University of Aberdeen

Why Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the UK's most internationally distinguished universities. It has a student population of around 16,000 and a large international community of students drawn from 120 different countries.

Here you'll find study options to suit your academic interests, and social and leisure activities that will contribute to your overall well-being, enjoyment and personal growth.

History and Excellence

The University has an excellent reputation for teaching quality and research, and, over the years, five Nobel Prizes have been awarded for work carried out or begun at Aberdeen. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) assessed 89% of Aberdeen’s research activity as being of international quality and 55% as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Leading in the 21st Century

The University is at the forefront in many areas of arts and social sciences, in science, computing, engineering and technology, and in ground-breaking disciplines focused firmly on the 21st century, such as Bio-Medical Computing Science. 91% of our graduates walk into good jobs, research posts or further study within six months of graduating. Our Postgraduate opportunities are also outstanding.

Students are attracted by our tradition which is rooted in our 500 year history - but we are focused firmly on the future and are at the cutting-edge of research in many fields. Our attraction also lies in the quality of our courses and teaching, the research opportunities we provide, our superb facilities as one of the six Ancient Universities of Britain, and for the care and support which we provide for all our students.

Choice and Flexibility

Flexibility and individuality are the University's real strengths. With over 600 first degree programmes on offer, students can mix, match and switch subjects as they discover new interests on route to their tailor-made degree. The University has numerous international connections with universities in North America and across Europe, affording students the opportunity to study abroad as part of their degree. For postgraduate students, there are opportunities to undertake supervised research in all departments of the University, or choose from over 150 taught Masters programmes which are designed to meet the needs of the workplace in the 21st Century.

A Superb Environment

The University has a beautiful central campus where ancient buildings sit side by side with modern, newly refurbished, laboratories, first-class computing facilities and the latest library technology. The University promotes a multi-national, multi-faith community. A place in University Halls is normally guaranteed to all students during their first year, and these are either on, or within short walking distance of the main teaching site.

What About Support for Students?

You'll find student life new and exciting, but you may also find it a bit bewildering at first, especially if you are moving away from home for the first time. We aim to make sure right from the start that you have access to any support you might need - academic, personal, medical, financial - from people who are easy to contact and who can give you friendly and expert guidance.

The University Disability Advisers offer support and guidance and are a first point of contact for students with disabilities. You may also choose to visit the University, to meet academic and support staff and to assess for yourself the facilities and support structures which are available.

We are committed to helping students settle in quickly, achieve their ambitions and develop their talents and interests. These are just a few good reasons for choosing the University of Aberdeen.