4.1.1 Faculties and Programs Available in RGU (Garthdee Campus)

Garthdee Campus, which is situated in Aberdeen, Scotland, is the primary premises of Robert Gordon University (RGU). The academic venture is organized along faculties that are combined to offer undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programs. The important faculties at Garthdee are:

Aberdeen Business School: offers programs in Accounting & Finance; Strategic Risk Management; Human Resource Management; Procurement & Supply Chain; International Marketing; Digital Marketing; Business Communication; Global Hospitality, Events & Tourism; Sustainability & Energy Transitions; Project Management; Energy Management; Financial Management.
School of Computing, Engineering & Technology: It provides courses in computing, digital media, and engineering disciplines. Moreover, it offers hands-on experience in labs, engineering projects, etc.

Gray’s School of Art: This is one of the oldest fine arts schools in Scotland. Also, it offers multidisciplinary creative programs.

School of Health & Social Care: This faculty offers degrees such as nursing, midwifery, applied Social Studies, health Sciences, etc.
School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences: This faculty offers degree programs on life sciences, pharmacy, biology, possibly nutrition, and so on.

RGU also offers CPD programs, part-time and flexible learning (online, work-based). Many programs are thought to have an industry-relevant focus with applied components.

4.1.2 History & Functions of RGU

History:

After passing, Robert Gordon (1668-1753), who was a merchant and a benefactor, endowed funds for Robert Gordon’s Hospital for the education of the poor children of the Burgesses of the Guild. At that time, institutions emerged, broadly covering the much-desired areas of technical, art, and vocational training. The Technical College of RGU was founded in 1910.  In 1955, Tom Scott Sutherland donated the Garthdee estate to allow expansion of the college, leading to the creation of the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture.
For some time, the institution had the title of Robert Gordon’s Institute of Technology (RGIT). In 1992, the Institute was accorded full university status and renamed Robert Gordon University.

Functions and Roles:

RGU plays roles in applied, professional, and vocational education, teaching, and research. This way it jointly serves the needs of organizations, especially in engineering, health, business, and creative arts.

Another social need is the provision of community facilities, legal advice services, public events, and many more.
This high employability is therefore an agenda-setter for many programs, which come with work placements, practical lab sessions, and research participation.
Campus development serves purposes for urban planning and integration of communities; upon full consolidation (when activities from the city centre campus are relocated to the Garthdee), it was meant to centralize facilities and modernize infrastructures.

4.1.3 History of the City (Aberdeen) in which Garthdee Campus is Located

Origins & Early History:

Aberdeen is a Scottish city lying in the northeast between the Rivers Dee and Don, and has always been regarded as one of the main cities in Scotland. In addition, it used to comprise Old Aberdeen, the cathedral/university settlement around St. Machar; New Aberdeen, and the trading/fishing village on the River Dee. Moreover, old Aberdeen is reputed to have arisen sometime in the sixth century.
Over the centuries, it gained chartered rights as a burgh (late medieval), became a trading port, and progressed into shipbuilding, granite working, fishing, textiles, etc. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Aberdeen became rich from granite exportation and shipbuilding.

Modern Development:

Aberdeen’s transformation, both economically and socially, occurred because of the discovery of oil & gas in the North Sea in the 20th century. The city then became known as the energy capital of the United Kingdom. The industry was developed with several companies and institutions. Furthermore, there have been increments in the population and infrastructural developments in the town after the development of the oil and gas industry.

The Garthdee Area:

This is a district which is located in the suburbs of Aberdeen, about 3 km southwest of the city center, on the north bank of the River Dee. Historically, it has been a part of rural estates.
The land on which the RGU Garthdee campus lies was historically part of an extensive estate, land, and farmland, slowly acquired and adapted for educational use.

4.1.4 Infrastructure Facilities of RGU (Garthdee Campus)

Campus layout & size:

The Garthdee campus is spread across 23 hectares (approximately fifty-seven acres) of land along the banks of the River Dee. Some of this area is what the parkland grounds are, landscaped areas.

In addition, there is more land that belongs to the university, about ~8 hectares on the west side (wooded area) and 22 hectares along Waterside Farm on the other bank of the Dee.

Key Buildings / Facilities

Sir Ian Woods is the architect.

This building was opened in late summer of 2013, officially inaugurated on July 2, 2015, by the HRH of the Royal Princess, and named after Sir Ian Wood. It was earlier called Riverside East. This is the largest construction on campus (~34,000 square meters). It is designed by BDP (Constructing Partnership). Also, this building has two halves (north & south), separated by a massive atrium. The Library Tower, which has a green glass exterior, is a part of this building. The entry plaza is located in the riverside direction and so on.
Furthermore, this building houses the School of Computing Science & Digital Media, Pharmacy & Life Sciences. So, it contains teaching areas such as classrooms, lecture theatres, research labs, social/casual reading areas, library, and student facilities.

Scott Sutherland college of architecture

Built as a part of the Garthdee masterplan at some stage within the second phase. The cost of this building reaches approximately. 16 million pounds. This building was established to receive new students, and it consists of flexible studio areas, workshop areas, a spray booth for model-making, and high-spec AV infrastructure.
Studios in the building are used for architecture, environment, building, and many other purposes. So, these areas are designed to allow creative and practical work, model making, and collaborations.

Faculty of Health & Social Care Building (Applied Social Studies, Health Sciences, Nursing & Midwifery)

The College of Health & Academic Social Care building is used to conduct lectures on Social science, health Sciences, Nursing & Midwifery. The construction of this building was carried out in the summer of 2002. The design was done around a central social atrium to encourage departments to interact. Also, it has several departments with their respective lecture theatres, laboratories, and offices. It is more of a specialized building for health sciences.

Aberdeen Business School building

This was opened in 1998, and moved to this building in Garthdee. This building is a special building that has gained design awards.
This building is used for business and management education, accounting & finance, HR, global organization, and many more. In addition, it incorporates classrooms, seminars, staff offices, and so on.

Grey’s School of Art

The art school shows characteristics that are both old and new. It transferred to Garthdee in 1967. So, it now stays unchanged as a modern art school. This encompasses facilities such as art studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces. In addition, it has areas specially designed for fine art, design, print, sculpture, and much more.

University Library (Library Tower within Sir Ian Wood The  Building)

Library of Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Campus, is located in the green glass tower of the Sir Ian Wood building. It includes four floors, hosting books, journals, study desks, computer systems, power outlets, quiet study areas, and group rooms.

Sports activities facilities (RGU Sport):

The campus has a sports complex with 25 25-meter swimming pool (~6 lanes), a couple of gyms, a climbing wall, a sports hall that can be used for badminton, football, basketball, netball, volleyball, indoor hockey, fencing, and so on.

Other facilities:

Meal/Catering outlets:
There are several cafes and food courts in major buildings such as  Sir Ian Timber, Ishbel Gordon building, Riverside building, and others. These have unique cuisines, take-away options, etc.
IT facilities: The Garthdee campus encompasses It facilities for approximately 2,500 students and computer/IT workstations.

Infrastructure and sustainability

Buildings on the Garthdee campus are modern and designed with sustainability in mind. For instance, Sir Ian’s wooden building uses a ground supply heat pump; RGU has invested in LED lights, waterless urinals, etc.

Landscaped setting:
Garthdee University premises consist of parkland, mature trees, and riverside walkways. These aspects are meant to make the campus functional and aesthetically pleasing.

4.1.5 Weather in the City Area of RGU Garthdee Campus (Aberdeen)

The weather conditions similar to northeastern coastal Scotland are experienced in Garthdee, which is incorporated in Aberdeen. These are its key features.

Climate Type: Temperate maritime. Meaning that the temperatures would be mild and there would not usually be quite hot summers or extremely cold winters compared to the continental climates. Also, the weather here is strongly affected by the North Sea.

Temperature levels:
In summer (June-August)  Garthdee area has its average extreme temperatures around 16-17 °C, lowest of around 9-10 °C.
During winter (December-February), average highs reach around 5-6 °C, and lows about 0-1 °C.

Rainfall and Rain:
Rainfall can be expected in almost all months. Mainly, the rain is expected during October and November, which are usually the wettest months. Moreover, rain showers and drizzle sometimes turn into heavier downpours. Approx. Annual rainfall is around 750-800 mm or more.

Wind and Cloud:
As this area is situated next sea, wind and cloud cover come into Aberdeen. So, theThe,  hose coastal winds add to the sense of relaxation. So, nice sea breezes are common.
Snow and Cold Conditions: Snow occurs in this area, but heavy snow is less common; cold snaps occur. Wintry nights would drop to freezing or below. Daytime stays slightly above.
Seasonal Patterns:
In spring, we can expect a cool and warm climate, but often it’s very wet. Early spring may also be cold.
In summer, the climate is gentle; it can be hot for a few days. Nevertheless, it’s mostly cloudy or rainy.
In autumn, we can expect increasing rain with more windy weather.
Winter: There will be cold, grey days with minimal snow or frost; short days.

4.1.6 Transportation & Airports Closest to the University

Garthdee area is equipped well with diverse means of transportation modes, which make access from across the world or within Central Scotland easy.

Nearest Airport

Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ), the main airport of Dyce, is located about 8-10 miles northwest of Garthdee. The airport operates both domestic and international flights in the United Kingdom. There are different ways of transport to Garthdee from the airport.

Taxi

Taxis are available twenty-four hours. Their charges are about £25-£30,  depending on traffic and the actual drop-off location.

Bus

the Jet 727 service runs from outside the terminal to the city centre. From the city centre, catch a local bus (for example, route 1 or 2) to Garthdee. (rgu.net)

Other modes of transport

Bus services: Numerous main bus routes connect Garthdee with the city centre and various suburbs.
Rail: The principal railway station for Aberdeen is located within the city. From there, it is possible to use local buses to commute to Garthdee. There is no direct train connection to the campus.

Walking and cycling are indeed quite popular ways of travelling within the campus, considering the beautifully landscaped grounds as well as the riverfront. RGU also has a Bike-sharing Scheme.

4.1.7 Student Life at RGU Garthdee Campus

Garthdee campus of the Robert Gordon University offers a vibrant and diverse student life for students. There are facilities for students where they can balance extracurricular activities with their studies. So, here is a detailed description of student life at the university.

sports facilities and clubs

RGU sports offers more than 30 sports clubs, from football, rugby, basketball, and netball to those special ones like cheerleading and curling
Memberships: Year-round and term-wise.

Other recreational sports are also very alluring, such as campus walks, pickleball sessions, and available courts for basketball, badminton, table tennis, etc. Such activities enhance well-being and contribute to making social connections and keeping students fit physically.

Moreover,  Robert Gordon University hosts a Boat Club, which rows on the River Dee.

Clubs, Societies & Co-Curricular activities

Other than the sports activities, there is a plethora of societies and student organizations that fall under the Students’ Union at RGU. There are great societies supported by the students’ union for the arts, cultures, gaming, religions, and even academic interests.

Union Way (building on campus) has social spaces, meeting rooms, student shops, and venues for casual entertainment such as movie nights, gaming, debates, etc.

Students organize volunteering opportunities or networks, which considerably help students settle into uni life. Also, they organize events throughout the week, such as Freshers’ Week, to meet up with others, join societies, and try new things.

Entertainment within the Sub Campus and the city

Most student entertainment is centered in the city center, but some social areas are closer to Garthdee. The cafes and eateries, as well as casual hangout areas in the buildings like the Sir Ian Wood building and the Student Union, are spots in which students can gather on campus.

There are shops and restaurants at the nearby Garthdee shopping Centre. Moreover, walking along the River Dee can give students a pleasant experience. Duthie Park is not that far from the university, either, which is a good place for relaxation.

4.1.8 Night Life in Campus Area

Nightlife for students here at RGU encompasses sporting events within the campus and external social venues. Off-campus, there are locations such as bars, pubs, live music, and clubbing found in the cities of Aberdeen and Glen. Below is some brief information about those places found just near Garthdee.

Sports Night Activities on Campuses

Sports night on campus entails a fun evening organized by the students’ union, comprising themed parties, social events, performances, movies, or game shows on some selected days. Usually, they take place somewhere like Union Way, RGU Sports Hall, or a common room.

The costs are usually lower and at times even free for society members, so it becomes quite affordable for normal events. These events are most exciting during the Freshers’ WeekThe  for students.

Bars, pubs, and clubs nearby (City Centre/Campus)

This is a compilation of nightlife venues comprised of bars and clubs with descriptions and links. Most are within a short bus ride or a 15- to 25-minute walk from Garthdee.

Soul Bar is a bar that has a stylish space converted from a historic church. So, it has features like stained glass windows and high ceilings. This place is a good choice for students who are seeking a relaxed night with drinks.

Babylon is a nightclub with modern music and DJs. This is a good option for those who are looking for a dance floor with trendy tracks. Another Bar which is near the RGU is NOX. This is a club venue that plays disco, chart music, and also has themed lights.

Prohibition is a nightclub that has cheaper options, and sometimes it offers free entry. So, this venue is usually busy on weekends.

Paradise/ Club Tropicana is a nightclub that hosts retro nights with 80s and 90s music. So, it’s a good place for people who are looking for throwback nights.

Revolution is a bar and a club that is very popular among uni students because it serves food as well.

4.1.9 Accommodation

two main options for student accommodation are those at RGU, which can be described as college-accommodated (hostels, halls of residence, pupil villages) and private off-campus facilities.

College Hostel/Student Village accommodations

Crathie Scholar Village: It is one of the big halls that is run by RGU Union. Provides ensuite rooms, shared kitchens, and lounges. It is between the city center and campus, so it’s accessible to all. Apartments at Crathie generally host around 96 residents and are 3-4 storeys high.

Typically, those university halls or accommodations include utility bills, internet connection, and some communal services. Some are nearer to Garthdee, and some are nearer to the city centre, but are well interconnected by transport.

Private accommodation or Off-campus Accommodation

Most of these homes and shared houses around Garthdee are very popular among second-year and third-year students. These can be apartments or just renovated older houses. The rent depends on the location, quality, and size. Moreover, accommodation in the Garthdee area tends to be more expensive than outer suburbs, but more accessible.

When choosing accommodation beyond the campus, students consider the access to bus routes, shops, and the river, as well as green spaces. Most students go for homes that are within walking or very short bus distance to campus.

From a cost Perspective, University accommodation on a very broad scale, while private accommodation tends to be pricier in the attractive locations. When thinking about the cost, you should not just think about rent, but also bills (electricity, heating, internet), travel, and food.

4.1.10 Medical Services & Nearest Hospitals

Health and medical facilities are available to university students residing near Garthdee. Also, all GP (General Practitioner) clinics and hospitals are nearby.

GP practices/clinics within Garthdee 

The Garthdee medical centre is quite nearby. It is located within walking distance for most students. It deals with general health, minor ailments, and routine check-ups.
In addition, some of the other nearby GP clinics include the Great Western Medical Practice, the Holburn Medical Group, and the Kincorth Medical Practice, etc. They are located about 1-2 miles from the area.

Hospitals

Here are some hospital facilities in proximity:

Woodend General Hospital: 2-3 miles distance. General hospital services are offered.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary: an enormous hospital situated some 2.5-3 miles from Garthdee. Emergency and specialist services are offered.
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital are also around there (2-3 miles approximately).

Read more:
Robert Gordon University (RGU), Scotland (Part 1)

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