Study Abroad

University of Aberdeen

  • Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Class Eligibility: Juniors

Introduction

University of Aberdeen Information Session

With a population approaching a quarter of a million, 11,000 of whom are university students, Aberdeen is big enough to provide all the advantages of city life, yet compact enough to enjoy the more intimate atmosphere usually associated with smaller towns. Aberdeen supports a thriving cultural life—in addition to regular pop concerts featuring major recording groups and artists, there are lively jazz and folk happenings, concert halls with regular symphony and chamber concerts and an exceptional museum and art gallery in the city. Aberdeen is unique in Britain. No other university has miles of golden beaches, dunes and cliffs at its doorstep. Students should be aware though that, because it is so far north, during the winter months, Scotland has very few ‘daylight’ hours. The sun may not rise until 10am and may set as early as 3:15pm. In the summer, conversely, there are only a couple hours of dark each day.

  • Visa:

    U.S. citizens entering the United Kingdom for a stay of less than six months do not need a visa. They apply for prior entry clearance as a ‘student visitor’. Students who plan to work while abroad (voluntary work, internships, placements, part-time work, or vacation work) must apply for a Tier 4 visa. If students plan to stay in the UK for longer than six months, they must apply for a Tier 4 visa.

    Non-US citizens should consult with the University of Aberdeen and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.

    Additional Visa Information
  • Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition only to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting tuition payments to the program. Students pay room and board fees directly to the University of Aberdeen.
Requirements

Students are required to enroll in a full course load while abroad.

Direct Enrollment

There are no American representatives on-site. Students work with university personnel at the International Office.

Academic Credit

A normal semester course load at Aberdeen is 60-70 credits, which equals 4 credits at Haverford. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above.

Curriculum

Full university curriculum. Courses taught in a range of methods—lectures, seminars, tutorials, labs, and field excursions. Students are given an Adviser of Studies to help them with course selection. A wide range of courses are available to pre-med students and science majors.

Course Highlights

Agriculture, Anatomy, Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Celtic, Chemistry, Cities, Classics, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Cultural History, Ecology, Economics, Education, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, English, Environmental Science, Environmental Field Work, European Studies, French, Genetics, Geography, Geology, German, Greek, Health Studies, History, History of Art, Immunology, Latin, Law, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Music, Petroleum Engineering, Philosophy, Physics, Physiology, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, Public Health, Religion, Russian, Sociology, Statistics, Urban Studies, Women’s Studies, and Zoology.

Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.

Review the Full Academic Requirements for Studying Abroad

Orientation

Students receive a weeklong orientation to the town and university.

Number of Students

Approximately 14,000 students of whom 1,500 are international, including 220 from North America.

Housing/Meal Plans

Singles; students live in dorms (board provided) or apartments (self-catered) with Scottish students. University accommodation is provided to study abroad students as long as they apply by the stated deadline.

Haverford students may not opt for housing not arranged by the program. 

Notes

Additional Resources


Apply to Study Abroad!

  • PDF
  • Program List

Options

  • Semester/Exchange
  • STEM Courses Offered
  • Direct Enrollment

Dates

  • Semester I: Early September to mid-December
  • Semester II: Early January to mid-May

Application Deadlines

  • Semester I: March 15
  • Semester II: September 15

Faculty Contact