Studying in Scotland

Why study in Scotland?

Scotland is a very welcoming country. We’re genuinely happy to see newcomers and make them feel at home. Our supportive communities are made up of people from all over the world, meaning Scotland is now home to over 150 languages.

In a survey by the Scottish government, 94% of international students said Scotland was a good place to be, and 86% of Scottish students would recommend it to others. And at least 21% of students in Scottish universities are from outside the country, so we really know how to make you feel welcome.

About Scottish degrees

Scottish undergraduate degrees involve four years of study to give you a broader and more flexible education.

In years 1 and 2, you'll study some fairly broad modules related to your subject area. In years 3 and 4, your studies become completely focussed on the subject you've chosen.

For example, if you take Ethical Hacking, in the first two years you'll study computing, programming and software development. Then, in the last two years, you'll focus solely on Ethical Hacking.

This means that even if you know exactly what you want to do, you add more to your education. All of this is designed to make your skills and in-depth knowledge more attractive to employers, giving you the best start to your career.

Scottish degrees are recognised globally

Scotland is a small country but it's mighty when it comes to education. We've invested in education for centuries, which means no matter where you choose to live, your Scottish degree will be recognised and respected.

Whatever kind of degree you study, and wherever you work afterwards, it's reassuring to know that your degree will be highly valued.

And in the case of Abertay’s games degrees, your degree will be from a world-leading games school.

We'll make you employable

Graduates from Scottish institutions enjoy an average starting salary of £22,000: the highest in the UK. AND more than 85% of Scottish employers stated that they were ‘very satisfied’ with the work readiness of graduates from our universities.

Abertay degrees are vocational, which means the skills and knowledge you learn are created in partnership with industry. So we know what they want and we know exactly how to teach it.

Whatever you do afterwards, you'll be work-ready and able to seize employment opportunities from the very start.

^{Photo credit: Dundee One City, Many Discoveries}

Places to visit

When you’re not studying, you'll have PLENTY to see and do:

Visit Edinburgh and Glasgow, which are only 1.5 - 2 hours away by car or train.
Loch Ness – maybe you'll see the legendary creature!
There are A LOT of castles like Edinburgh, Stirling, Balmoral, Glamis, Dunnottar. Dundee has six to help get you started.
Scotland is full of historical sites. For example, Orkney has 5,000 year old houses and tombs as well as medieval churches and renaissance palaces.
You can also discover stone-carving Picts, warring clans, invading Vikings, enlightened philosophers, amazing poets and one Bonnie Prince.
Not forgetting that the film 'Braveheart' and the TV series 'Outlander' were filmed on location all over Scotland.

We had a hard time keeping the list short, so check out more on VisitScotland.

The great outdoors

Everyone knows Scotland is beautiful. In fact, Rough Guide readers voted Scotland the most beautiful country in the world beating countries like Canada and New Zealand.

Getting from Dundee out into the countryside takes 20 minutes max. With two national parks, some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and 282 Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet), to walk, climb, bike or ski down, you really are spoilt for choice. And you’ll often have the place to yourself – apart from the odd bird, deer, seal or dolphin accompanying you.

It’s a small country, which means the sea, mountains and forests are so close you can even visit all three in a day. Unless you want to take your time and savour it.

^{Photo credit: Dundee One City, Many Discoveries}

Young Woman With Paddle Board At Pier By Broughty Castle, Dundee

The weather

Yes, we can experience all four seasons in one day, but that’s partly what makes living here fun.

While some think it rains here all the time, that's not strictly true. It does rain, but not much more than the rest of the UK. The really good news is that Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland, so even in winter we get more sunshine than the rest of the country.

We’re not sure who was actually said it, but we all agree there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes. Layers are a good idea, and so is a proper waterproof jacket. Be sure to get yourself kitted out when you come here.

It's very affordable

Fact: your student finances go further here!

Weekly household costs in Scotland are roughly 20% lower than in London, and 10% cheaper than the UK as a whole. A recent survey named Dundee the cheapest city to live in the UK. The survey looked at things like rent and the cost of grocery shopping.

It’s inexpensive to live here, so your money will go further. That extra bit of cash in your pocket means more money to spend enjoying our cultural scene, cafes and nightlife.

2 students chatting against a stone railing

Abertay University

We believe there's no better place than Abertay to do your degree if you're looking to stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market. Here are just a few reasons why it is such a great place to study.