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Postgraduate

How It Works

This 10-week Pre-Master’s course has been designed to enable seamless progression onto Robert Gordon University’s postgraduate degrees. Developed alongside RGU, this course provides you with the skills, knowledge and focus needed to succeed at MSc level. You’ll develop a proactive and self-managed approach to business planning, project management, critical thinking and problem solving.

Modules

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

This module is designed to bridge the gap between undergraduate level and the specialised demands of postgraduate study. You’ll learn the essential communicative skills needed to thrive at RGU. Beyond the classroom, you’ll cultivate a versatile range of abilities (written and oral) tailored for professional success; while developing independent learning and taking ownership of your academic development.

Mode of delivery

Lectures and tutorials

Contact hours (per semester/modules)

Contact hours: 100
Self-directed study hours: 50

How will I be assessed?

Coursework: written assignment (50%); Coursework: Oral Presentation in defence of a research project (50%) Minimum overall pass mark of 40% (Grade D*) across all assessment events and a minimum of 35% in assessments.

Critical Thinking

Get ready to develop a high-level analytical mindset. You’ll understand complex theories, learn to identify subtle biases, and construct rigorous, evidence-based arguments. By honing these critical thinking skills, you’ll gain the intellectual independence needed to engage deeply and with your chosen field of study.

Mode of delivery

Lectures and tutorials

Contact hours (per semester/module)

Contact hours: 40
Self-directed study hours: 70

How will I be assessed?

Coursework, evaluation of arguments exercise (10%), critical evaluation of a text (20%) final examination (70%). This module carries a standard minimum progression requirement: grade D / pass mark 40%.

Foundations of Research Practice

This module introduces the core principles and practices of academic research. This will empower you to navigate the complexities of scholarly inquiry and develop a sophisticated understanding of key research concepts. From exploring diverse research philosophies to conducting systematic literature reviews, you’ll be able to select and apply the practical tools needed to build a credible body of work.

Mode of delivery

Lectures and tutorials

Contact hours (per semester/module)

Contact hours: 40
Self-directed study hours: 100

How will I be assessed?

Poster Presentation (30%); Research Proposal  (70%). This module carries a standard minimum progression requirement: grade D / pass mark 40%

Teaching

Your ICRGU course will be delivered in small classes rather than large lecture groups. Learning in small classes will give you lots of opportunity to develop your understanding of the subject through discussions with your classmates and tutors. You will have full access to RGU’s facilities throughout your ICRGU course.

Tour the facilities

Your Studies

Independent Learning

A significant part of postgraduate-level study involves independent learning. Your ICRGU course will teach you how to drive your own learning and be proactive outside your timetabled classes.

Below are some examples of self-directed study that you will explore:

  • Reading journal articles and books
  • Undertaking research in the library
  • Preparing coursework assignments and presentations.

Overall Workload

Your overall workload will consist of the following:

  • Timetabled contact hours
  • Independent learning
  • Assessed activities
  • Ad-hoc field trips

The breakdown of directed and self-directed study hours throughout your ICRGU course can be approximated at the following:

  • Contact hours: 180
  • Self-directed study hours: 300

Timetables

Timetables will be provided once you are registered and enrolled. Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week.

Assessment

You will have opportunities to test your understanding of each module before you complete the formal assessments at the end. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment, and you will receive feedback from your tutor on this.

Formal assessment methods include:

  • Written examinations
  • A range of coursework assessments such as:
    • Essays
    • Reports
    • Portfolios
    • Presentations
    • Final project.

The balance of assessment by examination and by coursework depends on your modules.

Feedback

You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal coursework assessments. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from your tutor. Feedback is intended to help you learn, and you are encouraged to discuss it with your tutor.

We aim to provide you with feedback within 10 working days of hand-in (practice assessment) and 20 working days of hand-in (formal coursework assessment).

Placement Opportunities

Robert Gordon University offers postgraduate students the opportunity to complete a short internship as part of the MSc degree. For this, you will undertake a specific project for a company in the UK. The experience will help develop key skills, as well as build your confidence and network of contacts within the industry.

Please note: internships are not available for all MSc degrees.

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