The University of Aberdeen is a public research university in Aberdeen, Scotland. Founded in 1495, it is one of the UK's most internationally distinguished universities, with a student population of about 15,000 and a large international community of students from 120-130 different countries. The university has two campuses: the King's College campus in Old Aberdeen and the Foresterhill campus, which is home to the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition. The university guarantees accommodation for all first-year undergraduate students and offers a flexible approach to studies, with almost 370 first degree courses to choose from.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Year founded | 1495 |
Ranking | 41st in the UK (Complete University Guide league tables 2025) |
15th in the Times University Guide 2025 | |
12th in the Guardian University Guide 2025 | |
236th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 | |
201st-250th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 | |
Number of students | 14,000-15,000 |
Percentage of international students | 26.3% |
Number of international students | 3,696-4,200 |
Number of clubs and societies | Over 150 |
Number of sports clubs | Over 220 |
Accommodation | Guaranteed for first-year undergraduate students |
What You'll Learn
The University of Aberdeen has around 15,000 students
The University of Aberdeen is a historic institution with around 15,000 students. Founded in 1495, it is the third-oldest university in Scotland and the fifth-oldest in the UK. It was established when King James IV petitioned Pope Alexander VI to found a university in Old Aberdeen, making it one of Scotland's four ancient universities. The university's ancient traditions are reflected in its coat of arms, which combines the arms of the founders and locations of the two colleges from which it was formed: King's College and Marischal College.
The student population at Aberdeen is diverse, with a large international community drawn from over 120 countries. The university guarantees accommodation for all first-year undergraduate students and offers both catered and self-catered options. The university's main campus is located in Old Aberdeen, with a second campus at Foresterhill accommodating the School of Medicine, Medical Science, and Nutrition. The Foresterhill campus is also home to several institutes, including the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health and the Institute of Dentistry.
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of degree programmes, with almost 370 first-degree courses for undergraduates and over 120 taught Master's degrees for postgraduates. The university is particularly well-known for its programmes in medicine, science, and engineering, with arts and social sciences also popular among students. It provides flexible and individual approaches to studies, allowing students to mix, match, and switch subjects as they discover new interests and abilities.
The University of Aberdeen has a strong reputation for research, with over 75% of its research classified as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent" in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. It also boasts five Nobel Prize winners associated with the university. The university's libraries hold over a million books, including ancient and priceless manuscripts. In addition, the university offers excellent sporting facilities, with over 150 sports clubs and societies available for students to join.
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The university is located in Aberdeen, Scotland
The University of Aberdeen is a public research university that sits pretty in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen is Scotland's third-most populous city, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. The city is known for its striking granite buildings, earning it the nickname "The Silver City." With a rich heritage and a vibrant present, Aberdeen provides an ideal setting for students seeking a unique university experience.
The university itself has a long and distinguished history, dating back to its founding in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. With a strong reputation for academic excellence, it attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and vibrant community. The university is situated in the heart of Aberdeen, allowing easy access to all that the city has to offer.
The city of Aberdeen provides a wealth of opportunities for students to explore. The vibrant city center offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theatres. Students can enjoy the bustling nightlife, with a variety of pubs, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. For those who love the outdoors, Aberdeen provides easy access to stunning natural landscapes, including picturesque beaches and scenic countryside.
The university's location in Aberdeen also offers a range of practical advantages. The city has a well-developed transport system, including an international airport and good rail and bus connections, making it easy for students to travel to and from the university. The local infrastructure supports student life, with a variety of accommodation options, a thriving student community, and easy access to everyday amenities and services.
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It is the third-oldest university in Scotland
The University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland. Elphinstone petitioned Pope Alexander VI on behalf of James IV, King of Scots, to establish King's College, which became one of Scotland's four ancient universities and the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world.
The University of Aberdeen is Scotland's third-oldest university, and the UK's fifth-oldest. It 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 King's College.
King's College was founded on 10 February 1494 and modelled on the University of Paris, intended principally as a law school. It was a collegiate foundation with 36 full-time staff and students, and walls protecting it from the outside world. In 1497, King's College established the first chair of medicine in the English-speaking world.
The University of Aberdeen has a rich heritage and has played key roles in the Scottish Reformation, Scottish Enlightenment, and the Scottish Renaissance. It has educated a wide range of notable alumni, including five Nobel laureates.
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The university has two campuses: King's College and Foresterhill
The University of Aberdeen has two campuses: Kings College and Foresterhill. With parts of the building dating back to the 15th century, Kings College is the symbolic centre of the university. It is located in Old Aberdeen, about two miles north of the city centre, and its historic buildings are the centrepiece of the university's Old Aberdeen campus. The focal point of the college is the late 15th-century King's College Chapel, which is topped with an imperial crown. The college also includes other historic buildings, such as the Cromwell Tower, built in the 1650s, and the Elphinstone Hall, constructed in 1930. The original buildings and High Street form the heart of the modern campus and continue to be used for teaching and housing academic departments. However, most students and staff spend more time in the modern buildings, which provide up-to-date facilities for teaching, research, and other activities.
The Foresterhill campus is located about 1.75 kilometres east of the Old Aberdeen campus and is jointly owned by the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian. It is home to the university's Life Sciences and Medicine disciplines, including the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, the School of Psychology, and the School of Biological Sciences. The campus also houses several institutes, such as the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, the Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Institute of Dentistry. In addition to providing high-quality health services, education, and research, the campus offers various services and amenities for staff, students, and visitors, including food outlets, a free inter-campus bus service, and a purpose-built teaching and learning centre.
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Aberdeen has five Nobel laureates associated with it
The University of Aberdeen is a public research university in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was founded in 1495 and currently has a student population of about 15,000, with a large international community of students drawn from 130 different countries. The university has a rich history and has played key roles in the Scottish Reformation, Scottish Enlightenment, and the Scottish Renaissance.
Aberdeen University has educated a wide range of notable alumni, including five Nobel laureates:
Frederick Soddy (Nobel Prize in Chemistry)
Frederick Soddy was a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen from 1914 to 1919. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1921 for his research in radioactive decay and his formulation of the theory of isotopes. His work on radioactivity and isotopes also laid the foundation for modern understanding in this field.
J.J.R. Macleod (Nobel Prize in Medicine)
Professor J.J.R. Macleod shared the 1923 Nobel Prize in Medicine with Frederick Banting for their research leading to the development of insulin as a treatment for diabetes. Macleod joined the Rowett Institute in 1928 as a Consultant Physiologist and also held the position of Regius Professor of Physiology at the University of Aberdeen.
George Paget Thomson (Nobel Prize in Physics)
Sir George Paget Thomson served as Professor of Natural Philosophy (Physics) at Aberdeen from 1922 to 1930. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his experimental discovery of the diffraction of electrons by crystals, which he achieved independently of the American physicist C.J. Davisson.
Lord Boyd Orr (Nobel Peace Prize)
Lord Boyd Orr, the founding director of the Rowett Institute and Professor of Agriculture from 1942 to 1945, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1949. He received this honour in recognition of his scientific research into nutrition and his work as the first Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Richard L.M. Synge (Nobel Prize in Chemistry)
Richard L.M. Synge, a biochemist with the Rowett Institute from 1948 to 1967, shared the 1952 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Archer Martin. They were recognised for their invention of partition chromatography, a technique used to separate mixtures of similar chemicals, which revolutionised analytical chemistry.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Aberdeen has a student population of around 14,000-15,000, including a large international community of students from over 120 different countries.
The University of Aberdeen is a highly selective institution, with an acceptance rate of around 10-15%.
The University of Aberdeen offers on-campus accommodation for all first-year undergraduate students, totalling around 2,500 rooms.
The University of Aberdeen is divided into 12 schools, with varying student populations depending on the discipline. The largest schools include Medicine, Science, and Engineering.
The University of Aberdeen typically graduates around 3,000-4,000 students each year, with an impressive employability rate of 96.6% of graduates entering work or further study within six months.