Abertay University
Dundee, United Kingdom
Abertay University
Dundee, United Kingdom
Founded
1888
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
~4,500
International Students
60+ Nationalities
Discover Abertay University: A Pioneer in Games and Technology Education
Discover Abertay University: A Pioneer in Games and Technology Education
Abertay University is a public university located in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, with roots dating back to 1888 when it was founded as the Dundee Technical Institute. It gained full university status in 1994 under the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, and has since established itself as one of the UK's leading technology-focused universities.
Abertay is globally recognised for launching the world's first computer games degree in 1997 and the UK's first Ethical Hacking degree in 2006. The university is consistently named the top International School for games design by the Princeton Review, with undergraduate programmes ranked 5th in the world and postgraduate programmes 7th globally in 2026.
With approximately 4,500 students representing over 60 nationalities, Abertay offers a close-knit, supportive learning environment with small class sizes and personalised attention. The university's courses across science, technology, art, social sciences, and professional disciplines are designed to prepare students for the world of work with strong industry links to companies such as Sony, Microsoft, and Rockstar.
Key Milestones
- 1888: Founded as the Dundee Technical Institute following a bequest from Sir David Baxter.
- 1994: Gained university status and was officially renamed the University of Abertay Dundee.
- 1997: Launched the world's first undergraduate degree in computer games.
- 2006: Became the first university to offer a degree in Ethical Hacking.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
Abertay University's academic programmes are organised across two main faculties and a Graduate School, each housing specialist divisions for subject-specific teaching and research. The university offers over 64 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with a strong focus on applied, career-oriented education.
Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business
This faculty gives students the expertise and confidence to succeed in business, computing, and creative industries. It is home to the globally acclaimed games and cybersecurity programmes and the Dundee Business School.
- BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
- BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking
- BA (Hons) Computer Arts
Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences
This faculty brings together industry and research to solve meaningful modern challenges in areas including science, health, sport, and social sciences. It offers a wide range of accredited programmes.
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
- BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise
Dundee Business School
Part of the Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business, Dundee Business School offers career-focused business programmes with strong links to industry and the Embreonix graduate incubator.
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
- Global MBA
Graduate School
The Graduate School provides professional development, support, and training for postgraduate research students, fostering an interdisciplinary environment for collaboration with leading professionals.
- MSc Cybersecurity
- MSc Computer Games Technology
- PhD Research Programmes
Division of Games and Arts
A specialist division within the Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business, offering programmes ranked among the world's best for video games education. Students benefit from PlayStation 5 dev labs and virtual production facilities.
- BSc (Hons) Game Design and Production
- MSc Games Development
- BA (Hons) Computer Arts (Animation)
Division of Science and Health
This division within the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences covers programmes in food science, psychology, mental health nursing, and environmental science, many of which are ranked top in Scotland for student satisfaction.
- BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- BSc Mental Health Nursing
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Academic QualificationSenior secondary school leaving certificate (12th standard) with a minimum of 65% or equivalent A-levels/IB
- IELTS ScoreOverall 6.0, no band below 5.5
- TOEFL iBT ScoreMinimum 78 overall
- Application MethodApply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- Additional RequirementsPersonal statement, academic reference, and transcripts; portfolio for Computer Arts
Postgraduate Admissions
- Academic QualificationBachelor's degree with minimum 2:2 Honours (UK) or international equivalent
- IELTS ScoreOverall 6.0, no band below 5.5 (some programmes require 6.5 or 7.0)
- TOEFL iBT ScoreMinimum 78 overall (higher for select programmes)
- Application MethodApply directly via Abertay's online application portal (no application fee for most programmes)
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, degree certificates, personal statement, and references
Undergraduate applications submitted by this date receive equal consideration from all universities.
Last date for undergraduate applications through UCAS before Clearing opens.
Postgraduate programmes accept applications on a rolling basis for September and January intakes. Apply early to secure your place.
Most programmes begin in September. Some postgraduate programmes also offer a January start.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Abertay University offers competitive tuition fees, particularly for a UK university. International students benefit from a fee guarantee, meaning the rate published for your entry year will not increase during your course of study. Contact the university directly for the most current fee schedules.
| Fee Category | UK/Scottish Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 1,820 (Scottish/EU via SAAS) or GBP 9,250 (rUK) | GBP 14,000 - GBP 15,500 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university for current fees | GBP 14,000 - GBP 18,950 |
| Global MBA | Contact university for current fees | GBP 17,000 - GBP 19,950 |
| Estimated Living Costs (per year) | GBP 9,000 - GBP 12,000 | GBP 9,000 - GBP 12,000 |
| Total | Varies by programme and residency status | GBP 23,000 - GBP 30,950 (tuition + living) |
Abertay International Scholarship
A GBP 3,000 annual deduction from tuition fees awarded to eligible international undergraduate and postgraduate students. Renewable for up to 4 years for undergraduates.
- Award Amount: GBP 3,000 per year
- Eligibility: Overseas fee-paying students who meet all offer conditions
- Application: Automatic — no separate application required
IB30 Scholarship
A scholarship of up to GBP 5,000 per year for international students who have achieved strong International Baccalaureate scores.
- Award Amount: Up to GBP 5,000 per year
- Eligibility: International students with IB score of 30 or above
- Additional Support: Chevening Scholarships and other external funding also accepted
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Abertay's compact campus sits right in Dundee city centre, with all main buildings just a few minutes' walk from each other. Shops, cafes, restaurants, gyms, and the main bus and train stations are all within easy reach, making it a convenient and vibrant place to study.
A GBP 4 million refurbished library offering four floors of open plan study space with printed books, eBooks, journals, and specialist databases.
An GBP 18 million cybersecurity research and development centre bringing students, academics, and industry together to tackle real-world cyber challenges.
Specialist facilities including PlayStation 5 development labs, virtual production environments, usability labs, and collaborative game development studios.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
Priority for university accommodation is given to first-year students. Parker House is conveniently located near campus, allowing you to walk to classes in five minutes or less.
- Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour security in halls
- Shared kitchen and dining facilities
- Accessible rooms available for disabled students
Campus Amenities
The campus includes an on-site gym, student centre with social spaces, and the Hannah Maclure Centre for exhibitions and events. International students receive free gym membership and V&A Museum access.
- On-campus gym with membership from GBP 60 per term
- Students' Association hub in the Bernard King Library building
- Nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance
Student Life at Abertay
Student Life at Abertay
Despite being one of Scotland's smaller universities, Abertay offers a vibrant and inclusive student community. With over 30 clubs and societies, competitive sports teams, and a supportive Students' Association, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
Dundee: Scotland's City of Design
Dundee: Scotland's City of Design
Living in Dundee
Dundee is a vibrant, compact, and affordable coastal city on the Firth of Tay in eastern Scotland. In 2014, it became the UK's first UNESCO City of Design, recognised for its contributions to medical research and video game development. The city is just over an hour from Edinburgh by road or rail and offers an excellent quality of life for students.
V&A Dundee
Scotland's only design museum and the only V&A museum outside London, offering world-class exhibitions, talks, and events year-round.
Affordable Living
Dundee is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students, with lower living costs compared to Edinburgh, Glasgow, or London.
Excellent Connectivity
Just over an hour from Edinburgh and Aberdeen by train, with Dundee Airport offering direct flights to London City and Belfast City airports.
Outdoor Activities
Enjoy Broughty Ferry beach, the Angus hills, Camperdown Park, paddleboarding on the River Tay, and Scotland's stunning natural landscapes.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Employers and Industry Partners
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Abertay offers English courses before, during, and between academic terms to help international students improve their language skills throughout their studies.
International students requiring a Student Visa must pay a 50% tuition fee deposit before receiving their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The university provides guidance throughout the visa process.
Eligible international students automatically receive the GBP 3,000 Abertay International Scholarship deducted from tuition fees, with no separate application required.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Abertay University Rankings
Abertay University Rankings
Abertay University has achieved strong results across multiple UK league tables, consistently being named the top modern university in Scotland. The university is particularly recognised for student satisfaction, teaching quality, and its world-leading games education programmes.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Games Design | Princeton Review | #1 International School, #1 in Europe |
| Student Satisfaction | Complete University Guide | #12 in UK (out of 130) |
| Mental Health Nursing | Complete University Guide | #1 in UK for Student Satisfaction |
| Teaching Quality | Times Good University Guide | #27 in UK |
Features
Abertay prides itself on a small, engaged student community and strong industry-aligned teaching, including pioneering degrees in computer games and ethical hacking. The university delivers a personalised experience with high graduate employability and strong student satisfaction scores. In recent UK league tables it was ranked the top modern Scottish university for student satisfaction, research intensity, and investment in facilities.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - March
Location
Bell St, Dundee DD1 1HG, United Kingdom
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