The univeristy of Aberdeen like many Unis is in financial straights. I am hoping the reason Admin/bueracracy is hard is because of all the staff cuts. But the first propaganda/gaslighting thing I hae heard from staff each time is: "Oh but it was retirements and people that wanted to go" great for them, mate, but you are now understaffed. Turn around time for emails at the university I went to in the states was 2 business days. It is emotionally draining for every staff member to be friendly and polite but very often be told: go somewhere else I don't do that. and then all emails and stuff related to tuition/interent/logistics take forever. I was taught if in customor service I could not help someone I should know where to send them. because if one student asked you that.. more will.

My feeling is that the program staff, none of whom seem to be full time, are very busy. The actual course is ok. It's the subject matter and people though.... The teaching structure may work for some but I hear people unhappy with it. The best part is one on one. When the staff are speaking about their experience of being a therapist it's great. When they give us feedback on our therapy sessions it's great. But the actual teaching is just ok. That seems mean because they are very likable, very ethical, very much passionate about the material. its like a person you respect making dinner but then it is just ok. You feel bad saying anything. But I paid a lot more for this education course than I would a dinner course it is good enough to accomplish what we need but it really needs improving.

I like Aberdeen. First Bus is a nightmare. Late buses and I mean 10 minutes late. Buses that do not show up. I lived in a EU country with amazing Public transport now I am spoiled. People: five stars city council: bad. The city centre is being bought up by people that are not local and 1 out 3 is empty. weather: if you can deal with cold and damp and windy you will be fine. people complain about aberdeen but it is truly a decent town. you can't compare it to a mega city like glasgow or a wee town. in some ways only aberdeen and dundee have this middle vibe. of course Edinborough and Glagsgow have more stuff/people/excitement... they are HUGE!

I knew what I was getting was overpriced but as an international student I went with ease/convenence/certainty. Don't. Don't stay at Hillhead as postgrad. The staff is lovely but you are far from stuff when you don't have to be. Maybe its fun for the undergrads like a big camp but i would not stay here again. I did get good flatmates so thats awesome but I would have stayed somewhere more central and cheaper for what you get. the pro of "known quantity" was not worth it.

The commitment to learning on the course is what really stands out and it has pushed growth for all of the students on my course. There is consistent effort to engage with students and feedback is welcome and encouraged

Contact is always efficient from lecturers and feedback from students often results in direct and very tangible changes. An environment conducive to support and learning has encouraged growth and has facilitated everyone's professional and personal development in a meaningful way.

The resources of a city without the fast pace of life that often accompanies that.