PRALIVOMEXA

Thinking about studying a master’s degree at Aberdeen Business School this year? Here are just five reasons you should choose to study with us.

1. World-leading Business School

When it comes to business education, we know what we’re doing. Studying a master’s degree at Aberdeen Business School means you will graduate not only with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your next steps after graduating but throughout your career as a leading business professional. We’re proud to be AACSB accredited; an accolade achieved by only 6% of global Business Schools.

2. Demand-driven and industry-led

Through our strong links to industry we develop professional thinkers and innovative contributors to business. Our students are studying degrees that will provide them with the skills and expertise needed by industry and our teaching includes masterclasses, guest lectures and even business consultancy projects. You will graduate from Aberdeen Business School ready to succeed in business.

3. Over 20 master’s courses

We teach a wide range of exciting, challenging and relevant courses covering general and more specialist areas including MBA, human resource management, project management, finance, marketing and tourism. Discover more about our 20+ Master’s courses now.

4. Professionally accredited courses

Not only is our Business School accredited, most of our business master’s degrees also have the additional benefit of accreditation from relevant professional bodies. This means that across some of our master’s courses you may have access to professional body student memberships and could even graduate with a dual qualification. You can find out more about course accreditations on our individual course webpages.

5. Flexible study

We know that studying a master’s degree is a big commitment and you might not always be able to join us as a full-time student on our modern campus in Aberdeen. That’s why many of our business master’s courses can be studied part-time, or are taught online through our virtual learning environment. We’ve been teaching online for over 20 years and the education you gain from online learning is the same high standard you will enjoy on our campus.

To find out more about studying a master’s degree at Aberdeen Business School just head over to rgu.ac.uk/business-masters. Alternatively, if you have any questions about one of our courses please reach out, and our friendly student recruitment team would be happy to help: studentrecruitment@rgu.ac.uk.

Related blogs

Studying an MBA online at RGU while working full-time

Studying the online Business Management course at RGU

The post Five reasons to study a master’s degree at Aberdeen Business School appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

International student Zaid shares his journey from Botswana to Aberdeen, and his experience settling in Scotland and at RGU.

Moving from Botswana to Aberdeen was a journey filled with dreams about what I was going to accomplish and new horizons to explore. Pursuing my education at Robert Gordon University was one of the best decisions I have ever made, every single day here has been an adventure in itself.

Why Engineering?

Ever since I was a boy, I was naturally inquisitive of the environment around me, particularly the everyday machines that I was surrounded by, whether it be the stove top or the laundry machine, I always wanted to know how they worked. I did my research on seemingly mundane everyday objects and I would be amazed by the complex systems behind them.

I always tried to recreate them using whatever was available to me whether it be out of Lego or even clay. Just having an inkling of similarity between my creation and its original inspiration would bring me immense joy. This had set my path in stone for my aspirations to be an engineer.

Why RGU?

I first heard about RGU through family members and previous alumni. They encouraged me to look in detail at the courses RGU provided. I discovered courses I liked and was impressed at the standard of the equipment and labs that the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology had. This prompted me to seriously consider applying to RGU.

Upon further research on the internet through videos and inquiries about student life, I was drawn to the ability to meet like-minded individuals and professors that enjoyed the same subjects I did and studied with passion in hopes of advancing technology to new fronts. After that realisation, there was no question that I had to apply to RGU in hopes of living my dream.

The UK was not always my first choice when it came to the idea of studying in a foreign country, but hearing about RGU and the extensive research I did about the University enticed me to give more thought to what life would be like studying in Aberdeen. As I have never been to Aberdeen or the UK, most of my information came from the internet or friends and family that have lived there or visited. They told me about their experiences exploring the granite city, visiting the shoreline, and the exceptional countryside that surrounded the city. After living here for about 5 months, I can truly say RGU and Aberdeen have exceeded my expectations.

My visa application process

The application process is a bit tedious at times but I had an extensive support network provided to me by the RGU team answering the hundreds of questions I sent through email. The responses were never too late and always thoroughly detailed and I couldn’t be more grateful for their guidance.

The RGU Website has detailed everything you would require to apply for a student visa including the documents necessary. An additional resource would be the UK immigration’s own website to calculate financial costs or additional requirements you need to satisfy to successfully receive the visa.

My journey to Scotland

On the 28^th of August 2024, after being accompanied by my parents and having a heartfelt goodbye, I left from Sir Seretse Khama Airport and arrived at O.R Tambo international airport in South Africa where I would get onto my connecting flight to Hamad International airport Doha and from there onto my next connecting flight to Heathrow airport London where I would be joined by my grand aunt, who spent a considerable amount of time in the UK, on my final flight to Aberdeen international airport.

I had a lot of connecting flights and was exhausted after the nearly 24-hour journey. To my dismay, I was told that one luggage had not arrived yet, but the staff were so helpful and managed to get my belongings to me fast tracked onto the next flight. I finally exited the airport into an unbelievable view of a sunset and a cold refreshing breeze. I couldn’t contain my excitement that I was finally in Aberdeen. I lodged in a hotel that night and moved into my student accommodation the next day. The feeling was exhilarating.

Settling in Aberdeen

I was fortunate enough to have my grand aunt with me during the first two weeks in Aberdeen, but even if you don’t have anyone with you at the time, the goals are still the same: setting up your living situation, getting registered at a GP, collecting your BRP from the post office, and sorting your cellular plan. If you have doting parents such as myself, the cellular plan becomes quite a priority as I had to call them nearly four times a day when I first arrived.

Aberdeen is quite a walkable city, and if the distance is too far to walk, I can almost guarantee there is a bus heading to your desired destination. You can find Asian or African food stores on George street ,and I have so far not struggled to find something I needed that wasn’t a bus ride away.

Life at RGU

At RGU, I have met a plethora of wonderful people while going to my lectures or labs. My peers have been extremely friendly and welcoming, including the professors who are passionate about teaching and passing on their vast troves of knowledge onto their students. They are always helpful, so never be too afraid to ask a question while in a lecture. The University offers a hands-on learning approach, which has helped me develop both academically and professionally.

Advice to prospective students

Always have a positive outlook on things even when they aren’t going your way. Learn to navigate with the flow of the day and the challenges that come with it. Having a schedule for your social activities and academic duties to even simple day to day tasks such as cooking for yourself helps a lot. Get into a rhythm and I can testify that a lot of things that look difficult end up my easier.

Looking ahead

My Journey at RGU has only began and I look forward to the rest of my academic career but I’m steadfast in the opinion that this is where I belong. I have stepped out of my comfort zone but I’m always learning and adapting to whatever challenges may come my way. I hope that sharing my experience has helped prospective students looking at RGU with curious eyes take that bold step to studying in the UK and here at RGU.

Zaid Raza

Related blogs

Moving from Kenya to study at RGU in Aberdeen

From recruiting students in India to becoming one at RGU

The post From Botswana to Aberdeen to study Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Pharmacy student Eva shares why she decided to study at RGU, the highlights of the course so far, including a volunteer placement in Spain, and advice for prospective students.

Why I chose Pharmacy

Choosing a career is never easy, but when I learned about pharmacy, it was a natural fit. I’ve always been intrigued by the creation of medication, the biology and chemistry behind it and how it works to improve lives. What made pharmacy even more appealing was the variety of career paths it offers such as community, hospital, primary care and my favourite, industry and more!

As someone who loves to learn and upskill, the idea of being able to work in different sectors of pharmacy throughout my career was exciting and refreshing to know.

Why I chose RGU to study

When it came to choosing a university, I wanted a place to fuel my curiosity and prepare me for the real world which is exactly what I found at RGU. It had everything I was looking for in a university and more. The facilities caught my attention, not just for academic life, but for overall student life. The free gym and swimming pool, combined with the fun activities organised by the student union, made me excited about life at RGU and in Aberdeen. I also loved the academic resources for pharmacy.

One of the highlights of the pharmacy programme is the simulation room. When I first learned about it, I loved the idea of getting hands-on-experience at the University. The idea of practicing in a simulated pharmacy environment – dispensing medications, counselling patients, and applying what we’d learned in class – made RGU stand out.

Another thing that got me excited about RGU was the emphasis on placements. The course dedicates significant time to hands-on learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. And then there was a possibility of studying abroad which was a dream of mine that RGU helped make a reality.

My favourite moments on the course

Looking back on my pharmacy journey so far, one of my favourite experiences was being able to create a medication in the lab. As part of a second year-module, I worked with some students to create indomethacin tablets. It was such a rewarding experience as someone who wants to go into industrial pharmacy.

Beyond the academic moments, another joy of studying pharmacy is attending the pharmacy ball with your friends every year. It’s a fun experience and a wonderful way of celebrating the hard work we’ve put into our studies. It brings everyone from each year together to create wholesome memories.

Volunteering abroad: my summer placement in Spain

Another rewarding part of my journey has been my summer volunteer placement in Spain. I reached out to RGU’s study office with the hope of being able to study in Spain, and they helped me arrange an incredible opportunity at the University of Granada. For two months, I volunteered in a hospital, working across multiple sectors and assisting PhD students with their research.

The experience was eye-opening. Pharmacy in Spain is very different from the UK system, and adapting to the new environment was challenging and rewarding. Although, I’m not fluent in Spanish, we managed to communicate using a mix of Spanish and English – “Spanglish”, as we called it! This language barrier pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me the importance of adaptability and cultural competence in healthcare.

During my placement, I worked in areas like clinical trials, pharmacogenetics etc, gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse roles pharmacists play in healthcare. My favourite sector was pharmacogenetics, where we extracted DNA from patients’ saliva and analysed it for mutations that could impact their chemotherapy treatments. And as someone interested in oncology, this was something I enjoyed a lot.

How RGU has prepared me for the future

Studying at RGU has been an incredible experience. From the engaging lectures to the supportive teaching staff, I’ve felt constantly encouraged to grow and achieve my best. The staff at RGU go above and beyond to help students, whether it’s through academic support, career advice, or simply being there to answer questions. They’ve helped me navigate the many career paths in pharmacy, and through placements, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of the areas I’d like to explore further.

I’m particularly proud of my placement in Spain, not just because of the professional experience but also because it was a personal milestone. Moving to a new country where I didn’t know anyone – and where English wasn’t widely spoken – was intimidating at first. But it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone.

My advice to future pharmacy students

If you’re considering pharmacy or thinking about studying at RGU, my advice is simple: go for it. The course at RGU is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in the field. Whether you’re interested in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, research, or something entirely different, RGU will equip you with the tools to succeed.

Looking ahead

As I reflect on my pharmacy journey so far, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. RGU has not only prepared me academically but has also given me the confidence to take on challenges and grow as a person. My experience in Spain enhanced my passion for the field.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring different sectors of pharmacy. With the foundation I’ve built at RGU, I feel ready to make a positive impact in the field and to keep learning every step of the way.

Eva Ojediran

Related blogs

Grow personally and professionally with RGU’s Pharmacy Society

How I boost my employability as an international student

The post My Pharmacy journey so far at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

International student Kwame – and Head of a Health Centre in Ghana – shares why he decided to enrol in RGU’s new master’s in Healthcare Leadership, his experience studying on our campus, and the support he has received so far.

A bit about me

My name is Kwame Tawiah Duah from Ghana, West Africa, and I am currently a student at Robert Gordon University (RGU), pursuing a degree in MSc Healthcare Leadership.

My professional background started as a nurse, with over ten years of experience as a registered general nurse in the clinical field, working closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure the highest standard of care for patients. By embracing evidence-based practices, I have developed a deep understanding of patient care, emphasizing the importance of individuality and tailored treatment plans. This extensive clinical experience has provided me with a solid foundation and a holistic perspective on healthcare delivery.

In addition to my nursing experience, I hold a BSc in Physician Assistantship. This interdisciplinary knowledge base has broadened my understanding of healthcare delivery, fostered collaboration and promoted a comprehensive approach to patient care.

Currently, I fulfil the dual role of a Clinician and the Head of Health Centre within the Ghana Health Service. This position has provided me with hands-on experience in overseeing daily operations, coordinating resources, and ensuring quality healthcare delivery, which has shaped my passion for this course and led me to enrol in this program.

Choosing the new MSc Healthcare Leadership course at RGU

Choosing to study at RGU was an important decision for me. I was looking for a university that combined practical learning with academic excellence, and RGU stood tall due to its strong industry connections and reputation for employability. My passion for MSc Healthcare Leadership has grown over the years, and I wanted to refine my skills, gain hands-on experience, and network with professionals in the field. The course structure, faculty expertise, and the university’s emphasis on real-world applications made it an ideal choice. I was eager to engage in rigorous academic coursework that delves into the intricacies of healthcare systems, quality improvement, and strategic decision-making. I aim to augment my existing knowledge and skills, further develop my expertise in healthcare management and policy.

Studying at RGU as an international student

Studying as an international student is quite daunting but at RGU, it has been an enriching experience. The MSc Healthcare Leadership course is well-structured and delves into the intricacies of healthcare systems with a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

The programme comprises nine module study areas made up of five elective modules and four core modules in health and social care. One of my favourite aspects has been the interactive lectures and hands-on projects in class that allow students to apply what they learn in real-world scenarios in group discussions and presentations which strengthens diversity and inclusion.

It is interesting to add that, using the collaborative approach in teaching and learning, experts in healthcare leadership and social care are quite often invited to share practical knowledge and hands-on experience with students in some of the lecture sessions. The lecturers are so profound in knowledge, approachable, and always willing to provide guidance.

One highlight of my journey so far has been utilising the study skills centre. For example, working on course assessments or assignments helped me develop critical academic writing skills such as critical appraisal, analysis and evaluation of theories in subject areas which have sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students from diverse backgrounds has broadened my perspective and enhanced my teamwork abilities.

Receiving support at RGU

RGU offers incredible support systems for students, which I have personally benefited from. The University provides academic support through tutors, the Study Skills and Library support teams, career guidance services, as well as social well-being and well-equipped study spaces. Additionally, the student support services, including mental health resources and career counselling, have been invaluable.

Some specific support services I found helpful that I accessed were career or job fairs, library support and study skills support, such as the referencing and academic writing workshops both via Microsoft Teams and in-person sessions. This has helped me stay on track with my studies and manage the challenges of university life effectively.

Again, one fascinating support system for students which is helpful and can never be underestimated is the food bank on campus and especially the weekly breakfast and lunch which is open and free to all students who are in need.

My aspirations for the future

My journey at RGU has been fulfilling, and I am grateful for the experiences and support system that have come my way. From engaging in rigorous coursework to supportive faculty and a vibrant student community, RGU has exceeded my expectations. I look forward to making the most of my remaining time here and applying my knowledge to future endeavours.

Ultimately, my aspiration is to assume a leadership role in my institution or any renowned health and social care organisation where I can make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery, addressing systemic challenges and improving patient outcomes. With my strong clinical background, managerial experience, and dedication to continuous learning, I believe that pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare leadership at RGU will provide me with the necessary tools and knowledge to achieve this goal. I am particularly interested in managing change and health policy and hope to contribute meaningfully to this space.

If you are considering studying at RGU, I highly recommend it. The University provides a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and professionally. I am excited about what the future holds and I am confident that my time at RGU will play a crucial role in shaping my career.

Kwame Tawiah Duah

Related blogs

My journey of personal growth studying Radiography at RGU

My experience studying a postgraduate course in Physiotherapy

The post My experience studying the new MSc Healthcare Leadership at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

The newly merged School of Law and Social Sciences at Robert Gordon University hosted its first international research conference on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February. The conference, themed “Law as a Catalyst of Social Development,” brought together researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers from around the world to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Research student Kamo Sende shares some highlights from the conference in this blog.

A Global Platform for Interdisciplinary Research

The inaugural conference proved to be a remarkable success, attracting approximately 130 participants from 15 countries across four continents. Researchers presented their work through both in-person and virtual participation formats, ensuring global accessibility and engagement. The event featured over 40 presentations, delivered as academic papers and poster presentations across five thematic panels, each aligned with the University’s core research areas: Environment and Sustainability, Creative and Inclusive Societies, Health and Wellbeing, Digital Communities, and Pedagogy.

The conference’s guiding philosophy recognised that law does not exist in isolation but serves as a catalyst for social development. As emphasised throughout the event, until legal frameworks are reimagined to serve our shared planet, their utility remains abstract. This perspective formed the foundation of the interdisciplinary approach that characterised the conference.

The conference was organised through collaborative efforts, with myself, Kamo Sende, a Doctoral Researcher at the School of Law and Social Sciences, having the privilege to serve as Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, working alongside talented colleagues.

The Committee comprised a dedicated team of doctoral researchers including Palika Vithana (Head of Content and Co-lead Marketing), Katarina Tasic Dittrich (Head of Programmes), Simi Shoda (Head of Events), Jenny Thompson (Head of Marketing), Nelly Kiragu (Head of Finance and Co-chair), as well as committee members Francis Mbanefo, Joanna Santos Petiot, Hannah Johnstone, Idasemiebi Idaminabo, Blessing Bulaun, and Blessing Abeji.

Student Union President Seth Odei also provided valuable support, alongside conference volunteers Hayford Mensah, Hayford Appiah, and Sarah Bradshaw. Dr Uche Iloka, Research Degrees Coordinator at the School of Law and Social Sciences, served as the conference convener, together with co-convener Dr Judith Oloo.

The planning team also benefited from the guidance of Dr Sarah Sivers (Associate Dean Research), Dr Joseph Mante (Principal Lecturer Research), and Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay (Research Degrees Coordinator), all from the School of Law and Social Sciences. This doctoral student-led initiative provided a unique platform where diverse perspectives could interact and inform each other. Interested readers can explore the rich diversity of research topics and speaker profiles in the conference programme.

Distinguished Insights and Thematic Explorations

The conference featured three distinguished keynote speakers who brought diverse perspectives to the discussion. Michael Watson, Head of Climate Advisory at Pinsent Masons, delivered the opening keynote, setting the tone for discussions around environmental sustainability and legal frameworks that can drive positive climate action. Dr Adaeze Afezulike MBE, Regional Director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and a practising lifestyle medicine physician, addressed the critical intersection of health, wellbeing, and legal structures in her keynote presentation.

On the second day, The Rt Honourable Stephen Flynn, SNP Group Leader in Westminster and Aberdeen’s Member of Parliament, delivered a keynote that thoughtfully connected parliamentary work with research applications, highlighting the vital relationship between academic inquiry and policy development. At the conference dinner hosted at the Sandman Hotel, John Clifford, Dean of the School of Law and Social Sciences, presented a keynote examining whether law operates proactively or reactively in social development. His presentation analysed two areas from Delict/Tort Law: Liability and Negligent Driving, and the Doctrine of Vicarious Liability and Demarcating Responsibility, considering both historical and contemporary developments in these fields.

Each panel session delved into one of the University’s core research themes, generating valuable insights and identifying areas requiring further investigation. Rapporteurs from each panel presented summaries focused on three key areas: most striking findings, most significant impacts, and areas needing deeper investigation. Several recurrent themes emerged across presentations, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration in academia, collaboration with industry partners, and collaboration with policymakers.

Presentations in the Environment and Sustainability theme highlighted research on the necessity for climate action by all nations. Discussions emphasised the need for legal frameworks that facilitate sustainable practices and environmental protection across sectors. Research presented in the Creative and Inclusive Societies theme revealed staggering statistics about water usage in Europe, suggesting the importance of legal structures that foster resource conservation and social equity. The Digital Communities and Pedagogy theme examined issues around data usage and rights in Europe and around the world, exploring both opportunities and challenges in creating equitable, accessible digital communities.

The Health and Wellbeing theme explored the intersection of legal frameworks and public health, with particular attention to how legislation can promote positive lifestyle choices and support community wellbeing. Research presented in the Creative and Inclusive Societies theme also examined issues including electoral violence in developing countries, suggesting the importance of legal structures that foster democratic stability and social inclusion.

Policy Impact and Future Directions

A distinctive feature of the conference was its emphasis on practical application and policy relevance. The second day featured a roundtable discussion that brought researchers into direct conversation with policymakers and industry representatives. This session, anchored by David Christie (Associate Dean for Academic Development and Student Experience) and Dr Natascha Mueller-Hirth (Associate Dean for Economic, Social and Cultural aspects), created a valuable forum for exploring how research can effectively inform policy development.

Participants in this policy roundtable included Caroline Hood, Executive Team Member at Nestrans, representing the transport industry; Dr Alistair Baker, College Principal at ICRGU, representing the education sector; Dr Mark Osa Igiehon, CEO of Aberdeen Commercial Consulting, Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, and a Clergy; Hon Mariah Ichakpa, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament representing Aberdeen Central; and The Rt Hon Stephen Flynn, Leader of the SNP and Member of Parliament for Aberdeen South. The discussion highlighted pathways for strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and government to drive evidence-based policy reforms.

The conference also showcased industry innovation, with Roger Connon, Head of Energy for Vario at Pinsent Masons, introducing attendees to innovative legal approaches being developed in the energy sector. The conference culminated in a call to action that emerged from the collective insights of all panel sessions, emphasising the need to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration within academia, strengthen partnerships with industry, and advocate for legal reforms through government partnerships. These directives recognise that effective social development requires cooperation across sectors, with law serving as a connecting framework that can either enable or constrain progress.

Beyond the formal presentations and discussions, the conference created valuable opportunities for networking and community building. The conference dinner at the Sandman Hotel provided participants with a chance to engage in informal conversations, develop professional connections, and explore potential collaborations. This social dimension of the conference complemented its academic focus, recognising that relationship-building is an essential component of effective interdisciplinary work.

As the first international research conference of the unified School of Law and Social Sciences, SLSS2025 has established a strong foundation for future scholarly exchange. By bringing together diverse perspectives around the theme of “Law as a Catalyst of Social Development,” the conference has initiated important conversations that will continue to evolve in the coming years. The interdisciplinary approach modelled during the conference reflects a recognition that today’s most pressing social challenges cannot be addressed through siloed thinking. Instead, they require collaborative approaches that draw on diverse forms of expertise and experience.

As RGU continues to develop its research profile across its five core themes, the insights generated during this conference will undoubtedly inform and inspire future work. This sentiment was eloquently expressed by Professor Nick Fyfe (VP Research) in his opening remarks and reinforced by Professor Sarah Pedersen (Dean, Graduate School) during the ceremony. The connections established between researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers create pathways for impact that extend far beyond the conference itself. The inaugural SLSS International Research Conference has demonstrated the power of bringing together diverse perspectives around a shared commitment to understanding how law can better serve as a catalyst for positive social development. As we look to the future, the conversations begun during this conference will continue to evolve, contributing to both scholarly understanding and practical application in ways that benefit our shared society.

Kamo Sende

Related blogs

My academic expedition to Geneva and The Hague with RGU Law

Starting a career in Law as a recent RGU graduate

The post Highlights from the School of Law and Social Sciences International Research Conference appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Esther shares her journey from Kenya to RGU, obtaining a scholarship, and her experience settling in Aberdeen after enrolling on the MSc Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Choosing RGU

My journey to the UK started in late 2022 when I wanted to upgrade my education. My business was experiencing post-Covid losses and I saw the need to get the right knowledge and skills to get me through it.

I applied to universities in England and got a few offers. I chose one and paid the deposit to get my CAS with the university. Unfortunately, the embassy took time to respond so my CAS was withdrawn and my visa denied in October 2023.

I was heartbroken to lose my visa fee and my chance to study abroad. However, I don’t give up easily, so I decided to give it another chance. I was going through RGU’s website when I stumbled upon some of their accolades. This gave way to researching more about RGU and deciding to give it a shot.

Finally, I was accepted for MSc Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The course modules were a perfect match for my needs career and business-wise.

The Dean Scholarship

Through out my application journey, I learned about different scholarships that were available to me. Some of those included Chevening and Commonwealth, which are available for most UK universities. I had previously applied but I wasn’t successful.

I decided to try scholarships that were available at RGU specifically. The main requirement for the Dean scholarship was writing a couple of essays. I decided to tell my story as raw and unedited as it was, and was fortunate to be among the two awardees of the scholarship!

Relocating to Aberdeen

The internet makes the world a global village and social media is a very powerful tool for information. I mostly used Facebook to connect with other Kenyans who were living in Aberdeen.

I wasn’t lucky enough to get a long term accommodation prior to my relocation but I  booked a hotel near the train station for a few days before I could secure one. Little did I know that  temporary and long term accommodation information was available  for students, which would make the process less stressful. Through the various Kenyans I interacted with, I was able to gain knowledge about the various accommodation options like RGU student accommodation and private sites like Spareroom, Gumtree, and On the market property among others. Another concern was getting African food stores, but I was shocked to learn that I would easily find them.

Experiences and challenges as an international student

As an international student, leaving your home country and packing your whole life in about two suitcases to study has its fair share of challenges. Some of the few challenges I initially encountered were coping with winter, understanding the Scottish accent, embracing different cultures and different languages from different international students.

My experience so far one year down the line has been amazing. I have experienced the beauty of the Aberdeen countryside and the beaches most of the weekends. I have made friends from different countries as well as learned a couple of greetings in different languages. 

My advice to prospective students

The application process is not complicated, and you need not do it alone. There are educational agencies in different countries which are approved by RGU to assist you with the process. The visa process is what most students fear the most, but once you have all your documents in check you are good to go. RGU’s website offers more than enough information on the whole process.

Relocating may seem like a nightmare but coping will come with time. You need an open mind and be willing to learn and appreciate diversity. Aberdeen is a cold place, but its not always cold throughout the year. It has amazing scenery, and with your weekly bus ticket you can use the chance to visit different places over the weekends.

Esther Karanja

Related blogs

From recruiting students in India to becoming one at RGU

My journey from Canada to Aberdeen and RGU

The post Moving from Kenya to study at RGU in Aberdeen appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

RGU student Gail shares her career journey living across different countries and her decision to go to university years later to study the online Business Management course to fit around her busy life.

A bit about me and my career

My journey back to education has been a long and convoluted one. Towards the end of high school, I applied to university as that was the “done thing”, but I ultimately decided that higher education was not the right path for me. At that stage, I thought that I would never pursue further formal education.

My career since leaving school has seen me grow exponentially, personally as well as professionally. It hasn’t always been linear – I never thought I would learn much working on a cattle station in Australia or in a factory in New Zealand, but these are some of the experiences that I look back on and can see how much I grew.

This growth was really kickstarted when I found the tourism industry. I started out as a cleaner in a hostel in Brisbane and from there progressed to a supervisor role, and then on to managing a hostel. After a while, I found myself taking a step back from the customer facing side of tourism and I am now an Organisational Development Manager for a leading online travel agent.

Deciding to go to university

I have learned a lot through life experience and on the job training, however, over the course of a few years, I began to realise how beneficial formal learning may be to my career development. Especially exposing me to aspects of business that I may not yet have experience in and may not get the chance to in my current role.

After doing a LOT of research, I found the Business Management online course at RGU and it was like a light switched on. A course that I could fit around work as well as life sounded almost too good to be true.

My experience studying the Business Management online course

I’m not going to lie, heading back to school as a *ahem* mature student, was daunting and I definitely doubted myself. But the team at the Aberdeen Business School alleviated those fears from the very beginning.

The course has been inclusive, informative and I have really enjoyed learning from the team. The discussions within the class push people out of their comfort zones just enough to really get the best out of them. The flexibility of online learning has meant that I can watch lectures in my own time and at my own pace and with a busy life, this has been key to my enjoyment of this course so far.

I always like to challenge myself and I have found that this course has been the perfect thing for my life right now. Coming to this with work and life experience has added a layer of depth to my learning that I don’t think I would have had, had I gone to higher education back when I was 18.

Doing this course has made me realise that it’s never too late to invest in yourself and that is something I will carry with me for a long time.

Gail MacSween

Related blogs

Studying Business Management online after 25 years of work

Studying an MBA online at RGU while working full-time

The post Studying the online Business Management course at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Fine Art student Kirsty shares her journey from studying an undergraduate degree in Painting at Gray’s School of Art, RGU, to staying for a master’s to develop her research and practice further.

Starting my art journey at RGU

When choosing what university to study at, I had a bit of a hard time making the decision, mainly because it was during COVID-19 which meant that I couldn’t visit the University for its open days. Still, I was able to visit Aberdeen and something about the campus and university was a big draw for me without having entered the buildings. It felt like Aberdeen had a comfortable balance between being a city and having places to go that felt quieter and more relaxed. I grew up in a small town and spent a lot of time in rural areas so I liked having the mix.

Once I had decided to move to Aberdeen and study at Gray’s School of Art, I couldn’t have been happier with my decision. I had so many worries about what studying art would really be like, whether I would receive harsh criticism, would my work be ‘good enough’, would I fit in? I had a lot of doubts but in reality, it could not have been further from that.

Whilst we [students] do have feedback and ‘crits’ with staff and peers, it has always been very constructive and given in a way that helps us improve and work towards a vision. It has also opened my eyes to much bigger and broader ideas that I hadn’t even considered, and my work began to change immensely for what I believe is the better. My research became something I really enjoyed and it began to drive my work, which was not necessarily the case before as I always struggled with reading, but once I found the texts and research topic that interested me, it became easier.

My experience on the Painting course

The painting lecturers were phenomenal at providing support. Helping me sort out the formalities in my work and honing me in on making my exhibitions make more sense has been very helpful and ultimately is what guided me towards such a successful degree show with two awards (RSA New Contemporaries & RGU Art and Heritage Collection).

I gained a lot of confidence through being able to speak in depth about my work and that is why I also took a chance in my final year of undergraduate to apply to various awards, residencies and opportunities alongside the ones that are arranged by Gray’s. I didn’t necessarily think I would win any, but I had the confidence to at least apply and try. With that, I managed to get an award with Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST). This has allowed me to undertake two courses learning how to make natural pigments, inks, dyes, natural tools and so on, which I am now doing alongside my master’s programme (many of these opportunities were sign posted by lecturers on our Moodle).

Choosing to come back to Gray’s to study a master’s in Fine Art

So, what I am trying to say is that my undergraduate studies really put me in good stead for going on to do a postgraduate course. One of the things that really led me in the direction of the master’s in Fine Art is, that during my undergraduate course, I discovered a great interest in my area of study into Scottish culture and plants.

I felt that, while I was really happy with my dissertation in 4^th year, there was also so much more information and research I did that could not fit, and I wanted to continue my research with the support of an institution like Gray’s where I have access to tutors’ advice. Also, I thought there was so much more to explore within my creative practice as well – hence applying for the QEST funding.

I knew there was so much more to learn and I wanted to have an environment where I could continue to do that.

Differences between undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Gray’s

The biggest difference I have noticed is that the undergraduate course really focused on finding your area of interest. There was a focus on experimenting with various ideas with a wide array of possibilities for where your work can go, and then having those one-to-one chats with your personal tutor to help see what, out of everything you are learning, actually interests you as an individual as well as giving us advice for how we can better curate our work and connect everything together.

A focus on research and practice in the master’s

The classes focused on ‘studio’ and those focused on ‘critical and contextual studies’ (CCS) were also somewhat disparate in the undergraduate. You didn’t necessarily need to connect your CCS research to the work that you were creating in the studio, though some people did, not everyone chose to. What I have noticed most from the postgraduate course is that CCS and studio have become much more linked.

The master’s continues to introduce us to more research areas and topics with somewhat more challenging texts to read, and there is a good level of independent study whilst still having quite a lot of student-tutor contact. Because I have that background of having done my undergraduate, I am confident in what I am currently doing in the master’s, which allows me to work more independently.

I know what area of study I am interested in at this point, and what I am learning from the master’s is expanding upon the research I did in the undergraduate, and developing upon my studio practice as well. The undergraduate got me to a stage where I finally found out what I wanted to do with my art and it was really just the beginning of my more refined art practice that I am delving deeper into now.

Because I have such a strong interest in my research area, I have even considered going on to do a PhD in the topic area of Scottish Culture and plant connections with a dream of one day writing a book. This is something I never would have considered doing in the past but with the support of lecturers and fellow students too, I feel like it is an opportunity that would be really interesting and exciting as it would allow me the time to create something in a supported environment, which would be much harder to do on my own out with the University.

A quieter environment

The classes are smaller in the postgraduate course, with a much quieter environment than what you have at undergraduate level. The positive side of this is getting to know a wide range of new people from different backgrounds. This includes people who perhaps graduated the same year as you, but from a different department within the school, graduated years ago, or in some cases are new to the scene of study but have been a practising artist for many years.

In your postgraduate course, all the different disciplines come together, CAP, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Fashion, Digital, so it gives such a different perspective. The variety of skills and backgrounds is exciting with the smaller class numbers too as we all get to know each other well and become quite a close little cohort.

Expanding on your artistic practice

Whilst I was able to be quite experimental and playful in my undergraduate, creating sculptures alongside my paintings, within the Fine Art course of the MA I feel that my mixed media approach and creation of different kinds of objects as well as paintings makes more sense being defined within fine art itself than it perhaps did when I was on the painting course.

Alongside this, I have also found myself making much more use of the facilities and workshops available at Gray’s as a master’s student than I did when studying my undergraduate. I am not necessarily sure why I didn’t utilise all the different areas of workshops at Gray’s, perhaps it was because the undergraduate felt more fast-paced in terms of deadlines, but with the master’s introductions/reintroductions to the workshops and facilities, I have found myself experimenting with so many other ways of making.

Why would I recommend a master’s in Fine Arts?

Overall, I really recommend to do the master’s for many reasons. One of those reasons could be the same as my own, that you wish to hone in on your research some more because you felt there was much more you could do with it. Or perhaps you want to develop your artistic practice further because you learned of some new techniques and didn’t get to explore them fully in the undergraduate. Maybe you want to gain more confidence in your work, and I believe there are a lot of nerves that come with leaving art school and the idea of sustaining your practice and finding a job, and you might just want some more time to decide what you want to do. Maybe your goal is to do a PhD and the master’s is a good stepping stone towards that.

Overall, there are many reasons as I said, and I have so far felt that doing the master’s was a good decision for me and has already been so useful in helping me understand what I want and learn more.

Kirsty MacDonald

Related blogs

Looking back on our experience studying at Gray’s School of Art

My career as a Graphic Designer after studying Communication Design

The post From Undergraduate to Postgraduate studies at Gray’s appeared first on RGU Student Blog.