Constitutional Basis of the University

The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is one of the four ancient Scottish Universities, and was created by Papal Bull.

Unlike many modern universities, the University's constitution is not contained within a single document, but comprises a combination of Acts of Parliament, Ordinances which require the approval of the Privy Council, and Resolutions of the University Court.  In this, we are no different from any of the other three Ancient Scottish Universities.  The document which contains the constitutional framework within which the University operates is the enclosed publication entitled The Acts, Ordinances and Resolutions Affecting the University of Aberdeen 1858-1990, which is available in Policy, Planning and Governance.

The 1858 Act merged and incorporated King's College and Marischal College, Aberdeen under the title of the University of Aberdeen and confirmed the original foundation date of 1495.