Robert Gordon University (RGU) has announced the launch of a new Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in BA (Hons) Business and Project Management, with applications now open for its first intake in September 2026.
The programme has been developed in response to rising demand for project management capability across sectors, offering apprentices the opportunity to gain formal qualifications while remaining in full-time employment.
Bridging academic learning and real-world delivery
Delivered by Aberdeen Business School, the course combines academic study with practical, work-based experience. The structure is designed to enable apprentices to apply theoretical concepts directly within their organisations, strengthening both individual capability and business outcomes.
Participants will develop core skills in planning, leading, and delivering projects, alongside broader business understanding to support decision-making in complex environments.
The programme also places emphasis on collaboration and professional networks. Apprentices will engage with mentors and colleagues within their organisations, while connecting with a wider peer group across industries through RGU’s online learning platform.
Responding to industry demand
The introduction of the course reflects a wider shift in how project management skills are developed, with employers increasingly seeking professionals who can combine formal knowledge with practical experience from day one.
Vicky Stewart, Lecturer and Course Leader at RGU, said:
“We’re excited to introduce this new programme for 2026, reflecting the increasing importance of effective project management across all industries.
“This degree has been developed closely with employers to ensure apprentices gain both the theoretical grounding and the practical, work based skills needed to deliver successful projects in today’s fast moving business environment.
“By combining academic study with real world experience, apprentices can deliver immediate value to their organisations while advancing their own careers in roles such as Project Manager, Business Analyst or Contracts Manager.”
Supporting the future workforce
The apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Funding Council and Skills Development Scotland, aligning with national efforts to strengthen workforce skills and improve access to career pathways.
Aberdeen Business School, which holds AACSB accreditation—a distinction achieved by only a small proportion of business schools globally—will deliver the programme.
For employers, the model offers a structured way to build internal capability. For individuals, it provides a route into project management careers without stepping away from employment.
As demand for project delivery skills continues to grow, programmes that integrate learning with live project environments are likely to play an increasingly central role in shaping the next generation of professionals.
