The Medical School

The history of Medicine at Aberdeen is a long and distinguished one and is almost as long as the history of the University itself. The University was founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1495.

It is the third oldest University in Scotland and the fifth oldest in the UK.  The earliest Engish-speaking Chair in Medicine was endowed by King James IV in 1497, when the post of Mediciner (equivalent to a modern professorship) was established.

Medical teaching was not continuous after this, but the Mediciner's post was held by some noted physicians and the teaching of medicine was strongly revived in the nineteenth century when Aberdeen's Medical School became one of the most professional in Britain.

By the early 20th century, the accommodation provided at Marischal College proved inadequate for the increasing student numbers.  The Foresterhill site was purchased for the development of a unified hospital and teaching campus and students moved up to this site in 1938.

The Foresterhill site of over 125 acres, now houses one of Europe's largest clinical complexes including Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the Childrens and Maternity Hospitals. Further major teaching hospitals, including the Royal Cornhill and Woodend Hospitals, are close by. The Foresterhill site is the University's second major teaching and research campus and is the location of the Medical School, the Medical Library, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the new Centre for Teaching and Learning (see also Teaching and Learning Centre).

The curriculum with its 'Culture of Care' has been highly rated by outside bodies.  The GMC were impressed by the "enthusiasm and commitment of the staff", "enthusiasm and loyalty to the school of the students" and by the excellent student support offered.

Research at Aberdeen includes internationally recognised expertise in immunity and infection, microbiology, bone and musculoskeletal medicine, neuroscience and health services research.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was developed as a result of a crucial innovation by Aberdeen scientists and highly acclaimed research that makes use of advanced imaging technologies is ongoing.