Robert Gordon University

Undergraduate applications

Applicants from the UK and EU who are also applying elsewhere apply through UCAS (institution name RGU, institution code R36). To guarantee equal consideration, applications should reach UCAS by 29 January, although most courses accept later applications; the cycle remains open until the end of June, followed by Clearing once results are released in August. International applicants applying only to RGU can apply directly online with school certificates, transcripts, a personal statement, proof of English and a copy of their passport. Direct applications are acknowledged within 5 working days. Deferred entry is possible through UCAS procedures or, for direct applicants, within the next two academic years.

Entry requirements and contextual admissions

Each course sets its own standard entry requirements, including any required subjects and grades, on its course page. RGU applies contextual admissions to all decisions: for Scottish Highers it lists both standard and minimum (access threshold) entry requirements, with minimum grades generally 2-3 grades lower, for applicants who are young carers, care-experienced, from SHEP schools or from SIMD1 or SIMD2 postcodes. Some courses accept 3 Highers at higher grades instead of 4. Equivalent qualifications such as SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications are welcome, and Degree Link routes offer guaranteed progression from partner colleges.

Interviews, portfolios and selection events

Gray's School of Art asks applicants to attend a Portfolio Review Day or submit a portfolio; for 2026 entry applications had to be with UCAS by 14 January 2026 and digital portfolios submitted by 18 February 2026. All School of Health courses require a selection interview, nursing, midwifery and paramedic applicants complete an online SAMMI multiple mini interview, and MPharm Pharmacy applicants attend a selection event. PVG/Disclosure checks and medical checks apply to health courses after an offer is accepted.

International undergraduate entry

International fee-paying students who wish to start in January apply through the International College at Robert Gordon University (ICRGU), whose 9-month International Year 1 leads directly into Year 2 of the degree. Country-specific guidance on accepted qualifications is available for each country or territory.

English language

Undergraduate courses normally require IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component (Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall with 59 in each skill). Postgraduate taught courses normally require IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component (PTE Academic 65 overall with 59 in each skill). Research degrees normally require IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in each component. Test results are valid for 2 years and must be valid on the course start date; some courses set different levels.

Postgraduate taught entry

Most postgraduate applications are made directly to the university online, with degree certificates, transcripts, a CV, references, a personal statement and proof of English. Deadlines are set for individual courses, including for January and September 2027 starts.

Research degrees

PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants normally need a Master's degree or a first or 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline, and submit a research proposal for an advertised topic or a speculative application. Full-time doctorates run for 30 to 48 months; students who need a visa receive an initial 3-year visa.

CAS and visas

Once all admissions and immigration requirements are met, the Immigration Team issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) up to 6 months before the course starts, followed by an unconditional offer letter. Students should apply for their Student visa within one week of receiving the CAS, using the same financial evidence submitted for the CAS.

Garthdee campus, Aberdeen: the main campus beside the River Dee, home to all eight academic schools. Facilities include:

• The University Library in the green glass tower of the Sir Ian Wood Building, with four floors of books, journals, computers and study space, and around 2,500 IT workstations across campus
• Specialist art, design and craft workshops for Gray's School of Art (ceramics and glass, jewellery and metal, printmaking, textiles, photography, FabLab, fashion manufacture and painting studios) and modelling workshops for architecture
• Computing labs including Cisco networking, cyber security and Apple Mac teaching labs
• RGU SPORT facilities, with free membership for students, more than 30 sports clubs, swimming lessons and climbing courses
• The Physiotherapy Clinic in the Sir Ian Wood Building, open to the public, students and staff, plus the Grampian Community Law Centre and Treehouse Nursery
• Garthdee Towers residence on campus and a nature-positive riverside estate

Aberdeen city residences: Woolmanhill Flats (730 bedrooms, city centre), Crathie Student Village (96 ensuite bedrooms between the city centre and campus) and the Ramsay Development (28 ensuite bedrooms for mature and postgraduate students). For 2026-27, 42-week leases range from £109.13 per week for a standard room at Woolmanhill to £189.56 per week at Crathie and Ramsay.

RGU Orkney, Stromness: based at the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus, supporting research, teaching, graduate apprenticeships and entrepreneurship on health and wellbeing, transport, built environment, digital heritage, creative business and the Arctic.