University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen is the 5^th oldest university in the UK and the 3^rd oldest university in Scotland. Founded in 1495, the University celebrated its 525^th anniversary in 2020. Since founding, the university has been ‘Open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others’ and it still holds this purpose. Over 3,500 postgraduate students, from all over the world, study either on campus or online and the university attracts the best international academics, researchers, and specialists in their disciplines.

The university is comprised of the following 12 academic schools, as well as a Postgraduate Research School and many research institutes:

• Business School
• Divinity, History and Philosophy
• Education
• Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture
• Law
• Social Science
• Biological Sciences
• Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition
• Psychology
• Engineering
• Geosciences
• Natural and Computing Sciences

Five Nobel Laureates are associated with the university and many major life changing innovations have been developed there over the years. 75% of the University’s research is classified as world leading (REF 2014).

The University of Aberdeen was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education in 2018, in recognition of its ground-breaking research and innovation over the past forty years. Teaching is not only informed by the university’s world-leading research; many programmes are industry accredited and co-designed, whilst others are informed by societal needs for knowledge.

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“Professors are good, the courses are good. Right now everything is good.”

“I have had an amazing time at uni, met the most amazing people and had a great experience overall.”

“I really love that there is a lot of support to help students until careers, recruitment etc. The library is the best, the lecturers are also very supportive.”

Employability is built into programme design, alongside the gaining of deeper subject-specific knowledge from interdisciplinary teaching. Many programmes are accredited by global professional organisations and institutions, enabling students to progress easily onto further professional development and stand out in a crowded graduate market.

A close connection with the energy hub in Aberdeen, and a strong relationship with local hospitals and major pharmaceutical players, amongst other industry links, has not only ensured that teaching is relevant to the business world in which we live today, but has also inspired new high growth spin out companies that capitalise on the cutting-edge research being undertaken by postgraduate students.

Programmes are enriched by talks and mentoring from successful Aberdeen Alumni, links to prestigious businesses; and relevant industry organisation talks. Additionally, the Careers and Employability Service provides students with the information and guidance they need to explore their career choices and develop the skills they need to succeed. They also provide opportunities for student to connect and network with employers.

Graduates of Aberdeen have gone on to work in sectors such as film, music, professional sport, charity, education, energy, law, and politics. 

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“Lots of opportunities!”

“Very, very good effort from the university.”

Aberdeen has a rich and proud history of equipping postgraduate students with advanced specialist and cross-disciplinary knowledge and technical skills. The university’s taught and research-based programmes support individuals in becoming exceptional innovators, thinkers, and communicators - ready to pursue highly successful and thoroughly rewarding careers.

The university offers a variety of flexible taught programmes designed for students looking to advance the knowledge gained at undergraduate level, gain professional development, or perhaps change career paths entirely. Students can choose from shorter courses (PGCert, PgDip, PGDE) or full Masters-level (MSc, MLitt, MBA) degrees.

Many courses offer flexible module options, allowing students to tailor their learning to suit their academic interests. Study modes are also flexible, with many courses offering both full-time and part-time options and multiple intakes each year. There is a wide range of online distance learning and blended learning options for students who are unable to study on campus.

In addition to taught postgraduate programmes, the university offers a variety of pre-defined PhD research projects, either funded or self-funded, across a wide range of disciplines.

Courses are led and delivered by teams of international research-active lecturers who are well known in their fields of study, alongside industry professionals with a wealth of expertise and real-world knowledge. 

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“I like the 3-week block structure of the MSc.”

“I have time to study and do other things.”

“The content is very good.”

Aberdeen University Student Union (AUSA) is a committee-led student organisation representing the voice of students during their time studying at the university. Class reps provide a much-needed link between staff and students, supporting students and resolving any academic issues they may have, while the Sabbatical Officers promote students’ interests and work to make positive changes throughout the university.

The AUSA Advice team offers free and helpful advice to all students on a wide range of subjects – from academic advice to advice on accommodation, health and wellbeing, and finances.

AUSA also provide plenty of activities for students to get involved with. Whether it’s volunteering opportunities and fundraising events, socializing activities such as game nights and mindfulness sessions, or the wide range of cubs and societies the AUSA manage – there are plenty of opportunities for students to meet new friends and enjoy life outside of their studies. They even provide online activities for those studying via distance learning to get involved.

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“So far it's really good.”

The University offers a range of properties suitable for postgraduate students on both the King’s Campus and in the Hillhead Student Village. Students can choose between single bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities or en-suite bedrooms in flats of between 5-9 students. All flats come with fully-equipped kitchen and living areas, onsite laundry facilities, and bike storage. There is a selection of specially adapted rooms for those who need them.

Rental fees range from £90 to £148 and are inclusive of utility bills, basic contents insurance, WiFi, and 24-hour security.

Headspace, the central hub within the Hillhead Student Village, offers extensive social/study facilities and has a reception open 24 hours. A dedicated team provides support and information to enhance students’ experience, and run a variety of social events throughout the year.

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“Safe, good location and convenient.”

“My current flat is perfect.”

Students will have access to a wide range of world-class teaching and learning facilities. Course-specific facilities include: an Aquarium, which has recently undergone a £1.5 million renovation and a Lighthouse field station for use by biological and environmental science students; a number of state-of-the-art emotion and behavioural testing laboratories for psychology students; and thermal, molecular and elemental analysis labs for biomolecular and medicinal chemistry students.

To support students’ independent study is The Sir Duncan Rice Library on the Old Aberdeen Campus. Named one of the most beautiful libraries in the world (CEOWORLD 2016), students can enjoy panoramic views of the city and beach whilst they study. There is a café, gallery, study spaces, multimedia room, breakout floor, meeting areas, and 1200 study spaces.

The Aberdeen Sports Village provides exceptional fitness facilities, including a gym, indoor and outdoor football pitches, a multi-use sports hall, and Olympic swimming and diving pools.

There are museums, historic streets, cafes, a botanic garden, and plenty of shops all on campus and disability support is available whenever necessary on site to meet students’ needs.

Students studying online are also fully catered for, with access to online library facilities, reflective logs, personal journals, discussion boards, and online classrooms via an online virtual learning platform.

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“Good so far.”

“Very high quality library.”

“Very good.”

Aberdeen is a compact cosmopolitan city. It is home to a major world oil and gas industry and it was built on trade, with stunning granite architecture. Also known as ‘The Silver City with Golden Sands’, it has something for everyone including:

• Cinemas and theatres.
• Live music performances from world-renowned bands.
• A huge selection of shops (including four shopping centres), restaurants and bars.
• Outdoor pursuits - including watersports, walks, access to the Cairngorms National Park and skiing.
• A range of festivals, including Aberdeen Comedy Festival, Restaurant Week, SPECTRA Festival of Light, and the university’s May Fest.
• Professional sport including Aberdeen Football Club and Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Team.

The city of Aberdeen is easily accessible with flights from across the UK and Europe to Aberdeen International Airport, a ferry port, train station, and great road infrastructure.

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“Very good location! Great that town is within walking distance.”

“Very safe and secure - student safe.”

The Aberdeen University Student Association (AUSA) is a vibrant students’ association and, as well as providing support and representation for the students, it provides and promotes different opportunities for participation in activities and groups.

There are around 120 clubs and societies from which to choose, across a wide range of interests. Sports clubs include Baseball, Rowing, Boxing, Cricket, Fencing, Football, Hockey, Karate, Lacrosse, and Netball. While most clubs are non-competitive, there are also opportunities to join university teams, which have been successful in inter-university competitions.

Societies cover a wide range of hobbies, including acapella, baking, politics, anime, chess, comedy, feminism, hip hop, and knitting. There are also a number of cultural and ethnicity-based societies.

There really is something for everyone, and an opportunity to get involved either while on campus or studying online.

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“A pretty good selection!”

The University of Aberdeen provides free, impartial, and confidential advice and support on a wide range of academic and personal issues. No matter how big or small the problem; there is someone there to help at all times.

The Student Counselling Service offer confidential sessions to help students who are experiencing difficulties which are impacting their mental health and wellbeing. They can also help students get specialist mental health treatment if needed.

The Disability Service is on hand to give practical advice and guidance to students who have physical impairments or learning difficulties, such as Dyslexia or an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

For students who are struggling financially, the support team can offer non-judgmental advice and can also obtain bursary funds for those in need. There is also a dedicated Childcare fund to assist those with dependent children.

Other services include the Student Learning Service, which supports students with academic skills development, and Students 4 Student Mentors, who are on hand to help new students fit in to university life.

For those students who are unable to access these services in person, the university’s website has a whole host of self-help resources.

University of Aberdeen postgraduate students say:

“Tutors are good.”

“They have really helped me a lot.”

“Very great support, they have so many workshops and offers to help students.”

Fees for 2020/21 for UK/EU students studying for a Research based degree (including PhD /MPhil /EdD /EngD) are £4,407 per year.

Fees for 2020/21 for Overseas students studying for a Research based degree (including PhD /MPhil /EdD /EngD) are £16,500 per year.

Fees for 2020/21 for UK/EU students studying a taught postgraduate programme (including: MSc/MBA/ LLM/MRes/ PgDip/PgCert/ PGDE/ISS) range from £8,000 - £23,000.

Fees for 2020/21 for Overseas students studying a taught postgraduate programme (including MSc/MBA/ LLM/MRes/ PgDip/PgCert/ PGDE/ISS) range from £17,000 - £23,000.

The part-time fee rate for research postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate. Specific fee information can be found on the individual course pages on the university’s website.

The university offers a number of fee payment options and payment plans for those who wish to pay via instalments.

The university offers a range of postgraduate scholarships and discounts – as part of their ethos of being open to all. Scholarships include:

Alumni Discount: Students who studied their undergraduate course at Aberdeen may be eligible for an Alumni Discount of 20% off the price of their postgraduate course.

Community Discount: A 20% discount is offered to prospective students who are a resident of north-east Scotland. The discount is designed to support local people in upskilling and retraining, therefore boosting the local economy.

Robert Nicol Trust Fellowship and Scholarship: The charitable trust awards small financial awards to students enrolled on postgraduate courses. To be eligible, students must have been born in Aberdeen or based there for at least five years.

CB Davidson fund: Scholarships worth a maximum of £2,500 will be awarded to eligible postgraduate students (taught and research) studying within the Law School.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship: This £2,000 scholarship is open to self-funded Master’s students who are classed as international students and meet certain other criteria.

Students can search the funding database on the university’s website for details of all funding options available.

The university attracts international academics with impressive portfolios of research, consultancy, and professional backgrounds. This mix of international knowledge contributes to growing recognition for the quality and depth of research, teaching, and innovation at Aberdeen across all of its academic schools. However, there are few areas in which the university excels:

Engineering

The university’s School of Engineering is known for research excellence in areas such as biofuels and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The school boasts world-leading research and teaching facilities which have recently benefitted from an £8 million renovation, and strong industry links - working with national and international businesses and organisations such as NASA, Bosch, Mitsubishi, Cisco Systems, GSK, and Shell.

Business

Aberdeen’s Business School is home to over 80 research-active members, whose work has been internationally recognised for its excellence. The school was ranked 2^nd in the UK for Impact Case Studies in the REF 2014 and in the top five for UK graduate employment (HESA 2016).

The school was also ranked 4th in the UK for Accounting and Finance and 11th for Business Management Studies in the Complete University Guide 2021.

Biological and Environmental Sciences

Aberdeen is internationally renowned for its exceptional research and teaching in areas such as marine biology, ecology, and zoology. In the REF 2014, 100% of the schools research was judged as 4* world-leading and 3* internationally excellent, placing it as one of the top UK institutes for research in biological and environmental sciences. The school currently holds over £25 million of active research grants.

Entry requirements for individual programmes are detailed on the course pages on the university’s website or within the online prospectus.

For the majority of the university’s postgraduate programmes, students will need either a UK 2:2 or 2:1 honours degree, or the international equivalent, in a relevant subject. Those students who do not meet the academic requirements may still be considered on the basis of any relevant work or professional experience. It is also a prerequisite for all courses that students can speak, write, and read English fluently.

Some courses will require a personal statement from applicants, outlining their suitability for postgraduate study and passion for the subject. Some courses may need students to submit a CV and provide professional references.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, over three quarters of the university’s research was classified as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The university offers a wide range of research-based degrees in areas such as Energy Transition, Data and Artificial Intelligence, Environment and Biodiversity, and Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing.

Some of the recent world-leading research projects undertaken at the university include:

• The world’s largest study into the psychological impact of Covid-19.
• Building cutting-edge software to improve the efficiency of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems.
• Developing innovative medical technology for treating inflammatory diseases.
• Creating the world's first 3D thermal image of an active volcano.

Students can apply for available PhD projects or are encouraged to propose their own area of research. Research students are fully supported throughout their time at the university and will work within a supportive network of staff and fellow student researchers. There is an emphasis on enabling students to develop not only their research skills but the transferable skills that will help them succeed in their future careers.

The university offers taught postgraduate degrees and certified professional development courses, including PGCert, PGDip, MSc, MScEcon, ISS, LLM, MBA and MPH. Programmes come with flexible module options so that students can tailor their learning experience to their own interests.

Students learn through a mix of lectures and independent reading, Additional learning can come from: working on ‘Live’ projects, applying knowledge to industry; inspirational mentoring from senior industry professionals; field trips within the UK and internationally; visiting lectures from industry professionals; and career mentoring between current students and alumni.

Many programmes are designed in conjunction with industry partners and some include work placement opportunities. There is a keen emphasis on student employability and many programmes teach not only discipline-specific skills and knowledge but transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, team-work, and oral and written communication.

The university provides a wide range of online programmes for students who need the flexibility to study remotely and around other commitments such as work. The university also offers courses with Blended Learning, which combines online study with elements of on-campus teaching or work-based training.

Students can study postgraduate degrees (MSc, LLM, MBA, PGDip, PGCert) to enhance their undergraduate knowledge, or short courses to explore new interests or upskill and enhance their career prospects. There are even free online courses available for eligible students.

Students study via the MyAberdeen Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Here they will have access to all the teaching materials – including online lectures and tutorials, online workshops, discussion boards and online assessments - plus access to the university’s vast online libraries.

Even though they are learning remotely, students will have the same level of student support as those studying on-campus, including access to the careers and employability service, and the student support service.

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes, with both on campus and online options available. Programmes address industry needs, producing students who are fully-equipped to succeed in a wide variety of fields. Some even include a work placement to further enhance students’ experience. The university offers flexible learning methods, including online and blended learning in addition to on-campus courses. 

Postgraduate degree programmes and courses are offered throughout the year. Many programmes start in September and January.

Subject areas include:

• Business Management and Finance
• Medicine and Nutrition
• Psychology
• International Law
• Engineering
• Geosciences and Environmental Science
• Biological Sciences
• Arts and Literature
• Divinity, History and Philosophy
• Social Sciences
• Education
• IT