RGU climbs 12 places in Complete University Guide 2027

The University has also increased its overall score to 571 (from 521 last year), with its Scottish ranking improving to 9th (from 10th), reinforcing its position as a leading modern, professional university focused on student success and employability.

RGU’s rise reflects its continued commitment to delivering a professionally relevant, work-integrated education that equips students with the skills, experience and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace. This is strongly evidenced by outstanding performance in graduate outcomes:

• 5th in the UK for Graduate Prospects - On Track
• 1st in Scotland for Graduate Prospects - On Track
• 3rd in Scotland for Graduate Prospects - Outcomes

RGU has also improved significantly at a UK level in key indicators aligned to employability and student progression:

• Graduate Prospects - Outcomes: up 12 places to 17th
• Graduate Prospects - On Track: up 3 places to 5th
• Entry Standards: up 6 places to 24th

These results underline RGU’s strength in delivering industry-led learning, strong employer connections and practical opportunities such as placements, live projects and real-world learning - all central to its professional university model.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Olivier said: “RGU is closing the gap through a distinctive, industry-aligned model of education that prioritises employability and real-world impact.

“This year’s climb reflects the hard work of our staff, the ambition of our students, and our continued focus on delivering high-quality, career-focused education. While there is more to do, this improvement marks a positive step in RGU’s continued progress.”

The Complete University Guide rankings are based on ten measures, including student satisfaction, continuation rates, research quality and graduate prospects - factors increasingly important for students seeking degrees that lead to meaningful careers.

Across the sector, this year’s results show improving continuation rates and strong graduate outcomes, with an average of 72% of graduates entering professional employment or further study. RGU’s performance places it at the forefront of this trend, demonstrating the impact of its focus on embedding employability and work-integrated learning throughout the student experience.

Student President (Education and Welfare) Mohtashim Iqbal E Waris said: "Moving up 12 places in the Complete University Guide is a moment we as students should all feel genuinely proud of. It is not just a number on a page; it reflects the real effort that students across this university pour into their work every single day. But none of this happens in isolation. Behind every student milestone there is a dedicated team of staff and teachers who genuinely invest in seeing us succeed. That partnership is what makes this university special and this achievement belongs to all of us. To every student graduating this year, you proved what is possible when you back yourself and the world you are stepping into is lucky to have you."

This latest recognition reinforces RGU’s position as Higher Education Institution of the Year (Herald Awards 2026), confirming the University as the top modern university in Scotland with a clear focus on employability, industry collaboration and work-integrated learning. 

Complete University Guide