Overview

The University of Dundee has ancient roots as a red-brick university with a rich history lasting 140+ years. It has produced many notable alumni, including Scotland’s first female professor, Margaret Fairly, and 1988 and 1991 Nobel laureates Sir James Black and Ronald Coase respectively.

Times Higher Education Golden Age University Rankings for 2019 ranked 1st in Scotland, 8th in the UK, and 30th worldwide. In 2020, the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings ranked this UK university among the top 50 in the world. The University of Dundee is among the top 20 UK universities in Guardian’s University Guide league table for 2021. The National Student Survey 2020 ranked Dundee 11th for overall student satisfaction among other UK universities.

History

The University of Dundee was founded initially as a University College in 1881 after cousins Mary Ann Baxter and John Boyd Baxter, made a hefty donation. The Baxter family was local to Dundee, Scotland, and made their fortune through Jute mills, pivotal in Scotland’s industrial revolution era. The aim of founding this educational institute was centered on “promoting the education of persons of both sexes and the study of Science, Literature, and the Fine Arts.” In addition, the institute did not have a religious oath and neither planned to offer any Divinity subjects.

The university became a constituent college of the University of St. Andrews in 1897. Finally, it became an independent university by Royal Charter in 1967, with the Queen Mother becoming its first chancellor. Today, the University of Dundee has transitioned into one of the UK’s leading pedagogical institutes, offering more than 200 undergraduate degree combinations in various subjects. The UK University created academic and research opportunities for UK and non-UK students, equipping them with the acumen, experience, and technical skills necessary to stimulate local and global change.

The University comprises ten academic colleges, each with associated research centers and groups. These include:

  • Duncan of Jordan Stone College of Art & Design (which is one of the leading art schools in the UK)
  • School of Business
  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Education and Social Work
  • School of Health Sciences
  • School of Humanities
  • School of Life Sciences
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Science and Engineering
  • School of Social Sciences

Since obtaining an independent status, this UK university has pursued growth and development aggressively. In addition to the classes, the campus has four libraries across 3 campuses with over 750 computers and various other resources available to students throughout the year. The University of Dundee has expanded its campus by adding state-of-the-art facilities, pushing research boundaries, and sustaining a collaborative ethos.

Ranking and Achievements

University of Dundee ranking

  • 32nd in the Times University Guide 2023
  • 44th in the Guardian University Guide 2023
  • 354th in the QS World University Rankings 2023

The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, School of Medicine, and School of Dentistry of the University are all highly regarded worldwide and consistently place well in the UK league tables. Anatomy and physiology, dentistry, and social work, all from the University of Dundee, are ranked in the top 10 topics in the UK. The Guardian University Guide 2020 ranks the university first in Scotland and fourth overall for law.

In the REF 2021, 84% of the University of Dundee was rated as “global leading” or “internationally good.” Dundee showed impressive results in its clinically-related research in Clinical Medicine and Allied Health, making it the top university in the UK for Biological Sciences for the second consecutive REF.

Faculties

  • School of Humanities
  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Business
  • School of Science and Engineering
  • School of Health Sciences
  • School of Social Sciences
  • School of Life Sciences
  • School of Education and Social Work

Courses

Breakdown of the Fees Structure

University of Dundee fees- International students can expect to pay anywhere between £14,950 and £17,950.

Scholarships   

  • Alumni Scholarship- Up to £3,000 for International students 2023
  • Global Excellence scholarships- £6,000 per year for International students
  • Global Citizenship Scholarship (January 2024)- £5,000 for International Students 
  • Vice Chancellor’s Africa scholarship- £5,000
  • Vice Chancellor’s South Asia scholarship- £4,000 (Automatic scholarship for students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka)

Student Statistics

  • 72% Undergraduates

  • 28% Postgraduates

  • 76% Full-time students

  • 24% Part-time students

  • 84% from the UK

  • 6% from the EU

  • 10% from countries around the world

  • 35% Male

  • 65% Female

  • The Student Population ranges between 10,000 to 25,00 students

Facilities & Services

The University of Dundee has established The Enquiry Centre as the hub that answers all student support queries. The Academic Skills Centre and Advisers of Studies offer both academic and pastoral advice and learning support. The campus also has a health service doctor, sexual health clinic, emergency dental clinic, mental health support, and Disability Services.

The Dundee University Student Association (DUSA) is Scotland’s largest student body council, which supports over 195 societies, a DUSA radio show, a TV station, and a student magazine.

Student Support

The University of Dundee has established The Enquiry Centre as the hub that answers all student support queries. The Academic Skills Centre and Advisers of Studies offer both academic and pastoral advice and learning support. The campus also has a health service doctor, sexual health clinic, emergency dental clinic, mental health support, and Disability Services.

The University of Dundee Student Association or the DUSA is Scotland’s largest student body councils, which supports over 195 societies, a DUSA radio show, TV station and a student magazine.

Student life at the University of Dundee

The University of Dundee is located at the West End in Dundee, Scotland. Having been a major contributor to the industrial revolution in Scotland, the city has evolved into a major creative and innovative hub for high-tech industries. Boasting a large student population with significant international representation, the city has transitioned into a dynamic, multicultural hub over the years. Students have access to a thriving social life within easy reach of the University campus, from Polish supermarkets, shopping centers, and restaurants to various places of worship, social spaces, and pubs.

Students who prefer engaging in cultural activities can access theatres, cinemas, and art exhibitions at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) and other venues. The Dundee University’s Student Association or DUSA provides several student life amenities such as on-campus cafes, social spaces, and a nightclub. The University also has museums where artistic, historic, and scientific collections are displayed.

For those who prefer the outdoors, Dundee has several sporting teams and facilities and is placed perfectly to allow locals and overseas travelers the opportunity to explore the beauty of Scottish glens, mountains, and coastlines.

Accommodations

Self-catered accommodations are offered to students at £4,879 to £7,437 per year.

The University of Dundee offers campus accommodations at 4 sites, which include Heathfield, Belmont, West Park and Seabraes. All students are guaranteed accommodation. 5 to 10 students are assigned to self-contained apartments with each having their own room and an en suite bathroom along with shared spaces.

Transport

Getting around the University is pretty easy as the majority of the accommodation and classes are within minutes from each other. Other areas around the city can be accessed on foot or by public transport. Students can also travel to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and cities across the UK through the East Coast train route.

FAQ

What is the University of Dundee’s acceptance rate?

With a 36% acceptance rate, the University of Dundee qualifies as a moderately selective institution. Students without the required GPA may be rejected right away, while those with the required academic grades are chosen depending on their results on the English proficiency test and other qualifications.

Is Dundee cheap for students?

In a study conducted by the international education provider Oxford Royale in 2021, Dundee was identified as the city with the lowest cost of living for students. Although Dundee is one of the UK’s finest values, there is a significant and rising demand for student housing.

Is Dundee, UK, a nice place to live?

In our opinion, Dundee is the best city in Scotland to call home. Dundee was included twice in The Sunday Times top 10 list of the UK’s greatest places to live! This included topics like a reasonable cost of living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, all of which we have in spades.

What is living in Dundee like?

At the mouth of the River Tay on Scotland’s east coast, Dundee is a dynamic, contemporary city with a low cost of living. Scotland’s fourth-largest city is Dundee. Aberdeen is 67 miles to the north, Glasgow 90 miles to the west, and Edinburgh 60 miles to the south.

Does the University of Dundee require IELTS?

IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component, is required for both courses.

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