Overview

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the UK and has been ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. There are five Nobel Prizes associated with the University across medicine, nutrition, chemistry, and physics with new ground-breaking research and innovation continuing to this day. The university was awarded the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for research and teaching in Soil Science in 2021.

　　Facilities include the Olympic-standard Aberdeen Sports Village and an Aquatic Centre. There are also four libraries, including the university's main Sir Duncan Rice Library, home to over one million books and special collections. The Sir Duncan Rice Library was named one of the most beautiful in the world (CEOWORLD magazine, 2016). The university's new, state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub opened in early 2022, providing specialist teaching, training, and learning facilities for students across a number of disciplines including chemistry, medical sciences and biological sciences.

　　Aberdeen is one of the safest and most affordable student cities in the UK. It is a city rich in culture and history and surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastlines. Attractions include theatres, museums and art galleries, the picturesque old fishing village of Footdee, city centre shopping, sports, outdoor pursuits, festivals and lots more.

　　The university has three campuses King's College and Foresterhill Medical Campus in Aberdeen, and one in Doha, Qatar, and welcomes a diverse community of over 14,000 students from 130 nationalities. It also runs an international exchange programme with partner universities globally, as well as extensive online learning offering, allowing students the flexibility to set their own study hours, and take short courses that stack into postgraduate qualifications.

　　

What's new

Science Teaching Hub

The University of Aberdeen's new, state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub opened its doors in early 2022. The building has been designed around the provision of specialist teaching, training and learning for students across several disciplines such as chemistry, medical sciences, biological sciences and geosciences. Students will be able to learn in laboratory spaces in a digital, completely paperless environment equipped with digital screens on every workbench.

　　

Aberdeen 2040

As part of the university's 525th birthday celebrations in 2020, a new strategic vision was launched – Aberdeen 2040. Over the coming years, the university will fulfil their 20 commitments to be a more inclusive, interdisciplinary, international and sustainable university. For example, the university is committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions before 2040.

　　

Open Days and Visits

The University of Aberdeen's 2024 Open Day dates have now been confirmed, and the university also offers Campus Visits to students throughout the year. Students can enjoy a tour of the campus, meet academics, see facilities and ask current students about their experience of studying at Aberdeen.

　　Postgraduate Virtual Open Days are held three times a year and allow prospective students to speak live with academics about life at Aberdeen, chat with current students, find out about support networks and take virtual tours of the campuses.

　　This online event is the perfect opportunity to speak with current students, watch live presentations, and ask questions to academic staff.

　　The event will be held across two sessions, 10am to midday, and 5pm to 7pm, and you only need to attend one session. You can register for the event and find out more here.

　　

Teaching quality

The University of Aberdeen has a history of excellent teaching across a range of disciplines and attracts international academics and staff with impressive portfolios and professional backgrounds.

　　Research-led, interdisciplinary teaching gives students the vital skills to succeed after university. Many of Aberdeen's programmes come with professional accreditations and are co-designed by industry advisory boards to meet industry needs, both now and in the future.

　　The University of Aberdeen's teaching quality has been recognised with the following achievements and awards:

　　Ranked in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023) Ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2023 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023) Ranked 4th in the UK for overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022)

　　

Department structure

The university is divided up into twelve schools:

　　Business School Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History Education Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture Law Social Science Biological Sciences Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition Psychology Engineering Geosciences Natural and Computing SciencesThere are several research institutes and centres which cut across disciplines. Each school has its own research themes and groups which sit within the institutes and centres. Students can find more details about each school and the courses or research offered through each school's web page.

　　

Study Options

The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research degrees to PhD level, with an extensive range of online degrees and short courses also available which allow students to fit their learning into their life.

　　

Entry requirements

For international students, entry requirements are found on programme pages, or by looking up their country of origin in the international section to find country specific qualifications. For further support, students should contact the university's international team. Aberdeen offers English language support and courses before arrival and student volunteers support English language practice.

　　Aberdeen considers a wide range of entry criteria as part of its widening participation efforts to acknowledge students of all backgrounds. For students without the traditional entry requirements, there are other routes to study for a degree programme, including:

　　Advanced entry from college Online Access courses Articulation routes International Foundation ProgrammesStudents can find specific entry requirements for their chosen course on the university's website.

　　

Scholarships & funding

There are a broad range of scholarships and funding opportunities available at all levels for students studying at the University of Aberdeen. For example:

　　

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The Aberdeen Global Scholarship is available for self-funded international taught masters students. Those who are eligible could receive GBP 3,000 to help with the cost of their studies.

　　The university offers programme or country specific scholarships which students can search for through the funding database.

　　The University of Aberdeen also offers an Alumni Discount Scheme. The award offers a 20 per cent reduction off postgraduate taught programmes for all students with a degree from the university.

　　

Postgraduate Research

There are several predefined funded PHD Scholarships and projects to apply for throughout the academic year. These can be funded by industry professionals, charities, and government and academic research organisations. All self-funded PhD students are welcome to search for support on the funding database.

　　

Facilities

Libraries

Aberdeen is home to the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, the Taylor Library for Law, and the Medical Library. These libraries offer:

　　Access to over 1.3 million books and online sources 1500 individual study spaces Specialist advice, assistive technologies, galleries and events

Museums and Special Collections

Aberdeen holds 600 years' worth of rare books and special collections and is home to several museums including:

　　The Gallery Zoology Museum Kings' Museum Virtual Museum Exhibitions Archive Cruickshank Botanic Garden

Sports

Students can enjoy sport at all levels at the Sports Village and Olympic Standard Aquatics Centre which offers:

　　Health and fitness activities for individuals and groups Aquatics – swimming, diving and pool sports Certification in fitness training, first aid and other courses Group exercise including Zumba, athletics, aerobics, and dance classes Indoor and Outdoor football pitches Squash Courts Hockey pitches

Students' Union

The students' union building located on campus offers several services:

　　Infohub support and advice facilities Student Finance support hub Food outlets Aberdeen University Students Association (AUSA)

Accommodation

The university offers a range of properties suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students on both the King's Campus and at Hillhead Student Village. All flats come with a fully equipped kitchen and living area, onsite laundry facilities, and bike storage. There is also a selection of specially adapted rooms. Fees are inclusive of utility bills, basic contents insurance, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security.

　　

Other Facilities

Students will also have access to email, IT support and Wi-Fi on site, and numerous computer rooms and study spaces are situated across campus. Students are supported by Infohub, IT services, campus libraries, Aberdeen University Student Association clubs and societies, International Centre, Student Advice and Support teams and other specialist facilities.