Robert Gordon University (RGU): Top Courses & Programs — Complete Guide for Applicants (2025) Complete Course & Application Guide
Discover Robert Gordon University's best UG & PG programs for 2025—career-focused, industry-driven courses in Aberdeen with strong employability outcomes.
🎓 Introduction
Robert Gordon University (RGU), located in Aberdeen, Scotland, is consistently ranked among the UK's top universities for graduate employability. Known for its career-focused ethos, state-of-the-art facilities, and close ties with industry, RGU provides a modern education that blends theory with real-world practice.
With around 16,000 students from 132 countries, RGU is an attractive destination for international applicants seeking value-for-money education. Aberdeen's reputation as the "Energy Capital of Europe", along with its affordability compared to bigger UK cities, makes RGU especially appealing for students interested in engineering, business, health sciences, and creative industries.
This guide unpacks the top undergraduate and postgraduate programs, their highlights, entry expectations, graduate opportunities, and indicative 2025 fee ranges—so you can decide if RGU fits your ambitions.
🌟 Why RGU Stands Out
Top employability stats - RGU often ranks among the UK's top for graduate employment rates
Industry integration - Almost all programs offer placements, live projects, or professional accreditation
State-of-the-art facilities - Simulation labs, energy research centers, cyber labs, design studios, and a modern riverside campus
Aberdeen advantage - Lower living costs than London/Edinburgh, with proximity to global industries
International community - Students from 132 countries creating a diverse learning environment
📘 Top Undergraduate Programs
RGU offers exceptional undergraduate programs with strong industry connections and practical learning opportunities.
1. BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Aberdeen's oil, gas, and renewable industries give this program unique depth. Students learn mechanical design, thermodynamics, materials, and renewable energy systems, with strong industrial placements.
Comprehensive coverage of mechanical design and thermodynamics
Focus on renewable energy systems and sustainability
Strong industrial placement opportunities
Access to Aberdeen's energy sector employers
2. BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult/Child/Mental Health)
Highly respected NHS-approved courses with placements across Scottish hospitals. Students spend half their time in clinical practice and half in simulation wards on campus.
NHS-approved professional qualification
50% clinical practice, 50% campus-based learning
State-of-the-art simulation facilities
Placements across Scottish hospitals
3. BA (Hons) International Business Management
A business degree with global orientation. Modules cover international trade, strategy, HRM, finance, and marketing, plus study-abroad and placement year options.
Global business perspective and international trade focus
RGU is renowned for tech-focused degrees. This program emphasizes software engineering, cyber security, cloud computing, AI, and data analytics.
Cutting-edge curriculum in software development
Specializations in cyber security and AI
Cloud computing and data analytics training
Strong industry partnerships in tech sector
5. BA (Hons) Communication, PR & Media
Focuses on branding, corporate communications, crisis PR, and digital campaigns with opportunities to work on live industry briefs.
Practical experience with live industry projects
Coverage of digital marketing and social media
Crisis communication and reputation management
Strong links with PR and media agencies
6. BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Hands-on degree accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Students gain clinical experience in NHS and private clinics across Scotland.
Professional accreditation by CSP
Extensive clinical placements
NHS and private sector experience
Excellent graduate employment rates
📗 Top Postgraduate Programs
RGU's postgraduate programs leverage Aberdeen's unique industry ecosystem and offer specialized career pathways.
1. MSc Oil & Gas Engineering / Renewable Energy Engineering
These flagship programs leverage Aberdeen's energy ecosystem, covering subsurface engineering, offshore technology, renewable integration, and project management.
Access to Aberdeen's global energy companies
Subsurface and offshore engineering expertise
Renewable energy transition focus
Industry-led project work
2. MBA (Global / Oil & Gas focus)
Internationally recognized MBA with optional specializations. Includes consultancy projects with Aberdeen's global firms.
Global business perspective with energy sector option
Real consultancy projects with major firms
Strong alumni network in energy and business
Flexible study options for working professionals
3. MSc Cyber Security
Prepares students for roles in penetration testing, network defense, threat intelligence, and digital forensics. Accredited by the NCSC.
NCSC accreditation for quality assurance
Hands-on training in cyber defense
Penetration testing and ethical hacking
Digital forensics and incident response
4. MSc Public Health & Health Promotion
Addresses global challenges in epidemiology, health policy, and wellbeing strategies. Designed for graduates moving into health policy, NGO, and government roles.
Global health challenges and solutions
Health policy and promotion strategies
Epidemiology and research methods
Career pathways in public health sector
5. MSc International Marketing
Explores digital branding, market analytics, consumer psychology, and strategy, using live briefs with international SMEs.
Digital marketing and social media strategy
Consumer behavior and market research
Live projects with international businesses
Data analytics for marketing decisions
6. MSc Project Management
Accredited by APM and PMI, preparing students for careers in construction, IT, energy, and business consultancy.
Dual accreditation by APM and PMI
Industry-standard project management tools
Applications across multiple sectors
Strong career prospects in project leadership
📑 Admissions (Typical 2025 Requirements)
Program Level
Academic Requirements
English Requirements
Undergraduate
A-levels BCC–CCC, IB 26+, or equivalent
IELTS 6.0 overall
Postgraduate
Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above)
IELTS 6.5 overall
MBA
Bachelor's degree + work experience
IELTS 6.5 overall
💡 Application Tip: RGU values practical experience and career motivation. Highlight any relevant work experience, internships, or industry exposure in your application.
💼 Graduate Outcomes
RGU graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects across various industries, particularly in engineering, healthcare, business, and technology sectors.
Program Area
Career Destinations
Engineering
BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, and renewables sector firms
Health
NHS Scotland placements leading to immediate roles
Business
Graduate schemes in finance, HR, consulting, and logistics
Computing
Cyber, software, and IT infrastructure roles
💷 Indicative International Fees (2025)
Level
Flagship Courses
Duration
Indicative Fees
UG
Mechanical Eng, Nursing, Business, Computing
3–4 yrs
£15,000–£16,500/yr
PG
MBA, Cyber Sec, Energy Eng, Marketing
1 yr
£16,000–£18,000 total
💡 Cost Advantage: Aberdeen offers significantly lower living costs compared to London or Edinburgh, making RGU an excellent value-for-money choice for international students.
✅ Application Tips
Emphasize your career goals and how RGU's industry connections align with your ambitions
Highlight any relevant work experience or internships in your field
Research Aberdeen's industry landscape, especially if applying for energy or health programs
Demonstrate awareness of RGU's employability focus and practical learning approach
Consider the placement year options for additional industry experience
Prepare for potential interviews by researching your chosen program thoroughly
🙋 FAQs: Robert Gordon University Courses
Q1. What is Robert Gordon University best known for?
Robert Gordon University is best known for engineering, nursing, business, and computing programs, with strong industry connections and top employability rates in the UK. RGU consistently ranks among the top universities for graduate employment.
Q2. What are the entry requirements for RGU?
Entry requirements range from BCC–CCC A-levels for undergraduate programs, with IELTS 6.0. Postgraduate programs require a 2:2 degree and IELTS 6.5. MBA programs also require relevant work experience.
Q3. How much are tuition fees at Robert Gordon University?
Tuition fees for 2025 range from £15,000–£16,500/year for undergraduate programs and £16,000–£18,000 total for postgraduate programs. These fees are competitive compared to other UK universities.
Q4. Why choose Aberdeen for university studies?
Aberdeen offers lower living costs than major UK cities, access to global energy companies, a safe and welcoming environment, and excellent career opportunities in engineering, healthcare, and business sectors.
📢 Final Thoughts
RGU is perfect for career-driven students who want industry immersion, strong employability, and affordable Scottish living. Its blend of energy-sector links, healthcare expertise, and business/tech programs make it a standout choice in 2025.
With its exceptional graduate employment rates, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry partnerships, Robert Gordon University offers a practical, career-focused education that prepares students for immediate success in their chosen fields. The university's location in Aberdeen provides unique access to global industries while maintaining affordable living costs compared to larger UK cities.
👉 Robert Gordon University's career-focused approach, combined with Aberdeen's industry ecosystem and affordable living, makes it an excellent choice for students seeking practical education with strong employment outcomes.