Undergraduate Subject Areas

Undergraduate Subject Areas

Accountancy

Accountancy at Aberdeen gives you thorough grounding in theory, practice and business skills, taught by experts in accounting practice, with the advantage of real-life employers and scenarios integrated in to your programme. You will gain a path to professional accreditation, and the skills, experience and attributes to give you a head start whether you aim for chartered accountancy or another option in the fast-moving world of business and finance.

Anthropology

Anthropology at Aberdeen is a wide and fascinating exploration of humankind and what it means to ‘be human’, the differences in human cultures and societies and how they have developed across the world, and a special focus on the northern polar countries and their links to north east Scotland. Our programme is a brilliant foundation for many careers, and scores 100% satisfaction with students.

Anthropology and Archaeology at Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
We are ranked 6th in the UK for Anthropology by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Archaeology

Archaeology is a diverse and wide-ranging discipline that spans the humanities and physical sciences and is unique in exploring the human past in its entirety. In seeking to understand how ancient people lived their lives, structured their world, and engaged with their environment, archaeologists ask the big questions that can provide us with the tools to tackle global challenges in the present.

Aberdeen is ranked 4th in the UK for student satisfaction in Forensic and Archaeological Sciences, according to the 2022 National Student Survey, with an overall satisfaction score of 92.3%.

Anthropology and Archaeology at Aberdeen is ranked 6th in…

Art History

Art History at Aberdeen provides the opportunity to study the art of all periods in Europe and America - architecture, sculpture, drawing, painting, print, and decorative and industrial arts - at a University steeped in 500 years of social and artistic development and rated top in Scotland for the impact of the work of its Art History researchers.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry attempts to understand the complex array of molecules and their interactions which come together to create all living things.

Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides high-tech teaching labs and research grade equipment to support your learning. The digitally focused environment allows you to gain sought after skills to help you thrive in the workplace.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the application of biology to improve the quality of human life.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Business Management

Business Management at Aberdeen explores the theory and practice of how people and organisations are managed in a highly competitive global business environment, taught by leaders in this highly topical field. You will benefit from real-life scenarios and the input of national and local employers, giving you the skills, experience and attributes for a head start across a wide range of careers in the international business world.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering integrates chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to design and develop the processes behind nearly every product from foods to fuels. This is achieved by changing the chemical, physical, and/or biochemical states of substances.

  • Chemical Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Chemistry

Chemistry is central to our understanding of virtually every aspect of modern life, from the food we eat and the air we breathe, to the medicines we take and the energy we use to power our homes, cars and phones.

You will be taught in the brand new Science Teaching Hub to use advanced instrumentation by internationally recognised experts in material, biomolecular and environmental chemistry to help create sustainable solutions to the many challenges we face today, such as food and water security, environmental protection, climate change and clean energy.

  • We are ranked 7th in the…

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering (together with its associated disciplines of Structural Engineering and Environmental Engineering) is all about the environment and infrastructure that makes up the modern world.

  • Civil Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked 13th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2022.
  • General Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked 12th in the UK and 1st in Scotland by The Guardian’s Best UK Universities, 2021.

Computing

Are you a computer whizz who enjoys digital information? Do you try to understand how computer systems work? Have you tried different computer languages to invent your own interface? Do you want to get into Big Data, the Internet of Things and smart technologies?

Aberdeen is ranked 2nd in Scotland and 5th in the UK for Computing Science – The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.

Computing Science

Are you a computer whizz who enjoys digital information? Do you try to understand how computer systems work? Have you tried different computer languages to invent your own interface? Do you want to get into Big Data, the Internet of Things and smart technologies?

Aberdeen is ranked 2nd in Scotland and 5th in the UK for Computing Science – The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.

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Joint Honours

Counselling Skills

Counselling skills improves your communication skills, engages your personal development and provides you with a validated qualification.

Non-Honours

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Major-Minor Honours

Dentistry

Designed specifically for graduates, the BDS degree focuses on independent and reflective learning, with practical clinical teaching introduced early in the first year to maximise your clinical experience.

Divinity

Divinity at Aberdeen focuses on the study of the Christian faith and tradition in the context of its history, institutions and its role today. Whether you have a personal, vocational or intellectual interest in learning more about the Christian faith, or want to explore the world's major religions, Aberdeen is the place for you. You will gain accreditation with the Church of Scotland and great transferable skills which open a wide range of career options, in addition to ministry.

Education

Primary Education at Aberdeen produces creative, motivated and highly-skilled primary teachers confident to work with children in any educational setting. You will benefit from flexibility, opportunity, research, new tools, exceptional staff, and placements ranging from schools on remote Scottish islands to the urban environment of big cities as you become equipped to inspire and guide young minds in the 21st century.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

We rely on electrical and electronic engineers for almost everything we do – from small electrical devices to high voltage electrical power generation systems. Electrical and electronic engineers will be vital to future technologies such as driverless vehicles, robotics, medical equipment and the next generation of mobile data transmission.

Engineering

Engineering is a broad subject, encompassing many different activities across various fields of human endeavour. While engineers work in many different industries, from aerospace and automotive to energy and medicine, all engineers use creativity to design solutions to the problems we face in the world today.

  • General Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked 12th in the UK and 1st in Scotland by The Guardian’s Best UK Universities, 2021.

Exercise and Health Science

Exercise and Health Science examines the role of sport and exercise as a means of improving quality of life.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Finance

Finance at Aberdeen gives you a powerful understanding of the principles of finance in a fast-moving global setting, and the business skills to take advantage of the many opportunities available to sought-after Aberdeen graduates across business and public sector, expected to grow further with the increasing number of innovations in the financial world.

French

French at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation, top-rated for teaching, with broad, flexible and diverse programmes covering language, literature, history and culture, researching topics from the Middle Ages to the present day and the Caribbean to North Africa. You will have five or four-year options, study periods abroad, and many subject combinations for which a major European language adds huge advantage in today's world.

Single Honours

Joint Honours

Major-Minor Honours

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Joint Honours

Major-Minor Honours

Genetics

Genetics is the study of the inherited differences between individuals and is central to biology, medicine and biotechnology.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Geography

Geography is key to understanding and resolving many of the most pressing problems faced by society, including climate change, poverty, energy transitions, sustainable development and environmental conservation. Our degree programmes reflect these modern-day challenges, with core and optional courses aimed at producing highly skilled graduates who can think critically and develop solutions to tackle these problems.

  • The University of Aberdeen is ranked 1st in Scotland and 6th in the UK for Geography & Environmental Science by the Complete University Guide, 2022.
  • Human Geography at Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in the 2022 National Student…

Geology and Geophysics

Geologists and geophysicists study the Earth’s interior, crust, oceans and atmosphere to tackle the major scientific and environmental challenges such as climate change, natural hazards, natural resources and energy transition.

Earth Sciences at the University of Aberdeen is ranked 4th in the UK for student satisfaction in the 2022 National Student Survey, with an overall satisfaction score of 91.7%.

The brand-new Science Teaching Hub provides geology students with the most modern microscopy laboratories in the UK. Our new state-of-the-art microscopes and cameras allow you to capture high-quality images and share images with your lab instructors and other…

German

German at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation, top-rated for teaching, with broad, flexible and diverse programmes covering language, literature, history and culture, with four or five-year options, study periods abroad, and many subject combinations for which a major European language adds huge advantage in today's world.

Immunology

Immunology is the study of how the body defends itself against the huge variety of pathogenic microorganisms it may encounter.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

International Business

The MA (four years) and the MBus (five years) in International Business are designed to develop the leaders of the future. They provide students with a broad understanding of International Business and are designed to equip you to be successful, with an exceptional knowledge and understanding of both its operations and its economic, political and social context.

Language and Linguistics

Language and Linguistics at Aberdeen is the fascinating exploration of human language and how speech evolved to create a bridge between sound and meaning. You will study the ways in which we acquire languages as children and adults, how languages and dialects vary and change over time, and gain the knowledge and skills to give you choice across a wide variety of careers.

Mandarin

Study Chinese Mandarin and learn a language spoken over 5,000 years by one-fifth of the population. Develop a broad understanding of rich Chinese culture while enhancing your speaking, listening, reading, writing and linguistic skills.

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Joint Honours

Mathematics

Mathematics is vital to the physical and engineering sciences, and very significant in the economic, social and biological sciences. It is the essential tool with which scientists formulate theories and analyse their consequences.

Mathematics at Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in Scotland by The Guardian’s Best UK Universities, 2021.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers design, manufacture, operate and maintain a wide variety of products, using knowledge and methods from physics and maths with creativity, problem-solving and teamwork. Virtually every product in the modern world has been shaped in some way by a mechanical engineer, from everyday items to new technologies.

  • Mechanical Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked 12th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by the Complete University Guide 2022.
  • General Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked 12th in the UK and 1st in Scotland by The Guardian’s Best UK Universities, 2021.

Medicine

At Aberdeen, you will study medicine in a thriving medical school that is co-located on one of the largest clinical sites in Europe, with superb teaching and extensive research facilities.

Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, yeasts and viruses at the level of protein and gene, cell, and microbial community.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Molecular Biology

Molecular biology is one of great successes of 20th century science, culminating in the determination of the complete human genome sequence.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Music

Music at Aberdeen is a wonderful opportunity to learn, compose and perform with world-renowned composers, conductors, musicologists and researchers working in all genres, styles and periods. You will benefit from first-class facilities and instruments, have unrivalled opportunities to grow as a musician and performer, be part of the vibrant musical scene in north-east Scotland, and have options to specialise in teaching music or working with music in community settings.

Neuroscience with Psychology

By unravelling the mysteries of normal brain function, Neuroscience promotes our understanding of the devastating illnesses of the brain which afflict the lives of so many people.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineers are concerned with the design and development of front-end engineering technologies required in the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas reservoirs. Petroleum engineers also develop skills in project management & economics and environmental impact assessment.

  • Petroleum Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked in Top 100 in the world by the QS World Rankings 2021.
  • General Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked 12th in the UK and 1st in Scotland by The Guardian’s Best UK Universities, 2021.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is about the discovery and characterisation of drugs that are used either as medicines or as experimental tools for advancing our understanding of the body in health and disease.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Physics

Offering a thoughtful balance between understanding basic principles of physics and showing how physics can be applied to other areas of science.

Physics is vital to understanding the world around us and the Universe beyond. It is the most fundamental science. Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory and it leads to great discoveries about how the world works.

Physiology

Physiology is one of the key disciplines underpinning our knowledge of medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Politics and International Relations

Politics and International Relations at Aberdeen, a unique combination in Scotland, focuses on the role of politics, power, states, and governments in an ever-changing global context, taught by internationally renowned academics regularly appearing as experts in the media on events unfolding in the world today. It is the perfect foundation for careers in politics, international affairs, NGOs, media and much more.

We are ranked 4th in the UK for International Relations and 8th in the UK for Politics by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Psychology

Are you interested in what makes people tick? Do you want to understand why people do the things they do? What happens when it goes wrong? As the study of mental processes and behaviour, Psychology is interested in all these questions and many more.

Real Estate

Real Estate at Aberdeen examines real estate markets from the perspectives of economics, investment and business, at Scotland's top centre for real estate teaching and research, and second in the UK. Professionally accredited programmes prepare you for a career in surveying, with a focus on commercial real estate, investment, management, valuation and development.

Single Honours

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Joint Honours

Religious Studies

Theology and Religious Studies at Aberdeen includes both the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in its historical, cross-cultural and contemporary contexts, and the comparative study of the major religious traditions of the world. You will focus on the origin, function, and meaning of religion, and gain a wide range of career options, in addition to ministry.

Scottish Studies

Scottish Studies at Aberdeen is a wide, thorough and fascinating exploration of the languages and rich literary heritage of Scotland, taking advantage of our strength in teaching and world-leading research in English, Gaelic, Celtic and History. We set Scottish culture in its historical context, and you gain the skills that employers seek.

Single Honours

Spanish & Latin American Studies

Spanish & Latin American Studies at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation, top-rated for teaching, with a broad, flexible and diverse programme of language, literature, history and culture and the unique opportunity to specialise in either Latin America or Spain. Your degree will last five years including study abroad. Spanish & Latin American Studies can be studied with many subjects, giving you expertise in a fast-growing global language and its cultures and a huge advantage in today's world.

Single Honours

Joint Honours

Major-Minor Honours

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Joint Honours

Major-Minor Honours

Sports and Exercise Science

Sport and Exercise Science is about understanding how our bodies adapt to the stresses imposed upon them during physical activity to benefit both performance and health.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

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