Jonathon Smith
Introduction
The University of Aberdeen is following Scottish Government Guidelines in relation to the
Covid-19 pandemic. This includes adhering to physical distancing measures to support a
safe environment for our staff and students. Therefore, the programme structure and delivery
method for September 2020 may differ slightly from that listed on this page.
Find out more about September 2020 study with us.
Sports & Exercise Science is about understanding how our bodies survive the extreme stresses imposed upon them during sporting activities performed under a wide range of environmental conditions.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BSc
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- C600
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
Sports and Exercise Science includes the study of the body's responses to exercise and the adaptations that occur in response to regular exercise. Sports and Exercise Science also includes the role that regular modest levels of physical activity can play in maintaining health.
Exercise involves the integrated actions of all the body's systems, and a knowledge of physiology, biochemistry and nutrition is essential to understand how individuals respond to and adapt to the stress of exercise. The exercise and sport sciences are broadly based, and encompass both basic and applied science from the whole body to the molecular level.
5 year MSci degree
This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year's placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Find out more.
What You'll Study
A degree in Sports & Exercise Science is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
- Year 1
-
Year 1
In year 1 you will take courses in Sport and Exercise Science, Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
- Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001)
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15 Credit Points
- Topics covered in this course span medical science through the ages; from ancient civilizations to the modern day science of genomics and synthetic biology.
- Alongside lecture material, in depth practical classes will cover biomedical measurement techniques, forensic science and a research-based mini project.
- Overall, this course is a journey through some of the key milestones that underpin the discipline of medical science we see today.
- Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health (SR1002)
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15 Credit Points
- this course introduces core concepts of physiology, sport science and biomedical science and sets foundations for further study of these topics;
- the course uses responses and adaptations to exercise and physical challenges to integrate and highlight links between biomedical subjects like anatomy, nutrition, pharmacology or bioenergetics;
- the course uses a streamlined modular system to deliver and assess the course content and fortnightly online assessments ensure effective learning and are highly commended by students;
- each subject or practical class is delivered by specialized members of staff to ensure state-of-the-art content and delivery
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020)
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15 Credit Points
This course covers the foundations of chemistry that underpin the life sciences at a molecular level. The course aims to consolidate a general background in chemistry by putting chemical concepts into a life sciences context. The basic concepts of chemistry will be covered, along with organic molecules, acids and bases, and the basic principles behind the driving forces of reactions.
Laboratory classes introduce important practical techniques, with experiments that reinforce and complement the taught material.
The course will allow students to continue with other chemistry courses as part of their enhanced study by providing discipline breadth.
View detailed information about this course - The Cell (SM1501)
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15 Credit Points
- cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science;
- this course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies;
- all practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molecular and cell biology;
- employability skills will also be explored through a highly interactive session run by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise
- Fitness, Performance and Survival (SR1503)
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15 Credit Points
- this course further develops and integrates core concepts of physiology, sport science and biomedical science and expands foundations for more advanced study of these topics;
- the course integrates various subjects of biomedical science such as Physiology, Nutrition, Biochemistry or Sport Sciences to understand responses and adaptations to exercise and physical challenges;
- the course uses a streamlined modular system to deliver and assess the course content and fortnightly online assessments ensure effective learning and are highly commended by students;
- each subject or practical class is delivered by specialized members of staff to ensure state-of-the-art content and delivery
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512)
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15 Credit Points
Chemistry plays an important role in the life sciences, explaining the shapes and properties of biomolecules, and helping to provide an understanding of how biological processes work at a molecular level.
The shapes and function of important biomolecules will be covered. Organic molecule reaction mechanisms will give insight into how different types of molecules can be synthesised. The energetics and importance of equilibrium in driving reactions will be covered.
Methods of chemical analysis and measurement introduce other important topics linking the chemical and life sciences.
Workshops and labs complement lectures by consolidating learning and developing problem-solving and hands-on practical skills.
View detailed information about this course - Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students and above, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
-
Year 2
In year 2 further expansion of Sport and Exercise Science courses develop the degree area and cover issues relating to the elite athlete, the recreational exerciser and exercise for health. Courses are also taken in Physiology and Biochemistry.
Compulsory Courses
- Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)
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15 Credit Points
- Physiology is the science of understanding life. It allows you to explore and understand why your body does what it does and how it does it;
- This introductory physiology course explores living processes at the level of cells and molecules;
- The course lays down many of the fundamental concepts of physiology required to appreciate advanced study of many of the medical science disciplines;
- You will gain practical experience and understanding of electrophysiological techniques required for the study of electrically excitable tissues, like nerves and muscle;
- You will also gain valuable experience in the key skill of writing formal scientific reports
- The Science of Sports Performance (SR2002)
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15 Credit Points
- understanding the fundamental factors that limit exercise performance is of great importance for human health and athletic performance;
- this course integrates the knowledge in biomechanics, physiology, psychology and pharmacology in order to build a comprehensive understanding of physical activity and exercise performance in humans;
- this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study of sports and health sciences;
- you will also participate in practical series focussed on energy expenditure, fitness testing and body composition which will build essential laboratory and data analysis skills of importance for employability in the area of sports and health
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001)
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15 Credit Points
- this course is the cornerstone to all the advanced science courses in later years and provides you with key skills for success in science;
- feedback from employers drove the course design to give specific and focused science skills to enhance your employability;
- analytical, professional, data interpretation, experimental design and problem solving skills are core elements that are essential for any graduate career portfolio;
- this course and the additional specifically developed online resources have been commended by employers and students alike.
- Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)
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15 Credit Points
- the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and reproductive systems are covered using a variety of innovative teaching methods;
- you will participate in practical classes where students act as subjects and investigators. These will reinforce lecture material, develop scientific acumen and build team working skills;
- focussed and interactive problem solving sessions apply knowledge to clinical scenarios, and begin developing fundamental skills critically required in the final years of the degree;
- informal teaching sessions allow one-to-one staff-student interaction and encourage discussion in a non-threatening environment;
- a low stakes in-course mock exam is included to prepare you for the high stakes degree exam
- Energy for Life (BI25M7)
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15 Credit Points
- understanding the fundamental workings of cells is important to a wide range of scientific disciplines;
- this course integrates the key metabolic and biochemical processes that underpin human, animal and plant life in relation to health and disease;
- this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study in all areas of life sciences and has wide ranging applications;
- you will also participate in an award winning practical series focussed on drug discovery which will build essential employability skills in experimental design, data analysis and practical laboratory skills
- Exercise and Health (SR2501)
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15 Credit Points
- this course covers many ways in which exercise can be a useful tool in the prevention of disease and the promotion of health;
- examples of the areas covered include cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, cancer, ageing, psychological conditions and immune dysfunction. The pathophysiology underlying these conditions will be introduced and how exercise can be a modulating factor;
- this will prepare you for further study in clinical exercise physiology;
- practical classes will deliver hands on science and will also cover data handling and statistical analysis
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501)
-
15 Credit Points
- this course cultivates literature research skills, building confidence in team-working and communication through scientific writing and seminar presentation;
- it encourages student-led learning and organisation in researching a topic on human health or disease of your own choice, with tutors providing guidance;
- you will learn to use online and library resources to search for information from primary research articles and relay that information in the form of a written report and a Powerpoint presentation to peers and academic tutors;
- these are all fundamental skills for scientific researchers, but are also transferrable talents for many other career pathways
Optional Courses
Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
-
Year 3
In year 3 you will study Integrative Physiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Nutrition & Biochemistry of Exercise and also continue your studies in Sports Science.
Compulsory Courses
- Integrative Physiology (PY3002)
-
30 Credit Points
- this course integrates advanced physiological knowledge using examples from four different organ systems to help explain how these systems interact in health and disease;
- use of real-life clinical examples, diagnostic test data and a literature-based research project facilitates an enquiry and interest-based learning experience;
- with an aging population and ever-increasing number of people with complex diseases, you will appreciate why understanding how organs interact is the key to improving the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders;
- state-of-the-art practical classes measuring physiological functions delivers hands-on science and clinically-related skills to develop professional preparation and knowledge-based practice
- Clinical Exercise Physiology (SR3508)
-
30 Credit Points
- this course covers how exercise can be used to treat diseases and prevent recurrence;
- covered conditions include heart disease, asthma, cancer, osteoporosis, spinal cord injury and sarcopenia (muscle ageing);
- practical classes involving exposure to patients ensure that the course is practically relevant;
- anatomy classes cover the human musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system and underpin the teaching of the relationship between exercise and disease
- Biochemistry and Nutrition of Exercise (SR3506)
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30 Credit Points
- This course integrates the key concepts in nutrition and metabolism which are essential for understanding how these metabolic and biochemical processes underpin human physiology;
- You will be able to apply specialist knowledge of how exercise training and dietary intake influence human adaptation and optimise exercise performance;
- You will gain in depth and focussed knowledge through core sport and exercise science practicals which enhance employment skills, in addition to improving problem solving, experimental design and data interpretation skills;
- All this will prepare you for advanced study of human and exercise physiology
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 4
-
Year 4
The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of sports science and exercise physiology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
- Staying Alive - Adaptation in Physiological Systems (BM4009)
-
15 Credit Points
- this course integrates knowledge of physiological systems within the context of physiological adaptation to the environment;
- you will understand advanced physiological concepts which regulate every aspect of human survival and the life cycle;
- our bodies also adapt to disease and you will examine the physiological changes which occur throughout several major clinical conditions including diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease;
- the ability to measure important physiological parameters will also be taught in interactive practical classes;
- advanced problem solving in tutorials will provide you with the skills required to tackle complex physiological problems at a research level
- Research Topics in Sports Science and Studies (SR4007)
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30 Credit Points
- this course covers the most recent research in a variety of topics in sports science and sports studies;
- you will gain cutting edge, in depth and focussed knowledge of advances in topic ranging from nutrition, muscle, health and metabolism;
- this knowledge and skills in literature searching will prepare you for you honours research project;
- in course assessments will focus on writing scientific abstracts and also presentation of scientific material – transferable skills aiming to develop graduate attributes and employability
- Exercise Physiology (SR4301)
-
15 Credit Points
- there is a growing understanding that exercise and physical activity are important contributors to health and wellbeing;
- this course integrates information pertaining to acute and long term adaptations to various modalities of exercise. You will learn about changes in relevant physiological systems and cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these adaptations;
- you will also learn about constrains that determine exercise performance and limit the ability to adapt;
- knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise is increasingly relevant for careers in sports, exercise and health, and biomedical sciences
- Exercise Science Project (SR4501)
-
60 Credit Points
- Final year Honours projects offer an excellent opportunity to carry out cutting-edge literature or lab-based scientific research
- With projects from disciplines throughout the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition to choose from, this is a opening to follow your interests working with staff and leading researchers
- Projects form the zenith of your degree and fosters development of the skills and knowledge gained throughout your degree, as well as heightening analytical and critical thinking abilities
- The opportunity to be part of novel, yet-to-be published research projects can be career-defining, and provides experience to prepare you for the future.
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
You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of University of Aberdeen Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.
As a student, your learning is supported by MyAberdeen, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.
We make innovative use of 'educational voting' handsets in class, remote control 'clickers' that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.
Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.
Learning Methods
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Tutorials
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 Sports and Exercise Science?
- The University of Aberdeen is ranked 1st in Scotland and 6th in the UK for Sports Science, Guardian League Tables 2019
- The programme at the University of Aberdeen is based on a strong curriculum in physiology, biochemistry and nutrition.
- The degree covers the scientific basis that underpins athletic performance, and the role of scientific support in preparing the athlete for competition.
- Sports science courses complement those in the fundamental biomedical sciences and allow students to place their knowledge in the context of the sports performance and physical activity for health.
- Many scientific disciplines contribute to the sports and exercise sciences, including physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, anatomy and biomechanics.
- You'll be taught at the internationally renowned, multi-million pound Aberdeen Sports Village as well as the Foresterhill campus, one of the largest health campuses in Europe.
- The University of Aberdeen was named Scottish University of the Year, (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)
- The University of Aberdeen is a World Top 170 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)
- The University of Aberdeen is a Top 30 UK University, Complete University Guide 2020
What Our Students Say
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
- 2020 Entry
- 2021 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences 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 - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & 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 |
|---|---|
| Home / EU | £1,820 |
| All Students | |
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Students Admitted in 2020/21 | |
| International Students | £19,700 |
| Students Admitted in 2020/21 |
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 non-EU 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.
Undergraduate Open Day
Register to attend our Virtual Open Day on
and speak live with academics.
Find out about life at the University of Aberdeen with a live Q&A with current students.
Careers
Sports and Exercise Science is a discipline that offers an opportunity to combine an interest in the biological sciences with a career in a field related to sport, physical activity or health.
Graduates find employment in many areas of Biomedical and human-based sciences subjects allied to medicine and also in the sport and leisure sectors where their understanding of the basis of human performance adds to their other skills. Many students will continue in research posts where the intensive project work in the Honours year provides particularly valuable experience. Others will go on to a more vocational medical related MSc, in for example, Physiotherapy or Dietetics; or a postgraduate qualification in teaching PE or Biology.
Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:
- A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
- The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
- Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
Industry Links
What our Alumni Say
Julie Erskine
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Alison Jenkinson
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.
Facilities
Dedicated Teaching Labs
Our commitment to teaching is underscored by our recent re-build and modernisation of the teaching lab space dedicated to practical teaching at years 1, 2 and 3.
The Institute of Medical Sciences
Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
Library facilities
A dedicated Medical Library on the Foresterhill Health Campus and the fantastic facilities in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at King’s College, are complemented by online access to the key medical and health sciences journals and textbooks.
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 Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX