Dr Duncan Cockburn

Duncan has many years of experience in higher education, having spent the majority of his career working in the sector in a variety of roles. He is a double-graduate of the University of Aberdeen, holding both an MA honours degree and a PhD in History.  He is also a former President of the University of Aberdeen’s Student Association.

Duncan took up his first role in the higher education sector in 2004 as Head of sparqs (Student Participation in Quality Scotland) before joining RGU in 2008 as the Principal’s Policy Advisor. He was appointed as the Director of Planning and Policy at the University in 2013 and as a Vice Principal in 2022.  In his current role, Duncan is the executive lead for a number of departments, including Planning & Student Records; External Affairs and Student Recruitment, Access & Admissions.  He is the co-Chair of Universities Scotland’s and Colleges Scotland’s Joint Articulation Group and is a Board member of North East Scotland College.

Outwith work, Duncan is active in the cultural sector, he is currently a member of the Board of Creative Scotland as well as being the Deputy Chair of Aberdeen Performing Arts.  He is a former Chair of Culture Aberdeen and of the Look Again visual arts and design festival.  Duncan is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. 

In his spare time, Duncan enjoys cooking, gardening and reading history books

Portfolio

• Strategy, Planning and Policy
• Communications
• Marketing
• Student Recruitment & Admissions
• Widening Access