DInfSc Doctor of Information Science

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 60% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Robert Gordon University is fostering academic excellence and attracting top-tier international talent. The university offers a range of scholarships specifically designed to support PhD students pursuing advanced research across various disciplines. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial barriers and provide a conducive environment for scholars to thrive in their academic pursuits.

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence (PhD): The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes and supports outstanding PhD candidates. It covers full tuition fees and provides a stipend to support living expenses. This scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded based on academic merit, research potential, and the impact of the proposed research.

International Fee Scholarships (IFS): RGU's International Fee Scholarships are available to high-achieving international PhD students. These scholarships contribute towards the cost of tuition fees, making doctoral studies at RGU more accessible to exceptional scholars from around the world. Recipients are selected based on academic achievements and the potential impact of their research.

Santander Universities Scholarship: In collaboration with Santander Universities, RGU offers scholarships to support international PhD students. These scholarships are designed to facilitate research projects with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. Successful applicants receive financial support to further their research goals.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS): RGU participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, which provides full funding for international PhD students from Commonwealth countries. This scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a living stipend. It aims to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among Commonwealth nations.

RGU PhD Studentship Awards: The university allocates a number of PhD Studentship Awards to exceptional candidates across various disciplines. These awards may cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic background, research proposal, and potential contributions to their field of study.

Energy Transition Institute (ETI) PhD Scholarships: RGU, with a focus on energy transition research, offers PhD scholarships through the Energy Transition Institute. These scholarships support research projects related to sustainable energy, renewable technologies, and environmental impact. Successful candidates benefit from both financial assistance and access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

School-specific Scholarships: Different academic schools within RGU may have specific scholarships tailored to their research priorities. Prospective PhD students are encouraged to explore opportunities within their intended field of study and inquire about discipline-specific funding options.

This distinguished program is designed to equip information science professionals with the highest level of expertise, fostering research, leadership, and innovation within the field.

University Professor/Researcher: Graduates may pursue academic careers as university professors or researchers, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in information science through teaching and cutting-edge research.

Chief Information Officer (CIO): Opportunities exist for graduates to assume leadership roles as Chief Information Officers, overseeing the strategic management of information technology within organizations and driving digital innovation.

Research Scientist: Graduates may choose careers as research scientists, working in both academic and industrial research settings to explore emerging trends, develop new technologies, and contribute to the evolution of information science.

Information Architect: With a focus on the organization and structure of information, graduates may pursue roles as information architects, designing systems and structures to enhance the accessibility and usability of information.

Data Scientist: Graduates can explore roles as data scientists, applying advanced analytical and statistical methods to extract valuable insights from large datasets, contributing to data-driven decision-making.