Abertay University

Welcome to Abertay!

Whether you’re just exploring options or getting ready to apply, you’ll find a friendly, close-knit community at Abertay. We’re a small, modern university in the heart of Dundee on Scotland’s east coast, combining a compact city centre campus with everything you’d expect from a lively student city. All our main buildings, along with shops, cafés, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, are within a short walk, as are the bus and train stations.

A warm welcome

Our campus blends historic charm with modern facilities, from the Edwardian Old College to the award-winning Bernard King Library and the new Abertay cyberQuarter. Most teaching spaces, research centres and student services are clustered around Bell Street, so it’s easy to get to classes, meet staff, study or catch up with friends. Because we’re small, staff actually get to know their students – something international students often tell us makes the move to a new country much easier.

Facts and figures

• Scotland’s TOP Modern University (Guardian University Guide 2026).
• Top modern university in Scotland for student satisfaction, research intensity and facilities investment (Complete University Guide 2026).
• Around 5,000+ students with 60+ nationalities represented.
• Internationally recognised as a world leader in Computer Arts and Computer Games education, with programmes ranked in the global top 10 by the Princeton Review.
• A leading Scottish university for environmental science research, with specialist centres such as SIMBIOS, the Abertay Centre for the Environment and the Urban Water Technology Centre.
• State-of-the-art, digitally networked library and IT facilities, plus hundreds of PCs and study spaces across campus.
• Educating Scotland’s workforce since 1888. 

Research with impact

Abertay is known for research that tackles real-world problems. We have particular strengths in environmental science, water and sustainability, as well as cybersecurity, computer games, digital media, psychology, food and nutrition, sport and health, and policing and security. 

Our researchers work closely with industry, governments and communities, so students at all levels benefit from up-to-date knowledge, live projects and opportunities to get involved.

Expert teaching and support

You’ll learn from staff who combine teaching, research and industry experience, bringing real examples into the classroom and labs. Many degrees include projects with external partners, guest lectures from professionals and, in some cases, work placements – so you learn by doing, not just listening. 

We know that moving to another country is a big step, so we provide advice and support on accommodation, finance, visas, health and study skills. Our counselling service, academic support and mentoring schemes offer extra help when you need it, and the Students’ Association gives you a voice on campus as well as clubs and societies to join. 

Our student community

Abertay’s community is diverse and welcoming, with students from over 60 countries studying alongside local and UK students. You’ll meet people from many backgrounds – from school leavers to mature students and postgraduates – and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in university life, make friends and build networks. Because the campus and city are both compact, it’s easy to settle in and feel you belong.