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The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre is your pathway to one of the world’s top 160 universities.* Our programmes will prepare you with the academic, language, study and social skills needed to succeed at the UK’s fifth oldest university. At Aberdeen, your life both inside and outside the classroom will help you to become a well-rounded individual, ready to face the future. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019
Scotland is home to some of the world’s top universities, and the University of Aberdeen is one of these institutions. Combining a
long and prestigious history with world-class facilities, Aberdeen is a popular destination for international students. The International Study Centre allows you to spend the first one or two years of your degree in a supportive and nurturing environment, before completing the remainder of your degree at the University. On progression to the University, you will benefit from the flexibility of the world-renowned Scottish education system, as this four-year system gives you the opportunity to explore your subject before specialising in what interests you.
WHY CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN?
The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. It is defined by its proud history and modern approach to teaching and employability. As an Aberdeen student, you will benefit from over 500 years of academic excellence, graduating with the skills you need to change the world.
A WORLD-RANKING UNIVERSITY
The University of Aberdeen ranks in the top 160 universities* in the world. As a student here, you will be able to learn from and contribute to world-leading research, making an impact on the rest of the world.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
With over 14,500 students on campus, the University of Aberdeen is a vibrant and lively
place to be a student. After you progress from the International Study Centre, you will be a part of the 130 different nationalities at the University, giving you not just the opportunity to discover
Scottish culture, but those from all over the world.
FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS
At Aberdeen, you will follow the Scottish education system –with most undergraduate degrees lasting four years. Scottish degrees are traditionally more flexible than the rest of the UK, allowing you to choose your studies based on your interests or explore other areas to maximise your employability.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
The Aberdeen experience goes beyond what you learn in the classroom. The University boasts the Aberdeen Sports Village, its own Olympic-standard sports facility. You will also be able to choose from more than 50 sports clubs from the University’s Sports Union. As an International Study Centre student, you can get involved from day one.
Make the most of life on campus by getting involved in the year round activities available
The University of Aberdeen is a world top 160 university with more than 500 years of academic excellence. It combines a long history with a modern approach to teaching, and a reputation for world-class research.
The University of Aberdeen is your new home Aberdeen combines city, countryside and coastline to give you a little of everything. The University campus is only thirty minutes’ walk from the city centre, where its vibrant and creative atmosphere will keep you inspired throughout your studies.
Living in Aberdeen an inspiring place to study, Aberdeen is a global centre of excellence and an important UK business hub. As a world-class energy city, it plays a key role in driving the world’s emerging renewable energy industries. You’ll be living in a small and friendly city with historic buildings and exciting cultural attractions – from theatres and museums to music venues. Just outside Aberdeen, you can experience stunning countryside, coastlines and mountains.
THE INTERNATIONAL STUDY CENTRE
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre provides the skills and support you need to challenge yourself and strive for success in your postgraduate degree.
Your first steps to degree success
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre is your first step to achieving your degree from one of the UK’s oldest universities. We are based on the University of Aberdeen campus, so you can feel integrated into university life from your very first day. As an International Study Centre student, you will firstly be based with us to develop the skills you need to progress to degree level study. You will be living and learning with other international students, discovering university and UK life together.
If you are on one of our undergraduate pathways, you spend the first or the second year of your degree with us before transitioning to the University for the remainder of your degree. Those on a postgraduate pathway will spend between ten and twelve weeks at the International Study Centre before beginning their Masters degree. In 2020, 97% of our first cohort of students who completed their preparation programme at the International Study Centre were offered a place to study their degrees at the University of Aberdeen.
The University of Aberdeen dedicates itself to creating world-leading research across a variety of fields you can progress to from the International Study Centre.
Making an impact
Aside from the academic excellence found inside its classrooms and lecture theatres, the University of Aberdeen is also making innovative and ground-breaking discoveries with its research. Staff and students at the University work across a variety of subject areas, producing world-class research thanks to the top facilities available on campus.
We offer pathway programmes to a variety of different subjects at Aberdeen. Take a look at some of the research your future faculties have worked on.
Engineering research
Aberdeen as a city is famed for its connections with the energy industry – making the University a great place to study the subject whether you’re interested in oil, gas, or even renewable energy. Both MSc and PhD engineering students get involved with research at Aberdeen. You could get involved in the study and research of:
Physics research
Postgraduate students at Aberdeen can get involved with many different applications of physics. No matter the specialism, the University’s research has impacted everything from astronomy to medical sciences, including:
Biological and environmental sciences research
The University’s School of Biological Sciences has a global reputation of cutting-edge research on plants and animals – both theoretical and experimental. MPhil and PhD students have contributed to research on:
Chemistry research
MSc and PhD chemistry degrees at Aberdeen benefit from the Scottish education system’s interdisciplinary approach to learning. They are unique, flexible and tailored to the student. The University has strong links with industry as well as extensive facilities to aid both research and learning in topics such as the following:
Medical sciences research
Medical students at Aberdeen benefit from studying on one of the largest health campuses in Europe. Medical research at Aberdeen is dedicated to understanding the human body, with research encompassing a variety of fields, including:
Law research
Law has been taught at the University since it was established in 1495. Since then, students studying both LLM and PhD courses at Aberdeen have been able to contribute to the research of:
Business, economics and management research
The University of Aberdeen’s Business School has had its research funded by bodies such as the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), the Scottish Home and Health Department and a range of other commercial sponsors. Research topics in these subject areas include:
Student employability
The flexibility of Scottish degrees creates a unique and well-rounded learning environment to help your future career.
Succeed in your career
Gaining a degree from a top-ranking university is the first step to succeeding in your future career. Whether you choose to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, the International Study Centre at the University of Aberdeen can help you to become an employable graduate.
The graduate employment market is hugely competitive. You will need to demonstrate you have the career skills, as well as the academic abilities, to set yourself apart from the rest. By studying with us, you will benefit from a wide range of careers services to ensure you leave the University as an employable graduate.
Career preparation at the International Study Centre
No matter which pathway programme you study with us, you will benefit from our dedicated careers service, CareerAhead. Our help includes:
creating a personal development plan which you can use throughout your time at university.
Career preparation at the University
Flexible study plans
The flexible degree options at Aberdeen allow you to shape your degree to your career goals. As an undergraduate student, you can choose to study either a single honours, joint honours or major/minor degree. Within these degrees, you will also have the opportunity to explore different subject modules before deciding on the final path you want to take. This allows you to create a unique study plan based on your own interests, as well as widening your knowledge to maximise your employability.
Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to study additional subjects with no increase to their overall workload. The ‘Enhanced Study’ courses you have the opportunity to join include:
You may also have the opportunity to develop your careers skills outside of Career Ahead, by taking a work placement or internship opportunity. You can find out more about your working rights on our visas page.
Work placements
The University of Aberdeen supports students in a wide range of internship and work placement roles. Last year, students benefited from around 1400 placements – ranging from those included in degree programmes to optional summer internships. Students have gone on to work in companies such as:
In line with the current guidance, the Student Advice & Support Office has changed how we offer our service.
We offer impartial and confidential advice and support on a range of issues, including personal, academic, money matters, disabilities and specific learning difficulties, visas and immigration matters, mental health and wellbeing, and more.
If you require support or wish to speak with a Student Support Adviser please email. If you require an appointment please include your telephone number in your email and we can offer you a ‘remote meeting’ by telephone or Microsoft Teams.
Our 01224 273935 phone line will not be answered during this period and we cannot accept incoming calls, however we can arrange a call back to UK numbers, this will appear as a ‘Private Number’. If you are not currently in the UK we can offer a Microsoft Teams meeting as we are currently unable to call overseas.
Please visit the Support and Wellbeing section for more details.
Out of Hours Contact
If you need to speak to someone when the Student Advice & Support Office is closed you can:
Disability Services
The Disability Service provides advice, information and practical study-related support to prospective and current students who have sensory and physical impairments, mental health conditions, long-term health conditions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Dyslexia and other specific learning differences (SpLD) and students who have an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). They are available to assist undergraduate, postgraduate, full time, part time and online distance learners.
When you are deciding on which accommodation you would want to live in, you will have the option to choose from catered or self-catered. If you prefer to cook, and have the freedom to shop for yourself, the self-catered package may be best for you. A variety of supermarkets are only a short walk away, with plenty of small convenience stores that are also usually open until late.
You can also live in alcohol free or quiet accommodation in our dedicated blocks. This year we are offering students the option of Keith House. If you accept your offer of alcohol free accommodation you will have entered into an agreement not to drink alcohol in your apartment. If you do so you will be moved to another residence/apartment of our discretion.
If you wish to apply for this type of accommodation you can do so by stating your preference for an alcohol free block or quiet block on the accommodation application form.
Anyone can return to University halls – they’re not just for new students! Whether you’re an international student, struggling to find the right place for you, just returning after a year studying abroad or if you loved your time living with us this year, we can offer you a hassle-free place to call home.
So why book with us?
• Stay on or near Campus with your friends
• Choose your flatmates or leave it up to us
• Contracts are only 40 weeks
• All utilities and wifi bills included – no pesky contracts!
• 24/7 security including CCTV
• Maintenance issues resolved promptly
• Support while you study
You can apply individually or advise us of who you want to share with. You can also choose between locations, en-suite or shared facilities.
Fyfe House has a dedicated floor for returning students and mature undergraduates. See below for more detail of prices and contract lengths.
Fyfe is located in Hillhead student village.
Adam Smith, Fyfe and Wavell are all very similar styles. Residents are housed in corridor style rooms with wash hand basins in all rooms.
Each floor contains on average 37 single study rooms with single beds with shared allocated kitchen & toilet/shower facilities.
A dedicated floor will be allocated to returning students and mature undergraduates.
Each corridor has a small communal keypad entry kitchen area with lockable cupboards, and shared showers and toilets. Kitchens come supplied with a microwave, cooker, fridge freezers, kettle and toaster but you must take your own crockery, pots and pans. Contents insurance and all utility bills are included in the price. Internet access is a University provided service.
Please note that no bedding is supplied. You must supply your own duvets, pillows and sheets. You can purchase these from local retailers.
Kitchens and bathrooms/toilets are cleaned daily Monday – Friday, but the cleaning of your room is your responsibility, cleaning equipment will be supplied.
The Library, on three sites, is one of the largest and best equipped in Scotland, offering excellent resources to support your studies.
The Sir Duncan Rice Library (arts, science, education and social sciences) including the Special Collections Centre, the Taylor Library and European Documentation Centre (law with official UK and EU publications) are on the Old Aberdeen campus. The Medical Library on the Foresterhill Campus covers the Medicine and Medical Sciences disciplines.
Our libraries hold over 1 million volumes, with most easily accessible through our online catalogue. In addition to ancient papyri and archives, we also have access to thousands of books and millions of journal articles in electronic format on the web. One collection, for example, has over 40,000 recently published e-books in full text from top quality academic publishers. These resources can be accessed both on and off campus so you can study at your convenience anytime, anywhere.
The libraries have study spaces and PCs so you can use print and electronic resources together. The campus wide “wireless network” will allow you to use your own laptop in a library and connect to our electronic books and databases.
Vision, Mission, and Core Values
To enable learning, research and knowledge sharing across campuses and beyond through IT Service Desk excellence.
To provide world class, customer driven IT services to enable the University of Aberdeen to generate highly valued research, teach effectively, and share ideas.
BeWell has been designed to support you during key times of the year – head over to the University’s events page to keep up to date with all events including BeWell activities!
There are some samples
Stress Awareness Week
We can all experience stress in our lives at times. For some of us a little bit of pressure can be beneficial and help us to perform better while others may feel anxious or overwhelmed. It is important to be able to manage how you are feeling so that it doesn’t become too much and have an adverse effect on your health.
World mental health day
This World Mental Health Day, pause to consider the impact it may have had on you. The months of restrictions and lockdown have affected us all in different ways and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. We all have a mental health and, just like our physical health, we have to take care of it, now more than ever.
Teaching and research is primarily based at our Old Aberdeen and Foresterhill campuses. Arts, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences and the main University library are located in Old Aberdeen. The majority of Life Sciences and Medicine is based at Foresterhill.
Old Aberdeen
The Old Aberdeen campus is the historic heart of the University and combines immaculately preserved buildings with state-of-the-art facilities for learning, research and recreation. The Schools incorporating the Arts and Social Sciences and Physical Sciences are based here.
Some highlights of Old Aberdeen are below. For a comprehensive list of buildings and facilities across the university view our campus maps.
Foresterhill
The Foresterhill campus provides for the provision of high quality health services, education and research. It is jointly owned by NHS Grampian and the University of Aberdeen.
Cromarty
The Lighthouse Field Station is based in the old Cromarty Lighthouse buildings on Cromarty’s harbour front. Situated at the tip of the Black Isle, Cromarty was built on fishing and trading links with Europe.
Its location in the centre of the Moray Firth provides an ideal location for research and training in marine ecology and resource management.
The Field Station was established in 1990 with the dual aim of supporting research within the School of Biological Sciences and integrating this work into the School’s teaching and outreach activities.
Our research aims to understand how natural and man-made environmental changes influence the behaviour and population dynamics of marine mammals and seabirds.
visit the Lighthouse Field Station website
Oceanlab
Oceanlab is the sub-sea research facility of the University of Aberdeen. Our engineers lead the world in creating systems capable of operating down to 11000 metres (36000 feet) enabling our scientists to investigate life throughout the world’s oceans. We also offer testing and engineering services to industry through the Oceanlab Business Unit.
Located at Newburgh on the North Sea Coast, 20km north of the main University campus, Oceanlab is a unique organisation specialising in exploration of the world’s oceans using unmanned robot vehicles known as landers, ROV operated tools, and long-term undersea observatories.
The Oceanlab 1 building contains engineering laboratories, high pressure chambers, vibration tables, immersion tanks and all facilities needed to design, build and test deep-sea systems.
Oceanlab 2 complements the technical facilities housed in Oceanlab 1. It provides fully networked office space for up to 35 persons. Specialised laboratory spaces accommodate examination and sorting of preserved biological specimens (such as rare fish) and biogeochemical analyses.
Marischal College
Marischal College was founded in 1593, becoming Aberdeen’s second university. King’s College had been founded in 1495. The two Colleges merged in 1860 to form the modern University of Aberdeen. Medicine and Law were taught at Marischal and Arts and Divinity at King’s College.
Construction of the current Marischal College building began in the 1830s and a second phase was completed in 1906. This additional construction made it the second largest granite building in the world.
The teaching and research traditionally based at Marischal is now hosted at the Foresterhill and King’s College campuses, and the Marischal College building is leased to Aberdeen City Council, and since 2009 has been the Council’s headquarters.
Until 2008 the Marischal Museum was open to the public at Marischal College. The building still houses closed displays and the collections are available to view online in a virtual museum.
Aberdeen Sports Village is the premier sports facility in the North East of Scotland. It is open to students, staff and the public with& facilities for athletics, football, swimming, hockey, squash, martial arts and boxing.
For more information visit Aberdeen sport village
Aquatics Centre
The University’s brand new Aquatics Centre opened to the public in May 2014. Boasting the area’s first 50m training and competition pool and a 25m x 16.5m diving pool, this facility is set to host national and international swimming and diving competitions.
The Aberdeen Sports Village development is in the Linksfield area of Aberdeen (5 minutes walk from the Old Aberdeen campus) which has a long history of sporting competition.
Aberdeen Sports Village is a partnership between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland.
Our Students’ Association (AUSA) is open to every student at the University. Members have access to a range of advice and services, as well as the opportunity to meet new people, start new hobbies, develop existing interests and influence the student culture which surrounds them.
AUSA provides an Advice Centre for students to help with a range of issues, including accommodation, welfare, equal opportunities, healthcare, bus routes and more.
The Money Advice Service is available through AUSA at the Information Centre. It provides tips for budgeting, money management, and information on private accommodation.
AUSA is also home to our University Sabbatical Officers, who are here to help with any problems you may encounter during your time at University. AUSA hosts an overnight support service called Nightline, a confidential listening and information service which is run by trained volunteers.
Joblink and Volunteering Centre within AUSA can help you find part-time work and volunteering opportunities to enhance your CV.
There are over 150 societies covering all interests and joining a society is a great way to meet like-minded people, gain new skills or excel in your interests.
AUSA’s Societies include:
General Interest Societies — Societies who have a particular interest or hobby
AUSA (Aberdeen University Students’ Association) has its own radio station, Aberdeen Student Radio, and is one of the only institutions in the UK with a free, weekly newspaper. This comes in the form of Gaudie, totally run by students, for students, which reports on news from the University and the wider world.
Raising and Giving (RAG) 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.
A top 200 university The University is ranked 178th in the world and 25th in the UK in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.
World leading research Staff at the University are experts in their fields, with 76% of research considered ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ by the Research Excellence Framework 2014.
A historical place to study Enjoy a long history of academic excellence by gaining your degree at Scotland’s 3rd oldest university, and the 5th oldest in the United Kingdom, founded in 1495.
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