University launches voluntary severance scheme

Robert Gordon University (RGU) has announced a voluntary severance scheme amid what it described as significant financial challenges.

The Aberdeen-based institution said it had suffered from a steep drop in foreign student enrollments due to post-Brexit changes in UK immigration policy.

The university also warned it had also seen rising cost pressures and a severe decline in its public funding.

RGU said it was a successful institution that had experienced significant growth in recent years.

But it said it must act over the financial pressures it is facing in common with other universities in Scotland and across the UK.

The voluntary severance scheme has been opened as part of what RGU said were challenging but necessary actions to maintain its financial sustainability.

The university has also started a consultation on a proposed restructure.

A spokesperson confirmed it would not result in any significant change to its academic offering and would not stop the provision of any of its subjects.