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A guide for North American students

abdn.ac.uk/international of

Founded in 1495, the is the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Today, the university has 14,000 students, from over 133 countries around the world, undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, across the Arts and Humanities, Business, Law, Science and Engineering and the Medical Sciences.

Rankings and Reputation

Scholars associated with the University alumni founded the university include five Nobel Prize College of William and Mary winners, and the inventor of the in the US, and the University modern MRI machine of Hong Kong

We established the first Chair Law School ranked 12th in the UK of Medicine in the English out of more than 90 law schools speaking world in 1497 (Times Good University Guide, 2015)

Fifth oldest university in the One of the top 10 Beautiful English-speaking world Historic (QS Top Universities website, 2014)

2 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Academic Structure Arts and Social Sciences Business School Teaching and research at the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy University of Aberdeen is School of Education organised across 12 Schools, School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture which encompass a broad range School of Law of disciplines: School of Social Sciences

Life Sciences and Medicine School of Biological Sciences School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition School of Psychology

Physical Sciences School of Engineering School of Geosciences School of Natural and Computing Sciences

3 The £57million Sir Library opened in 2012

4 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Campus

Contrasting stunning History and Heritage • King’s College with its crown tower architecture and and chapel: the symbolic centre of historical charm with our growing campus landmark building • Medieval St Machar’s Cathedral – completed in 1530, there has been design, our campus a place of worship in the area since epitomises both the around 580 A.D. • The Brig o’ Balgownie – one of University’s impressive Scotland’s oldest bridges heritage and its • Old Townhouse – The 18th century building houses one of the University’s modern outlook. numerous museum collections

The campus is home to a wide and Bright future diverse range of world-class teaching and research facilities, as well as Complementing and contrasting the sporting and recreational amenities, historic campus is the £57million Danish- all in close proximity. designed , opened in 2012 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth • Campus named in the “Top Ten II. It houses the largest of the University’s Most Beautiful Historic Universities modern collections, as well as historic in the UK” by QS Top Universities collections of rare books, manuscripts website (2014) and archives. • Located in the historic district of Old Another recent addition is the Aberdeen Aberdeen – a 20 minute walk from Sports Village and our new Aquatics the centre of the city Centre, featuring an Olympic standard • Sir Duncan Rice Library, named swimming pool and diving facilities. amongst the “20 Most Spellbinding University Libraries in the world” by Other campus attractions the Independent newspaper (2013) • The beautiful and peaceful 11 acre Cruickshank Botanic Garden has shrub borders, a rock and water garden, sunken garden, rose garden, herbaceous border and an a rboretum, and houses a nationally important collection of over 2500 labelled plants • The University’s Zoology Museum is a Recognised Collection of National Significance to Scotland, featuring displays from microscopic organisms to great whales

5 6 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Image above by Veli Bariskan Scotland’s third largest city, with a population of over Aberdeen 220,000 people

Aberdeen is steeped in history, yet has In recent years, the city a reputation as a contemporary and has been ranked as: dynamic place to live, study and work.

In a matter of minutes, you can travel from the bustling city centre of Europe’s Energy Capital out of town to experience of some of the most stunning attractions, countryside and wildlife that Scotland has to offer.

Culture and Entertainment The safest university city in the UK* With a number of art galleries and historic theatres, to museums and libraries, Aberdeen is steeped in culture. The city’s venues host hundreds of theatrical productions a year including ballet, opera and drama, as well as the popular Aberdeen Student Show, which raises significant sums for charity. The city has more than 100 bars and clubs ranging from popular student hang-outs on campus and cosy traditional pubs, to wine and cocktail venues and clubs with DJs and live music while the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre holds more than The sunniest city in Scotland** 600 events annually, consistently attracting world-famous bands, singers and comedians.

Shopping and Eating

Whether in the city’s shopping malls, numerous retail parks, or in the bustling city centre itself, shoppers can explore well- known high street and designer stores, as well as browse quirky independent shops and international street markets. From serving great local produce such as beef, fish and shellfish, The happiest city in the UK*** to experiencing the best of international cuisine in established chains and independent eateries, the city has a huge variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from. * Source: Bank of Scotland poll, 2015 ** Source: Mercer Quality of Living Study, 2016 *** Source: PwC, 2013

7 History and Culture

Whether you want to trace ancestors or just find out more about Scottish culture, Aberdeen is close to a number of Scotland’s stunning stately homes. There, alongside breath-taking architecture, views and beautiful grounds, you’ll hear tales of the spirits of spurned wives, and ghostly footsteps in the dead of night.

Also within easy driving distance from the city are impressive stone circles, standing stones and burial cairns, some dating back as far as the Bronze Age. Every spring and summer the length and breadth of Scotland, visitors enjoy Highland Games that celebrate the diversity of Scottish culture. These popular events focus on competitive music, dancing and heavy athletics such as caber tossing.

There are more castles per acre here than anywhere else in the UK: • Balmoral Castle in nearby Royal Deeside, was bought by Queen Victoria in 1852, and is a summer retreat for the British Royal Family • Craigievar Castle near Alford was the inspiration for Walt The Great Outdoors Disney’s fairytale castle The area around Aberdeen offers a • Slains Castle at Cruden Bay is said to have inspired Bram great selection of outdoor pursuits Stoker’s Dracula including surfing and kite boarding • The spectacular ruins of Dunnottar Castle south of the city at the beach, as well as hillwalking, were the stunning backdrop for Franco Zeffirelli’s Hamlet, skiing, snowboarding and equestrian starring Mel Gibson pursuits. With around 52 golf courses in Scotland’s castle and whisky The Granite City is a great base from where to explore Scotland country, there’s one to play every and the rest of the UK thanks to its great road and rail links; week of the year. mainland Europe is only a short flight away from Aberdeen’s International Airport. Find out more: www.visitabdn.com

8 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Undergraduate Study

Like the USA and Canada, Sustained Study Scotland has a four year Sustained Study offer students the opportunity to study another subject alongside their main subject undergraduate degree system, throughout the first two years of their degree with an emphasis on breadth programme. Popular options include languages, such as Arabic, French, Gaelic, or Chinese (Mandarin), and flexibility. though other options include Business, Computing, and Conservation & Environment. The Aberdeen degree is structured in a way that allows students to study a broad range of subjects Sixth Century Courses during their first two years, before specialising in their third year of study. Sixth Century courses are courses which have been specially designed to offer multi-disciplinary We offer over 70 subjects at undergraduate level, approaches to knowledge and enquiry and to spanning the Arts and Humanities, Business, Law, encourage students to develop a deeper critical Science, Engineering and Medical Sciences. While understanding of their discipline area, by setting the you are required to select a particular subject subject in a wider context. when applying to the University, the tradition at Aberdeen is to admit students to the overall Discipline Breadth Courses degree programme, such as the Master of Arts or the , rather than to a particular Students can also choose optional classes from subject. For example, a student accepted to study another subject area. The course might be related History would be admitted to the degree of to your core subject or entirely unrelated to. For Master of Arts, while a student accepted to study example, a student studying History might choose Biology would be accepted to the degree of a related course in Archaeology or an entirely Bachelor of Science. unrelated course in Biology.

The flexible structure of our four year system also means that while you will begin taking classes in Tuition Fees 2017/18* your chosen subject in your first year, you will also The annual tuition fee is based on the subject area have the opportunity to take classes from different of your degree programme. Arts-based programmes subjects and also to switch to another subject include Arts, Social Sciences, Divinity and Law (major) during the course of their studies. while Science based programmes include Science and Engineering. Enhanced Study Arts-based programmes: £14,300 The selection of optional courses is managed Science-based programmes: £18,000 through the system known as Enhanced Study, Medicine: £29,000 which is designed to ensure that students optimise their choice of optional courses and take full Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/ advantage of the choice and flexibility offered by finance.php for information on tuition fees the Aberdeen degree system. There are three types of Enhanced Study options: *subject to confirmation

9 Scholarships and Aid Mexico International Undergraduate Scholarship The University of Aberdeen welcomes applications from students from Mexico presenting a range of The International Undergraduate Scholarship qualifications including GCE A Levels, the US High provides a full tuition waiver for international Diploma (with other standardised tests including the students for the fourth year of study. Eligible SAT, ACT or APs) or the International Baccalaureate. international students, admitted to a full four year Students presenting the Bachillerato or Prepa programme of study pay for only three years of their are normally required to complete a recognised four year degree. The International Undergraduate Foundation year programme for admission to Scholarship is awarded to eligible students upon undergraduate study. admission to the University; there is no separate application required. United States

Findlay Walker Scholarship (US Students) Applicants from the United States should present the following minimum requirements to be In honour of Dr J Findlay Walker (MBChB 1967), considered for admission: the Findlay Walker Scholarship Program awards High School GPA of 3.0, plus at least one of the scholarships of $2,000 towards tuition/fees for following: the first year of study to two US students. All US students who apply for an undergraduate place • SAT score of 1250, with 600 in Evidence-Based at the University of Aberdeen no later than 30 Reading and Writing, or December will automatically be considered. For • ACT composite score of 26, or more information, including eligibility criteria, please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/international/usa • 1 SAT Subject Test score of 600, or • 1 AP Subject Test at grade 3 Federal Aid (US Students) Applicants for Law, Science and Engineering With the exception of some Medical and programmes may be required to present additional Certificate/Diploma programmes University of SAT Subject tests or AP exams in relevant subjects. Aberdeen programmes are eligible for Federal Direct, Parent Plus and Graduate PLUS loans. Please refer to International Baccalaureate (IB) our US Federal Aid webpage at www.abdn.ac.uk/ infohub/finance/us-federal-direct-loans.php or The University of Aberdeen also accepts the email [email protected] for further information. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. For further information, please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/study/ undergraduate Entry Requirements English Language Requirements Entry Requirements can vary depending on the programme applied for. As a general guide, students Students whose first language is not English should present the following minimum requirements must also meet the University’s English Language to be considered for admission to undergraduate requirements. Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/ degree programmes. study/international/english-requirements for further information. Canada How to Apply Canadian students should present an average of 75% in the relevant high school diploma for their Students applying from the United States, Canada province or territory. Students applying to Law, or Mexico for undergraduate admission to the Science and Engineering may require higher grades in University of Aberdeen may apply through UCAS specific subjects. (.com). Alternatively, applicants may choose to apply through Common App (commonapp.org) for all programmes except Medicine. Please note that you may only use one method of application.

10 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Undergraduate Course List

Arts, Business and Social Sciences Accountancy Anthropology Archaeology Behavioural Studies Business Management Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies Engineering Medical Sciences and Divinity Chemical Engineering Medicine Economics Civil Engineering Biochemistry English Engineering (General Entry) Biomedical Sciences Film & Visual Culture Electrical and Electronic Biotechnology Finance Engineering Exercise and Health Science French Electronic and Software Genetics Gaelic Studies Engineering Human Embryology and Geography Mechanical Engineering Developmental German Petroleum Engineering Immunology Hispanic Studies Law Medicine History Law (LLB) Microbiology Law (LLB - Accelerated 2 years) Molecular Biology Language & Linguistics Law (LLB) with English Law Neuroscience with Psychology Mathematics Law with English Law (LLB - Pharmacology Mental Philosophy Accelerated 2 years) Physiology Music Legal Studies Sports and Exercise Science Music and Communities Music Education Life Sciences Sciences Natural Philosophy Animal Behaviour Applied Mathematics Philosophy Behavioural Biology Archaeology Politics Biological Sciences Chemistry Psychology Biology Computing Real Estate Conservation Biology Computing Science Scottish Cultural Studies Ecology Geography Scottish Studies Environmental and Forest Geology Sociology Management Geology and Petroleum Geology Environmental Chemistry Mathematics Zoology Environmental Science Oil and Gas Chemistry Marine Biology Physics Plant and Soil Science For a full course list please visit abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate

11 Postgraduate Study

The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of Master’s and Doctoral level programmes based on our particular research strengths, aimed at students who wish to gain further, more specialised, knowledge of a particular subject.

Master’s Programmes Postgraduate Entry • Taught Master’s programmes are 12 months Requirements in duration, usually consisting of 9 months of coursework, followed by a 3-month research Entry to a Master or PhD programme usually requires project and dissertation. the equivalent of a 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) • Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, British degree, or a 2:2 (Lower Second Class) British project work, and independent reading, as well as Degree. Postgraduate programmes at the University laboratory work in relevant disciplines. of Aberdeen and other British universities do not generally require standardised tests such as the • Master’s programme are designed to build on GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT etc. Instead, applicants your undergraduate studies to develop further are assessed on the merit and relevance of their expertise in a particular subject as well as undergraduate studies, as well as references and developing your research skills and personal statement. are an ideal springboard to Doctoral studies or for entry to a profession. Canada and the United States • Certain programmes in areas like Business, Finance, Education or Health Science may also A degree with a CGPA of 3.3 - 3.5 in an honours satisfy certain professional requirements. programme, with a minimum of 3.5 in degree relevant subjects, is considered comparable to a • Master’s programmes commence in September, 2:1 British degree. A degree with a CGPA of 3.0 is though some also offer a January start date. considered comparable to a 2.2 British degree. PhD Programmes Mexico

As a research intensive university, Aberdeen offers A degree with a CGPA of 8.5 is considered supervision across a range of PhD programmes. PhD comparable to a 2:1 British degree. A degree with a programmes may include some minor coursework CGPA of 7.5 is considered comparable to a 2.2 British in subjects such as research skills and methodology, degree. however they mainly involve independent research under faculty supervision and writing a English Language Requirements thesis. Programmes can vary in length, but a PhD Students whose first language is not English programme normally takes a minimum of 3 years. must also meet the University’s English Language requirements. Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/study/ international/english-requirements for further information.

12 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN How to Apply

All 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

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. Scholarships and Aid Please note that PhD programmes require a research For more information on scholarships, bursaries, proposal as part of the application process. Students loans and discounts available through the University interested in applying for a PhD programme are and externally from organisations, companies and therefore advised to contact a member of faculty charities, please refer to the University of Aberdeen to discuss their research interests and to agree a funding database at www.abdn.ac.uk/funding research topic before submitting formal application. CONACYT (Mexico) Postgraduate Tuition Fees The University of Aberdeen is among 25 Higher 2017/18* Education Institutions in the UK who can receive fully funded students for postgraduate taught and The annual tuition fee is based on the subject area research programmes. For more information on all of your degree programme. Arts-based programmes active calls that CONACYT has with the Mexican include Arts, Social Sciences, Divinity and Law while states please check the website: www.conacyt.gob. Science based programmes include Science and mx/index.php/convocatorias-becas-extranjeros/ Engineering. convocatorias-entidades-federativas

Arts-based Programmes £14,300 Federal Aid (US Students) Science-based Programmes £18,000 Business and Select Law Programmes £16,100 With the exception of the MBChB Medicine, Nursing, Certificate and Diploma programmes all MBA and LLM with Professional Skills £18,000 other full and part-time programmes are eligible for MBA Energy £19,500 Federal Direct, Parent Plus and Graduate PLUS loans. However, we are not authorised to certify eligibility Please refer to www.abdn.ac.uk/study/ for any grants. Please refer to our US Federal Aid international/finance.php for full details webpage at www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/ finance/ of tuition fees. us-federal-direct-loans.php for further information *subject to confirmation or email [email protected]

13 Postgraduate Course List

Arts and Social Sciences Art and Business The Novel Biblical Studies Theological Ethics Celtic and Anglo Saxon Studies Transnational Cultural Studies Comparative European Societies Translation Studies Creative Writing Vocal Music Creative and Cultural Communication English Literary Studies Business Ethnology and Folklore Accounting and Finance Film and Visual Culture Applied Economics Global Conflict and Peace Processes Business Administration (MBA) Globalization Energy Management (MBA) Human Rights Finance and Investment Management International Relations Finance and Real Estate Irish and Scottish History Financial Mathematics Irish and Scottish Literature Information Systems and Data Management Islamic Studies International Business Management Latin American Studies International Political Economy Literature, Science and Medicine Management Consultancy Medieval and Early Modern Studies Marketing Management Ministry Studies Petroleum, Energy Economics and Finance Modern History Real Estate Museum Studies Rural Surveying and Rural Property Management Music Pastoral Studies and Applied Theology Law Criminal Justice People and the Environment Criminal Justice and Human Rights Person-Centred Counselling Energy and Environmental Law Political Research Energy Law Post-Conflict Justice and Peacebuilding Energy Politics and Law Professional Communication Intellectual Property Law Religion and Society International Commercial Law Scandinavian Studies International Law Sex, Gender, Violence Oil and Gas Law Social Anthropology Private International Law Social Research Professional Legal Practice Sociology Public International Law Sonic Arts For a full list of taught postgraduate courses visit Systematic Theology abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught or abdn.ac.uk/study/ TESOL postgraduate-research for information about research degrees

14 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Life Sciences and Health Sciences Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology Physical Sciences Bio-Business and Medical Sciences Advanced Mechanical Engineering* Clinical Pharmacology Analytical Chemistry Drug Discovery Archaeology Ecology and Conservation Archaeology of the North Environmental and Forest Management Data Analysis, Visualisation and Communication Environmental Partnership Management Decommissioning* Environmental Science Geographical Information Systems Genetics Geophysics Global Health and Management Information Technology Health Psychology Integrated Petroleum Geoscience Human Nutrition Mathematics of Computing Immunology Oil and Gas Chemistry Master of Public Health Oil and Gas Engineering Medical Imaging Oil and Gas Enterprise Management Medical Physics Petroleum Engineering Medical Research Skills Petrophysics and Formation Evaluation Microbiology Process Safety Physician Associate Studies Renewable Energy Engineering Psychology Reservoir Engineering Soil Science Safety and Reliability Engineering Stratified Medicine and Pharmacological Innovation Subsea Engineering

*Subject to approval 15 Meet some of our students who are from North America, and took the decision to study in Aberdeen Meredith MSc Accounting and Finance student from Iowa, USA

did some research into the Accounting and encouraged to get to know each other and form Finance degree and I liked what I saw—a study groups, which we did. In the second semester I wide range of modules and the opportunity we were given a group project where the students to take a professional exam (IFRS). were assigned groups to work in.

I really enjoyed Quantitative Methods in the We had seven people from five first semester and in the second semester the different countries in our group, Management Accounting class was my favourite. I and we all brought a different learned so much and felt like the instructor gave us a perspective and background to lot of support to ensure we understood the material. the project. We had a lot of fun I found it very easy to integrate into student life working together and we still keep here. From the first day, my classmates and I were in touch!

Kerry BSc Environmental Science from Massachusetts, USA

have always loved Scotland. Growing , we I tried out quite a few activities. All of the clubs are had family friends in Scotland then when I incredibly welcoming and the people are wonderful. I was looking at where I could go to school outside of the USA I thought of Scotland. Studying abroad is an incredible experience and definitely teaches My dad and I took a trip to Aberdeen during my you a lot about yourself. Don’t let senior year and I fell in love with the campus. your hesitations hold you back Additionally, the academics at the University are exceptional and there are hundreds of clubs and from stepping out of your comfort sports to choose from. The fact that the University zone. Even though you might be was on the Common App also made it very easy apprehensive about leaving your to apply. country, the friends you make and The student body is incredibly international, in the experiences you have will last addition to welcoming. I am a part of the University of you a life time. Aberdeen Archery Club, however in my Fresher’s week

16 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Evan MA Geography and International Relations from Pennsylvania, USA y initial interest in the University of Going abroad for university is a Aberdeen was drawn simply out of very rewarding experience that you M a love for Scotland. Aberdeen has a may not ever have the opportunity strong programme in my area of interest alongside a sometimes overlooked part of the UK. to do again. Be flexible and do not be afraid to ask for help when This year I will be the Vice-President of the you need it. The normal issues Geography Society. Our society does a number of associated with going away to different events, with a wide range of geography focus. We also do pub quizzes, nights out, and film university will still be there, but nights that do not require an interest in Geography. being in a different country offers a Most of my time is split between university work, huge range of distractions to help society events, and relaxing with my friends. you through.

Audrey BSci Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) from Connecticut, USA

f irst fell in love with the University of I am on the committee of two different societies. Aberdeen, sophomore year in high school, The Aberdeen University Dance Society and the Red I while I was in my guidance counselor’s office Cross Group. The Red Cross group focuses on first looking for potential universities. Just looking at aid and scenario training and has helped me with my the information booklet, everything about the problem solving skills while also giving me everyday university appealed to me, from the location, knowledge on first aiding. AUDS is the largest society degrees offered and of course, the beautiful on campus and through the Society I have been library! Being here has truly opened my horizons. able to let loose after a hard day of studying and try different forms of dance while meeting new people. Coming from a small town in the States, attending the University of Aberdeen has been a game changer My piece of advice to someone for me. I have met people literally from all over the considering going abroad for world! Students and staff here at the University have been very helpful and welcoming. university is that they should do a lot of research and don’t hesitate in asking questions.

17 18 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Student Accomodation

All new students are Postgraduate Students guaranteed a place in university The University also offers a number of Halls exclusively for postgraduate (or sometimes older accommodation, provided undergraduate) students. Elphinstone Road Flats, the application reaches us by The Spital, and Kings Hall are all located a short walk from the centre of campus and consist of single the deadline. study bedrooms, organised into flats (apartments) of between 3 - 7 residents, with shared kitchen and We offer a range of options in or close to the Old other facilities per flat. Aberdeen Campus, the Hillhead Student Village and the City Centre. All the rooms are single study This means that you have the same level of privacy bedrooms with both en-suite and standard facilities and independence as you would have living in an available with prices to suit all budgets. apartment off campus, but with the convenience of being able to book your room before you arrive. Undergraduate Students There are also a number of off-campus halls of Undergraduate students can choose between the residence for postgraduate students, which are halls on the campus or Hillhead owned and managed by private housing companies, Student Village, which is a 15 minute walk from but can be booked through the University’s the centre of campus. Whether you choose Old accommodation office. These include King Street, Aberdeen or Hillhead, catered or self-catered, you King Street Exchange and Trinity Court. will have your own single study bedroom. Please refer to the accommodation website at Crombie Hall is a catered hall at the heart of campus, www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation for further close to the University’s academic departments, information. sports facilities and the library, which offers a varied selection of freshly prepared meals.

Most students live in the self-catered halls at Hillhead Student Village. These are mainly apartment (suite) style units, with a shared kitchens and bathrooms. Adam Smith, Fyfe and Wavell are corridor style rooms with shared bathroom facilities at the end of the corridor.

19 Student Life

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.

Student Societies

The Aberdeen University Student Association (AUSA) runs over 120 societies, ranging from Departmental Societies, relating to the various departments within 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 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

20 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Student Sports International Centre

Students can also choose from 50 sports clubs. If you don’t The International Centre was opened with want to compete, AUSA organises a wide range of non- the purpose of providing a focal point where competitive clubs, intra-mural leagues and one-off sporting members of the University of Aberdeen events. Sporting options range from indoor sports such as community can meet and engage with all Volleyball and Basketball, to field sports including Soccer, things international and to help international Rugby and Lacrosse. There is also a Snow Sports club, Sailing students make the most of their time in club and Hillwalking & Climbing club, if you wish to combine Aberdeen. The International Centre holds sport with an opportunity to explore more of the country. an annual calendar of events and socialising opportunities for International Students, Find out more at: www.ausa.org.uk/sports including day trips, movie nights, and ceilidh dances! Student Volunteering Find out more at: abdn.ac.uk/infohub/life/ Aberdeen Students’ Charities Campaign is a collection of international-centre students from across Aberdeen who raise huge amounts of money for local charities through a variety of events. In Careers Service addition, students can volunteer with local organisations, which is a great way of widening your experience whilst The University of Aberdeen has one of studying abroad. It helps you to build professional skills the best records in the UK for graduate and opens doors for new opportunities, whether you are employability. In fact, in 2016, the University running clubs and societies, writing for the newspaper, was named in the top five UK Universities sitting on committees, putting on events and helping with for graduate employment (HESA, 2016). the University’s museums or contributing to the wider Aberdeen community through various charities and fund Whether you already have firm plans for raising activities. your future, or are still making up your mind, we are on hand to help you make informed Find out more at www.ausa.org.uk/volunteering career decisions and provide the practical support you need to secure a graduate International Student Support job or a place on a postgraduate course. The University Careers Service is available We understand that attending university abroad is a huge to all students throughout their time at investment in your future, and we are dedicated to ensuring Aberdeen, and this continues even after all of our international students feel part of the University you have graduated. We also offer various community. With a third of our students coming to employability initiatives, including work Aberdeen from overseas, the University of Aberdeen has a placements and career mentoring. great deal of experience welcoming of helping international students adjusting to student life in Scotland. Supports Study Abroad include: • International Recruitment and Admissions Officers Many of our degree programmes offer the (Admissions enquiries) opportunity for students to spend time in another country – some degree programmes • International Student Advisers (Visas and even have a built-in period of study or Immigration enquiries) work abroad, which means you can gain • International Centre even more international experience, while studying at the University of Aberdeen. • International Orientation Both the Erasmus and the International • Counselling Service Exchange programmes offers students • Chaplaincies the opportunity to spend a semester or a full year studying at one of our partner • Resident Assistants (RAs) universities, either in Europe or countries • AUSA Student Advice Centre including Australia, Canada, China, Japan Singapore and the USA.

21 Student Visa and Immigration Regulations All international (except European Economic Area and Swiss nationals) students are required to apply for entry clearance to enter the UK.

Tier 4 Visa Health Insurance

Any international (except European Economic Area International students coming to the UK on a Tier and Swiss nationals) student planning to study full- 4 visa for a period of study of more than 6 months time in the UK for more than six months will need to are required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. apply for their visa under Tier 4. The visa application This charge is mandatory as part of your visa is based on a points based assessment. 40 points are application and entitles international students to be needed to be granted a visa. You score: able to use the National Health Service during the • 30 points for Confirmation of Acceptance duration of your stay in the UK. of Studies (CAS), which is a number generated For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/ when a licensed immigration sponsor enters your healthcare-immigration-application data into the relevant Home Office electronic system; and • 10 points if you can show that you have enough finances to cover your course fees for the first 12 months and monthly living expenses for up to 9 months (known as maintenance).

For further information visit www.gov.uk/browse/ visas-immigration/student-visas

22 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Getting Here

The University is based just a 20 minute walk from the centre of Aberdeen, a Aberdeen city known for its Glasgow diverse and thriving regional economy.

Our city’s role as the Energy Capital of Europe means that London Amsterdam we benefit from the very best of transport and travel links from throughout the world. Frankfurt With global air, rail and road Paris 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 Contact Us main and regional airports. The airport is served by a number Brian Hussey Sandra Silva of major carriers, providing an Lead International Officer, International Officer, extensive network of routes Americas Americas throughout the UK, direct T: +44 1224 272187 T: +44 1224 274 563 to Europe and worldwide E: [email protected] E: [email protected] through major travel hubs. British destinations include four London airports, (London City, Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton facebook.com/universityofaberdeen - just over an hour’s flight time. Connections to and from North twitter.com/aberdeenuni/ America can also be made at Scotland’s third Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris. instagram.com/study_in_aberdeen oldest university and For further information, please the fifth oldest in the studyinaberdeen.wordpress.com visit www.aberdeenairport.com UK, founded 1495

23 Student Recruitment & Admissions Service University Office King’s College Aberdeen AB24 3FX Scotland We make every effort to ensure that the information provided Tel: +44 (0)1224 272026 to you is fair and accurate at the time of publication, however, as it is prepared well in advance of the academic session to which it Email: [email protected] applies, changes to the information presented may have occurred. Web: www.abdn.ac.uk For more information visit www.abdn.ac.uk/amendments