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Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University

Aberdeen, UKRank #62

Robert Gordon University, commonly called RGU, is a public university in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. It became a university in 1992, and originated from an educational institution founded in the 18th century by Robert Gordon, a prosperous Aberdeen merchant, and various institutions which provided adult education and technical education in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is one of two universities in the city (the other is the University of Aberdeen). RGU is a campus university and its single campus in Aberdeen is at Garthdee, in the south-west of the city.

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Placement Information at Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, Scotland, is renowned for its strong emphasis on practical, career-focused education. With a mission to produce highly employable graduates, RGU integrates work placements, internships, and industry projects into many of its degree programs. This hands-on approach ensures students gain real-world experience, enhancing their skills and boosting their employability prospects. The university's Careers and Employability Service plays a pivotal role in connecting students with opportunities, offering personalized guidance throughout their academic journey.

Why Choose Placements at RGU?

RGU's placement programs are designed to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. Located in the energy capital of Europe, the university benefits from close ties to industries such as oil and gas, engineering, healthcare, and business. Students in fields like engineering, nursing, and computing often undertake mandatory placements as part of their curriculum, while others can opt for voluntary internships to build their resumes.

  • High Employability Rates: According to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data, 96% of RGU graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, one of the highest rates in Scotland.
  • Duration and Flexibility: Placements range from short summer internships (4-12 weeks) to full-year industrial placements integrated into sandwich degrees.
  • Global Opportunities: While many placements are in the UK, RGU supports international experiences through partnerships with companies in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Types of Placement Opportunities

RGU offers a diverse range of placement options tailored to different disciplines. These opportunities are not just about gaining experience but also about applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

Program Type Description Duration Typical Disciplines
Year in Industry Mandatory for many engineering and computing degrees; involves full-time work with a host company. 9-12 months Engineering, IT, Construction
Summer Placements Voluntary internships during university breaks, often paid and leading to graduate roles. 8-12 weeks Business, Marketing, Health Sciences
Clinical or Professional Placements Essential for healthcare programs; supervised practice in hospitals or clinics. Varies (up to 1 year) Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy
Work-Based Learning Modules Short projects or part-time roles embedded in the curriculum for non-vocational degrees. 4-6 weeks Arts, Social Sciences, Law

These placements are often supported by the university's Employability Award, a scheme that recognizes students who actively pursue work experience through extracurricular activities and volunteering.

Support and Preparation for Placements

RGU's dedicated Careers and Employability team provides comprehensive support to ensure students are placement-ready. From the first year, students can access workshops on CV writing, interview techniques, and LinkedIn optimization. The team organizes career fairs, employer presentations, and one-on-one mentoring sessions.

  • Placement Matching: The university's online portal, MyCareerHub, lists thousands of opportunities from partner employers. Students can apply directly, with RGU facilitating interviews.
  • Funding and Travel Support: Bursaries are available for unpaid or low-paid placements, and advice on accommodation is provided for those traveling afar.
  • Visa Assistance: For international students, the team offers guidance on Tier 4 visa extensions for placements.
  • Post-Placement Guidance: Debrief sessions help students reflect on their experiences and translate them into future job applications.

Additionally, RGU collaborates with professional bodies like the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to ensure placements meet accreditation standards.

Industry Partnerships and Success Stories

RGU boasts an extensive network of over 1,000 employer partners, including global giants like Shell, BP, Wood Group, and NHS Grampian. These partnerships often lead to sponsored degrees, where companies fund tuition in exchange for placement commitments.

Student Spotlight: Engineering student Sarah Thompson completed a 12-month placement at TotalEnergies, where she worked on offshore wind projects. "The experience at RGU prepared me perfectly; the placement not only honed my technical skills but also opened doors to a graduate engineer role," she shares.

Another success: Business graduate Jamal Ahmed secured a summer internship at Deloitte through RGU's career fair, which evolved into a full-time offer. "The university's focus on employability gave me a competitive edge," he notes.

These stories highlight how placements at RGU lead to tangible career outcomes, with many students receiving job offers before graduation.

How to Get Involved

To embark on a placement journey at RGU, students should:

  1. Register with MyCareerHub upon enrollment.
  2. Attend orientation sessions for placement-eligible programs.
  3. Build a strong academic profile and extracurricular record.
  4. Seek advice from academic advisors early in your studies.
  5. Apply for placements via the portal, typically opening in the second year.

RGU's placement programs are a cornerstone of its reputation for graduate success. By participating, students not only gain invaluable experience but also position themselves for rewarding careers in competitive industries. Whether mandatory or elective, these opportunities empower RGU graduates to thrive in the global job market.

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