The University of Aberdeen is the UK’s fifth-oldest university, mixing historic buildings and state-of-the art accommodation; it’s ranked among the world’s top educational institutions. It’s almost evenly split between undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Aberdeen University is based around four colleges and schools:
The Kings College campus in Old Aberdeen is the university’s historic centre and also contains the state-of-the-art Sir Duncan Rice Library and first-class sports facilities in the Aberdeen Sports Village. The newer Fosterhill campus is home to life sciences and medicine facilities.
The Complete University Guide 2019 has ranked the University of Aberdeen as a top 30 UK University.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"Very glad I came here. Changed me as a person and made me into who I am now."
"Great compact campus, the university takes good care of students; international and friendly community."
"Good teaching and support."
"I really like this uni.
95.8% of graduates are in a job or further study after six months of graduating. The university’s careers service offers advice and guidance as well as career mentoring and other programmes.
Many reviewers told us they had used the university's career services and had felt very well supported by them. Students also told us what they were learning in the lecture halls was making them feel more employable.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"Course are centred around transferable employability skills and the uni has dedicated careers service available to visit and to talk to an advisor."
"The courses are geared to impart transferable skills."
"They have activities related to employment very often."
"Careers services are very nice."
Our student reviewers rate the quality and enthusiasm of their lectures, how accessible help is when they're struggling academically, as well as the university’s friendly atmosphere.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"The lectures are so friendly and caring."
"Practical classes are fun and interactive."
"Excellent; great and enjoyable courses with superb lecturers."
Made up of five full time officers, Aberdeen’s Student Association offers a host of societies and sports clubs as well as a counselling hotline and advice service.
Aberdeen University Students’ Association offers a range of opportunities to get involved in including volunteering, joining a society, raising and giving and joining campaigns. They also hold elections and organise a range of events.
Within the student union building there's a bar and number of catering outlets for you to unwind in after a long day of lectures.
Reviewers told us they feel the SU is approachable, easily accessible and represents students well.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"Very active and reachable."
"The students' union is out to do its best in ensuring a good student experience."
"The students' association made my experience at the university complete. The huge numbers of societies and the large and active sports clubs are brilliant and can literally cater for everyone's interests."
All new students are guaranteed a place within the university's portfolio of accommodation providing they apply by the deadline. There are five halls on the King’s Campus site, with another nine different residences 20 minutes’ walk away at the Hillhead Student Village.
With most accommodation, the rent will cover bills, Wi-Fi as well as basic contents insurance.
If you want catered housing, you need to be in Johnston Hall or Crombie Hall, where for 37 weeks of the 39 you’re contracted for, meals will be provided for you.
Johnston costs £144 a week, each floor will have between 6-12 other students and most standard rooms have wash basins in them. Crombie Hall costs between £154-169 a week (depending where you stay) and there are 79 en-suite rooms up for grabs.
Self catered housing is based in The Spital, Elphinstone Road and King’s Hall.
The Spital offers housing for 51 weeks at £110 a week (utility bills aren’t included in this). With 3-4 students sharing each flat, there’s one shared bathroom in each one.
Elphinstone Road offers rooms from £109 a week for standard room or £142 a week for en-suite, although these rooms are normally given to disabled students. There are usually between 3-5 students in each flat.
King’s Hall is £142 a week for 51 weeks. There are usually 5 students in each flat.
Aberdeen also has another seven blocks run by partner organisations.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"Very comfortable."
"My university accommodation was awesome with great people."
"Student halls are great, the price matches the accommodation, great experience and are well maintained and managed."
King’s Campus boasts the state-of-the-art Sir Duncan Rice Library, which has been named one of the most beautiful in the world (CEOWORLD magazine 2016) and its eight floors house the largest of the university's modern collections.
The Aberdeen Sports Village gets frequent mentions and high praise from student reviewers, and the amount on offer reguarly comes up in reviews too. The Sports Village includes:
There's free wi-fi both on campus and within Aberdeen, and when you're looking for a place to relax after lectures, there are campus-based museums as well as the beautiful Cruickshank Botanic Gardens to unwind in.
There’s also The Hub, a three-floor development of cafes, bars and shops.
Student reviewers are incredibly complimentary about the university's facilities, and the library in particular was a common highlight for many students.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"Aberdeen university has the world's best library."
"Great library, great sports village, Really good medical institute."
"Modern facilities enhance excellent teaching and learning."
Aberdeen has been awarded a fifth consecutive Purple Flag award for safety in the city centre, as well as being rated the second least expensive city for students in the UK for cost of living (Natwest, 2017).
There’s plenty of nightlife and entertainment in Aberdeen too. If shopping’s your thing, there are four large city centre malls; while the city’s art gallery is one of its biggest tourist draws.
For music fans, a number of festivals regularly take place in the city such as Nuart, Jazz, Comedy and Look Again Festivals and Restaurant Week. A number of world renowned bands and artists also play at venues across the city centre.
For sports fans, Aberdeen actually has a professional football team, Aberdeen FC who compete in the Scottish Premiership and European competition. There's also Aberdeen Lynx, the Ice Hockey team that ply their trade in Scottish National League and are previous play-off champions.
And if you're looking for good weather while you study, Aberdeen is the sunniest city in Scotland according to the Bank of Scotland Quality of Life Survey 2017.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"Aberdeen is wonderful."
"City life is amazing, I like the fact that it's warm and peaceful, people are also friendly."
"Good city with plenty to do. Mix of small town/big city lifestyle."
"Once you get to know the city you find plenty of nice places, the city puts a lot of effort in organising and offering events.
There are scores of clubs and societies, from a Glee Club to a big band society; and improvised theatre to malt whisky and wine groups. There are also over 50 sports club; these include martial arts, team sports, outdoor pursuits and underwater hockey, where Aberdeen has the top Scottish team. University of Aberdeen teams can also take part in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport).
You can also contribute to the student radio station and a free weekly newspaper, The Gaudie.
Students were quick to praise the variety on offer and how well the societies were being run.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"Fun and there's always something to do."
"A really nice huge range of societies and clubs that all run well."
"There is a wide variety of clubs and societies here, where you can improve yourself and make new friends."
When you register at the university you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will keep an eye on you academically, and will advise you on your progress.
Current students are on hand as a Students 4 Students mentor. They will help you settle into university and answer any queries you may have.
There’s also Student Learning Service to help with any problems in your academic life, while counselling is available if you find yourself with personal or emotional problems. There’s also a 78-place nursery available to both students and staff.
They also have dedicated student support advisors who can help with a range of issues from academic and financial to personal and emotional problems.
Our student reviewers were more than aware of the support available to them and spoke highly of the help they’d been provided.
University of Aberdeen students on Whatuni say:
"I have been helped in many ways - I can rely on uni for support."
"It is very good. Tutors are always open and they are willing to give advice on any matter."
"Great counselling services. Really accessible."
"The University Support services are fantastic. From Student Support to the InfoHub, the Chaplaincy to the Student Resident Assistants. The systems are always improving and students are genuinely entered in a system of positive mental health support and a positive approach to self-help.
Scottish/EU students per year: £1,820 (£2,895 for medical students)
England/Wales/Northern Ireland students per year: £9,250
Undergraduate arts-based programmes: £13,800
Undergraduate science-based programmes: £17,200
For more information on individual fees, check the university's website.
Here are just a few of the scholarships and bursaries that the university offers. To see the full list, check their website.
Robertson Trust Scholarship (Scotland only)
These are for students from across Scotland who can demonstrate they need financial help, have academic potential and are positive learners. They are worth up to £4,000 per year.
Rest of UK Undergraduate Scholarships (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Access scholarships worth between £1,000 and £3,000 per year are available for students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a residual household income of less than £42,620. There are also merit scholarships, worth £1,000 per year, for non-medicine entrants with AAB at A-level (or equivalent).
International Undergraduate Scholarship
If you’re an international undergraduate studying for four years or more, this pays the tuition fee for your fourth year. It’s not available to candidates studying medicine.
John Robb Scholarship
These are for students who have a connection to Aberdeen. Students can receive up to £1000 if their academic progress is satisfactory to the university.
Robertson Trust Scholarship
This is £2,800 for students living at home, or £4,000 for students living away from home. These scholarships are given to students who can prove they can cope with the course, have a commitment to their community and need financial support.
Derek Ogston and Margaret Carlaw Music Scholarship
This £1,000 scholarship is given to BMus students who are talented either vocally or with a musical instrument.
University of Aberdeen Development Trust Sports Bursary Scheme
Given to 20 students with a sporting talent to help them maintain their sporting achievements at university.
The Jim Duncan Scholarship
£1,500 is given to two students who have had a break from education and wish to return to university but require financial help in order to do so. Although it’s only given for the first two years of university study, students can reapply for it annually.
75% of research at the University of Aberdeen is classified as world leading, in-line with the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results.
The university's other strengths include:
Energy
With Aberdeen’s key position at the centre of the oil and gas industry, the university carries out research to address future energy challenges. The Aberdeen Institute of Energy works with industry and other energy cities to promote innovation and new ideas.
Environment and Food Security
University researchers study agricultural production, marine biology, environmental processes and more to address how the planet can sustain a growing population.
Health
Building on links with the NHS and the food and pharmaceutical industries, university teams are studying ways of making sure more people can live longer lives that are free of disease.
As well as A Levels, the university accepts BTECs, SQAs, ILCs, IBs, diplomas and general certificates of education.
To see individual course entry requirements, check the university's website.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATOR
What's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion…
VIEW 722 REVIEWSLoved every part of it! So much fun and had some amazing experiences. I joined cheerleaders societyband it was the best decision ive made. Definitelywould reccomend joining a society or
Very good in that i got to meet new people and try new things. The town and uni are big enough to do and see new things but small enough that it is not too crowded which i
Your enquiry has been sent.
Your enquiry has been not sent.
