Opportunities at Abertay University

Abertay University, located in the vibrant city of Dundee, Scotland, is renowned for its innovative approach to education and strong emphasis on practical, real-world experiences. As a forward-thinking institution, Abertay offers a wealth of opportunities for students to develop skills, build networks, and launch successful careers. From industry placements and research collaborations to entrepreneurship support and global exchanges, the university equips graduates with the tools to thrive in competitive fields like computing, games design, engineering, and business.

Career and Employment Opportunities

Abertay boasts an impressive graduate employment rate, with over 95% of graduates in work or further study within six months of graduation, according to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data. The university's Careers Service plays a pivotal role, providing personalized guidance, CV workshops, and mock interviews tailored to individual career goals.

• Job Fairs and Employer Partnerships: Annual careers fairs connect students with top employers such as Rockstar North, Sony, and Microsoft, particularly in the booming games and digital media sectors.
• Work Experience Programs: Many courses integrate employability modules, including guest lectures from industry leaders and simulation projects that mirror real job scenarios.
• Alumni Success Stories: Notable alumni include developers at leading game studios and entrepreneurs who have founded successful tech startups, showcasing the university's impact on career trajectories.

The university's location in Dundee, a hub for creative industries, enhances access to local opportunities, including roles in digital health, cybersecurity, and sustainable engineering.

Internships and Placements

Hands-on experience is at the heart of Abertay's curriculum. The university offers structured internship and placement programs that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings.

Program Type	Duration	Key Features
Summer Internships	8-12 weeks	Paid positions in tech and creative industries; mentorship from professionals
Year-in-Industry Placements	9-12 months	Integrated into degree programs; credits toward final qualification
Short-Term Projects	4-6 weeks	Collaborations with local SMEs; focus on innovation and problem-solving

These opportunities are facilitated through the Placement Team, which secures partnerships with over 200 organizations. Students in games design, for instance, often intern at Dundee's Abertay Cluster, a network of game development companies, gaining credits and potentially full-time offers upon completion.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

Abertay is a leader in applied research, offering undergraduates and postgraduates chances to engage in cutting-edge projects funded by bodies like the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The university's research centers, such as the Digital Health and Informatics Research Group and the Serious Games and Virtual Worlds Hub, provide avenues for student involvement.

• Undergraduate Research Internships: Paid summer schemes where students assist in projects on AI, cybersecurity, and environmental simulation.
• Postgraduate Research Degrees: PhD opportunities with scholarships covering tuition and living expenses, often linked to industry partners.
• Conferences and Publications: Support for students to present at international events, enhancing CVs and opening doors to academic careers.

Recent highlights include student-led research in ethical hacking, which has led to collaborations with global tech firms.

Entrepreneurship and Startup Support

For aspiring innovators, Abertay's Enterprise Team offers comprehensive support through the Abertay Incubator, one of Scotland's top business accelerators.

1. Idea Development Workshops: Free sessions on pitching, prototyping, and business planning.
2. Funding Access: Connections to seed funding, grants from Innovate UK, and investor networks.
3. Incubation Space: Dedicated co-working areas with mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.

Success stories include startups like FanDuel (a billion-dollar fantasy sports company founded by Abertay alumni) and numerous game dev ventures that have attracted venture capital.

International and Exchange Opportunities

Abertay fosters a global mindset with exchange programs under the Erasmus+ scheme and partnerships with over 50 universities worldwide, including those in the US, Europe, and Asia.

• Study Abroad: Semester exchanges with fee waivers and travel grants.
• International Internships: Opportunities in countries like Canada and Japan, focusing on tech and design fields.
• Global Projects: Virtual collaborations with international peers on sustainable development goals.

The International Office provides visa support and cultural integration programs, ensuring a smooth experience for both home and incoming students.

Alumni Network and Lifelong Opportunities

Abertay's alumni network spans 70 countries, offering lifelong benefits like exclusive job boards, networking events, and mentorship programs. The Abertay Alumni Association hosts annual reunions and career panels, helping graduates navigate career pivots.

In summary, Abertay University doesn't just educate—it empowers. Whether through placements, research, or entrepreneurial ventures, students emerge ready to seize opportunities in a dynamic world. For more details, visit the university's official careers portal or contact the dedicated support teams.