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USA

Home › In My Country › North America › USA

The University of Aberdeen is home to students from over 120 countries worldwide. Of the approximate 16,000 current students at Aberdeen around 250 students are from the USA. 

While we have been welcoming students from North America for nearly four decades, the educational links between Scotland and the USA extend much further in history. The Scottish higher education system has been used as the model for higher education systems throughout the world – the United States being one notable example. In addition, we are proud that James Blaire, the founder of William & Mary, was a University of Aberdeen graduate. We are proud to have historical links with the founding of one of America's oldest institutions.

Undergraduate Honours degrees in Scotland are usually four years in duration and are structured to ensure a great deal of flexibility during the first two years of study. Most students only confirm their major at the end of their second year. This means you can usually study any subjects that interest you, and even change direction as your ambitions develop! This is different from the English system of undergraduate education, which is three years in duration, being more specialised from the beginning.

The educational culture in Scotland is very much focused on independent learning and this is reflected in the number of contact hours students have with teaching staff. You may find that this is slightly lower than North America, and the expectation is that a significant amount of study will be done outside of the classroom. But don’t panic! Although the learning style is different, as well as the help provided in tutorials, you will also be able to see your tutor outside of these times by booking an appointment.

As part of our £230 million investment into infrastructure, our campus now has wireless internet access throughout all buildings across the University campus, including all bedrooms. Summer 2009 saw the completion of the Aberdeen Sports Village, and 2011 will see the completion of the New Library, which will be established as a major intellectual and cultural learning centre for students in the 21^st century.

Undergraduate students are invited to read our North American Guide which will give you further details about the study opportunties at University of Aberdeen.