University of Aberdeen

Overview

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest uni in the UK. As it continues into its sixth century of operation it aims to deliver academic excellence to its students.

Aberdeen is a port city in the northeast of Scotland and is the third largest city in the country, behind Edinburgh and Glasgow. Well-known for its offshore petroleum industry, it was once the oil capital of Europe, and the industry remains very active there today.

The uni is spread mainly over two sites, Old Aberdeen and Foresterhill. The King’s College campus is the heart of the university and is located in Old Aberdeen, along with the main library and the departments of the arts, social sciences and physical sciences. Foresterhill is the home of the department of life sciences and one of the largest medical campuses in Europe.

On-site campus facilities at Aberdeen are extensive and include three museums with new exhibitions every few months and the Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) gives access to more than 200 associations and sports clubs. Both King’s College and Foresterhill campuses are a half-hour walk from the city centre but a free shuttle bus service and an AUSA bicycle hire scheme make access to town easy and quick.

Aberdeen is a characterful city with a lot to offer its students. You’ll find regular live entertainment, including music, comedy and theatre, in venues including the P&J arena and several more intimate venues, as well as well-known restaurant chains and independent eateries.

You’ll also have access to more than 50 golf courses and five ski centres, as well as Cairngorms National Park – a vast area of wildlife and wildlands, designated an area of outstanding natural beauty and twice the size of the Lake District.

Although the city is in the north of Scotland, it’s well connected to the rest of the UK with regular train, bus and ferry services and an international airport.