RGU delivers a high quality vocational education and relevant curriculum which provides learners with the skills they require to thrive throughout their careers. As a result, the university has a reputation for producing graduates that are highly sought after by employers. Over the last decade RGU has consistently had one of the best records of any UK university for graduate level employment. It celebrates a high quality student experience and is currently ranked 2nd in Scotland and top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction (THE's positivity measure, NSS 2023).
RGU has a heritage going back 250 years and was awarded university status in 1992. Throughout its development, the university has remained committed to creating equal opportunities to access a relevant and valuable education. It is made up of eleven schools and offers over 300 courses ranging from engineering, architecture, computing, and life sciences to the creative industries, health and social care, and business. It has a student population of over 16,500, who study on-campus and online; notably, it is one of the largest providers of online learning in the UK. Courses are developed through close collaboration with employers, professions and industry to address skills regional and national needs, and this ensures that curriculum is demand-led.
The university is making significant investment to grow its globally impactful research in key areas including sustainable transport; built environment visualisation; industrial biotechnology; smart data and artificial intelligence; and pharmacy practice. Through prioritising strategic research partnerships, the university fosters excellence in knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. RGU is known for its close engagement with industry and has a significant track record in workforce development both nationally and internationally. It collaborates with organisations, governments, trade bodies, industry associations and educational institutions to stimulate innovation and drive economic development.