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University of Aberdeen

Address: University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, Scotland, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1224 272000
Email: study@abdn.ac.uk
Website: www.abdn.ac.uk


About University of Aberdeen

As the fifth oldest University in the UK, the University of Aberdeen combines ancient tradition with the best in modern teaching and learning facilities. It has a student population of over 14,000 and a large international community drawn from more than 120 different countries. Undergraduate students are able to choose from almost 370 first degree courses, and postgraduates can undertake supervised research in all departments of the University and choose from over 120 taught Masters degrees.

 

At Aberdeen, graduate employability is at the heart of what they do with an impressive 96.6% of graduates entering into work or further study within six months The University has an excellent reputation for teaching quality and research (the 2014 Research Excellence Framework results classed over 75% of the institution’s research as world leading or internationally excellent), and five Nobel Prize winners are associated with the University. Find out more: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/ 

Why University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK, known for its long history and contributions to various academic fields. Here’s why the University of Aberdeen is famous:

1. Historical Significance

  • Founded in 1495, it is the third oldest university in Scotland and the fifth oldest in the UK. It has a rich history of education and scholarship, spanning over 500 years.
  • Its medieval King’s College campus is a notable historical landmark, with iconic architecture that attracts visitors and scholars alike.

2. Research Excellence

  • The University of Aberdeen is recognized for its research output, with significant contributions in fields such as medicine, energy, biological sciences, and environmental sciences.
  • It is a leader in energy research, particularly in relation to oil and gas exploration, due to its proximity to the North Sea and its strong ties to the energy industry. Aberdeen is known as the “Oil Capital of Europe”, and the university plays a key role in developing expertise in this sector.
  • In the Research Excellence Framework (REF), many of the university's disciplines, including health sciences, engineering, and law, received high ratings for research impact.

3. Medical Innovations

  • The University of Aberdeen has a strong reputation for medical research and has made pioneering contributions in this area, including the development of modern MRI scanning techniques by Professor John Mallard in the 1970s.
  • Its School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition is internationally recognized for its contributions to healthcare and medical education.

4. Marine and Environmental Science

  • The university is a leader in marine biology and environmental science, with its Lighthouse Field Station in Cromarty focusing on marine ecosystems and the conservation of marine mammals.

5. Law and Humanities

  • The Aberdeen School of Law is one of the top law schools in the UK and is well-known for its expertise in areas such as energy law, human rights law, and international law.
  • The university also has strong programs in theology, philosophy, and history, maintaining its traditional roots in liberal arts education.

6. Strong International Presence

  • With a global network of partnerships and exchange programs, the University of Aberdeen has a strong international reputation. It attracts a diverse student body from all over the world, contributing to a dynamic and multicultural academic community.

7. Notable Alumni

  • The university boasts an impressive list of alumni, including prominent figures in science, politics, literature, and business. Notable alumni include Thomas Reid, a leading philosopher and founder of the Scottish school of common-sense philosophy, and several UK and international politicians.

The University of Aberdeen requires international students whose first language is not English to meet specific English language proficiency standards. The requirements can vary depending on the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate) and the specific program. Below are the general language requirements for the university:

1. Undergraduate Programs

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
  • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 78, with at least:
    • 17 in listening
    • 18 in reading
    • 20 in speaking
    • 17 in writing
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): Minimum score of 54, with no component below 51.
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 169, with no section below 162.

2. Postgraduate Programs

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component.
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90, with the following sub-scores:
    • 21 in listening
    • 22 in reading
    • 23 in speaking
    • 21 in writing
  • PTE Academic: Minimum score of 62, with no less than 56 in each skill.
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 176, with no section below 169.

3. Pre-Sessional English Courses

  • For students who do not meet the required English language proficiency, the university offers pre-sessional English language courses. These courses are designed to improve language skills before starting the main academic program.

4. Alternative Qualifications

  • Some students may be exempt from taking an English proficiency test if they have completed secondary education in an English-speaking country or hold qualifications such as:
    • GCSE/IGCSE English Language: Grade C/4 or above.
    • International Baccalaureate (IB): English at Higher Level, with a grade of 5 or above.

5. Special Program Requirements

  • Some programs, particularly in fields like Law, Medicine, and Education, may have higher English language requirements. It is important for applicants to check the specific language requirements for their chosen course.

The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, with particular strengths in several key areas. Here are the course specialities that the university is most renowned for:

1. Energy and Petroleum Engineering

  • Due to its location in the oil capital of Europe (Aberdeen), the university is well known for its Energy and Petroleum Engineering programs. The university offers highly regarded programs in:
    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Energy Transition
    • Oil and Gas Engineering
    • Renewable Energy Engineering
  • These courses benefit from close links with the energy industry and cutting-edge research in sustainability and energy transition.

2. Medicine and Medical Sciences

  • Aberdeen has a strong tradition in medical education and is recognized for its contributions to medical research. Notable programs include:
    • Medicine (MBChB)
    • Medical Sciences
    • Biomedical Sciences
    • Nutritional Sciences
  • The university’s medical school is among the top in the UK and offers state-of-the-art facilities and teaching hospitals.

3. Marine Biology and Environmental Science

  • Aberdeen is home to a leading Marine Biology program, taking advantage of its coastal location and access to rich marine ecosystems. The School of Biological Sciences offers programs in:
    • Marine Biology
    • Environmental Science
    • Conservation Biology
    • Sustainability
  • Research in climate change, marine ecosystems, and environmental sustainability is prominent.

4. Law

  • The Aberdeen School of Law is highly respected, particularly for its courses in:
    • Energy Law
    • International Law
    • Human Rights Law
  • Its LLB and postgraduate law programs attract students worldwide, particularly those interested in the legal aspects of energy, environmental regulation, and human rights.

5. Business and Management

  • The university’s Business School offers a variety of programs focused on management, finance, and economics. Notable programs include:
    • MBA (Master of Business Administration)
    • International Business
    • Finance
  • The Business School has a strong emphasis on sustainability and global business practices.

6. Archaeology

  • The Department of Archaeology at Aberdeen is known for its focus on Northern Archaeology, which examines prehistoric cultures of the North Atlantic and Scandinavian regions. Its programs include:
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
  • The university has significant research initiatives focused on Scotland's rich archaeological heritage.

7. Computing Science and AI

  • The School of Natural and Computing Sciences offers a range of programs in Computing Science, including:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Science
  • The university is a leader in AI and big data, with strong industry ties in the tech sector.

8. Theology and Divinity

  • The Divinity and Religious Studies program at Aberdeen has a long and prestigious history, offering specializations in:
    • Theology
    • Religious Studies
    • Christian History and Thought
  • The university’s focus on religious studies is rooted in its founding as a religious institution.

9. Psychology

  • Aberdeen’s Psychology programs are highly regarded for their research-led approach and offer areas of specialization in:
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Neuroscience

10. Pharmacy

  • The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) program at Aberdeen is well-established and offers cutting-edge training in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice.

The University of Aberdeen offers a diverse array of programs across various disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here’s an overview of the main programs available:

Undergraduate Programs

  1. Arts and Social Sciences

    • History
    • Philosophy
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Theology and Religious Studies

  2. Business and Management

    • Business Administration
    • Accounting and Finance
    • International Business
    • Marketing

  3. Engineering and Physical Sciences

    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
    • Computer Science

  4. Health and Medicine

    • Medicine (MBChB)
    • Biomedical Sciences
    • Nutritional Sciences
    • Pharmacy

  5. Life Sciences

    • Biological Sciences
    • Marine Biology
    • Environmental Science
    • Ecology and Conservation

  6. Law

    • LLB Law
    • LLB Law with Politics
    • LLB Law with International Relations

  7. Education

    • Primary Education
    • Secondary Education with various subject specializations

  8. Creative Arts

    • Music
    • Drama
    • Art History

Postgraduate Programs

  1. Arts and Humanities

    • MSc in History
    • MSc in Philosophy
    • MSc in Theology and Religious Studies
    • MSc in Creative Writing

  2. Business and Management

    • MBA (Master of Business Administration)
    • MSc in International Business
    • MSc in Finance
    • MSc in Marketing Management

  3. Engineering and Physical Sciences

    • MSc in Petroleum Engineering
    • MSc in Renewable Energy
    • MSc in Computer Science
    • MSc in Civil Engineering

  4. Health and Medicine

    • Master of Medicine (MMed)
    • MSc in Clinical Medicine
    • MSc in Public Health
    • MSc in Pharmacy Practice

  5. Life Sciences

    • MSc in Marine Biology
    • MSc in Ecology and Conservation
    • MSc in Environmental Science

  6. Law

    • LLM in International Commercial Law
    • LLM in Human Rights Law
    • LLM in Energy Law
    • LLM in International Law

  7. Education

    • MEd in Educational Leadership and Management
    • MSc in Childhood Studies
    • MSc in Adult Learning

  8. Research Programs

    • PhD and MPhil programs across various disciplines, allowing for in-depth research opportunities.

The University of Aberdeen has numerous esteemed faculty members recognized for their contributions to research and education across various disciplines. Here are a few notable professors at the university:

1. Professor Sir Ian Diamond

  • Position: Principal and Vice-Chancellor
  • Field: Social Statistics and Survey Methodology
  • Notable Achievements: Sir Ian Diamond has made significant contributions to social statistics and has played a pivotal role in developing statistical methods for social research. He previously served as the Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and has been influential in shaping research policy in the UK.

2. Professor Margaret Ross

  • Position: Professor of Law
  • Field: International Law and Human Rights
  • Notable Achievements: Professor Ross has published extensively on issues related to human rights, international law, and public international law. She is recognized for her research on the legal frameworks surrounding human rights and has been involved in various projects addressing legal issues in developing countries.

3. Professor Karen E. Wright

  • Position: Chair of Marine Biology
  • Field: Marine Ecology and Conservation
  • Notable Achievements: Professor Wright has conducted significant research on marine ecosystems and the effects of environmental change on marine species. She is involved in various interdisciplinary research projects and collaborates with conservation organizations to promote marine biodiversity.

4. Professor Paul O’Connor

  • Position: Professor of Computer Science
  • Field: Cybersecurity and Computer Networks
  • Notable Achievements: Professor O’Connor is known for his research in cybersecurity, particularly in the areas of network security and digital forensics. He has published numerous papers and has been involved in various industry collaborations.

5. Professor Sir Edward McKinnon

  • Position: Professor of Medical Science
  • Field: Health Sciences and Medical Research
  • Notable Achievements: Professor McKinnon is recognized for his research in medical science and has contributed significantly to public health initiatives. He has been involved in various clinical trials and health research projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery.