University of Aberdeen

Flexible Online Learning Department

The University of Aberdeen launched an ‘on demand’ learning platform of flexible short courses. The courses offer students the opportunity to: achieve a postgraduate qualification, study a module or short course, access free short course, or take an Access Course as a step up to university-level study. These courses add to the University of Aberdeen’s international foundation programmes.

Research News

Dr Tara Marshall presented a report to Fisheries Innovation Scotland which highlighted that, although the North Sea is warming, there is still time to adapt to changes in fish growth and stock distribution.

Researchers from Aberdeen and Oxford have recommended that partial knee replacements are as good as total knee replacements, whilst being more cost effective. They could save the NHS GBP 30 million per year. Find out more about what is happening at the University of Aberdeen by visiting the university website.

Open Days

There is a Postgraduate Open Day on 7^th November 2019.

Aberdeen offer an open door policy throughout the year for any prospective students unable to attend an open day. Students can enjoy a tour of the campus, meet academics, see facilities and ask current students about their experience of studying at Aberdeen.

International students can experience the university without having to travel. The University of Aberdeen tours around the world throughout the year and offers virtual open days. Additionally, there are university staff available for students to chat to at any time online.

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:

1. The Scottish University of the Year 2019 (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)
2. The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education (2018) for world leading health research
3. The Guardian University Guide 2020:
   • 5^th overall in Scotland
   • 1^st in the UK for dentistry
   • 2^nd in the UK for medicine
   • 4^th in the UK for anthropology
   • 7^th in the UK for sociology
   • 9^th in the UK for law
4. The National Student Survey (NSS 2019)
   • 87% for overall teaching satisfaction
   • Library resources are ranked 4^th in the UK
   • Learning resources are ranked 6^th in the UK
   • 100% for student satisfaction in: genetics, history of art, mathematics, sport and exercise sciences.
   • 96% for student satisfaction in zoology, and 94% for satisfaction in dentistry, and pharmacology.
5. It is ranked The Complete University Guide 2020:
   • 4^th overall in Scotland
   • 2^nd in the UK for sports science
   • 3^rd in the UK for linguistics
   • 7^th in the UK for general engineering
   • 8^th in the UK for education
   • 9^th in the UK for civil engineering and law
6. 76% of research has been rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014)
7. Business and management studies are ranked 3^rd in the UK (Times Higher Education / REF 2014).

The university is divided up into twelve schools:

• Divinity, history and philosophy
• Education
• Language, literature, music and visual culture
• Law
• Social science
• Business school
• Biological sciences
• Medicine, medical sciences and nutrition
• Psychology
• Engineering
• Geosciences
• Natural computing sciences

There 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.

Study Options

The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research degrees to PhD level with a growing online degree and short course offer.

Many programmes are offered on a part-time basis and can be fitted around work and life.

There are online programmes which offer flexible learning by modular learning or qualification to allow students to fit their learning into their life and pay for the degree as they go.

To encourage a wide range of students to apply, Aberdeen consider a wide range of entry criteria such as ‘contextualised information’. To help students to apply for university level studies. For students without traditional entry requirements, there are other routes to study for a degree programme, including:

• advanced entry from college
• access courses
• articulation route
• International Foundation Programmes

For international students, entry requirements are found on the programme page, 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 offer English language support and courses before arrival and student volunteers support English language practice.

• Undergraduate entry requirements
• Postgraduate entry requirements

Undergraduate

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

Students have the chance to receive an undergraduate entrance scholarship, as well as a Gateway 2 Medicine Scholarship. These awards support talented Scottish and EU students who do not have the requisite funding or financial backing. Additional scholarships which can be applied for are:

• The Saltire Energy Sports Science Scholarship
• Derek Ogston
• Margaret Carlaw Music Scholarship

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

Postgraduate

International students have the opportunity to apply for the Aberdeen International Masters Scholarship. Open to students from China, Malaysia, Vietnam and African countries, this scholarship offers a discount on tuition fees.

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 pre- defined 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.

Libraries

Aberdeen is home to the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, the Taylor Library for Law, and the Medical Library. The 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. Students can enjoy access to:

• The Gallery
• Zoology Museum
• Kings’ Museum
• Virtual Museum
• Exhibitions Archive
• Cruickshank Botanic Garden

Sports

Students can enjoy sport at whatever level they want to take part, at the Sports Village which offers:

• Health and fitness activities for individuals and groups
• Aquatics – swimming and pool sports
• Certification in fitness training, first aid and other courses
• Group exercise including popular Zumba, athletics, aerobics, and dance classes

The Sports Union offers competitive sports and events and there are a huge range of sports clubs and societies for outdoor sports including skiing, scuba diving, sailing and mountaineering.

Students’ Union

The Students’ Union located on campus offers several services which include:

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

Accommodation

The University of Aberdeen offers students a range of accommodation, located close to Kings Campus, Hillhead Student Village and the City Centre.

Other Facilities

Students will also have access to email, IT support and Wi-Fi on site. There are classroom PCs in specific rooms across campus, and all programmes have their own unique facilities, details of which can be found on programme pages.

Students are supported by Infohub, IT services, campus libraries, Aberdeen University Student Association clubs and societies, The Food Hub, International Centre, and specialist facilities.