As the University of Aberdeen experiences a 20% increase in applications to the Master of Arts (MA) programme, preparations are being made for the second ever Open Day for prospective MA students on Wednesday, March 7. Over 600 students and more that 450 parents are coming to the activity-filled day.
This year’s Open Day will see double the number of parents visiting the campus than at last year’s very successful MA Open Day, and a large number of families travelling from south of the border and staying overnight. There will be more than 100 students staying overnight in Aberdeen for the Open Day.
The University of Aberdeen has bucked the national trend of declining applications by offering a broad and flexible MA degree that continues to be attractive to prospective students in the UK and around the world. The largest increases in applications have been seen in programmes such as Sports Studies, Management, French, and Film Studies.
Dr Graeme Roberts, Dean of Arts & Divinity said: “We are delighted by the number of applicants and parents who have accepted our invitation to the MA Open Day. Because our students have a lot of choice about what they study in their first two years, many end up graduating in subjects other than what they put on their application forms, so visiting the University like this is a great chance to find out more about what's on offer.”
In the morning, students will be welcomed to the University by Professor Tom Devine, Director of the Research Institute for Irish and Scottish Studies who will also talk about student life on campus and by the Dean of Arts and Divinity, Dr Graeme Roberts, who will discuss the structure of the MA degree.
Parents will receive a separate presentation by the University Chaplain, the Rev Easter Smart, on issues relevant to parents.
Students will then visit the Elphinstone Hall where information stands will be set up for all the MA departments, and they will meet academic staff. They will also enjoy tours of the campus, cyber classrooms, and a visit to the library.
In the afternoon, parents and students will have the chance to visit departments to see the University “in action” during term time and to chat with current students.
Interested parents and students are asked to book a place for the MA Open Day. For further information and to book a place at the MA Open Day
Student Recruitment & Admissions Services (01224) 272090
Press are kindly invited to send a reporter or photographer. Further information for Press:
Tina Kenworthy or Alison Ramsay, University Press Officers (01224) 273778
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.