Valorising by-products from food and drink manufacturing and creation of circular opportunities

Entry Requirements for Research Degrees

Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.

Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme. 

Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise. 

Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.

Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.

English Language

Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

For Academic Year 2023/2024

UK/EU Students

• Full time - £4,712 per academic year
• Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
• Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year

International Students

• Full time - £18,700 per academic year
• Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
• Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
• Accommodation and living costs
• Printing

Alumni Discount

Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% loyalty discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.

Scholarships and Financial Awards 

Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:

Funded Studentships

Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:

Disclaimer

For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see: 

Applications

All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.

Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:

Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time. 

Completed application forms should be accompanied by:

• Degree certificate
• Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
• A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.

Further guidance on the application process:

English Language Requirements

All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.

Find out more about the English language qualification we accept: