University of Aberdeen
Walk down any street in Aberdeen and you will see that most of its buildings are made of granite, creating a brown and grey glow throughout the city. Tucked within the granite walls are one of the United Kingdom’s oldest Universities and access to pristine beaches. Whether trying Scottish delicacies at restaurants with an ocean view, or walking through historic monuments and museums, it is nearly impossible to escape the charm of this northeastern Scottish city.
The University of Aberdeen was founded in the 1400’s, leaving a variation of old gothic architecture and elegant modern buildings. This international University is known for its research opportunities, diverse course availability, as well as comfortable city living space for its students. The campus is made vibrant by the University’s 58 sports clubs and 127 student run organizations, all ready for you to jump in and join. Public transportation to the rest of the city is easily available, as is traveling to the rest of Scotland and the United Kingdom.
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of courses for undergraduate students. Undergraduate students benefit by being taught by academic staff who are active in research, many involved in international collaborations at the forefront of discovery in their respective discipline, focused on finding answers to the issues facing our society and economy today.
When you study at Aberdeen, your courses will have all the quality and depth of the traditional Scottish degree, only with more choice, better support and more flexibility.
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
You can take courses at Level 1 and Level 2. Entry to Level 3 and Level 4 courses require proof that you have taken relevant pre-requisites courses at your home university.
You cannot take courses in Medicine, Education courses, and some level 3 or 4 courses in English, History, Politics and Sixth Century.
Review Aberdeen’s website for more information regarding course offerings.
General Education Information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.
Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Students
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department.
Transcript
All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
Housing
Starting University and becoming involved in academic life is an exciting experience. It is a real opportunity to meet new people, make great friends and, for some of you, have your first taste of living independently. Whilst these are exciting times, we do understand that you might feel a little apprehensive about leaving what you know and finding a new place to live.
Residence Hall accommodations are situated in the heart of Campus offering you an independent living, close to all facilities on King’s Campus. There is a choice of University-managed halls and privately-owned and managed halls, all situated within easy walking distance of the campus. Information regarding applying for accommodation will be sent to you once you have accepted an offer of a place. The University-managed accommodation houses approximately 3,000 students. The Residence Halls are a mixture of individual rooms within houses or flats, available on a catered and self-catered basis. All University Residence Halls have full wireless (WIFI) internet access.
Meals
When you apply for housing, you will have the option to live in a self-catered or catered residence hall. For example, if you live in Adam Smith House, you will live in a catered hall where meals will be provided as part of your housing. If you live in Hillhead Student Village, you will live in a residence hall with a well-equipped modern kitchen facilities. You will be able to cook for yourself.
Estimate of Costs
You may have the opportunity to attend University of Aberdeen as an exchange student. This option is competitive as the costs are significantly lower. Generally, up to two students (depending on the length of their program) will be sent as exchange students. Other qualified students will be accepted but will pay the non-exchange prices.
Review this program’s Estimate of Costs. Note, there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated semester abroad.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your http://abroad.albany.edu/finances/program-costs/home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Academic Requirements
Sophomore, junior and senior students are eligible to participate. Applications are welcome from students in all majors. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required. If your GPA is below the level indicated, consult with us about whether or not you should apply.
Experiential Learning
While you are abroad, taking advantage of the culture, entertainment, eating, shopping and the history. Give yourself an experience like no other in Scotland.
Student Clubs and Organizations
You have the option to join over 120 departmental, cultural, creative arts and general interest societies. You will be able to join a club, with sign up day being held at the beginning of each semester. You can choose to join sports clubs like volleyball, basketball, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, snow sports, sailing, hill-walking, and climbing. You can also volunteer helping with activities, charities and fundraising activities.
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
About the City
Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s most internationally distinguished universities. It has a student population of around 14,500 and a large international community of students drawn from 120 different countries. The University has an excellent reputation for teaching quality and research, and, over the years, five Nobel Prizes have been awarded for work carried out or begun at Aberdeen. The University is at the forefront in many areas of arts and social sciences, in science, computing, engineering and technology, and in ground-breaking disciplines focused firmly on the 21st century, such as Bio-Medical Computing Science.
Students are attracted by the tradition which is rooted in the University’s 500 year history – but the University is focused firmly on the future and are at the cutting-edge of research in many fields. Its attraction also lies in the quality of the subjects and teaching offered, the research opportunities provided, its superb facilities as one of the six Ancient Universities of Britain, and for the care and support which it provides for all students.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. U.S. citizens: If you are going to the United Kingdom to study for 6 months or less, you will get a Short-term Study visa. If you are going to the United Kingdom to study for more than 6 months, you will have to obtain a Tier 4 (General) visa. More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Spring 2019
01/5/2019 to 05/17/2019
Fall 2019
08/31/2019 to 12/13/2019
Spring 2020
01/4/2020 to 05/15/2020
About the Program
The University of Aberdeen is located within a city at the heart of a diverse and thriving regional economy. The city of Aberdeen truly has something for everyone – from the bustling city center of Europe’s energy capital to the superb countryside and coastline in an area rich in historic and natural interest. Students describe Aberdeen as having an unrivalled social scene, which caters for all tastes in arts, culture, leisure and entertainment. Communication and travel links are excellent, which means getting around the rest of Scotland and the UK is easy.
The city of Aberdeen is an attractive, prosperous and friendly community of 250,000 people. Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city and the cultural center of the north-east of Scotland. Big enough for the “big city” experience, student friendly Aberdeen is compact enough to make it easy to find your way around and make friends. In addition, it is a clean, well-kept, safe and friendly place to live. Bustling by day and lively by night, Aberdeen is a center for industry, research, learning and life.
Refer to the University of Aberdeen’s exchange student web page for more information and updates.
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted the Saturday before the end of Spring UAlbany classes and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at University of Aberdeen, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
University of Aberdeen’s International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.