Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University

The Robert Gordon University, commonly referred to as RGU, is a public university in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. It became a university in 1992, but originated from an educational institution founded in the 18th century by Robert Gordon, a prosperous Aberdeen merchant, and various institutions which provided adult and technical education in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is one of two universities in the city (the other is the much older University of Aberdeen).

According to the 2013 Times Good University Guide it is the best modern university in the UK, while according to The Guardian University Guide 2013 it is the best modern university in Scotland and 2nd-best in the UK. It was shortlisted for Sunday Times University of the Year 2012 and was named Best Modern University in the UK for 2012 by The Sunday Times University Guide. Of those who graduated from full-time undergraduate degrees in 2011, 97.1% were in employment or further study within six months - the most of any university in the UK.

The university, which brands itself “the professional university”, awards degrees in a wide range of subjects from BA/BSc to PhD, primarily in (but not limited to) professional, technical and artistic disciplines and those most applicable to business and industry. In addition, the university's academic and research staff produce world-class research in a number of areas. The university also provides services to business and industry including consultancy and professional development.

RGU has two campuses in Aberdeen. One is in the city centre at Schoolhill/St. Andrew Street and the other is at Garthdee, in the south-west of the city by the banks of the River Dee. New buildings are currently being constructed at the Garthdee campus so as to replace the City Centre campus and consolidate on one site, with the exception of the Administration Building which will remain at Schoolhill. This is the first phase of a £170 million investment, due to open in 2013.

Most Universities in the UK are designated by order of the Privy Council; unusually for a university named after an individual, according to The Robert Gordon University (Scotland) Order of Council 1993 the official name of the university includes the prefix "The" (as with The George Washington University, The Ohio State University and The College of William & Mary). However, current university branding typically leaves it out (e.g. on website text and other official materials).