university of aberdeen north american student guide
DESCRIPTION
Introduction to the University of Aberdeen, including programs, how to apply, entry requirements, scholarships and student life.TRANSCRIPT
North American Student Guidewww.abdn.ac.uk/international
Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Situated in the stunning historic neighbourhood of Old Aberdeen, the University is today known as a centre of excellence in the Humanities, Law, Energy, Health Sciences and Environmental Studies.
An Ancient UniversityThe University of Aberdeen is one of the seven Ancient Universities of Great Britain and Ireland and boasts a 500 year old history of leading scholarship. Throughout its long history, the University has been associated with many firsts, including the establishment of the first Chair of Medicine in the English-speaking world in 1497. Our School of Psychology is also the oldest in the UK, established over 100 years ago.
Eminent scholars associated with the University include five Nobel Prize winners and the inventor of the modern MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine. Aberdeen alumni have also made their mark abroad, including James Blair, the founder of the College of William and Mary in the USA and Sir Kai Ho Kai, a founder of the University of Hong Kong.
Reputation and RankingOur proud tradition of teaching and research continues to this day, with the University ranked 137th in the 2015 QS World University Rankings, placing it in the top 1% of Universities around the world. Our medical school was ranked 1st in Scotland and 5th in UK by the Complete University Guide (2015), while 76% of research assessed through the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF14) was commended as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University was also rated 1st in the UK for Environmental Science and Soil Science in the same study.
The University’s Research Institute for Irish and Scottish Studies is the first of its kind in the world for graduate study and research on the history, language, literature and culture of Ireland and Scotland while the Rowett Institute for Nutrition and Health is widely recognised as a world leading centre of excellence in human nutrition.
Today the University has 15,000 students. International students make up 30% of the student body, with over 120 countries represented on campus.
Academic StructureTeaching at the University of Aberdeen is organised across three colleges, which encompass a broad range of disciplines in academic schools.
College of Arts and Social Sciences• Business School• School of Divinity, History and Philosophy• School of Education• School of Language and Literature• School of Law• School of Social Science
College of Life Sciences and Medicine• School of Biological Sciences• School of Medical Sciences• School of Medicine and Dentistry• School of Psychology• Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health
College of Physical Sciences• School of Engineering• School of Geosciences• School of Natural and Computing Sciences
University of Aberdeen
The beautiful historic setting of the Old Aberdeen campus provides a daily reminder of our proud history and heritage.
This hidden gem of Scotland, which was recently named amongst the Top Ten Most Beautiful Historic Universities in the UK by QS Top Universities website, features numerous architectural treasures including King’s College, with its crown tower and chapel. Other major attractions include the medieval St Machar’s Cathedral, the Brig o’ Balgownie and the 18th century Old Townhouse, which today houses one the University’s numerous museum collections.
The University has also invested heavily in new teaching, research and recreational facilities in recent years, including most notably the £57 million Sir Duncan Rice Library, which was officially opened on 24th September 2012 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The library houses the largest of the University’s modern collections over 7 floors as well as historic collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives in the Special Collections Centre on the Lower Ground Floor.
The Danish-designed building, presents a high tech contrast to the University’s historic campus and was recently listed amongst the “20 Most Spellbinding University Libraries in the world” by The Independent newspaper. Other recent campus additions include the Aberdeen Sports Village and our new Aquatics Centre, which features an Olympic standard Swimming Pool and Diving Boom.
The University campus is also home to a number of other fascinating curiosities, including the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, which features numerous varieties of plants, including a rose garden, arboretum, lawns and ponds stretching over 11 acres.
The University’s Zoology Museum is officially classified as a Recognised Collection of national significance to Scotland and features displays from protozoa to the great whales, including taxidermy, skeletal material, study skins, fluid- preserved specimens and models.
CampusCampus2 www.abdn.ac.uk/international
City Guidewww.abdn.ac.uk/international 3
The Gallery showcases an exciting programme of exhibitions and displays throughout the year, which complements its permanent collection of paintings, sculpture, ceramics and costume. The Gallery’s own collection of contemporary art is regarded as one of the best in the country due to its impressive collection of British 20th century art.
If you’re more of a performing arts person, the city hosts a huge array of productions throughout the year. His Majesty’s Theatre and the Music Hall stage hundreds of performances each year, from ballet, opera and drama to contemporary dance, comedy and musicals.
The Aberdeen Student Show also forms a huge part of the Aberdeen University Student Association (AUSA) Charities Campaign. The show is a long standing tradition in the North East of Scotland and has been running for nearly 100 years. The show often parodies well-known titles from the world of film, theatre and literature, and is the only show of its kind in the UK. Over the years, the show has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities – something the University is incredibly proud to be part of!
NightlifeAberdeen is famed for having a nightlife that is second to none. There is a huge variety of venues ranging from nightclubs, to cosy, old world pubs full of atmosphere.
Based in the heart of one of the most dynamic and beautiful regions of the UK, Aberdeen really has something for everyone – in a matter of minutes you can find yourself travelling from the bustling city centre of Europe’s Energy Capital to touring through awe-inspiring countryside and coastlines.
In recent years, Aberdeen has been ranked as Scotland’s safest University City, the happiest city to live, and even one of Scotland’s sunniest cities! The city has more sunshine than Birmingham, and just about as much as London – throughout the summer months it never really gets dark, with the sun not setting until after 11pm and rising before 4am.
And don’t let rumours of cold and rainy days put you off – Aberdeen is right in the centre of the driest region in Scotland!
Aberdeen is famous for being a global energy hub, but there’s even more to our Silver City to discover. We have been ranked as Scotland’s Best City to Live and Work in Scotland - and the Second in the UK and one of the happiest places to live in Britain.
Students describe Aberdeen as having an unrivalled social scene, which caters for tastes in arts, culture, leisure and entertainment. The city is big enough for the “big city” experience, but also compact enough to make it easy to find your way around and make friends.
Culture and EntertainmentWith a student population of over 50,000, Aberdeen has plenty to offer in the way of entertainment. From art galleries and theatres to museums and libraries, Aberdeen is a hidden gem of culture right in the heart of North East Scotland.
Aberdeen’s rich and diverse exhibitions, collections and programmes are some of the most varied in the UK, and can guarantee there is always something new for visitors to see.
Aberdeen Art Gallery is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, containing one of the finest art collections in Britain, with paintings and sculpture dating from the 15th Century to today.
City Guide
1 The Complete University Guide 2 The Guardian 3 The BBC / The Independent * PwC Good Growth for Cities Index † BBC
For committed clubbers there is a whole host of dance floors in and around the city centre, serving up sounds of hip hop, dance, chart classics, indie, rock, Latin beats, soul, cheesy pop and lots more.
And for those that prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and good conversation, there is a multitude of different settings for you to relax in, from wine bars and jazz clubs to cosy cafés and student hang-outs.
Eating OutAs any great multicultural city should be, Aberdeen is passionate about food – and eating it! The city has a huge variety of restaurants and cafés to choose from, including Italian, French, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Greek and Turkish fare, among others.
Of course it’s not just what you eat, but where you eat that counts. Aberdeen has plenty of comfy bars for pub grub, intimate bistros, restaurants that boast art galleries and views of the sea and up-market eateries.
ShoppingYou’ll find all major supermarket and retail chains here as well as four large city-centre shopping malls. From high street stores and designer boutiques to quirky independent outlets and thrift shops, shopaholics will be delighted by the quantity and quality of places on offer.
Like in North America, Scotland has a four year degree system. The Scottish undergraduate system is also distinguished from that of England and the rest of the United Kingdom by the flexibility and breath of study enjoyed by students, which is also a big attraction for students from North America.
The Aberdeen Degree The Aberdeen degree is structured in a way to allow students to study a broad range of subjects during their first two years, before specialising in their third year of study. We offer over 70 subjects (majors) at undergraduate level, spanning the Arts and Humanities, Business, Law, Science, Engineering and Medical Sciences.
The subjects on offer are grouped under a number of different Degree Programmes. While you are required to select a particular subject when applying to the University, the tradition at Aberdeen is to admit students to a Degree Programme, such as the Master of Arts or the Bachelor of Science, rather than to a particular subject. For example, a student accepted to study History would be admitted to the degree of Master of Arts, while a student accepted to study Biology would be accepted to the degree of Bachelor of Science.
The flexible structure of our four year system also means that while you will begin taking classes in your chosen subject (major) in your first year, you will also have the opportunity to take classes from different subjects. It also means that students can usually switch to another subject during the course of their studies.
Tuition Fees 2016/17The annual tuition fee is based on the subject area of your degree programme. Arts-based programmes include Arts, Social Sciences, Divinity and Law while Science based programmes include Science and Engineering.
Arts-based programmes: £13,800Science-based programmes: £17,200Undergraduate Clinical Medicine: £28,600
Scholarships and Aid
International Undergraduate ScholarshipThe International Undergraduate Scholarship provides a full tuition waiver for international students for the fourth year of study. Eligible international students, admitted to a full four year programme of study pay for only three years of their four year degree. The International Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded to eligible students upon admission to the University.
Findlay Walker Scholarship (US Students)In honour of Dr J Findlay Walker (MBChB 1967), the Findlay Walker Scholarship Program awards scholarships of $2,000 towards tuition/fees for the first year of study to two US students. All US students who apply for an undergraduate place at the University of Aberdeen no later than 30 December 2015 will automatically be considered. For more information, including eligibility criteria, please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/international/usa
Federal Aid (US Students) With the exception of the MBChB Medicine, Nursing, Certificate and Diploma programmes all other full and part-time programmes are eligible for Federal Direct, Parent Plus and Graduate PLUS loans. However, we are not authorised to certify eligibility for any grants. Please refer to our US Federal Aid webpage at www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/finance/us-federal-direct-loans.php for further information or email [email protected]
Entry RequirementsThe information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
United StatesApplicants from the United States should present the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:
• SAT score of 1750, with 600 in Critical Reading, OR
• ACT composite score of 26, OR• 1 SAT Subject Test score of 600, OR• 1 AP Subject Test at grade 3
Undergraduate Study
Undergraduate Study4 www.abdn.ac.uk/international
Applicants for Law, Science and Engineering programmes may be required to present additional SAT Subject tests or AP exams in relevant subjects.
CanadaEntry Requirements can vary depending on the programme applied for, however as a general guide, we recommend that students should present an average of 75% in the relevant high school diploma for their province or territory.
Students applying to Law, Science and Engineering may require higher grades in specific subjects.
MexicoThe University of Aberdeen welcomes applications from students from Mexico presenting a range of qualifications including:
• GCE A Levels• US High Diploma (with other standardised tests
including the SAT, ACT or APs) International Baccalaureate
• Minimum of 32 points at least 5,5,5 at HL
Applicants for Science and Engineering programmes may be required to achieve particular grades in relevant subjects.
Students whose first language is not English must also meet the University’s English Language requirements. Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/english-requirements for further information.
How to ApplyStudents applying from the United States, Canada or Mexico for undergraduate admission the University of Aberdeen may apply through UCAS. Alternatively, applicants may choose to apply through Common App for all programmes except Medicine. Please note that you may only use one method of application.
www.ucas.comwww.commonapp.org
Arts, Divinity, Education, Music & Social Sciences
Accountancy
Anthropology
Archaeology
Behavioural Studies
Business Management
Business Management and Information Systems
Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies
Computing
Divinity
Economics
Education
English
Environmental Humanities
European Studies
Film and Visual Culture
Finance
French
Gaelic Studies
Geography
German
History
History of Art
Language & Linguistics
Languages and Literature of Scotland
Legal Studies
Literature in a World Context
Mathematics
Music
Music Studies
Natural Philosophy (Physics)
Philosophy
Politics & International Relations
Psychology
Real Estate
Religious Studies
Scottish Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Theology
Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Civil and Structural Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (with Oil and Gas Studies)
Mechanical Engineering (with Business Management)
Mechanical Engineering (with Subsea Technologies)
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Law
Law (LLB)
Law with English Law
Law with French Law
Law with German Law
Law with Spanish Law
Law with European Legal Studies
Medicine
Medicine (see below for further Pre-Med options)
Sciences
Behavioural Studies
Computing Science
Information Systems and Business Management
Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
Psychology
Life Sciences
Biological Sciences
Biology
Conservation Biology
Ecology
Environmental Science
Forest Sciences
Forestry
Marine Biology
Plant & Soil Science
Zoology
Medical Sciences
Biochemistry
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Exercise and Health Science
Genetics
Human Embryology and Developmental
Biology
Immunology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience with Psychology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Sports & Exercise Science
Physical Sciences
Archaeology
Chemistry
Geography
Geology & Petroleum Geology
Physics
Undergraduate Studywww.abdn.ac.uk/international 5
Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/study/courses/index.php for a full list of degree programmes
What attracted you to Aberdeen? I really wanted a medium sized university, in a city that was also historic and Aberdeen fit the bill perfectly. When I visited the campus for accepted applicants day, everyone was friendly and helpful and I really felt like I fitted in. When it came to the academics I liked being able to focus solely on the subjects I was passionate about but at the end of second year decide what I wanted to do at honours level. There’s also an immense amount of courses, like the Sixth Century ones, that aren’t offered at other universities.
What is your favourite building/place on campus?My favourite building is the Sir Duncan Rice Library. Not only is this building architecturally significant, but the view looking out across Aberdeen and to the beaches is stunning. It’s the best place to study and meet friends and it’s yet another place rich in history, housing the rare books collection.
Are you a member of any student clubs or societies?I am President of the Dance Society, which is the largest society on campus and offers more than 30 dance classes each week. We offer everything from Highland to Jazz and Salsa to Bollywood. We also organise a showcase in March to finish off the year and show off our stuff!
What advice would you give to students considering studying at Aberdeen?It is a really amazing experience! The tutorials give you a voice if you were previously afraid to speak in class and there’s so many opportunities to get involved and try sports and activities you’ve dreamed of trying. I believe being here has helped me become my best self!
Which three words would you use to describe your overall experience?Exciting! Engaging! Special!
What attracted you to studying in Scotland?I had completed my first degree at my local university while living at home. For my next academic endeavour I wanted to live abroad and be able to travel. Aberdeen, and Scotland in general, has a lot of history to it. To put it into perspective, the university itself predates the arrival of the French to Canada. Aberdeen has a very unique architecture to it, with ample use of granite. It is quite spectacular for a North American to see. Certainly the most remarkable buildings are in the university itself though, with King’s College and Marischal College being chief among them.
What is your favourite class?I would have to say it was Foundations of Private Law. Scots law is very unique, taking in aspects of the English common law and the continental civil law. This class serves as an introduction to this distinctive system, and with Prof. Robin Evans-Jones teaching, it’s truly a real treat.
What advice would you give to students considering studying at Aberdeen?Try not to laugh when the Europeans from warmer climates, like the Greeks, complain about Aberdeen being cold. To them it may be so, but oh boy do we know better.
Which three words would you use to describe your overall experience?Superlative. Classic. Endearing.
Juliana DragatDegree: EconomicsFrom: Massachusetts, USA
Jesse GibeauDegree: LawFrom: Alberta, Canada
Our StudentsOur Students6 www.abdn.ac.uk/international
What attracted you to Aberdeen? Aberdeen has big city vibe, but has some small town characteristics that you fall in love with.
What is your favourite class? There is not a favourite class. They are all outstanding. The Professors at the University give you knowledge, growth, and commitment while keeping it entertaining.
What is your favourite building on campus?Kings College is one of the oldest buildings on campus and has the most history. If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, this is the building you want to visit.
Which three words would you use to describe your overall experience?Exciting. Memorable. Rewarding.
What attracted you to Aberdeen? I first met my MMus supervisor, Professor Paul Mealor, when he gave a presentation on his musical works at the University of Southern California, my old university in the States. Not only was his music beautiful and his presentation insightful, but he seemed like an all-around wonderful person to study with and get to know. He has also been highly successful in his field – he “came to fame” when one of his choral pieces was performed at the Royal Wedding in 2011. Aberdeen University and especially the music department is smaller than where I attended undergrad, and I’ve enjoyed the tighter-knit community of a small department.
What is your favourite place on campus?I love Kilau coffee shop on High Street! I miss the “coffee culture” of the West Coast of the United States when I am in the U.K., but Kilau gives me a little taste of home by providing that for me just down the road from my flat.
Are you a member of any student clubs or societies?Since arriving in Aberdeen, I have sung with the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir and King’s College Chapel Choir, and I have enjoyed so many opportunities for friendship, growth as a musician, musical performance and national and international travel through these groups. Last year, Chapel Choir went on tour to Budapest just before winter break – what an amazing city! Just recently, Chamber Choir sang the Sunday morning service at Crathie Kirk (“church”) near Balmoral, where Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales attend services when in residence there. Singing “God Save The Queen” in the presence of Her Majesty herself is not something I will soon forget. Our performance at the service was broadcast by Classic FM to an estimated six million listeners a few days later as part of their celebration of Queen Elizabeth becoming the longest reigning monarch in British history.
Austin LindleyDegree: Energy ManagementFrom: Oklahoma, USA
Sarah RimkusDegree: Music CompositionFrom: Washington, USA
Our Studentswww.abdn.ac.uk/international 7
Postgraduate programmes at the University of Aberdeen and other British universities are offered at Master’s and Doctoral level and are aimed at students who wish to gain further, more specialised, knowledge of a particular subject. Postgraduate programmes are generally divided into two types: Taught programmes and Research Programmes.
Masters ProgrammesMost Master’s programmes in the UK are “taught” programmes, which means they are largely based on coursework and a minor research dissertation. Unlike undergraduate study, teaching is not carried out through an intensive class schedule but tends instead towards directed reading, with the focal point of each course being periodic seminars and/or lectures. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, project work, and independent reading.
Taught Master’s degrees are broadly similar in scope to Master’s programmes in North America, and aim to build on your undergraduate studies to develop further expertise in a particular subject as well as developing your research skills. They are therefore seen as an ideal springboard to Doctoral studies or for entry to industry. Certain programmes in areas like Business, Finance, Education or Health Science may also satisfy certain professional requirements.
While at North American universities, students are encouraged to pursue an individualised course of study and to broaden their horizons, in the UK, Master’s students pursue a more specialised course of study, with fewer courses options outside of the main subject area to choose from.
Taught Master’s programmes in the UK are usually 12 months in duration, consisting of two semesters of coursework followed and a third semester when students work on their research dissertation. Students who do not undertake the research component of the programme may also have the option to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.
While the majority of Master’s programmes commence in September, some also offer a January start date.
You can search for Taught programmes on our website at www.abdn.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate
Research Masters and Doctoral ProgrammesThe University of Aberdeen also offers a wide range of research-based programmes at Masters (MRes) and Doctoral (PhD) level. Research programmes may include some minor coursework in subjects such as research skills and methodology, however research-based programmes mainly involve independent research under faculty supervision and writing a thesis. Research programmes can vary in length, but Research Masters usually take two years, while PhD programmes normally take a minimum of 3 years.
Entry requirements Master’s and Doctoral programmes usually only admit students from a related undergraduate background. Entry Requirements can vary by programme, though as a general guide, we recommend that students applying from North America present a strong undergraduate record with a minimum GPA of 3.0-3.3 out of 4.
UK universities do not usually require standardised tests such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT etc. Instead, your GPA, your Personal Statement and your recommendations are the most important factors.
Note: Research-based programmes also usually require a research proposal as part of the application process. Students interested in applying for a Research programme are therefore strongly advised to contact a member of faculty to discuss their research interests and to agree a research topic before submitting formal application.
Students whose first language is not English must also meet the University’s English Language requirements. Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/english-requirements for further information.
How to ApplyAll our postgraduate taught and research programmes, with the exception of PGDE and Education Programmes (including Studies in Mindfulness and Person-Centred Counselling), can be applied for online directly to the University at www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply
Postgraduate Study
Postgraduate Study8 www.abdn.ac.uk/international
In order to submit an application you will need to upload a completed online Postgraduate Application form along with your academic transcripts/certificates and also a personal statement.
Postgraduate Tuition Fees 2016-17The annual tuition fee is based on the subject area of your degree programme. Arts-based programmes include Arts, Social Sciences, Divinity and Law while Science based programmes include Science and Engineering.
Arts-based Programmes & Select LLM Programmes: £13,800*
Science-based Programmes: £17,200*
Graduate Business School MSc & Select LLM Programmes: £15,400*
Graduate Business School MBA Programmes: £17,200
LLM with Professional Skills: £17,200
MSc Finance and Investment Management £18,900
Finance and Real Estate with CFA £18,900
MSc Real Estate (International Option) £18,900
Graduate Business School MBA Energy Management £19,000
Scholarships and AidFor more information on scholarships, bursaries, loans and discounts available through the University and externally from organisations, companies and charities, please refer to the University of Aberdeen funding database at www.abdn.ac.uk/funding
Federal Aid (US Students) With the exception of the MBChB Medicine, Nursing, Certificate and Diploma programmes all other full and part-time programmes are eligible for Federal Direct, Parent Plus and Graduate PLUS loans. However, we are not authorised to certify eligibility for any grants. Please refer to our US Federal Aid webpage at www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/finance/us-federal-direct-loans.php for further information or email [email protected]
Postgraduate Studywww.abdn.ac.uk/international 9
Arts and Social Science
Celtic and Anglo Saxon Studies
Creative Writing
English Literary Studies
Ethnology & Folklore
European Politics and Society
Global Conflict and Peace Processes
Globalization
International Relations
Irish and Scottish History
Irish and Scottish Literature
Latin American Studies
Literature, Science and Medicine
Masters in Education
Medieval and Early Modern Studies
Migration and Postcolonial Studies
Modern History
Museum Studies
Music
Novel, The
Post-Conflict Justice and Peacebuilding
Refugee and Displacement Studies
Scandinavian Studies
Social Anthropology
Social Research
Sociology
Strategic Studies
Visual Culture
Vocal Music
Business
Accounting and Finance
Digital Marketing Leadership (Online)
Economics
Finance & Investment Management
Finance and Real Estate
Information Systems & Data Management
International Business Management
Management Consultancy
Marketing Management
MBA Business Administration
MBA Energy Management
Real Estate
Divinity and Religious Studies
Biblical Studies
Church History
Islamic Studies
Ministry Studies
Systematic Theology
Theological Ethics
Energy and Engineering
Integrated Petroleum Geoscience
Oil & Gas Chemistry
Oil & Gas Law (LLM)
Oil & Gas Structural Engineering
Oil and Gas Computing
Oil and Gas Engineering
Oil and Gas Enterprise Management
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum, Energy Economics and Finance
Petrophysics and Formation Evaluation
Project Management
Renewable Energy Engineering
Reservoir Engineering
Safety & Reliability Engineering for Oil & Gas
Subsea Engineering
Law
Criminal Justice & Human Rights (LLM)
Criminal Justice (LLM)
Energy and Environmental Law (LLM)
Energy Law (LLM)
Human Rights (LLM)
Human Rights and Criminal Justice (LLM)
International Commercial Law (LLM)
International Law (LLM)
Private International Law (LLM)
Public International Law (LLM)
Life Sciences and Medicine
Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology
Clinical Pharmacology
Drug Discovery (MRes)
Environmental Science
Forestry
Genetics
Global Health and Management
Human Nutrition
Immunology
Master of Public Health
Medical Imaging
Medical Physics
Microbiology
Soil Science
Science
Analytical Chemistry
Archaeology
Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Geographical Information Systems
Geophysics
Information Technology
Psychological Studies (MSc)
Psychology
Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/study/courses/index.php for a full list of degree programmes
International students are welcome to join the numerous student clubs and societies at the University of Aberdeen. Special sign up days are held at the beginning of each semester where you can go along and find out about the many ways you can get involved.
Societies and Student ActivitiesThe Aberdeen University Student Association (AUSA) runs over 120 societies, ranging from Departmental Societies, relating to the various departments at the University, to Cultural Societies, Creative Arts Societies and various General Interest Societies relating to different interests or hobbies.
AUSA arranges numerous other activities throughout the year, and as a Study Abroad student, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try out the activities of a particular society before deciding to join. All our societies hold regular events and socials which offer a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded students.
Find out more at: www.ausa.org.uk/societies
Student SportsStudents can also choose from 58 sports clubs. If you don’t want to compete, AUSA organises a wide range of non-competitive clubs, intra-mural leagues and one-off sporting events. Sporting options range from indoor sports such as Volleyball and Basketball, to field sports including Soccer, Rugby and Lacrosse. There is also a Snow Sports club, Sailing club and Hillwalking & Climbing club, if you wish to combine sport with an opportunity to explore more of the country.
Find out more at: www.ausa.org.uk/sports
Aberdeen Students’ Charities CampaignAberdeen Students’ Charities Campaign is a collection of students from across Aberdeen who raise huge amounts of money for local charities through a variety of events. Two of the largest events are the Student Show; and the Torcher Parade, the largest torch-lit parade in Europe involving around 2,000 students, 45 lorries and 50,000 spectators. The Charities’ Campaign also hosts a beautiful Fashion Show and is responsible for providing a charitable second hand book shop in the Hub called Bookends.
Student LifeStudent Life10 www.abdn.ac.uk/international
Student Lifewww.abdn.ac.uk/international 11
Student VolunteeringVolunteering is an excellent way of widening your experience whilst studying abroad. It helps you to build professional skills and opens doors for new opportunities. It’s easy to get involved whether you have one free hour or hundreds!
Today, the University has hundreds of volunteers, running clubs and societies, writing for the newspaper, sitting on committees, putting on events and helping with the University’s museums and of course contributing to the wider Aberdeen community through various charities and fund raising activities.
Find out more at www.ausa.org.uk/volunteering
International Student SupportThe Study Abroad and Exchange team provides a range of support services for incoming study abroad students, including a comprehensive Orientation session at the beginning of each term.
Each visiting student is appointed a Go Abroad Tutor upon admission to the University, a member of faculty who you can meet with and seek advice on matters relating to course selection.
International students can also avail of the normal student support services provided by the University, including:
> International Student Advisers (Immigration)> International Centre> Counselling Service> Chaplaincies> Resident Assistants (RAs)> AUSA Student Advice Centre
International CentreThe International Centre was opened in January 2015 with the purpose of providing a focal point where members of the University of Aberdeen community can meet and engage with all things International. The International Centre also serves as a drop in centre for international students on campus:
> Promote International activities on campus> Encourage engagement and interaction with
International events.> Cultivate interest in studying and working
abroad
Student HousingThe University offers a wide range of housing options. Student accommodation (housing) mainly consists of apartment (suite) style living, with each student having their own single room. Some Halls also feature private en-suite bathrooms.
As most students live in apartments, with easy access to a kitchen, the majority of students opt for self-catered accommodation. The University also offers a number of catered Halls, but please note that a typical catered plan would not generally be as extensive as a meal plan at a typical North American university.
All new students are guaranteed a place in university accommodation, provided the application reaches us by the deadline.
University of Aberdeen accommodation is split between the King’s College campus and Hillhead Student Village.
King College Campus AccommodationThe Campus Accommodation Halls of Residence are situated in the heart of campus, close to all facilities in the King’s campus. All Halls of Residence benefit from 24/7 on-site assistance from the Hall Management Teams and Student Resident Assistants. All utility bills and Wi-Fi are included in the price. The site is also covered by CCTV and all the blocks are secure with 24 hour reception.
Hillhead Student VillageHillhead is located beside Seaton Park, on a pleasantly landscaped site with many mature trees, a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute bus ride to King’s campus. All utility bills and Wi-Fi are included in the price. The site is also covered by CCTV.
Hillhead Student Village comprises of all self-catered accommodation, across 9 different properties with the majority of apartments being single sex.
Graduate Student HallsThe Elphinstone Road Flats complex is only for graduate students and is based on campus, just a short walk from the library. It consists of 120 single study bedrooms, organised into flats (apartments) for 3 - 7 residents with shared kitchen and other facilities per flat. This means that you have the same level of privacy and independence as you would have living in an apartment off campus, but with the convenience of being able to book your room before you arrive. Other residences for Graduate students include South House, Keith House and King’s Hall.
Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation for more information on student accommodation.
Student Visa and Immigration RegulationsAll international (except European Economic Area and Swiss nationals) students are required to apply for entry clearance to enter the UK.
Short Term Student (up to 6 months)If you are studying for less than 6 months you can apply for ‘Short-term student’ entry clearance which is aimed at those students who wish to undertake a course of up to six months and have no interest in full student visa entitlements i.e. the ability to work part-time, extend their stay whilst in the UK.
Tier 4 VisaAny international (except European Economic Area and Swiss nationals) student planning to study full-time in the UK for more than six months will need to apply for a Tier 4 visa. Find out more at: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas
Health InsuranceThe University of Aberdeen strongly advises international students coming to the UK for less than 6 months to have private health insurance from the beginning of your stay. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate health insurance for your period of study at the University of Aberdeen.
Tier 4 Visa Health InsuranceSince April 2015, international students coming the UK on a Tier 4 visa and who will be studying for more than 6 months have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. This charge is mandatory as part of your visa application and it entitles you to be able to use the National Health Service during the duration of your stay in the UK. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
Getting HereGetting Here12 www.abdn.ac.uk/international
The University is based just a 20 minute walk from the centre of Aberdeen, a city known for its diverse and thriving regional economy. Our city’s role as the Energy Capital of Europe means that we benefit from the very best of transport and travel links from throughout the world. With global air, rail and road connections, Aberdeen is also easily reachable from anywhere in the UK.
Aberdeen International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the UK and has excellent links to the UK’s main and regional airports. The airport is served by a number of major carriers, providing an extensive network of routes throughout the UK, direct to Europe and worldwide through major travel hubs. British destinations include four London airports, (London City, Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton - just over an hour’s flight time. Connections to and from North America can also be made at Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris.
For further information, please visit www.aberdeenairport.com
Contact UsBrian HusseyInternational Officer, Americas
T: +44 1224 272187E: [email protected]
Melissa CunninghamInternational Officer, Americas
T: +44 1224 274 563 E: [email protected]
facebook.com/universityofaberdeen
twitter.com/aberdeenuni/
instagram.com/study_in_aberdeen
studyinaberdeen.wordpress.com
Student Recruitment & Admissions ServiceThe HubElphinstone RoadAberdeenAB24 3TU
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272026Email: [email protected] Web: www.abdn.ac.uk