Robert Gordon University, commonly referred to as RGU, is a public university in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. It became a university in 1992, and originated from an educational institution founded in the 18th century by Robert Gordon, a prosperous Aberdeen merchant, and various institutions which provided adult education and technical education in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is one of two universities in the city (the other is the much older University of Aberdeen). According to the 2013 Times Good University Guide it is the best modern university in the UK,[7] while according to The Guardian University Guide 2013 it is the best modern university in Scotland and 2nd-best in the UK.[8] It was shortlisted for Sunday Times University of the Year 2012 and was named Best Modern University in the UK for 2012 by The Sunday Times University Guide.[9] Analysis published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has indicated that of those who graduated from full-time undergraduate degrees in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, 2015 were in employment or further study within six months - one of the highest of any university in the UK. The university awards degrees in a wide range of disciplines from BA/BSc to PhD, primarily in (but not limited to) professional, technical and artistic disciplines and those most applicable to business and industry. A number of traditional academic degree programmes are also offered, such as in the social sciences. Disciplines available include the social sciences, life sciences, engineering, computing science, pharmacy, nursing, allied health professions, social work, law, accountancy, business administration, management, journalism, fine art, applied arts and design, and architecture. In addition, the university's academic and research staff produce world-class research in a number of areas.[10]