Introduction
Structural Engineering is generally recognised as a specialist area of Civil Engineering but the two areas are very similar. This is a perfect degree programme for those looking to succeed in this field as it offers up our hugely successful standard Civil Engineering degree but introduces a number of key areas of specialism.
Ranked 12th UK, 1st in Scotland for General Engineering (Complete University Guide 2022)
Ranked 12th UK, 2nd in Scotland for General Engineering (Guardian 2022)
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BEng
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- H221
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
This Honours degree programme follows a similar structure to the straight BEng Civil Engineering degree. The major difference is the compulsory study of the Advanced Structural Analysis in year 4.
What You'll Study
The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.
It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Principles of Electronics (EG1008)
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15 Credit Points
The aim of the course is to introduce basic concepts of electrical & electronics within a context of general engineering. The topics covered are kept at an elementary level with the aim of providing the foundational material for subsequent courses at levels 1 and 2. The course adopts the philosophy of application oriented teaching. During each topic the students will be provided with examples of day-to-day devices. Topics covered include dc circuit analysis, electronic amplifiers, digital circuits, optoelectronics, and ac theory.
- Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)
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15 Credit Points
The course presents fundamental mathematical ideas useful in the study of Engineering. A major focus of the course is on differential and integral calculus. Applications to Engineering problems involving rates of change and averaging processes are emphasized. Complex numbers are introduced and developed. The course provides the necessary mathematical background for other engineering courses in level 2.
- CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)
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15 Credit Points
The course is designed to introduce the students to different methods of communication in the process of interchanging ideas and information. Oral presentation and writing of technical reports are introduced. The importing data from web-based and library-based sources will be integrated through information retrieval and investigative skills training. Professional ethics are covered on plagiarism, copyright and intellectual property. Engineering drawing skills and knowledge of relevant British and International Standards will be developed through intensive training in the use of computer aided design and modelling package, SolidWorks. Standard drawing formats including 3D depiction of stand alone parts and assemblies are covered.
- Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)
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15 Credit Points
Engineering Mechanics is concerned with the state of rest or motion of objects subject to the action of forces. The topic is divided into two parts: STATICS which considers the equilibrium of objects which are either at rest or move at a constant velocity, and DYNAMICS which deals with the motion and associated forces of accelerating bodies. The former is particularly applied to beams and truss structures. The latter includes a range of applications, such as car suspension systems, motion of a racing car, missiles, vibration isolation systems, and so on.
- Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)
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15 Credit Points
Engineering design depends on materials being shaped, finished and joined together. Design requirements define the performance required of the materials. What do engineers need to know about materials to choose and use them successfully? They need a perspective of the world of materials. They need understanding of material properties. They need methods and tools to select the right material for the job. This course will help you develop knowledge and skills required for the successful selection and use of engineering materials.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (EG2004)
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15 Credit Points
The fluid mechanics section of the course begins with the material properties of fluids. This is followed by studying fluid statics and principles of fluid motion. Bernoulli’s equation is used to explain the relationship between pressure and velocity. The final fluids section introduces the students to incompressible flow in pipelines.
The thermodynamics section presents: the gas laws, including Van Der Waals’ equation; the first law of thermodynamics with work done, heat supply, and the definitions of internal energy and enthalpy. The second law is introduced including entropy through the Carnot cycle.
- Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)
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15 Credit Points
This course follows Engineering Mathematics 1 in introducing all the mathematical objects and techniques needed by engineers. It has three parts:
- Matrices: definitions, operations, inverse and determinant; application to systems of linear equations.
- Ordinary differential equations: 1st order (linear and separable), 2nd order with constant coefficients, forced oscillations and resonance.
- Functions of two variables: partial derivatives and extrema, the chain rule, the heat equation and the wave equation.
- Process Engineering (EG2011)
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15 Credit Points
A general engineering course that provides insight into the two main conservation principles, mass and energy. Processes are usually described through block diagrams. This language, common to many disciplines in engineering, helps the engineer to look at their processes with an analytical view. Degree of freedom analysis is addressed, emphasising its importance to solve a set of linear equations that model fundamental balances of mass. Practical examples of Energy balances are displayed, bringing Thermodynamics to a practical level. Heat Transfer is introduced. Process control is introduced, explaining basic control techniques and concepts, i.e sensors, feedback, control loops and PID controllers.
- Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)
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15 Credit Points
A general engineering course that provides an insight into the principles of engineering design process, computer programming in MATLAB and its application in parametric study and basic design optimisation, environmental ethics and sustainability in the context of design, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Solidworks. The course also includes hands-on exercises on the manufacture of simple parts using a variety of machine tools and joining processes.
- Solids and Structures (EA2502)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides students with the opportunity to refresh and extend their knowledge to analyse the mechanical behaviour of engineering materials and structures. In particular, mechanical properties of materials, and 2D and 3D stresses and strains are examined, the effects of internal imperfections on the performance of materials under loading, brittle fracture, fatigue and non-destructive testing are discussed. The structural analysis of beams and columns, deflection and buckling, as well as design applications are also considered in the course.
- Electrical and Mechanical Systems (EG2503)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides students with an integrated development of methods for modelling, analysing and designing systems comprising electrical and mechanical components. In doing so it intends to emphasise to the students the similarity in behaviour between electrical and mechanical systems. The course aims to give an introduction to both electrical machines, circuit and systems, transformers, and similar mechanical systems like gearbox, vibrating system and principles of dynamics, and thus provide the foundation material for several courses at level 3 .
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- Geotechnics 1 (EA3027)
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15 Credit Points
Aimed principally at students interested in civil engineering, it aims to familiarise students with the fundamental concepts involved in soil mechanics and engineering geology. The first course in the civil engineering programme that includes the importance of soil mechanics in the structural design. The main emphasis is understanding the main principles of soil mechanics through the introduction of laboratory tests commonly used to obtain the engineering properties of different types of soil such as sand and clay. Discussion of the consequences of some soil failures (such as in the case of Tower of Pisa) are also introduced.
- Stress Analysis A (EM3015)
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15 Credit Points
One of the roles of an engineer is to ensure that engineering components perform in service as intended and do not fracture or break into pieces. However, we know that sometimes engineering components do fail in service. Course examines how we determine the magnitude of stresses and level of deformation in engineering components and how these are used to appropriately select the material and dimensions for such component in order to avoid failure. Focus is on using stress analysis to design against failure, and therefore enable students to acquire some of the fundamental knowledge and skills required for engineering design.
- Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)
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15 Credit Points
Modern engineering analysis relies on a wide range of analytical mathematical methods and computational techniques in order to solve a wide range of problems. The aim of this course is to equip students with the necessary skills to quantitatively investigate engineering problems. Examples applying the methods taught to practical situations from across the full range of engineering disciplines will feature heavily in the course.
- Fluid Mechanics (EM3019)
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15 Credit Points
The course begins with dimensional analysis and the concept of dynamic similarity applied to fluid flow phenomena. This is followed by sections on the energy and momentum equations applied to a range of problems in civil, mechanical, chemical and petroleum engineering, including steady flow in pipes, design of pump-pipeline systems, cavitation, forces on bends, nozzles and solid bodies, turbomachinery and propeller theory. A section on unsteady flow applies inertia and water hammer theory to the calculation of pressure surge in pipes. The final section deals with flow through porous media such as flow through soils and rocks.
- Mechanics of Structures (EA3518)
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15 Credit Points
The major topic of this course is an introduction to modern methods of elastic structural analysis. In this topic, direct, energy and matrix methods are jointly used to solve, initially, problems of the deformation of simple beams. The theorem of virtual work is introduced in the context of beams and frameworks.
The rigid-plastic analysis of beams is then introduced along with the upper bound theorem and their importance to engineering design.
- Design of Structural Elements (EA3519)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introduction to Structural Design using steel, concrete and composite steel/concrete.
The emphasis is on the design of individual components – the ‘Structural Elements’ – these being members in tension, compression, bending – in either steel or reinforced concrete – and in the bolted and welded connections between steel members.
There is an extensive laboratory exercise testing reinforced and un-reinforced concrete to destruction.
It should be noted that students are also required to do the separate course EA3720, half of which consists of a 9 week Steel Design exercise.
- Structural Dynamics (EA3538)
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10 Credit Points
This course introduces the theory of dynamics and the vibration of single and multi-degree of freedom systems.
- Civil Engineering Design and Surveying (EA3720)
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10 Credit Points
This course consists of two quite separate halves. The first is a 9 week Civil Engineering Design activity, which runs concurrently with the associated course EG3519 (Design of Structural Elements). Generally there will be two half days of timetabled sessions in each of those 9 weeks. The second half of the course is a one-week residential Field Surveying and Hydrology field trip, which usually takes place in the first week of the Easter break. There will be a charge to students to cover the specific transport, food and accommodation costs associated with that field trip.
- Project and Safety Management (EG3599)
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10 Credit Points
To course aims to provide students with an awareness of purpose, principals, fundamental concepts and strategies of safety and project management.
- Year 4
-
Compulsory Courses
- Geotechnics 2 (EA40JE)
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10 Credit Points
It aims to equip students with the main concepts of foundation design where the concepts of pile foundations, retaining walls and slope stability are explored. The course gives a student adequate tools to understand the design approaches associated with different types of soil. Geotechnical standard code, Eurocode 7 is introduced and discussed. In addition principles of ground water flow and the main problems related to its sustainable management are discussed. This course aims for a student to reach an adequate level in soil mechanics and foundation engineering as the basis for the training of a professional civil or structural engineer.
- Civil Engineering Hydraulics (EA40JF)
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10 Credit Points
The course develops topics in hydraulics of interest to civil engineers. It demonstrates the link between well-developed theoretical studies and their practical application in river, environmental, offshore and coastal engineering. The course begins with water wave theory with particular application to coastal and offshore engineering. This is followed by consideration of boundary layer development over a flat plate and curved surfaces, leading to boundary layer separation and forces on immersed bodies. These topics are also part of the EM40JJ Fluid Dynamics course. The second part of the course is mainly concerned with the analysis of open channel and river flows and sediment transport. The mechanics of open channel flow are first addressed, mainly focussed on steady, rapidly and gradually varied flow problems applied to artificial and natural channels. This is followed by consideration of fundamental aspects of sediment transport, including threshold criteria and the calculation of bed load and suspended load transport.
- Advanced Structural Design (EA40JG)
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10 Credit Points
This course is a follow-on course to the Level 3 Course on Design of Structural Elements (EA3519) (and to some extent the Level 3 Civil Engineering Design (EA3720)). It covers four main areas:
a) Design of Industrial Buildings in Structural Steelwork
b) Design of steel-framed multi-storey buildings
c) Design of domestic buildings using masonry and timber
d) Design of pre-stressed concrete
- Advanced Structural Analysis (EA4026)
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15 Credit Points
Course extends the basic stiffness method of analysis developed in the pre-requisite courses. Fundamental principles of the stiffness method of analysis, with automatic assembly of the stiffness matrix for rigid jointed plane frames and space structures, are presented in some detail. Elastic instability of frames, and the design of continuous steel beams and portal frames using plastic methods will be undertaken. Analysis of flat plates and slabs using yield line theory, and an introduction to shells also covered. The course concludes with a brief outline of the finite element method of analysis, with computer-based applications forming an important practical component.
Optional Courses
Select one of the following two dissertation options:
- BEng Individual Project (EG4014)
- Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)
- Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 3 and 4
OR
- Individual Project Abroad (BEng) (EG45PA)
- Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)
- Plus 15 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 3 and 4
- BEng Individual Project (EG4014)
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30 Credit Points
To provide the student with the opportunity of pursuing a substantial and realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills. The project will usually be carried out at the University of Aberdeen but may be carried out at industry or other research location.
- Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is a concentrated design and reporting exercise which requires application of project management and team liaison skills in addition to technical design ability. Specific exercises will include interdisciplinary aspects and will relate to design requirements arising from the professional activities of the School of Engineering or its industrial contacts. Written and oral presentations form part of the course.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Engineering (Civil and Structural)?
Why Civil Engineering
- Civil engineering at Aberdeen focuses on making lasting, positive improvements to society through the use of novel techniques and materials to design and build sustainable infrastructure.
- Our teaching is supported by our excellent workshop and laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment, including some of Scotland’s very best hydraulic equipment.
- The University of Aberdeen Engineering Society is a student-run group for both professional and social events. They welcome students from all disciplines and have a wide range of activities to suit your interests.
- Our interdisciplinary approach means students gain experience in each engineering discipline, making them highly sought-after by employers. This flexibility also means you choose your specialisation once you have experienced all five disciplines.
- The School of Engineering has strong links with industry, including local, national and international organisations, who support our teaching through guest lectures and seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2023 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: ABBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
Applicants who meet one or more of our Widening Participation criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject may be made an adjusted offer of entry. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.* These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.
Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.
Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics)
Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
FOR CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES
Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: ABBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers will be required.* These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.
Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.
Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics)
Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureat
Minimum of 32 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above).
Irish Leaving Certificate
Five subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.
FOR CHEMICAL & PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Engineering degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year |
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Accreditation
According to your choice of curriculum, our MEng Honours degree is an accredited five-year Honours programme satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) which is comprised of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institute of Highway Engineers. The MEng may also be accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Energy Institute or by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The BEng Honours degree is an accredited four year Honours degree programme partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) while it fully meets the educational base for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration.
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Features
Institution of Civil Engineers
Joining ICE as a student member helps you to build your future in civil engineering. It's FREE and you get lots of great benefits like career advice, resources to help you learn about the industry, and the chance to meet other civil engineers.
Find out more
TAU Formula Racing
TAU (Team Aberdeen University) Racing was established by a group of undergraduate engineers at the University. The goal each year is to design and build a single seat racing car to compete at Silverstone in the Formula Student competition.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX