc (Hons) Multimedia Development Bachelor of Nursing – Adult
BA (Hons) Journalism Bachelor of Nursing – Children
Nursing and Midwifery LLB (Hons) Law Engineering
Bachelor of Nursing – Mental Health
Advanced Clinical Practice BA (Hons) Law and Management BSc (Hons) Computer Network
Management and Design Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) Adult
Leadership for Healthcare Practice BA (Hons) Management
MEng/BEng (Hons) BSc (Hons) Nutrition
BA (Hons) Management with Economics Electronic and Electrical Engineering BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics
Pharmacy and Life Sciences
BA (Hons) Management with Finance BEng (Hons) Engineering BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
MSc Clinical Pharmacy
BA (Hons) Management with MEng/BEng (Hons) MPharm Pharmacy
MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences DNA Human Resource Management Mechanical Engineering
Analysis, Proteomics and Metabolomics BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
BA (Hons) Management with Marketing
MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences MEng/BEng (Hons) BA (Hons) Social Work
Drug Analysis and Toxicology BA (Hons) Media Studies Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences BA (Hons) Retail Management MEng/BEng (Hons)
Environmental Analysis Mechanical and Offshore Engineering
Course Information
Overseas Pharmacists Assessment
GRAY’S SCHOOL OF ART To find out detailed and up-to-date
Programme (OSPAP)
BA (Hons) 3D Design information about all of our undergraduate
MSc Prescribing Sciences and postgraduate courses, including start
(Ceramics, Glass and Jewellery)
dates, fees, entry requirements, mode of
BA Commercial Photography
delivery and award exit routes, please visit:
BDes (Hons) Design for Digital Media
Course Information www.rgu.ac.uk
BA (Hons) Fashion Design
To find out detailed and up-to-date
BDes (Hons) Graphic Design
information about all of our undergraduate
and postgraduate courses, including start BA (Hons) Painting
dates, fees, entry requirements, mode of BA (Hons) Photographic
delivery and award exit routes, please visit: and Electronic Media
www.rgu.ac.uk BA (Hons) Printmaking
BDes (Hons) Product Design
BA (Hons) Sculpture
BA (Hons) Textile and Surface Design
BA (Hons) Visual Communication
SCOTT SUTHERLAND SCHOOL
OF Architecture and
Built Environment
MArch Architecture
BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
BSc (Hons) Construction Design
and Management
BSc (Hons) Surveying
17
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

OUR UNIVERSITY
PREPARATION COURSES
Our Pre-Session English Language Programme will help you overcome the challenges of studying
at a UK university; ensuring that you have the academic language and study skills needed to
confidently participate in lectures, write assignments and, ultimately, succeed in your course.

PRE-SESSION ENGLISH PROGRAMME ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY’S

PATHWAY COLLEGE
The summer Pre-Session English Language Programme
(PSP) is for students who want to study at Robert
Gordon University but who have not yet reached the
Pathway Programmes
From October 2011, Robert Gordon University will
OUR RELENTLESS FOCUS ON
required level in English language. offer alternative entry points to our degrees through
our on-campus Pathway College.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
MEANS OUR GRADUATES ARE
The focus of the PSP is helping you to cope with the
demands of studying at a UK university, and living in An Affiliate College of the University, based in a central
location on the Garthdee campus, International College
NOT JUST READY TO WORK,
an English-speaking environment. The syllabus
combines grammar, writing, communication, listening Robert Gordon University (ICRGU) will provide three
and reading skills. intakes a year to undergraduate and postgraduate
The PSP is offered as two modules of five or six weeks.
studies. Further details about the new Pathway College
are available at:
BUT ARE ALSO EQUIPPED TO
Each module consists of approximately 100 hours of
lessons (20 hours in class per week). www.rgu.ac.uk/icrgu MAKE AN ENDURING AND
Module one has been developed for students who
currently have an International English Language
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION
Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 overall or higher.
TO INDUSTRY AND THE
PROFESSIONS ON A REGIONAL,
Module two has been developed for students who
currently have an International English Language
Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 overall or higher.
You can study each module or just module 2, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL SCALE.
dependent on your ability.
There is no need for you to re-sit an IELTS exam during
the programme as you will be continuously accessed
and will take mid-course and end-of-course tests.
These tests are made up of various academic English
language related tasks and will enable you to get to the
level of English you need to confidently study on one of
our undergraduate and postgraduate full-time courses.
For an up-to-date list of PSP dates and further
information relating to this service, please visit:
www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/international-
students/english-language-department

18 A CLEAR FUTURE 19
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

HOW TO APPLY
We welcome applications from students of all nationalities and have a trusted network
of education agents who can tell you more about the University, provide guidance on
the visa application process and help you with your university application.

Studying abroad at UNDERGRADUATE (BACHELORS) COURSES Supporting documentation:

Robert Gordon University You can apply for the majority of our courses via
‘International Apply’ on the UCAS website. UCAS is the
• Statement of Purpose (why you would like
to be considered for the course)

was an incredible national body in the UK for undergraduate applications,

representing all UK universities.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)/résumé

experience. During my When applying on UCAS you need to quote our name
– RGU Institution and our code number – R36.
• Copies of English-language certificates
(ELTS/TOEFL or country equivalent) –

years at THE UNIVERSITY For more information and to apply, please visit:
get in touch with us for full details
• Copies of Senior/High School certificates
I was able to travel www.ucas.com/apply
• Copies of University certificates and transcripts

Europe, Scotland and POSTGRADUATE (MASTERS) COURSES

For postgraduate entry to the University you can
• Two reference letters
If you are applying for the MBA, one reference

Great Britain, all while either apply through one of our international agents
or you can apply directly to us.
letter must be from your employer
• Certified translated documents
gaining a valuable To apply online, please visit the link below and follow
(if they are not in English)

education and making the instructions.

lifelong friends.
Jodi Goldman from New York
MSC Physiotherapy (pre-registration) graduate
www.rgu.ac.uk/applyonline
It is important that you upload the following supporting
documentation when you apply. When we receive
your completed application form, we will send you a
confirmed email to confirm receipt of your application.
• A copy of your passport details page/s
• If you are applying for an Art and Design course
or an Architecture programme, you must submit
a portfolio. This should include 10-15 slides.
(These can be on CD-ROM if you prefer.)
Please do not send your original documents
as we are unable to guarantee their safe return.
Please also note that we cannot consider any
application that is incomplete.

20 A CLEAR FUTURE 21
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
RESEARCH
Robert Gordon University is focused on
the application of our research to benefit
staff and students and contribute to the
wider economy and society.
Our research grant income has almost doubled
to £2.7m, following our success in the Research
Assessment Exercise (RAE). This success is the result
of a significant investment in our research activities
and a dramatic improvement in the number and
quality of researchers.
Our activity in this area is characterised by a focus
on solutions to real problems within organisations.
Our research is being driven by three new
dedicated institutes:
INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH
& WELFARE RESEARCH
The Institute draws on the research specialisms of
academic staff in four schools of Applied Social Studies,
Health Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, Pharmacy and
Life Sciences and three research centres in the Faculty
of Health & Social Care:
• Centre for Obesity Research and Epidemiology
(CORE)
• Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research (ACTR)
• Alliance for Self Care Research (ASCR)
This Institute has a number of well-established and
successful researchers who are contributing to
innovative and ground-breaking projects such as the
ACTR’s research (funded by The Scottish Institute for
Policing Research) into how police officers cope with
the exceptional demands of their day-to-day job.
The specialisations within the Institute focus research
within the following areas:
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease
• Environmental & Occupational Health
• Neurological & Mental Health
Leadership: Professor Cherry Wainwright
c.wainwright@rgu.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1224 262450
www.rgu.ac.uk/research/ihwr
22 A CLEAR FUTURE
INSTITUTE FOR INNOVATION, DESIGN
AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH (IDEAS)
The IDEAS Research Institute builds on acknowledged
international research excellence in:
• Engineering – renewable energy, oil & gas,
environmental sensors, photocatalysis, bioremediation
• Architecture & Built Environment – design of low
energy buildings, environments for people
• Computing – data modelling, intelligent information
systems, HCI, software systems development
• Art & Design – art in the public sphere,
design & innovation, cultures of representation Studying in the UK is very
It is a new multidisciplinary centre of research
excellence that exploits the interfaces between challenging as you are
these diverse disciplines. IDEAS develops innovative
knowledge and technologies that are highly relevant entering into A new culture,
climate, local language,
to industry and professional practice. Its research and
knowledge exchange activities are focused around
three key themes:
• Creativity, Design & Innovation and living far from your
• Digital Technologies
• Energy, Environment & Sustainability
family. However this is an
Director: Professor Susan Craw investment in your future;
and once you achieve your
Graduate School Leader: Professor Linda Lawton
ideas@rgu.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1224 262473
www.rgu.ac.uk/research/ideas
study and career goals,
INSTITUTE FOR MANAGEMENT,
GOVERNANCE AND SOCIETY RESEARCH you’ll look back and be
(IMaGeS)
This Institute has been established to facilitate excellence
satisfied with your
in multidisciplinary research; high value knowledge-
based solutions; and empowerment of enterprise,
decision to study at RGU.
business development, management and governance Uthuma Lebbe Murssith from Sri Lanka
within a global knowledge society. The Institute is Engineering (BENG) GRADUATE
designed to create focus and energy in themes relevant
to the complex changes facing society in relation to:
NOW working for Schlumberger
• Business & Enterprise
• Information & Communication
• Governance & Society
IMaGeS activities are underpinned by its core values –
scientific integrity, transparency, fairness, collaboration,
openness to ideas and real social and economic impact.
The focus is on quality and innovation in addressing
research questions and problems, and in meaningful
knowledge exchange with industries, communities
and professions.
Leadership: Professor Dorothy Williams
d.williams@rgu.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1224 263905
www.rgu.ac.uk/research/images
23
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
STUDENT SUPPORT
INFOZONE
The INFOZONEs, our student information and advice
centres, should be your first point of contact for any
enquiries regarding student life.
AS AN ALUMNUS YOU ENJOY You can pay…
Tuition fees, accommodation instalments, fines,
LIFELONG CONNECTIONS emergency loan repayments, graduation fees.
You can request…
WITH OTHER ALUMNI AND
Student status letters, including letters for bank
account or council tax purposes.
THE UNIVERSITY. THE ALUMNI You can browse info on…
Careers, student finance, postgraduate guides,
MAGAZINE AND RECENT health, local info, what’s on.
You can access services such as...
INITIATIVES LIKE BUSINESS Careers Consultants, International Student
Advisors, Disability Advisors, Counsellors and
NETWORKING ON ‘LINKEDIN’ Enabling Technologist.
AND EMAIL FOR LIFE, HAVE
For more information, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/infozone
CAREERS CENTRE
DRAWN OUR COMMUNITY The Careers Centre supports students and recent
CLOSER. IT’S GREAT TO SEE graduates to make informed decisions regarding their
career and to assist them in achieving their career.
SUCH INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES
The Centre is quality assured by the matrix quality
standard for information, advice and guidance services.
DEVELOPED BY THE ALUMNI The following services are on offer and students are
ASSOCIATION, OPENING actively encouraged to make full use of these:
Bookable appointments and daily drop-in advice
UP OPPORTUNITIES TO GET
sessions; careers information; weekly workshops
covering the full range of career planning and job
MORE INVOLVED. search topics; JOBSHOP, your online opportunities
database on course career management programmes,
SACHIN RAJSHEKHAR SAMSON, employer events and careers fairs.
REGIONAL MANAGER AT ZENITH SOFTWARE, MELBOURNE For further information on our services, visit:
www.rgu.ac.uk/careers
CHILDCARE
The Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre,
managed by Bright Horizons Family Solutions, is
situated on our Garthdee campus. This purpose-built
facility provides the highest quality care and education
for babies and children of three months to five years
of age. For more information, visit:
www.rgu.ac.uk/nurseryfacilities
WWW.RGU.AC.UK/STUDENTSERVICES
24 A CLEAR FUTURE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVICE,
VISA AND IMMIGRATION SERVICE
This service provides international students with a wide
range of support and advice, including:
• Extending/renewing Tier 4 student visa/
leave to remain
• Advice on Tier 1 (post study work)
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to
support students’ visa extension applications
• Working during studies
• ‘Meet and greet’ service on arrival at Aberdeen Airport
• Orientation presentations during enrolment
• Organise Police Registration and Health Screening
on campus
• Providing general information on safety, transport
and council tax
For more information, please visit:
www.rgu.ac.uk/international
STUDY SKILLS AND ACCESS UNIT
The study skills and access unit can provide you with
advice and support on a range of study skills, including:
• Exam preparation and revision
• Maths and statistics
• English language for non-native speakers
• Time and project management
• Presentation skills
• Presenting written work
• Tackling coursework assignments
We can arrange sessions for groups or work one to
one depending on your individual needs. For further
information, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/studysupport
DISABILITY AND DYSLEXIA SUPPORT
This service supports disabled students to realise their
academic potential by working with academic colleagues
to improve the teaching and learning environment.
It is validated by the Scottish Government to undertake
Needs Assessments. We provide advice and practical
support to students, applicants and enquirers with
disabilities. We support individuals with physical and
sensory impairments, health conditions, dyslexia or
other specific learning differences, and those with
short- or long-term support needs. The service employs
a dedicated Enabling Technologist who provides
advice and support in the use of assisted and enabling
technology, and an Educational Psychologist.
For more information call us on +44 (0)1224 262103
or email disability@rgu.ac.uk
25
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
FINANCE, SCHOLARSHIPS
AND FEES
Studying at Robert Gordon University not only
offers a great return on your investment in relation
to your future employability; our courses are also
very competitively priced and in a recent student
debt survey our students also accrue the lowest
amount of debt of any other student in the UK.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The key to success is researching the expenses involved
and planning your finances accordingly. Things you
will need to take into consideration are tuition fees,
accommodation, study materials and the cost of living.
The University’s website has lots of valuable information
relating to finance, tuition fees and the cost of living –
available at:
www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/international-
students/money
SCHOLARSHIPS
Thanks to our strong links with industry and the
generosity of companies, the University is able to
offer a range of scholarships at undergraduate and
postgraduate level across our portfolio of courses.
To find out more about the range of scholarships we
have to offer and how to apply, please visit:
www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-
scholarships
British Council Scholarships
The British Council has gathered information on
hundreds of awards that are available to international
students. It also has information on the prestigious
Chevening Scholarship programme.
Please visit www.britishcouncil.org
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
In 2008, the British Council and Scottish Government
announced the introduction of Saltire Scholarships.
The scheme offers 200 awards to students applying
from Canada, China, India and USA. The awards are
open to students pursuing a taught one-year Masters
degree at a Scottish university. Successful applicants
will be offered a scholarship totalling £2000. Please visit:
www.scotlandscholarship.com
26 A CLEAR FUTURE
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
The role of the Commonwealth Scholarship
Commission in the United Kingdom (CSC) is to offer
opportunities to Commonwealth citizens to study in
the UK and to identify UK citizens to study overseas.
They administer seven types of award and support
around 700 awards annually. For more scholarship
opportunities, please visit:
www.cscuk.org.uk
TUITION FEES
Our fees for 2011/12 have not yet been confirmed
(at the time of going to press). However, the fees for
2010/11 are provided below as a guide and should
only change marginally. Our tuition fees vary due to
which course you decide to study:
Fees Band 1
Fees for Band 1 courses were £8,600; these include
the majority of our management undergraduate and
postgraduate courses.
Fees Band 2
Fees for Band 2 courses range from £9,100 - £14,800;
these include the majority of our laboratory-based
undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Fees for our MBA programmes
£14,800 for academic year 2010/11.
Fees for our Postgraduate Energy Programmes
£14,800 to £15,100 for academic year 2010/11.
To find up-to-date information about course fees,
visit www.rgu.ac.uk and search on the course you
want to study.
LIVING COSTS
For undergraduate students, we currently estimate that
you will need around £7,200 per year to cover your
living expenses (including accommodation) for one
academic year in Aberdeen. For postgraduate students,
we estimate that you will need around £9,600 per year
for living costs for a 14-month course. This figure does
not include your course fees, or the cost of transport to
and from your own country.
To help you budget, the student calculator available at
www.studentcalculator.org.uk can help you build
a lifestyle budget and see how it balances by week,
month or over a year. It also shows you ways to spend
your time whilst you are in the UK.
Non-payment of fees
The University’s current sanction for non-payment of tuition fees is
to withhold the conferment of awards to students who are in debt to
the University.
27
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

ACCOMMODATION:
YOUR NEW HOME
Choosing to study abroad will provide you with an exciting opportunity to live
independently, meet new people, make new friends – and because Aberdeen
really is a truly student-focused city, you’ll meet people from all over the world.

Finding somewhere to stay Private sector accommodation

The first thing you’ll need is somewhere to stay, We appreciate that Halls is not for everyone coming
a place to call home. Robert Gordon University has to University, especially if you have a family or are
various purpose-built accommodation developments looking for something smaller or a bit quieter.
situated in the city and at the Garthdee campus.
Prices in the private sector start at around £80
The flats are well equipped and in the main halls you’ll per week (excluding bills). Please see our website
have your own bedroom for some private space, while under ‘Alternative Accommodation’ for links to
the kitchen and living areas are shared – usually with www.rgustudentpad.co.uk and other
between four and seven other students. advertising sites for private flats/rooms.
Some of the accommodation is en-suite, whilst the Alternatively, contact our Private Sector Advisor
remainder has shared washing and toilet facilities. on +44 (0)1224 262130.
If you are on a tight budget, we offer a shared room
option and at the top end of the market there are
self-contained one-bedroom flats.
The rent you pay generally includes 24/7 high
speed internet access, all utilities, and personal
contents insurance.
For the most up-to-date information about
accommodation and up-to-date costs at RGU
please contact +44 (0)1224 262129 or visit our website:
www.rgu.ac.uk/living/accommodation
We would be delighted to help and look forward
to welcoming you to Aberdeen. You can make
bookings for University accommodation online at:
www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline
To apply you must have accepted an
unconditional or conditional offer.

28 A CLEAR FUTURE 29
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

HOW TO FIND US OUR CITY

Estimated car travel times to Aberdeen from ABERDEEN CITY CENTRE MAP
Dundee 1 hour 15 minutes
Edinburgh 2 hours 15 minutes
Glasgow 2 hours 45 minutes
Inverness 2 hours 30 minutes

Estimated flights times to Aberdeen from

Amsterdam 1 hour 40 minutes
Belfast 1 hour
Birmingham 1 hour 30 minutes
Dublin 1 hour 10 minutes
London 1 hour 40 minutes
Manchester 1 hour 15 minutes
Newcastle 55 minutes
Paris 2 hours
Stavanger 1 hour 10 minutes

Aberdeen
INVERNESS

Dundee

Edinburgh

Glasgow

NEWCASTLE

Belfast

Manchester
Dublin

Birmingham

Cardiff London

30 A CLEAR FUTURE 31
INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

INDEX
A vibrant international community 10
A warm welcome 3
Aberdeen: a cosmopolitan city 12
Aberdeenshire: the great outdoors 14
Accommodation: your new home 28
Finance, scholarships and fees 26
How to apply 21
International reputation 6
Investing in your future 8
Location maps 30
Our university preparation courses 18
Postgraduate courses 16
Research 22
Student support 25
Undergraduate courses 17
Why choose Robert Gordon University? 4

32 A CLEAR FUTURE
 www.artdepartment.co.uk

CONTACT US
Call +44 1224 262726
email international@rgu.ac.uk
visit www.rgu.ac.uk/international