Overview
Our aim is to help students to thrive in their professional careers as global citizens.
We do this by providing learning through flexible, work-integrated curricula:
- Work placements and community practice are at the core of our teaching delivery.
- Professional representatives sit on all our examination boards.
- We deliver our short courses in close collaboration with industry.
These features make us unique among UK universities.
We have a well-deserved reputation for providing courses with a strong professional and vocational focus. All our programmes have some form of work-based learning and nearly all are professionally accredited.
University league tables
In 2024-25 we increased our ranking in UK and Scottish higher education league tables.
Our improved rankings recognise the University’s focus on making our students work-ready. As well as the commitment and dedication of our staff.
Student numbers
The Scottish market continues to be extremely competitive. During this cycle, the University saw a year-on-year increase in applications.
The University was ahead of the sector for Scottish applications.
The number of students to articulate from college into an RGU degree also increased.
Graduate apprenticeships and online courses
We have seen a welcome rise in our Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) courses.
In the past year the University has supported 155 learners from 91 Scottish firms.
We also offered 33 online upskilling courses across our priority sectors:
- Energy
- Health
- And social care.
More than 3,000 students enrolled in these courses at both postgraduate and undergraduate level.
International students
In line with the rest of the university sector, we have seen a decline in the number of international student enrolments.
To address this downturn, we are diversifying into new markets.
Our work-integrated learning is a great fit for growing economies. RGU is ideally-placed to help develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in evolving industries.
We now have more than 1,000 students studying with us at Benedict in Switzerland and at IIT in Sri Lanka.
Widening access
RGU is committed to widening access to degree education and professional employment.
The University is preparing a Widening Access and Participation Plan. This plan will highlight our ambition across a variety of widening access metrics.
Student activities
RGU Students’ Union delivers a wide range of opportunities and support for students.
Over the year:
- 1,582 students engaged with societies, groups and networks, while
- 1,160 students joined sports clubs.
- The Advice Service supported 286 students with tailored guidance
- Our Supper Club delivered by 2,230 free hot meals and almost 300 emergency food parcels.
- More than 330 events were delivered in partnership with Student Life and Academic Schools.
- Over 400 student representatives were recruited, ensuring a strong student voice across the University.
Honestly, I think the best part of being an RGU student is how well-rounded the experience is. You’re supported academically, but there’s also so much going on outside of class - from societies and events to meeting people from all over the world. It’s a truly welcoming environment.