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Minister Welcomes New Collaborative Initiative Between RGU and Aberdeen College
// Monday 30 March 2009

ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY and ABERDEEN COLLEGE are to build on their existing strong partnership with the launch of a new web site to encourage more school leavers and mature students to consider studying for a qualification.

Fiona Hyslop, Education Secretary, will view the Uni-link web site during a visit to both RGU and ABERDEEN COLLEGE on Monday 30 March. The web site promotes the degree link programme where ABERDEEN COLLEGE students can progress to an Honours degree at the ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY.

Uni-link is of particular value to people who have few qualifications, have been away from education for a time but now realise they have the potential for further study, or who lack the initial confidence needed to embark directly on a university degree course.

Professor Mike Pittilo, Principal of ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY said, "Last year a total of 310 students progressed from the College to RGU and we believe Uni-link will increase this, helping us to deliver Government and Funding Council priorities within the north east. This will benefit individuals, the regional economy and lifelong learning in Scotland."

Fiona Hyslop, Education Secretary said, "We need to ensure that Scotland's people have the skills they need to develop as individuals and to contribute to Scotland's economic recovery when the time comes. Initiatives such as Uni-link are vital towards enabling everyone in Scotland, regardless of their age or background, to reach their full potential and towards building a smarter, fairer, healthier and wealthier nation. Progression for students between colleges and universities will become increasingly important as we continue to gear up for economic recovery and I am delighted to see RGU and ABERDEEN COLLEGE working so closely on this and other initiatives."

Roddy Scott, Acting Principal of ABERDEEN COLLEGE said, "The demographic changes affecting Scotland, and particularly the north east, will make it more challenging for Further and Higher Education institutions to attract students. We believe that the flexibility that Uni-link offers students in terms of developing at their own pace and choosing how far they wish to take their studies will be very attractive, especially to those who may not have traditionally considered Higher Education."

The two institutions are committed to developing life-long learning opportunities for the north east community and were the first in Scotland to develop an arrangement where university students who have completed first year but who choose to leave, for personal or financial reasons, can be given credit for their university studies towards an HND qualification where appropriate.

During her visit Fiona Hyslop will also visit the photography studios in ABERDEEN COLLEGE which will be one of the facilities used for the new BA in Commercial Photography being delivered jointly by RGU and ABERDEEN COLLEGE.

View a gallery of Ms Hyslop's visit to ABERDEEN COLLEGE.