University of Aberdeen Review: A Complete Guide
Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected universities. Based in the vibrant, historic city of Aberdeen, it combines over 500 years of academic excellence with modern research and teaching facilities. Aberdeen consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and globally for student satisfaction, graduate employment, and research impact.
University of Aberdeen Summary
- City: Aberdeen
-
Graduate Employment Rate：
96.6% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines like medicine, law, business, engineering, and the arts.
Key features include:
- Flexible degree structures that let you tailor your studies
- Strong industry links and global research partnerships
- A supportive, inclusive student community
- A scenic and compact campus with award-winning facilities
Aberdeen is also known for its commitment to sustainability, global outlook, and opportunities for study abroad or work placements.
University of Aberdeen Rankings 2026
UK Ranking (Complete University Guide 2026): 30th
World Ranking (QS World University Ranking 2026): 262nd
University of Aberdeen Courses and Programmes
LLB Law (Hons)
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
Start Date: September
Accreditation: Law Society of Scotland, Society of Advocates
Location: Aberdeen campus
- Emphasis on developing legal thinking, not just memorising law
- Optional modules let you explore areas of personal or career interest
- Option to combine with a modern European language or other subjects
Practical Opportunities
- Aberdeen Law Project: work on real cases in a student-led law clinic
- Mock trials and debating: develop advocacy and public speaking skills
- Student Law Journal: submit and publish your own legal writing
- Law Society: active student community with networking events and competitions
Why Choose Aberdeen
- High-quality teaching with experienced, engaged staff
- Strong graduate outcomes across law and related sectors
- Global student community and welcoming campus environment
- Excellent study abroad options
BSc Psychology (Hons)
Degree: BSc (also available as MA)
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
Start Date: September
Accreditation: British Psychological Society (BPS)
Location: Aberdeen campus
Course Overview
- Explore how we think, feel, perceive, and behave
- Study the science behind mental processes and human behaviour
- Learn to “do” psychology with hands-on training in research methods
- Strong focus on real-world application and career readiness
Degree Options
- BSc Psychology: Science-focused; ideal if you studied subjects like biology, chemistry, or maths
- MA Psychology: More arts-focused; includes humanities and social science options
Key Features
- Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), meeting the academic requirements for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
- Teaching is led by award-winning researchers and covers major areas like social psychology, neuroscience, perception, language, and industrial psychology.
- Access to specialist laboratories
- Strong emphasis on hands-on research, critical thinking, and data analysis.
- Opportunities to explore real-world applications through coursework and final-year projects.
Degree: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Duration: 4 years (Graduate Entry)
Mode: Full-time
Start Month: September
Annual Intake: 20 students
Aberdeen offers a graduate-entry BDS programme. Students enter directly into Year 2 and complete the degree in four years, rather than the standard five.
To apply, you must have completed a prior degree with sufficient coverage of biomedical sciences. This ensures you’re prepared for the intensive clinical and academic demands of the course.
Key Features
- Limited intake of 20 students promotes a focused learning environment.
- Early clinical exposure under the supervision of experienced professionals.
- Emphasis on both academic knowledge and practical patient care.
- Strong graduate outcomes – 100% employment rate upon graduation.
University of Aberdeen Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of Aberdeen Entry Requirements
| Qualification Type | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | 4 Highers at grade B (may vary by course) |
| A-Levels | BBB (including relevant subjects for science/engineering courses) |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 32 points, including 3 subjects at Higher Level (grade 5 or above) |
| HNC/HND | Accepted for Year 2 or 3 entry, depending on subject and grades |
| Other International Qualifications | Accepted; assessed based on UK ENIC equivalency and subject relevance |
| Foundation Year | Required for students whose qualifications do not meet direct entry criteria |
| English Language | IELTS 6.0 (with no band less than 5.5) or equivalent (TOEFL iBT 78, PTE, etc.) |
University of Aberdeen Facilities
- Full size, 3rd Generation FIFA approved indoor football pitch
- IAAF approved indoor athletics area with 135 metre running straight, throwing and jumping areas and free weight zone
- 50 metre, 10 lane Olympic standard swimming pool
- International standard diving pool with moveable floor
- Sauna and steam room
- Large multi-purpose sports hall
- 4 squash courts (2 glass-backed)
- Large fitness suite and performance gymnasium; 2 studios
- 400 metre outdoor athletics track and stadium
- Floodlit water based hockey pitch
- Well-being Centre (with physiotherapy clinic)
- A crèche, café and spectator seating
University of Aberdeen Notable Alumni
- Alistair Darling – Former Chancellor of the Exchequer and senior Labour Party politician.
- Nicky Campbell – Broadcaster and journalist, best known for BBC Radio 5 Live and ITV’s Long Lost Family.
- Andrew Marr – Political commentator, journalist, and former BBC political editor.
- James Naughtie – Renowned journalist and broadcaster, especially with BBC Radio 4.
- Iain Glen – Actor known for roles in Game of Thrones, Resident Evil, and Downton Abbey.
- David Anderson – Baron Anderson of Ipswich, KC, former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.
- Alexander Bain – Inventor and engineer, credited with early developments of the fax machine and electric clock.
- John Macleod – Co-discoverer of insulin, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923.
- Sir George Reid – Former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and journalist.
- Hazel Hutchison – Leading academic and writer specialising in American literature and World War I culture.
Experience the City of Aberdeen as a Student
You’ll be based in one of the UK’s oldest universities, with over 500 years of history. The historic King’s College campus has both Gothic architecture and modern facilities like a 24/7 library and cutting-edge labs. The campus is compact and walkable, making daily life convenient.
Aberdeen is a student-friendly city with two universities and a strong international population. It’s small enough to feel safe and easy to navigate, yet large enough to offer good food, nightlife, shopping, and cultural events. The city has a busy music and arts scene, and students regularly attend events at the Music Hall, Lemon Tree, or Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Outdoor lovers benefit from Aberdeen’s coastal setting and proximity to the Highlands. Surfing, hiking, and weekend trips to national parks or castles are easy to access.
The university has a diverse student community and strong support systems, including career guidance, mental health resources, and academic support services. Over 150 clubs and societies offer options for everything from sports and volunteering to politics and cultural groups.
How much does it cost to live in Aberdeen as a Student
Accommodation
£400 – £650
Food and Groceries
£150 – £250
Transport
£30 – £60 (bus pass optional)
Leisure and Personal
£100 – £200
Total Estimated Monthly Budget:
£900 – £1,200
University of Aberdeen Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/
- Address: King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 1224 272000
