INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDe

CONTENTSINTRODUCTIONA 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

COURSESPOSTgraduAte COURSES 16 UNDERgraduate COURSES 17 OUR UNIVERSITY PREPARATION COURSES 18

FURTHER INFORMATIONHow to apply 21 Research 22 Student support 25 FINANCE, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FEES 26 ACCOMMODATION: your new home 28 LOCATION MAPS 30 Index 32

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A WARM WELCOMEFROM 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 by The Sunday Times, the University is home to a vibrant community of 14,000 students from 132 different countries.

My role as Head of International Recruitment has provided me with the opportunity to travel extensively, and I am constantly impressed by the high quality and determination of the students I meet on my travels.

I understand that choosing to study overseas takes a great deal of courage and consideration. It will involve a considerable investment from you in terms of fi nance, time and effort; therefore it is vital that you make the decision that is right for you.

Accolades and awards we have recently received not only prove our commitment to our students, they also demonstrate our strong links with professional industries and the value employers and professional organisations place on the quality of our undergraduate and postgraduate qualifi cations.

Aberdeen also provides the perfect location to study. The UK’s No 1 student accommodation website www.accommodationforstudents.com identifi ed Aberdeen as one of the best places to be a student. Our own international students also tell us that they fi nd 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 fi nd out more.

Thank you for taking an interest in Robert Gordon University. I really hope to welcome you here in the near future.

Stuart RennieHead of The International Offi ce

Scottish University of the Year 2011 The Sunday Times

First in Scotland and second across the UK for graduate-level jobsThe Times 2011

Best Modern University in the UKThe Guardian 2011

Top Modern University for Research in ScotlandRAE 2008

ABERDEEN HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS one of the best places to be a student; with our wonderful sandy beaches and mountains and OUR thriving economy. ABERDEENSHIRE WAS ALSO NAMED NUMBER ONE REGION FOR QUALITY OF LIFE. FROM WWW.accommodationforstudents.com AND Bank of Scotland Quality of Life League, Dec 2009

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WHY CHOOSE ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY?

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 fl ourishing 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)

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.

Model modern university“Robert Gordon University is the model modern university producing dynamic graduates capable of making an immediate contribution to life, work and wider society.”– The Sunday Times (12 September 2010)

Higher education’s shining star“Since it became a university 18 years ago, RGU has emerged to become one of higher education’s shining stars. This is the fi rst time a modern university has taken one of our University of the Year awards since 1999.”– The Sunday Times (12 September 2010)

One of the best graduate recruitment records“The emphasis is fi rmly on vocational and professional courses and a wide range of placement options on offer. As a result, the University has one of the best graduate recruitment records in the UK.”– The Guardian University Guide 2011 (8 June 2010)

The emphasis is firmly on vocational and professional courses and a wide range of placement options on offer. As a result, the University has one of the best graduate recruitment records in the UK.THE GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2011

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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 ComputingNow heads up the Australia and New Zealand division for Zenith Software Limited

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INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

IRELAND

NORWAY

KazakHstan

RUSSIA

GREECE

CANADA

NIGERIA

UAE INDIA

KUWAIT

USACHINA

SRI LANKA

PHILIPPINES

PAKISTAN

CAMEROON

MALAYSIA

THAILAND

TAIWAN

VIETNAM

ALGERIA

KENYA

SPAIN

FRANCe

ROMANIACZECHREPUBLIC

GHANA

POLAND

Venezuela

CARIBBEANMEXICo

ANGOLA

COLUMBIA

BRAZIL

AUSTRALIA

ITALY

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SAUDI ARABIA

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 signifi cantly 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.

The aim of the placement is to enable you to develop and enhance transferable skills and academic knowledge by taking a proactive approach in a real-life professional environment and whilst making a positive contribution to your placement provider on a daily basis. The personal and professional development your placement will provide will put you ahead in the race for securing that all important graduate-level job.

WORKING WHILST YOU STUDY

As an international student it may be possible for you to 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.

As an adult student with a suitable visa:

• You are allowed to work part-time during term time, up to a maximum of 20 hours a week and full-time during vacations

• The work you do must not fi ll a full-time permanent vacancy (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme), and you cannot be self-employed

Due to Aberdeen being a good sized, thriving, social city, there are lots of opportunities for part-time employment in restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, cinema and theatres. Some students also choose to take a part- time position which relates to their career ambitions, working in an offi ce or agency environment.

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INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

I benefited significantly from my studIES at RGU. my English & professional knowledge improved dramatically. MY placement added credit to my CV AND gave me A real-life work experience, AND I was confident to compete with native English speakers IN THE job market. I now work for a GLOBAl organisation with 40,000 employees.Yu Wu (Helen) from ChinaMSC in Corporate Communication and Public AffairsNow working as a Sales Engineer at SKF UK Limited

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A VIBRANT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITYRobert 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.

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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 confi dence and independence.

Robert Gordon University participates in the Erasmus Programme, the European Commission’s fl agship 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.

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 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.

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.

ABERDEEN: A COSMOPOLITAN CITY

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ABERDEENSHIRE: THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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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 part of the Cairngorms National Park.

You can also explore the county following Castle Trails, The Whisky Trail and the Victorian Heritage Trail. Surfi ng, 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).

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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

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

FACULTY OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

Applied Social Studies

MSc Social Work

Health Sciences

MSc Clinical Biomechanics

MSc Health Improvement and Health Promotion

MSc Obesity Science and Management

MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)

MSc Sports Biomechanics

Nursing and Midwifery

Advanced Clinical Practice

Leadership for Healthcare Practice

Pharmacy and Life Sciences

MSc Clinical Pharmacy

MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences DNA Analysis, Proteomics and Metabolomics

MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences Drug Analysis and Toxicology

MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences Environmental Analysis

Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP)

MSc Prescribing Sciences

Course Information

To find out detailed and up-to-date information about all of our undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including start dates, fees, entry requirements, mode of delivery and award exit routes, please visit:

www.rgu.ac.uk

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

ABERDEEN BUSINESS SCHOOLBA (Hons) Accounting and Finance

BA (Hons) Communication and PR

BA (Hons) Events Management

BA (Hons) Fashion Management

BA (Hons) International Business Management

BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management

BA (Hons) International Tourism Management

BA (Hons) Journalism

LLB (Hons) Law

BA (Hons) Law and Management

BA (Hons) Management

BA (Hons) Management with Economics

BA (Hons) Management with Finance

BA (Hons) Management with Human Resource Management

BA (Hons) Management with Marketing

BA (Hons) Media Studies

BA (Hons) Retail Management

FACULTY OF DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Computing

BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

BSc (Hons) Computing for Graphics and Animation

BSc (Hons) Computing for Internet and Multimedia

BSc (Hons) Information Systems Technology

BSc (Hons) Multimedia Development

Engineering

BSc (Hons) Computer Network Management and Design

MEng/BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering

BEng (Hons) Engineering

MEng/BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

MEng/BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

MEng/BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Offshore Engineering

GRAY’S SCHOOL OF ART

BA (Hons) 3D Design (Ceramics, Glass and Jewellery)

BA Commercial Photography

BDes (Hons) Design for Digital Media

BA (Hons) Fashion Design

BDes (Hons) Graphic Design

BA (Hons) Painting

BA (Hons) Photographic and Electronic Media

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

FACULTY OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CAREApplied Biomedical Science

BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences

BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science

BSc (Hons) Biosciences with Biomedical Science

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

BSc (Hons) Forensic & Analytical Science

Bachelor of Midwifery

Bachelor of Nursing – Adult

Bachelor of Nursing – Children

Bachelor of Nursing – Mental Health

Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) Adult

BSc (Hons) Nutrition

BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

MPharm Pharmacy

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

BA (Hons) Social Work

Course Information

To find out detailed and up-to-date information about all of our undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including start dates, fees, entry requirements, mode of delivery and award exit routes, please visit:

www.rgu.ac.uk

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OUR RELENTLESS FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION MEANS OUR GRADUATES ARE NOT JUST READY TO WORK, BUT ARE ALSO EQUIPPED TO MAKE AN ENDURING AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRY AND THE PROFESSIONS ON A REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL SCALE.

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PRE-SESSION ENGLISH PROGRAMME

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 required level in English language.

The focus of the PSP is helping you to cope with the demands of studying at a UK university, and living in an English-speaking environment. The syllabus combines grammar, writing, communication, listening and reading skills.

The PSP is offered as two modules of fi ve or six weeks. Each module consists of approximately 100 hours of lessons (20 hours in class per week).

Module one has been developed for students who currently have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 overall or higher.

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, 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 confi dently 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

ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY’S PATHWAY COLLEGE

Pathway ProgrammesFrom October 2011, Robert Gordon University will offer alternative entry points to our degrees through our on-campus Pathway College.

An Affi liate College of the University, based in a central location on the Garthdee campus, International College Robert Gordon University (ICRGU) will provide three intakes a year to undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Further details about the new Pathway College are available at:

www.rgu.ac.uk/icrgu

OUR UNIVERSITY PREPARATION COURSESOur 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 confi dently participate in lectures, write assignments and, ultimately, succeed in your course.

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HOW TO APPLY

UNDERGRADUATE (BACHELORS) COURSES

You can apply for the majority of our courses via ‘International Apply’ on the UCAS website. UCAS is the national body in the UK for undergraduate applications, representing all UK universities.

When applying on UCAS you need to quote our name – RGU Institution and our code number – R36.

For more information and to apply, please visit:

www.ucas.com/apply

POSTGRADUATE (MASTERS) COURSES

For postgraduate entry to the University you can either apply through one of our international agents or you can apply directly to us.

To apply online, please visit the link below and follow the instructions.

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 confi rmed email to confi rm receipt of your application.

Supporting documentation:

• Statement of Purpose (why you would like to be considered for the course)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)/résumé

• Copies of English-language certifi cates (ELTS/TOEFL or country equivalent) – get in touch with us for full details

• Copies of Senior/High School certifi cates

• Copies of University certifi cates and transcripts

• Two reference letters If you are applying for the MBA, one reference letter must be from your employer

• Certifi ed translated documents (if they are not in English)

• 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.

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 Robert Gordon University was an incredible experience. During my years at THE UNIVERSITY I was able to travel Europe, Scotland and Great Britain, all while gaining a valuable education and making lifelong friends.Jodi Goldman from New York MSC Physiotherapy (pre-registration) graduate

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RESEARCH

Robert Gordon University is focused on the application of our research to benefi t 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 signifi cant 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 offi cers 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

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

It is a new multidisciplinary centre of research excellence that exploits the interfaces between these diverse disciplines. IDEAS develops innovative knowledge and technologies that are highly relevant to industry and professional practice. Its research and knowledge exchange activities are focused around three key themes:

• Creativity, Design & Innovation

• Digital Technologies

• Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Director: Professor Susan CrawGraduate School Leader: Professor Linda Lawtonideas@rgu.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1224 262473

www.rgu.ac.uk/research/ideas

INSTITUTE FOR MANAGEMENT, GOVERNANCE AND SOCIETY RESEARCH (IMaGeS)

This Institute has been established to facilitate excellence in multidisciplinary research; high value knowledge-based solutions; and empowerment of enterprise, business development, management and governance within a global knowledge society. The Institute is designed to create focus and energy in themes relevant to the complex changes facing society in relation to:

• Business & Enterprise

• Information & Communication

• Governance & Society

IMaGeS activities are underpinned by its core values – scientifi c 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 Williamsd.williams@rgu.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1224 263905

www.rgu.ac.uk/research/images

Studying in the UK is very challenging as you are entering into A new culture, climate, local language, and living far from your family. However this is an investment in your future; and once you achieve your study and career goals, you’ll look back and be satisfied with your decision to study at RGU.Uthuma Lebbe Murssith from Sri LankaEngineering (BENG) GRADUATE NOW working for Schlumberger

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AS AN ALUMNUS YOU ENJOY LIFELONG CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER ALUMNI AND THE UNIVERSITY. THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE AND RECENT INITIATIVES LIKE BUSINESS NETWORKING ON ‘LINKEDIN’ AND EMAIL FOR LIFE, HAVE DRAWN OUR COMMUNITY CLOSER. IT’S GREAT TO SEE SUCH INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES DEVELOPED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, OPENING UP OPPORTUNITIES TO GET MORE INVOLVED.SACHIN RAJSHEKHAR SAMSON, REGIONAL MANAGER AT ZENITH SOFTWARE, MELBOURNE

STUDENT SUPPORT

INFOZONE

The INFOZONEs, our student information and advice centres, should be your fi rst point of contact for any enquiries regarding student life.

You can pay…Tuition fees, accommodation instalments, fi nes, emergency loan repayments, graduation fees.

You can request…Student status letters, including letters for bank account or council tax purposes.

You can browse info on…Careers, student fi nance, postgraduate guides, health, local info, what’s on.

You can access services such as...Careers Consultants, International Student Advisors, Disability Advisors, Counsellors and Enabling Technologist.

For more information, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/infozone

CAREERS CENTRE

The Careers Centre supports students and recent graduates to make informed decisions regarding their career and to assist them in achieving their career.

The Centre is quality assured by the matrix quality standard for information, advice and guidance services.

The following services are on offer and students are actively encouraged to make full use of these:

Bookable appointments and daily drop-in advice sessions; careers information; weekly workshops covering the full range of career planning and job search topics; JOBSHOP, your online opportunities database on course career management programmes, employer events and careers fairs.

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 fi ve years of age. For more information, visit: www.rgu.ac.uk/nurseryfacilities

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)

• Confi rmation 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 specifi c 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

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FINANCE, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FEESStudying 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 ScholarshipsThe 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

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 feesThe 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.

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ACCOMMODATION: YOUR NEW HOMEChoosing 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 stayThe first thing you’ll need is somewhere to stay, a place to call home. Robert Gordon University has various purpose-built accommodation developments situated in the city and at the Garthdee campus.

The flats are well equipped and in the main halls you’ll have your own bedroom for some private space, while the kitchen and living areas are shared – usually with between four and seven other students.

Some of the accommodation is en-suite, whilst the remainder has shared washing and toilet facilities. 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.

29

Private sector accommodationWe appreciate that Halls is not for everyone coming to University, especially if you have a family or are looking for something smaller or a bit quieter.

Prices in the private sector start at around £80 per week (excluding bills). Please see our website under ‘Alternative Accommodation’ for links to www.rgustudentpad.co.uk and other advertising sites for private flats/rooms.

Alternatively, contact our Private Sector Advisor on +44 (0)1224 262130.

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INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

31

OUR CITYABERDEEN CITY CENTRE MAP

DUNDEE

INVERNESS

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

MANCHESTER

NEWCASTLE

CARDIFF

BELFAST

DUBLIN

BIRMINGHAM

LONDON

Estimated car travel times to Aberdeen fromDundee 1 hour 15 minutes Edinburgh 2 hours 15 minutes Glasgow 2 hours 45 minutesInverness 2 hours 30 minutes

Estimated flights times to Aberdeen fromAmsterdam 1 hour 40 minutesBelfast 1 hourBirmingham 1 hour 30 minutesDublin 1 hour 10 minutesLondon 1 hour 40 minutesManchester 1 hour 15 minutes Newcastle 55 minutesParis 2 hoursStavanger 1 hour 10 minutes

HOW TO FIND US

ABERDEEN

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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

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

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