About University
The University of Aberdeen (Scots: University o' 'Aiberdeen; abbreviated as Aberd. in post-nominals; Scottish Gaelic: Oilthigh Obar Dheathain) is a public research university in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is an ancient university founded in 1495 when William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, petitioned Pope Alexander VI on behalf of James IV, King of Scots to establish King's College, making it Scotland's third-oldest university and the fifth-oldest in the English-speaking world. Aberdeen is consistently ranked among the top 160 universities in the world and is ranked within the top 20 universities in the United Kingdom according to The Guardian, The Times and The Sunday Times.
The university comprises three colleges — King's College, Marischal College, and Christ's College — that are now mainly ceremonial. The university as it is currently constituted was formed in 1860 by a merger between King's College and Marischal College, a second university founded in 1593 as a Protestant alternative to the former. The university's iconic buildings act as symbols of wider Aberdeen, particularly Marischal College in the city centre and the crown steeple of King's College in Old Aberdeen. There are two campuses; the predominantly utilised King's College campus dominates the section of the city known as Old Aberdeen, which is approximately two miles north of the city centre. Although the original site of the university's foundation, most academic buildings apart from the King's College Chapel and Quadrangle were constructed in the 20th century during a period of significant expansion. The university's Foresterhill campus is next to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and houses the School of Medicine and Dentistry as well as the School of Medical Sciences. Together these buildings form one of Europe's largest health campuses. The annual income of the institution for 2020–21 was £235.9 million of which £45.9 million was from research grants and contracts, with an expenditure of £228.6 million.
The university comprises three colleges — King's College, Marischal College, and Christ's College — that are now mainly ceremonial. The university as it is currently constituted was formed in 1860 by a merger between King's College and Marischal College, a second university founded in 1593 as a Protestant alternative to the former. The university's iconic buildings act as symbols of wider Aberdeen, particularly Marischal College in the city centre and the crown steeple of King's College in Old Aberdeen. There are two campuses; the predominantly utilised King's College campus dominates the section of the city known as Old Aberdeen, which is approximately two miles north of the city centre. Although the original site of the university's foundation, most academic buildings apart from the King's College Chapel and Quadrangle were constructed in the 20th century during a period of significant expansion. The university's Foresterhill campus is next to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and houses the School of Medicine and Dentistry as well as the School of Medical Sciences. Together these buildings form one of Europe's largest health campuses. The annual income of the institution for 2020–21 was £235.9 million of which £45.9 million was from research grants and contracts, with an expenditure of £228.6 million.
Popular For
University of Aberdeen is one of Scotland's ancient universities, founded in 1495, and is renowned for its rich academic heritage and strong research focus. Located in the vibrant city of Aberdeen, often called the "Granite City" or the "Oil Capital of Europe," the university excels in fields tied to the region's energy sector while maintaining excellence in traditional disciplines. With a global reputation for innovation and employability, it attracts students from over 120 countries.
Key Areas of Popularity
- Medicine and Health Sciences: The university's School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition is world-class, offering cutting-edge programs in medical education, biomedical research, and public health. It's particularly noted for its integrated MBChB program and contributions to cancer research and clinical trials.
- Energy and Engineering: Thanks to Aberdeen's proximity to the North Sea oil and gas fields, the university is a leader in petroleum engineering, renewable energy, and sustainable engineering. The Centre for Energy Transition is a hub for research in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies.
- Law and Humanities: As one of the UK's oldest law schools, it offers prestigious LLB programs with a focus on Scottish and international law. The School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History is celebrated for its theological studies and cultural heritage research.
- Environmental and Marine Sciences: Situated on Scotland's northeast coast, the university is popular for marine biology, ecology, and environmental management. The Lighthouse Field Station provides hands-on research opportunities in coastal ecosystems.
Notable Achievements
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Research Impact | Ranks in the top 200 globally (QS World University Rankings); leads in subsea engineering and geosciences. |
| Student Experience | Beautiful campus with historic buildings; strong support for international students; high graduate employability (95% within six months). |
| Alumni Success | Produced Nobel laureates, politicians like Gordon Brown, and leaders in energy and medicine. |
In summary, Aberdeen University stands out for blending historic prestige with modern, industry-relevant education, making it a top choice for ambitious students worldwide.
1495
Established
#19
Ranking
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Courses Available
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