Abertay University

Abertay University is a modern, forward-thinking institution located in the heart of Dundee on Scotland’s stunning east coast, celebrated by GQ Magazine as “Britain’s coolest little city.” With a compact city centre campus, Abertay blends the warmth of a close-knit academic community with the energy of vibrant urban life.

Its setting allows students to experience the convenience of a focused campus environment while enjoying everything the city has to offer. Home to over 4,000 students, Abertay provides an engaging and supportive atmosphere where ambition is nurtured and potential is realised.

With roots dating back to 1888, Abertay has consistently responded to the evolving needs of industry, building a strong reputation for producing graduates who work, lead, and innovate across diverse sectors. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading technology-focused universities, it is particularly renowned for its expertise in video games education, with degrees in this field ranked among the top in Europe for the past seven years.

Uniquely, Abertay is the only UK university to hold official accreditation in both computer games and art design, further strengthened by its international partnership with Peking University in China in gaming.

Academically, Abertay offers a wide spectrum of career-oriented programmes, ranging from Mental Health Nursing and Civil Engineering to Business Analytics and Ethical Hacking. Its five schools and one institute are equipped with advanced teaching facilities and specialist centres, including the Emergent Technology Centre, the National Centre for Excellence in Computer Games, and Scotland’s only industry-standard food science consumer research lab.

Strong partnerships with global companies such as Sony, Microsoft, Rare, and Codemasters ensure students gain meaningful industry exposure and real-world experience alongside their studies.

Beyond teaching, Abertay is home to world-leading research teams whose work receives international acclaim. Its researchers are actively involved in course development, enabling students to learn directly from experts shaping their fields.

Committed to both academic excellence and student well-being, the University provides comprehensive support, ensuring every student’s transition into university life is smooth, confident, and successful.

Abertay University warmly welcomes learners from across the globe, recognising that studying abroad is both an academic pursuit and a life-changing cultural experience. Around 20% of its student community represents over 60 countries, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. To support a smooth transition, the University provides tailored guidance designed especially for international students, ensuring they feel confident, informed, and fully prepared for life and study in the UK.

Academic support is comprehensive and accessible. Beyond course tutors, students benefit from the expertise of Learning Development Advisors, Academic Librarians, and IT Trainers who help them become independent learners, think critically, write academically, conduct research effectively, and deliver confident presentations.

The Learner Development Service further strengthens study skills, while dedicated English language courses, offered before, during, and between terms, enhance language proficiency and academic performance. The detailed International Guide also provides essential information on visas, banking, climate, and healthcare, helping students settle in with clarity and ease.

The Student Advisory Service offers professional assistance on all aspects of studying and living in the UK. This includes specialist immigration advice covering visa extensions, post-study work routes, dependent and visitor visas, as well as financial guidance, welfare support, accommodation advice, housing matters, and part-time employment regulations.

Student well-being is equally prioritised. Free and confidential Counselling and Mental Health Services, alongside support from a Mental Health Nurse Advisor, ensure compassionate care. Career Support services help maximise employability through CV guidance, job boards, work placements, career planning, and introductions to industry mentors, empowering students to thrive professionally.

Abertay University has firmly established itself as a leader in innovative and industry-focused education, earning strong recognition across major national guides and surveys.

Ranked 55th in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and 62nd in The Times University Guide 2026, Abertay has also been named the top modern university in Scotland for student experience in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. The Complete University Guide 2026 further places Abertay as the top Scottish modern university for student satisfaction, research intensity, and facilities investment, reflecting a consistent commitment to quality and progress.

The University’s strength in teaching is widely acknowledged. It was named UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality 2021 by The Times/Sunday Times and recognised as a top-20 institution for teaching in 2022. Ranked 12th in the UK for teaching quality by the Complete University Guide 2026, Abertay is known for small class sizes, practical learning, and industry-relevant delivery.

The National Student Survey 2025 recorded an impressive overall satisfaction score of 82.6%, highlighting excellence in teaching and student voice.

Globally recognised for computer games education and cybersecurity, Abertay launched the world’s first video games degree in 1997 and ranks among the top 10 worldwide for postgraduate video games education.

Ranked Europe’s top university for video games design and placed in the global top 10 by The Princeton Review, Abertay demonstrates subject excellence across Biomedical Science, Mental Health Nursing, Food Science, Forensic Sciences, Civil Engineering, Psychology, Sociology, and Sports Science, with multiple programmes ranked top in Scotland and the UK for student satisfaction.

This breadth of achievement reflects a powerful combination of academic rigour, industry relevance, and a deep commitment to student success.

Student life at Abertay University is defined by warmth, energy, and inclusivity. Set in the heart of Dundee on Scotland’s beautiful east coast, the University’s compact campus places students at the centre of a vibrant, edgy, and affordable city.

The Abertay campus is lively and welcoming. Its five-level academic area includes the Kydd, Baxter, Graham, and Old College Buildings, grouped around the award-winning Bernard King Library. Shops, cafés, restaurants, and transport links are all within a short walk. With modern study spaces, a fully equipped gym in the Graham Building, and Annie’s Café for relaxation and socialising, campus life is always active, connected, and inspiring.

Dundee is widely regarded as the best place to live in Scotland and has been named twice by The Times as one of the top 10 best places to live in the UK. Cosmopolitan yet friendly, cultural yet compact, the city offers the perfect balance of excitement and comfort, along with the distinction of being Scotland’s sunniest city.

Home to more than 40,000 students from diverse countries and ethnic backgrounds, Dundee delivers a truly international and multicultural atmosphere. It is recognised as one of the top three most fun cities for students, a student favourite, and one of the most affordable and budget-friendly destinations in the country. The city offers a big-city feel while remaining close to the countryside, with easy connections across Scotland and direct travel links to London.

Abertay’s close-knit campus community makes it easy to build friendships, engage with classmates, and feel supported both academically and socially from day one. With a dynamic city environment and a welcoming university spirit, students quickly gain the confidence to thrive, explore new opportunities, and truly feel at home.

Abertay University provides a range of comfortable, affordable accommodation options designed to support independence and community living. Priority for university-arranged housing is given to first-year students, helping them settle confidently into life in Dundee.

Options include single-occupancy bedsits and multi-occupancy flats, all fully furnished and equipped with essential kitchen facilities, enabling students to manage their own routines in a secure and supportive environment.

All residences are within walking distance of both the main campus and the city centre, ensuring convenient access to academic buildings and Dundee’s vibrant social scene, with 24-hour campus security enhancing peace of mind.

A popular choice among students is Parker House, a modern, purpose-built residence offering Abertay-only discounted rent. Located less than a ten-minute walk from campus, it provides a variety of en-suite rooms ranging from singles and doubles to studios, across a 43-week lease.

Weekly rents range from £159.47 to £323.95. Residents benefit from excellent facilities including social spaces with pool tables, a laundry, a 24/7 gym, and round-the-clock security, as well as close proximity to major supermarkets and the city centre.

Students may also explore alternative private accommodation such as Lyon Street Terrace, Meadowside Court, Greenmarket Studios, and Parklands. Postgraduate and visiting students seeking flexible lease terms can consider Stanley Studios and The Hub, contacting providers directly.