Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s most internationally distinguished universities. It has a student population of around 15,000 and a large international community of students and staff from over 120 countries. Aberdeen is a full spectrum university with around 550 bachelor's degree programmes and 140 master’s degree programmes. The University of Aberdeen acceptance rate is 78%.
Aberdeen’s alumni include some of the world’s leading figures in different fields, such as John Arbuthnot (Physicist), Ali Smith (Author), and Robert Brown (Botanist). The university consists of three ceremonial colleges - King’s College, Marischal College, and Christ’s College. The iconic university building is a centre of cultural heritage in Scotland.
Learn more about why you should consider studying in Scotland at Aberdeen below and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London so we can assist with your application to study in the UK.
Five Reasons to Study at Aberdeen University
1. Rankings and Reputation
The University of Aberdeen has consistently been ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide and within the top 20 universities in the UK. According to Guardian University Guide 2023, the university is ranked 13th, whilst it is 19th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
The 158th globally-ranked university is also considered among the world's most prominent centres of research. According to REF 2021, it was ranked 1st in the UK for Theology and Religious Studies and 1st in Scotland and 8th in the UK for Public Health, Health Service, and Primary Care.
In 2019, Aberdeen was named the Scottish University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and was judged to have performed strongly across the teaching quality, degree outcomes, and graduate prospects categories. Professor George Boyne, the Principal, said: “This is a major honour and a testament to the efforts of our staff and students and the great sense of identity and community we have at Aberdeen.”
2. Future Employability
Aberdeen University courses are designed to provide a professionally orientated education and the majority of degrees at the University have professional accreditations, with programmes taught by leading practitioners. Aberdeen graduates earn some of the highest starting salaries in the UK, and the University offers a professional Careers Service for life in order to maximise employability.
95.8% of the University of Aberdeen graduates are either working or further studying within six months of graduation. Aberdeen is reputed for its deep collaboration with the industry, ensuring its students get enough opportunities to interact with market professionals and learn crucial real-world insights.
The University also has a Leadership Academy that develops students’ leadership expertise, such as negotiation and networking skills. The university is hugely supporting its students in getting internships and work opportunities.
3. Great Scholarships
There are many Aberdeen University scholarships and funding opportunities for international students from all over the world every year. These include the Aberdeen Global Scholarship, which is offered to international students, and is a £3,000 discount on your tuition fee and is offered to eligible self-funded taught Master's students.
There are several other scholarship opportunities at Aberdeen you can find in the funding database on the university website. These grants ensure diversity at the campus and promote the university’s philosophy of racial inclusivity.
4. Flexible Degree Structure
One of the highlights of the University of Aberdeen is its diverse range of degree programmes with highly flexible curricula mixed with theoretical and practical modules. Industry experts design Aberdeen University degree structures for students to face professional challenges and find solutions with patience. Aberdeen’s students enjoy greater flexibility and independence of choice in their degrees. They have multiple opportunities for cross-disciplinary studies, work placements, study abroad exchanges, and enhanced support from the university.
5. The City of Aberdeen
Located in the northeast of Scotland, Aberdeen is a beautiful, historic city which offers a wide variety of activities for students to do away from their studies. A combined student population of 50,000 means pubs, restaurants and coffee shops are always bustling, with museums and galleries offering more peaceful retreats. The Aberdeen coastline stretches for miles, whilst Aberdeenshire provides historic castles, rivers and mountains to explore.
From Duthie Park to Aberdeen Maritime Museum and St Machar’s Cathedral to the spellbinding Aberdeen Beach, the city is home to some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. You can also experience the cultural beauty of Scotland by visiting several local festivals.
Study at Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen has various undergraduate and postgraduate courses available to apply for today. Learn more about how we can help you successfully apply to study at Aberdeen by visiting SI-UK for a free consultation.