INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDe

best modern university in the uk The Times Good University Guide 2013 INTERNATIONAL GUIDElibrary, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, SCHOOL OF COMPUTING SCIENCE & DIGITAL MEDIA, SCHOOL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES

faculty of health and social care

rgu: sport icrgu CONTENTS INTRODUCTION aberdeen business school A WARM Welcome 3 undergraduate courses and fees 4 postgraduate courses and fees 6 FINANCE, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FEES 8 accommodation: your new home 10 cost of living at a glance 13 How to apply 14 a guide to student visas 15 the scott sutherland student support 17 school of architecture Our University English Language and built environment Preparation Courses 18 University Pathway courses 19 research 20 Aberdeen: a cosmopolitan city 22 Aberdeenshire: the great outdoors 24 INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION 26 a vibrant INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 28 your career 30 WHAT OUR studentS SAY 32 how to find us 34 our city map 35 Index 36

Gray’s school of art

our riverside campus

2 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE A WARM WELCOME FROM THE INTERNATIONAL team Vanakkam We are delighted to introduce Robert Gordon Our own international students tell us they find Aberdeen Sanu de zuwa University to you. Awarded Best Modern University in an extremely friendly and safe city, and repeatedly the UK by the Times Good University Guide 2013. score us highly for overall student experience in an Bienvenue The University is home to a vibrant community of independent international student survey. 14,000 students from 132 different countries. We have put this guide together to provide you with This year is particularly exciting for RGU as we open lots of information about the University, the student our new £170 million campus extension for new and experience and what life is like in Aberdeen. Please continuing students in September 2013. Making this also visit the website www.rgu.ac.uk, look at our Selamat datang the UK’s newest and most state of the art campus. undergraduate prospectus or postgraduate guides and Welcome follow us/speak to other students on: Facebook, Twitter The extension will be home to the Schools of or YouTube to find out more. Fàilte Engineering, Computing Science and Digital Media and Pharmacy & Life Sciences. Equipment which has been Finally, we thank you for taking an interest in Robert shared by leading industry will be featured including: Gordon University, and we hope to welcome you to Ndaewo Apple Inc, KCA Deutag, Schlumberger and Boots the Aberdeen in the near future. Chemist. It is the aim of RGU to close the knowledge Alan McIntyre E kabo gap between what a student learns and what a professional applies in their day to day career; exposing Head of International Office our students to cutting edge facilities and technology. and Overseas Partnerships Robert Gordon University’s continuous commitment to improving facilities and our industry links is Best UK University for Employment Akwaaba demonstrated in the University consistently being voted HESA 2012 top for graduate employment, and the best modern Witaj university in the UK. Best Modern University in the UK 2013 The Times Good University Guide 2013

Top 50 MBA Programme Namaste www.beyondgreypinstripes.org/rankings Top Modern University for Research in Scotland RAE Guide 2008

2 3 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE underGRADUATE COURSES AND FEES 2013/14

Fees are a guide only and are subject to change. Please refer to www.rgu.ac.uk for the most up-to-date figures. For more information on your subject area please visit: www.rgu.ac.uk/contact/find-us/prospectuses-and-guides course per year course per year ABERDEEN BUSINESS SCHOOL £ School of Computing science and digital media £ accounting and finance BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology 11,500 BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance 9,900 BSc (Hons) Computer Science 11,500 BA (Hons) Accounting (with CIMA Advanced Diploma) 9,600 BSc (Hons) Computing (Application Software Development) 11,500 communications, marketing and media BSc (Hons) Computing (Graphics and Animation) 11,500 BA (Hons) Communications with Public Relations 9,900 BSc (Hons) Digital Media - Design Production and Development 11,500 BA (Hons) Public Relations 9,900 BSc (Hons) Multimedia Development 11,500 BA (Hons) Fashion Management 9,900 BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems 11,500 BA (Hons) Events Management 9,900 BSc (Hons) Computing for Internet and Multimedia 11,500 BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management 10,000 BSc (Hons) Computer Network Management and Design 12,500 BA (Hons) International Tourism Management 10,000 school of Engineering BA (Hons) Journalism 9,900 BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering 10,650 BA (Hons) Management with Marketing 9,900 BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Electrical Engineering 12,500 BA (Hons) Media 9,900 BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Offshore Engineering 12,500 law BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering 12,500 BA (Hons) Law and Management 9,900 MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering 10,650 LLB Law (4 Year Course) 9,900 MEng Mechanical Engineering 12,500 management FACULTY OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE BA (Hons) International Business Management 9,900 applied social studies BA (Hons) Management 9,900 BA (Hons) Applied Social Studies 10,000 BA (Hons) Management with Human Resource Management 9,900 BA (Hons) Social Work 10,000 FACULTY OF DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY health sciences Gray’s school of art BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography 11,200 BA (Hons) Commercial Photography 10,000 BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy 11,200 BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design 10,000 BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy 11,200 BA (Hons) Painting 10,000 BSc (Hons) Applied Sports and Exercise Science 11,200 BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design 10,000 pharmacy and life sciences BA (Hons) Communication Design 10,000 BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science 12,000 BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice 10,000 BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science 12,000 SCOTT SUTHERLAND SCHOOL OF Architecture and Built Environment BSc (Hons) Biosciences and Biomedical Sciences 12,000 BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology 10,100 BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science 12,000 MArch Architecture 10,600 BSc (Hons) Nutrition 12,000 BSc (Hons) Surveying (All Routes) 10,100 BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics 12,000 BSc (Hons) Construction Design and Management 10,100 MPharm Pharmacy 12,250

4 5 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

international ONLINE DISTANCE POSTGRADUATE COURSES course full-time fees LEARNING (ODL) FEES AND FEES 2013/14 FACULTY OF DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY £ £ SCOTT SUTHERLAND SCHOOL OF Architecture and Built Environment Fees below cover the duration of the course. They are a guide only and are subject to change. Graduate Diploma Surveying 4,890 N/A Please refer to www.rgu.ac.uk for the most up-to-date figures. PGDip/MSc Architectural Studies 11,200 N/A MSc Construction Project Management 9,090 4,000 For more information on your subject area please visit: www.rgu.ac.uk/contact/find-us/prospectuses-and-guides MSc Design Management N/A 6,000 MSc Property Development N/A 5,400 MSc Commercial Practice for the Energy Sector N/A 10,000 international ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING course full-time fees (ODL) FEES Computing science and digital media MSc Information and Network Security 11,500 N/A ABERDEEN BUSINESS SCHOOL £ £ MSc Computing Information Engineering 11,500 N/A Accounting and finance MSc Computing Information Engineering with Network Management 11,500 N/A MSc Accounting and Finance 10,000 N/A MSc IT for the Oil and Gas Industry 12,600 N/A MSc Financial Management 10,000 9,090 MSc IT Management 11,500 10,100 MSc Oil and Gas Accounting 11,000 N/A MSc Computing Software Technology 11,500 N/A MSc Strategic Accounting (with CIMA) N/A 7,900 MSc Computing Software Technology with Network Management 11,500 N/A COMMUNICATION, MARKETING AND MEDIA Engineering MSc Corporate Communication and Public Affairs 10,000 7,660 MSc Asset Integrity Management N/A 13,655 MSc Fashion Management 10,000 9,090 MSc Drilling and Well Engineering 16,500 15,255 MSc International Marketing Management 10,000 9,090 MSc Energy and Sustainability N/A TBC MSc Journalism 10,500 7,660 MSc Offshore Renewables N/A 14,685 MSc International Tourism and Hospitality Management 10,000 9,090 MSc Oil and Gas Engineering 15,700 14,725 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT MSc Petroleum Production Engineering 16,500 15,785 Graduate Certificate Information Studies N/A 2,300 MSc Subsea Engineering N/A 16,230 MSc Information and Library Studies 10,500 7,660 GRAY’S SCHOOL OF ART MSc Information Management 10,500 7,660 Master of Fine Art/ Master of Design in Contextualised Practice (subject to validation) 10,350 N/A MBA Information Management N/A 12,500 FACULTY OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE LAW Applied Social Studies LLM/MSc Construction Law and Arbitration N/A 10,000 MSc Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy 8,930 8,930 LLM/MSc Employment Law and Practice N/A 9,090 PGDip/MSc Social Work (2 Years) 10,000 cost per year N/A LLM/MSc International Commercial Law 10,000 9,090 Health Sciences LLM/MSc Oil and Gas Law 11,000 9,090 MSc Clinical Biomechanics 9,350 6,050 PG Cert Mediation Law N/A 2,760 MSc Health Improvement and Health Promotion N/A 7,800 MANAGEMENT MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) 2 years 14,400 cost per year 7,800 Graduate Certificate Management Studies N/A 2,660 MSc Sports Biomechanics 9,350 N/A Graduate Certificate Project Management N/A 2,565 NURSING AND MIDWIFERY MSc Energy Management 18,150 13,300 MSc Advanced Clinical Practice N/A TBC MSc Health, Safety and Risk Management N/A 9,090 MSc Advanced District Nursing (subject to validation) N/A 5,295 MSc Human Resource Management 10,200 8,111 BSc (Hons) Clinical Practice (1 year) 9,400 N/A MSc International Business 10,000 9,090 M Nursing (Nurse –led practice) N/A 10,650 MSc Leadership and Management (subject to validation) 10,000 9,090 BSc (Hons) Occupational Health Practice (subject to validation) N/A 4,675 MSc Management 10,000 9,090 BSc (Hons) Public Health Nursing (subject to validation) N/A 4,675 Master of Business Administration (MBA) 16,250 12,500 PHARMACY AND LIFE SCIENCES Master of Public Administration 9,000 6,500 MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practice N/A 8,900 MBA Oil and Gas Management 18,850 16,000 MSc Clinical Pharmacy Practice N/A 8,900 MSc Organisational Learning 10,000 9,090 MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences DNA Analysis, Proteomics and Metabolomics 12,000 N/A MSc Project Management 11,000 9,750 MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences Drug Analysis and Toxicology 12,000 N/A MSc Purchasing and Supply Chain Management 10,000 9,090 MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences Environmental Analysis 12,000 N/A MSc Quality Management N/A 9,090 MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences Oilfield Chemicals 12,000 N/A MSc Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme 11,750 N/A

6 7 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. In a recent student debt survey our students also accrue the lowest amount of debt of any other students in the UK.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS The key to success is researching the expenses involved British Council Scholarships and planning your finances accordingly. Things you The British Council has gathered information on will need to take into consideration are tuition fees, hundreds of awards that are available to international accommodation, study materials and the cost of living. students. It also has information on the prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme. Please visit: The University’s website has lots of valuable information relating to finance, tuition fees and the cost of living. www.britishcouncil.org For more information, please visit: Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships In 2008, the British Council and Scottish Government www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/international- announced the introduction of The Saltire students/money Scholarships Scheme. SCHOLARSHIPS The scheme offers 200 awards to students applying from Canada, China, India and USA. The awards are Thanks to our strong links with industry and the open to students pursuing any taught degree at a generosity of companies, the University is able to Scottish university. Successful applicants will be offered offer a range of scholarships at undergraduate and a scholarship totalling £2000. Please visit: postgraduate level across our portfolio of courses. www.talentscotland.com/students To find out more about the range of scholarships we have to offer and how to apply, please visit: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission The role of the Commonwealth Scholarship www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and- Commission in the United Kingdom (CSC) is to offer scholarships opportunities to Commonwealth citizens to study in Merit Based Scholarships the UK and to identify UK citizens to study overseas. Every year Robert Gordon University offers Merit Based They administer seven types of award and support Scholarships to postgraduate students on a wide range around 700 awards annually. For more scholarship of courses. Visit the website for more information on opportunities, please visit: your subject area: http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk www.rgu.ac.uk/scholarships TUITION FEES To find up-to-date information about course fees, visit www.rgu.ac.uk and search on the course you want to study.

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.

8 9 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 of Residence are not for a place to call home. Robert Gordon University has everyone coming to the University, especially if you various purpose-built accommodation developments have a family or are looking for something smaller situated in the city and at the Garthdee campus. or a bit quieter. We call these ‘Halls of Residence’ and these halls are Prices in the private sector start at around £80 made up of self-catered apartments or ‘flats’. per week (excluding bills). Please see our website under ‘Alternative Accommodation’ for links to The flats are well equipped and in the main halls you’ll www.rgustudentpad.co.uk and other have your own bedroom for some private space, while advertising sites for private flats/rooms. the kitchen and living areas are shared – usually with between four and seven other students. Alternatively, contact our Private Sector Advisor on +44 (0)1224 262130. Some of the accommodation is en-suite, while the remainder has shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are on a tight budget, we offer a shared room Please book accommodation as soon as you can, so option and at the top end of the market there are you can have more chance of getting your first choice. 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 current 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 we 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.

10 11 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE ACCOMMODATION continued cost of living at a glance

LIVING COSTS To plan your budget, the student calculator available at www.studentcalculator.org.uk can help you build For undergraduate students, we currently estimate that a lifestyle budget and see how it balances by week, you will need around £7,200 per year to cover your month or over a year. It also shows you ways to spend living expenses (including accommodation) for one your time whilst you are in the UK. academic year in Aberdeen. For postgraduate students, we estimate that you will need around £8,800 per year Student discounts and offers are widely available in for living costs for a 14-month course. This figure does many shops, cafes, restaurants and cinemas. not include your course fees, or the cost of transport to and from your own country.

1. WOOLMANHILL FLATS 7. ARDMUIR KING STREET LOCATION: City Centre LOCATION: King Street, 15 mins walk from city centre. ROOM TYPES: 600 standard rooms, 136 en-suite rooms ROOM TYPES: 26 standard. Wireless internet available. CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies. charge applies. 2. ROSEMOUNT HALL 8. CRAIGIEVAR DEVELOPMENT LOCATION: City Centre LOCATION: Craigievar Crescent, Garthdee, ROOM TYPES: 48 standard rooms, 98 en-suite rooms 10 mins walk to Garthdee campus. loaf of bus fare CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, ROOM TYPES: 8 x 1 bedroom self-contained flats. bread £3.20 day charge applies. Suitable for single or couples. Wireless internet available. ticket 3. ST PETERS HALL CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, £1.30 charge applies. pint of beer LOCATION: Off King Street, 15–20 mins walk Utilities are not included in the rent for this property. from city centre. £1.70 ROOM TYPES: 78 standard rooms, 71 en-suite rooms 9. ramsay development Pint of milk (from rgu union) CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, LOCATION: Ramsay Gardens, 5 mins walk from charge applies. Garthdee Campus. 50p 4. LINKSFIELD HALL ROOM TYPES: 28 en-suite. Wireless internet available. CAR PARKING: Limited spaces available. LOCATION: Off King Street, 25 mins walk from city centre. 10. crathie student village ROOM TYPES: 44 standard rooms, 84 en-suite rooms LOCATION: Holburn Street, 15 mins walk from CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, Garthdee Campus and Union Street. books and charge applies. ROOM TYPES: 96 en-suite 1kg of rice stationery 5. GARTHDEE FLATS CAR PARKING: Limited parking, permits available, £300 a year charge applies. £1.50 LOCATION: Garthdee – in close proximity to our Garthdee campus. We may be able to offer additional accommodation ROOM TYPES: 49 rooms have en-suite shower and sink not listed on this page, for up-to-date information with shared toilet facilities. on all of our accommodation then please visit CAR PARKING: Permits available from Transport www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation Manager, charge applies. mobile cinema ticket 6. ARDMUIR TRINITY COURT phone £5.60 LOCATION: Off King Street, 20 mins walk £15 a month from city centre. ROOM TYPES: 124 standard CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies. Prices are an approximate guide and are subject to change. For further information, please go to www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/international-students/money

12 13 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE HOW TO APPLY a guide to student visas

We welcome applications from students of all nationalities and have a trusted All students coming to study in the UK must meet the requirements for a Tier 4 network of education agents around the world. Our agents can tell you more about Student Visa, as set out by the UK Borders Agency (UKBA). Lots of information on RGU, help you with your university application and provide guidance on the visa how to apply for a student visa is available online to help with this process and many of application process. our in country representatives and agents can also provide further guidance on visa applications as part of their services.

Undergraduate (Bachelors) Courses Supporting documentation UK VISA REQUIREMENTS Robert Gordon University holds a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) license which allows us to receive students coming You can apply for the majority of our courses via It is important that you upload the following supporting Students applying under the Points Based System will to study with us under the new visa rules. ‘International Apply’ on the UCAS website. UCAS is the documentation when you apply. When we receive your need to achieve a score of 40 points to be successfully Our Sponsor License Number is EFAA7R620. national body in the UK for undergraduate applications, completed application form, we will send you an email to awarded a Category Tier 4 General Student Visa. representing all UK universities. confirm receipt of your application. If you require any more information please visit: As a guide you will need to: www.rgu.ac.uk/visainfo When applying on UCAS you need to quote our name – • Statement of Purpose (why you would like • Have sufficient funds to pay for one years tuition RGU Institution and our code number – R36. to be considered for the course) Once you become a student at Robert Gordon fees and living costs in the UK (10 points) University we have a full range of support services For more information and to apply, please visit: • Curriculum Vitae (CV)/résumé (if applicable) • Hold an Unconditional Offer of a place on a course available to you (more information about that on www.ucas.com/apply • Copies of English-language certificates at an institution holding a sponsor license page 17) but if you ever have any visa or immigration (IELTS/TOEFL or country equivalent) – (30 points) concerns you can always contact or visit the Direct Entry get in touch with us for full details • Provide original and/or certified supporting International Student Advice, Visa and Immigration Students can apply for direct entry into our undergraduate documents, for example Degree or IELTS Service on [email protected]. • Copies of Senior/High School certificates programmes through one of our country representatives certificates International Student Advice, who will be able to assist with this process. • Copies of university certificates and transcripts • Hold a valid passport Visa and Immigration Service To find out where the agent nearest to you is please visit • Two reference letters For full details of how to show that you have sufficient Level 3 the international page of the website: If you are applying for the MBA, one reference funds to pay your tuition fees and living costs, visit Faculty of Health Social Care Building www.rgu.ac.uk/international letter must be from your employer the website of the United Kingdom Border Agency Garthdee Campus Garthdee Road • Certified translated documents (UKBA): Postgraduate (Masters) Courses AB10 7QG (if they are not in English) www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/ For postgraduate entry to the University you can • A copy of your passport details page/s studying either apply through one of our international agents Robert Gordon University provide a UKBA and Finance or you can apply directly to us. • If you are applying for an Art and Design course or an Architecture programme, you must submit information sheet which can be downloaded from the To apply online, please visit the link below and follow a portfolio. This should include 10-15 slides. following link: the instructions. (These can be on CD-ROM if you prefer.) www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/international- www.rgu.ac.uk/applyonline Please do not send your original documents students/visa-information/visa-information as we are unable to guarantee their safe return. Please also note that we cannot consider any For more information on how to locate application that is incomplete. your nearest Robert Gordon University Representative please visit the website: www.rgu.ac.uk/inyourcountry

14 15 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVICE, STUDENT SUPPORT VISA AND IMMIGRATION SERVICE www.rgu.ac.uk/studentservices This service provides international students with a wide range of support and advice, including: STUDENT HELP POINT • Extending/renewing Tier 4 student visa/ The Student Help Point, our student information and leave to remain advice centre, should be your first point of contact for • Advice on visa options any enquiries regarding student life. • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to You can pay… support students’ visa extension applications Tuition fees, accommodation instalments, emergency • Working during studies loan repayments, graduation fees. • ‘Meet and greet’ service on arrival at Aberdeen Airport You can request… • Orientation presentations during enrolment Student status letters, including letters for bank account or council tax purposes. • Organise Police Registration and Health Screening on campus You can browse info on… Careers, student finance, postgraduate guides, • Providing general information on safety, transport health, local info and what’s on. and council tax You can access services such as... For more information, please visit: Careers Consultants, International Student www.rgu.ac.uk/studentservices/international Advisors, Disability Advisors, Counsellors and an Enabling Technologist. STUDY SKILLS AND ACCESS UNIT For more information, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/infozone The Study Skills and Access Unit can provide you with advice and support on a range of study skills, including: CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CENTRE • Exam preparation and revision The Careers and Employability Centre supports • Maths and statistics students and recent graduates to make informed • English language for non-native speakers decisions regarding their career and to assist them in achieving their employment goals. • Time and project management • Presentation skills The Centre is quality assured by the matrix quality standard for information, advice and guidance services. • Presenting written work • Tackling coursework assignments The following services are on offer and students are actively encouraged to make full use of these: We can arrange sessions for groups or work one to one depending on your individual needs. For further Bookable appointments and daily drop-in advice information, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/studysupport sessions; careers information; weekly workshops covering the full range of career planning and job Disability and Dyslexia Support search topics; JOBSHOP; your online opportunities database on course career management programmes; This service supports disabled students to realise their employer events and careers fairs. academic potential by working with academic colleagues to improve the teaching and learning environment. For further information on our services, visit: It is validated by the Scottish Government to undertake www.rgu.ac.uk/careers Needs Assessments. We provide advice and practical support to students, applicants and enquirers with CHILDCARE disabilities. We support individuals with physical and The Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre, sensory impairments, health conditions, dyslexia or managed by Bright Horizons Family Solutions, is other specific learning differences, and those with situated on our Garthdee campus. This purpose-built short- or long-term support needs. The service employs facility provides the highest quality care and education a dedicated Enabling Technologist who provides for babies and children of three months to five years advice and support in the use of assisted and enabling of age. For more information, visit: technology, and an Educational Psychologist. www.rgu.ac.uk/nurseryfacilities For more information call us on +44 (0)1224 262103 or email [email protected]

16 17 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE Our University English Language University Pathway Courses Preparation Courses alternative Pathways to Robert ICRGU offers access to pathways in the following subject Gordon University degrees are areas: available at our International Undergraduate (University Foundation) College (ICRGU) Pre-Sessional English Programme • Pharmacy (MPharm) If you are an international student who does not meet the The summer Pre-Sessional English Language Programme direct entry requirements (whether academic or language) Undergraduate (First Year Degree – your degree level (PSP) is for students who want to study at Robert Gordon for the University, then our International College (ICRGU) studies commence at ICRGU) University but who have not yet reached the required level offers you an alternative entry point to help you achieve • Business, Management and Accounting in English language. your ambitions at Robert Gordon University. • Engineering The focus of the PSP is helping you to cope with the ICRGU is based right in the heart of our riverside campus • Health and Life Sciences demands of studying at a UK university and living in so you will have easy access to all of the facilities that an English-speaking environment. The syllabus the University has to offer, including our new campus Postgraduate (Pre-Master’s) combines grammar, writing, communication, listening development with its state of the art technology, modern and reading skills. • Business, Management and Accounting. sports centre, food outlet and library. As a student The PSP is offered as three courses in blocks of six, eight commencing at ICRGU, you will have access to university For more information regarding pathways available, entry and twelve weeks. Each course consists of approximately facilities from your first day on campus. Your study at both criteria and course fees, please contact us: 20 hours of lessons in class per week. ICRGU and Robert Gordon University is covered by one student visa. During your time at ICRGU, you will study in Web: www.rgu.ac.uk/icrgu PSP Undergraduate has been developed for smaller classes with additional support to prepare you for Email: [email protected] undergraduate applicants who currently have an onward study at the university. Phone: +44 (0) 1224 263570 International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 overall or higher. PSP Postgraduate Course 1 has been developed for postgraduate applicants who currently have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 overall or higher. PSP Postgraduate Course 2 has been developed for postgraduate applicants who currently have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 overall or higher. For all three courses, in addition to an overall score there are also minimum individual element scores required. Please see the English Language Pre-Sessional Programme website for more details via the link at the bottom of this page. There is no need for you to re-sit an IELTS exam during the programme as you will be continuously assessed 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 our undergraduate and postgraduate full-time courses. On successful completion of the Pre-Sessional English programme, you will then meet with the English language requirements set by the UK Border Agency. For an up-to-date list of PSP dates and further information relating to this service, please visit: www.rgu.ac.uk/english

18 19 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

RESEARCH IDEAS Research Institute IMaGeS

The focus at Robert Gordon University is on applied research. An integral part of our purpose is to build a research base of staff and students who undertake highly INSTITUTE FOR INNOVATION, DESIGN INSTITUTE FOR MANAGEMENT, GOVERNANCE relevant leading-edge research that advances knowledge and provides tangible AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH (IDEAS) AND SOCIETY RESEARCH (IMaGeS) benefits to the wider economy and society. The IDEAS Research Institute is a multi-disciplinary The Institute for Management, Governance and Society research centre building on acknowledged international (IMaGeS) builds on research recognised in RAE 2008 as research excellence in: internationally excellent or world-leading within business and management, accounting and finance, public policy, Engineering: Renewable energy, oil & gas, environmental Our success in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) has information management and law. sensors, photocatalysis and bioremediation led to substantial research grant income and corresponding Environmental & significant increases in research project funding from the Architecture & Built Environment: Design of low The rich multidisciplinary research environment of IMaGeS Research Councils, Technology Strategy Board, European Occupational Health energy buildings, environments for people, project enables the development of new perspectives and approaches Union, industry, charities and other external research processes performance and sustainability to challenges in society. Our research and knowledge funding bodies. exchange activities are focused around three themes: Environmental & Occupational Health: Our research Computing: Data modelling, intelligent information All research students belong to the Graduate School employs cutting-edge techniques to address health problems systems, HCI, video communications and software systems associated with one of our Research Institutes. that are presented both within the environment and the development Business & Enterprise workplace. Our interests focus on clinical and basic science Art & Design: Art in the public sphere, design & research into environmental health and physical wellbeing. innovation, co-creativity of hand & mind and cultures of Our interests include drug discovery and novel forms of representation Governance & Society drug delivery of antibacterial agents, monitoring of dietary intake, lower back pain, movement and gait analysis, self IDEAS creates synergy by exploiting the rich potential of management of chronic conditions, exercise and physical the interfaces between these diverse disciplines, to develop Information & Communication activity and medical evacuation procedures. novel technologies that provide innovative solutions and new knowledge in the form of critical practice. Research in IDEAS is organised through three key themes: Business & Enterprise: Entrepreneurship, marketing, Neurological & organisational studies, economics and accountancy and INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH & WELFARE RESEARCH environment The Institute for Health and Welfare Research is a multi- Mental Health Creativity, Design & Innovation Governance & Society: Law, politics and public policy, disciplinary research centre that focuses its activities on accounting and finance, transport policy and energy policy addressing major issues around the diagnosis, prevention, Neurological & Mental Health: Our research is dedicated treatment, care and welfare of patients. We provide a Information & Communication: Information literacy, to the enhancement of lifelong mental health and wellbeing dynamic and multi-disciplinary research environment that communication, knowledge management, new media, from a multidisciplinary perspective. We embrace an draws on the widely recognised research skills of academic Digital Technologies librarianship, publishing and information management staff in our schools and research centres. The institute is evidence-based approach to informing policy initiatives, clinical practice, and the education and training of healthcare structured to harness this wide range of research strengths, The work of our doctoral candidates adds richness and diversity professionals. Programmes of research within the theme spanning the broad based biomedical, chemical and across all three themes with particular clusters of activity focused include bereavement care, ante-natal care, promotion of pharmacuetical sciences, and professional practice in the in areas such as entrepreneurship, oil and gas, African contexts, healthy ageing, mental health policy, clinical care provision Allied Health professions, to undertake studies that address information literacy, and environmental issues. the needs of the patient from the bench to the bedside. for ethnic minority groups, trauma care and mental health Energy, Environment & Sustainability and forensic nursing practice. Our research and knowledge exchange activities are underpinned by the core values of scientific integrity, Director: Professor Cherry Wainwright transparency, fairness, collaboration, openness to ideas Cardiovascular & E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)1224 262450 and real social and economic impact. We work closely with www.rgu.ac.uk/research/ihwr Metabolic Disease IDEAS develops novel technologies that are highly relevant industries, professions and government to extend the reach Graduate School Leader: Dr Rachel Knott to business and industry, particularly for the Energy and and impact of our research, empowering enterprise, business Health sectors. It also generates creative spaces for thinking Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease: Our aim is to better E: [email protected] development, management and governance within a global and new forms of practice that become a catalyst for social, understand the pathology of cardiovascular and metabolic www.rgu.ac.uk/ihwr/gs knowledge society. cultural and economic change. diseases at the cellular level to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that will be translated into clinical Director: Professor Dorothy Williams Director: Professor Susan Craw practice, and to enhance the care provided to patients. E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)1224 263905 E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)1224 262473 Our cross-disciplinary programmes of research include www.rgu.ac.uk/research/images www.rgu.ac.uk/research/ideas cardiovascular disease and diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, Graduate School Leader: Dr Seonaidh McDonald obesity and co-morbidities, nephropathic cystinosis. E: [email protected] www.rgu.ac.uk/research/images

20 21 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third most populous city with a total estimated population of 220,000. The city is affectionately known as ABERDEEN: A 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. COSMOPOLITAN CITY In 2012 HSBC named Aberdeen as a leading business hub and one of eight ‘super cities’ spearheading the UK’s economy, marking it as the only city in Scotland to receive this accolade. Aberdeen has strong links in Oil and Energy, this has resulted in the city also being known as the Oil and 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.

22 23 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

The historic county of Aberdeenshire has a great diversity of scenery, including sandy beaches and stunning coastlines in the east ABERDEENSHIRE: and the Moray Firth in the north. Inland are the Grampian Mountains and part of the Cairngorms National Park. THE GREAT OUTDOORS 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 is consistently being named as one of the number one regions for quality of life. (Bank of Scotland Quality of Life League, March 2012.)

24 25 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

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 INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION University. The resulting mix of cultures – local, national and international – provides a rich experience for both staff and students. Embedded within our University’s vision is the want to increase and celebrate our diverse student population and ensure we meet the needs such diversity brings.

NORWAY

uk IRELAND RUSSIA CANADA POLAND FRANCe CZECH REPUBLIC ROMANIA ukraine USA SPAIN korea bulgaria azerbaijan KazakHstan ITALY CHINA KUWAIT GREECE PAKISTAN HONG KONG ALGERIA QATAR TAIWAN MEXICo turkey JORDAN bangladesh CARIBBEAN THAILAND SAUDI ARABIA UAE INDIA Venezuela OMAN VIETNAM PHILIPPINES NIGERIA bahrain cambodia CAMEROON COLUMBIA KENYA SRI LANKA SINGAPORE GHANA

ANGOLA MALAYSIA indonesia BRAZIL

South africa AUSTRALIA

26 27 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE A VIBRANT Study Abroad and ERASMUS As an international student, you understand how INTERNATIONAL 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 COMMUNITY confidence and independence. Robert Gordon University participates in the Erasmus Programme, the European Commission’s With two universities in the city and over 25,000 flagship educational exchange programme, which students, you’ll be part of a lively and diverse was introduced with the aim of increasing student scene when you come to Aberdeen. It offers mobility within Europe. As an international everything you would expect from a vibrant city student, you could have the opportunity to study – shops, theatres, cinemas, bars, clubs, concerts at another University within Europe as well as in and restaurants. 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. For some Masters courses, there is also the possibility of doing a short term project with one of our European partners. The University has links with over 80 universities in 21 different countries, many of which teach in English. Student mobility is carried out with the support of the European Communities within the framework of the LLP- Erasmus Programme.

28 29 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE your career

“A degree from Robert Gordon is as WORK PLACEMENTS (INTERNSHIPS) near to a guarantee of a job as you can In today’s competitive job market, work experience get. Few graduates were unemployed gives graduates something extra. The skills a student learns on placement are invaluable assets six months after leaving last year – just when developing a graduate career. 90% of our 3.8% – the lowest rate of any state- undergraduate degrees and many of our postgraduate degrees include a professional placement experience. funded university in the country. It’s the Over the placement period you will get to see the same every year at Robert Gordon, workplace from an ‘informed’ perspective, allowing you which has the best graduate jobs record to put into practice the theories, strategies and skills that you have discovered during your studies. of any university.“ The Sunday Times University Guide 2012 WORKING PART-TIME WHILST YOU ARE STUDYING As an international student it may be possible for you CAREERS and employability CENTRE to work in the UK whilst you are studying, however your nationality will determine what conditions you The Robert Gordon University’s Careers and need to meet so that you can work in the UK. The visa Employability Centre is there to support all RGU stamp on your passport will indicate if you are allowed students and Alumni in finding both part-time work to work or not. during their studies and a career after they complete their course. As an adult student with a suitable visa: For up to the minute information follow us on Twitter • You are allowed to work part-time during term time at www.twitter.com/rgucareers or on Facebook at up to a maximum of 20 hours a week and full-time www.facebook.com/rgucareers. Or for a guide visit during vacations our website at: www.rgu.ac.uk/careers. • The work you do must not fill a full-time permanent The Careers and Employability Centre is a free resource vacancy (other than on a recognised Foundation offering the following services: Programme), and you cannot be self-employed. • CV and Application Forms Support Due to Aberdeen being a good sized, thriving, social city, there are lots of opportunities for part-time • Interview Preparation employment in restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, cinema Identifying resources (both online and paper, and theatres. Some students also choose to take a part- UK and globally) time position which relates to their career ambitions, • Part-time Work working in an office or agency environment. Including part-time job fairs at the start of term We know that planning for your career will have big • Careers Fairs influences on which university you choose to continue We organise and host two main Careers Fairs as well your education. At Robert Gordon University, we have as specialist area fairs a number of resources you can access to help with your career planning before you even set foot on campus. • Employer On-Campus Presentations For more details, please visit: • Weekly Workshops The Careers and Employability Team deliver tailored www.rgu.ac.uk/future-international-careers presentations and workshops on areas such as securing part time work, how to complete application forms and the importance of networking to support students in their search for graduate employment. These workshops are open to all students.

30 31 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE WHat our students say

According to the International Student Barometer (Summer 2012) 91% of RGU’s international students were satisfied with their choice to come here – that’s 5% more than the UK average.

Our graduates are equipped to make an enduring and valuable contribution to industry and the professions on a regional, national and global scale. Here’s what some of them have to say:

I love Aberdeen, especially the weather. I am from China and it can get very hot there so it has I think Aberdeen is a great place to spend been great to study in a mild time as a student. I feel really safe here and climate. It was really exciting there is a good support network around me in winter when I got to see snow if I need some extra advice or help. There is for the first time. In summer it is plenty of shopping and a great night life but great in Aberdeen; the city really at the same time it is also very easy to get out comes alive as it is light until of the city to visit some beautiful scenery. late in the evening. This is great Importantly as well it has great transport as you can explore the city in the links throughout the UK and Europe. evening and go for walks on the Piyumi Liyanage from Sri Lanka beach after class. BA Fashion Design Mingmai Wang from China MBA

Aberdeen is small, but due to it being a major oil hub as well as Living in Aberdeen has been the best a university city it has a really experience of my life. I feel I have achieved international feel to it. Through so much being here and had a great time MY course, student accommodation in the process. I have classmates from and my church I have met people all over the world, but what I have really from all over the world. I am a big enjoyed most is getting to know the local Chelsea fan and I watch all of their people. The Scottish friends I have met here games on the big screen at the RGU are really friendly, welcoming and open to union. My life is really centred people from all over the world. on the university and I very much Delcio Henjengo from Angola appreciate the time I get to spend BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering with my classmates. Charles Oluwaseyi Arigbabowo from nigeria MSc Computing Software Technology

32 33 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE HOW TO FIND US OUR CITY map

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 Aberdeen Belfast 1 hour INVERNESS Birmingham 1 hour 30 minutes Dublin 1 hour 10 minutes Frankfurt 2 hours SCOTLAND London 1 hour 40 minutes Dundee Manchester 1 hour 15 minutes Newcastle 55 minutes Paris 2 hours Edinburgh Stavanger 1 hour 10 minutes Glasgow

NEWCASTLE

NORTHERN Belfast IRELAND

Manchester Dublin EIRE 25

Birmingham

WALES ENGLAND

Cardiff London

GARTHDEE CAMPUS

LIBRARY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING SCHOOL OF COMPUTING SCIENCE & DIGITAL MEDIA SCHOOL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES STUDENT HELP POINT

34 35 INTERNATIONAL GUIDE INDEX

A vibrant international community 28 A warm welcome 3 Aberdeen: a cosmopolitan city 22 Aberdeenshire: the great outdoors 24 Accommodation: your new home 10 Finance, scholarships and fees 8 How to apply 14 International reputation 26 Your Career 30 Location maps 34 Our University English Language Preparation Courses 18 University Pathway Courses 19 Postgraduate courses and fees 6 Research 20 Student support 17 Undergraduate courses and fees 4 A guide to student visas 15

We look forward to welcoming you to Robert Gordon university soon!

DISCLAIMER:

This prospectus is intended as a guide for applicants for courses delivered by Robert Gordon University. In compiling it, the University has taken every care to be as accurate as possible, and the information in this prospectus is correct at the time of going to print, but the prospectus must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The University undertakes to make every reasonable effort to provide the teaching and academic facilities necessary for applicants’ programmes of study. However, the University reserves the right, if such action is considered to be necessary, to make variations to fees and/or to vary the content or delivery method of any course at any time. In addition, the University may, at its sole discretion, discontinue or amalgamate any course(s). In these rare cases, the University will notify applicants as soon as possible and reasonable steps will be taken to provide a suitable alternative to a discontinued course.

Designed by The Gatehouse, Design & Print Consultancy at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Robert Gordon University, a Scottish charity registered under charity number SC013781

36 37 CONTACT US Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robertgordonuniversity Call +44 1224 262726 email [email protected] Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/robertgordonuni visit www.rgu.ac.uk/international Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/robertgordonuni