Duncan Cockburn

Dr Duncan Cockburn is currently Vice Principal for Strategy and Planning at Robert Gordon University. Duncan has many years of experience in higher education, having spent the majority of his career working in the sector in a variety of roles. He is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, holding a MA honours degree and a PhD both in History. He is a former President of the University of Aberdeen’s Student Association.

Duncan took up his first role in the higher education sector in 2004 as Head of sparqs (Student Participation in Quality Scotland) before joining RGU in 2008 as the Principal’s Policy Advisor. He was appointed as the Director of Planning and Policy in 2013 and then to his current role as Vice Principal for Strategy & Planning at the University in 2022. As Vice Principal, Duncan is the executive lead for several departments, including Marketing & Communications; Student Recruitment, Access & Admissions; the Gatehouse Design and Print department as well as Planning & Insight.