Why Choose Aberdeen?

A CHOICE ENVIRONMENT
At Aberdeen you will find ancient buildings side by side with modern, newly refurbished, first-class laboratories, up-to-date computing facilities and the latest library technology. The student population, which has almost equal numbers of men and women, has a lively sense of community and belonging. A place in University Halls is normally guaranteed to all students during their first year, and these are either on, or within easy walking distance of, the main teaching site. Social and sporting facilities are outstanding, and the University is situated close to superb country, with hill-walking, mountaineering and canoeing - all in an area rich in historic and natural interest - as well as some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland.

A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED HISTORY
In 1495, as the voyages of Columbus were opening up the New World and the 'new learning' of the Renaissance was inspiring Europe, William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen, established King's College in the town of Old Aberdeen, thus laying the foundations for the University of Aberdeen, Scotland's third oldest institution. His University, modelled on those of Paris and Bologna, embraced every known branch of learning, with faculties of Arts, Theology and Canon and Civil Law, and, in 1497, the earliest 'chair' of medicine in the English-speaking world was established. The first Principal, Hector Boece, was educated at Paris where he was a fellow-student and friend of Erasmus of Rotterdam, the leading scholar of the age. The college still get a flavour of this era from some of the original buildings, notably the famous Crown tower and King's College Chapel, which survive to this day and are still regularly used.

INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE
Four Nobel Prizes have been awarded for work carried out or begun at Aberdeen - Frederick Soddy (Chemistry), Sir George Paget Thomson (Physics) and JJR McLeod (Medicine) - McLeod being jointly credited with the invention of the life-saver insulin. Lord Boyd Orr, first Director of the Rowett Institute and Professor of Agriculture from 1942-45, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his contribution to the worldwide fight against hunger.

Aberdeen has a tradition of innovation and excellence in the medical sciences. A key role was played in the invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and the discovery of enkephalins, both of great importance. Major advances in surgery, obstetrics and tropical medicine are also associated with the University.

Today, the University is continuing to fulfill its mission to 'maintain and enhance its distinctive contribution to society in a regional, national and international context' through its programmes of education and professional training, by fostering 'the disinterested pursuit and dissemination of scholarship' and by promoting excellent research programmes. Graduates of the University have influenced the politics, culture and education of all corners of the globe. Today, this tradition continues as students coming to study and live in Aberdeen return to their own communities, enlightened and empowered by what they have learned at this highly successful institution.