History

The University of Aberdeen is Scotland's third oldest university, founded in 1495 as Columbus was opening up the New World and the Renaissance was spreading throughout Europe. William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, established King's College to train doctors, teachers and clergy for the communities of northern Scotland, and lawyers and administrators to serve the Scottish Crown. This fledgling university boasted, from 1497, the first chair of medicine in the English-speaking world. Picturesque and historic, Old Aberdeen - home of Elphinstone's original foundation - is now the main university site. The 15th century remains very much alive in King's College Chapel, which is still in regular use, offering an oasis of peace, beauty and a sense of history in the daily life of a university now focused on the needs of the new millennium.


Modern times.

The University of Aberdeen, with over 500 years of achievement behind it, has survived because it has responded to changing times. The University is renowned for its historical continuity, richness and diversity, while maintaining a modern and dynamic approach to serving the needs of the 21st century. As you would expect of a university dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, you will be taught by people who are at the forefront of research in their particular fields.

The University of Aberdeen has been praised by the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) for the quality of relationships between students and staff at all levels. 89% of subjects assessed are rated excellent/highly satisfactory, and 85% of academic staff are research-active.


Highlights

The university has a long and distinguished research pedigree. Ideas that have taken root at Aberdeen,
have gone on to shape the world.

• Ranked in the top 200 universities in the world
• 4 Nobel prizes have been awarded for work carried out or begun at Aberdeen - Frederic Soddy (Chemistry), Sir George Paget Thomson (Physics) Lord Boyd Orr (Peace) and JJR McLeod being jointly credited with the invention of the life-saver insulin.
• Graduates of the University have influenced the politics, culture and education of all corners of the Globe.
• The business school has been delivering the MBA since 2001.
• An international renowned faculty from across the globe, actively involved in research and consultancy projects.
• An international student body, with over 30 different countries.
• Represented in the Graduate Business School.