Table of Contents
- Key insights
- World-leading expertise in Video Games and Cyber Security
- Ranked #1 for student satisfaction in Scotland
- Strong focus on employability and work placements
- A high-tech campus in the UK's only UNESCO City of Design
- Transformative and value-added education
- Final thoughts
- FAQs
Choosing a university in Scotland means stepping into a world of history, innovation, and high academic standards. Abertay University, located in the heart of Dundee, is a leader in modern education. Explore the insights below to see why it could be the perfect fit for your international study journey.
Key insights
| Key insights | Details |
|---|---|
| International students | A diverse community with students from across the globe in a compact, friendly campus |
| Student satisfaction | Ranked top Scottish modern university for student satisfaction (NSS 2025) |
| Intakes | Primary intake in September; select postgraduate courses available in January |
| Rankings | Guardian (2026): Top Scottish modern university; Princeton Review: Global top 10 for Video Games |
| English requirement | Generally, IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.5) |
Abertay University is widely recognised for its value-added teaching, meaning you get the support you need to exceed your own expectations. Read on to discover the five reasons why Abertay University stands out.
World-leading expertise in Video Games and Cyber Security
Abertay is globally famous for being the first university in the world to offer a degree in Computer Games. It remains a global powerhouse, consistently ranked in the top 10 worldwide for games education by the Princeton Review. If you are looking at top courses at Abertay University, their programs in Games Design and Cybersecurity are among the best you can find.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Global recognition | Ranked #1 in Europe for Video Games education for several consecutive years |
| Industry hub | Home to the cyberQuarter, a GBP 6M hub for cybersecurity innovation and industry collaboration |
| Practical experience | Students work on real-world briefs from industry giants like Sony and Ubisoft |
| Subject rankings | Top in Scotland for Animation and various tech-focused programmes |
Ranked #1 for student satisfaction in Scotland
At Abertay, the student voice truly matters. The university consistently ranks at the top of the National Student Survey (NSS) for how it treats its students. You are not just a number here; you are part of a close-knit academic community. This makes student life at Abertay University both supportive and rewarding.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Teaching quality | #11 in the UK and 2nd in Scotland for Value Added (Guardian 2026) |
| Academic support | Top five in Scotland for Assessment & Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2025) |
| Student voice | High scores for listening to student feedback and innovating based on student needs |
| Community | A compact city-centre campus where everything is within walking distance |
Strong focus on employability and work placements
Abertay is a professional university, meaning its degrees are built to get you a job. Almost all undergraduate programs include work placements, industry projects, or mentoring. The university’s Careers Service is available to help you for up to three years after you graduate.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Work placements | Built into the curriculum for most undergraduate degrees to give you work-ready skills |
| Careers support | 1:1 appointments for CV help, interview practice, and career planning |
| Graduate success | High percentage of graduates enter professional-level employment shortly after finishing |
| Entrepreneurship | Support for students looking to start their own business or work as a freelancer |
A high-tech campus in the UK's only UNESCO City of Design
The campus is located in Dundee, a city known for its discovery and creativity. The university has invested heavily in its facilities, including state-of-the-art labs, a modern library, and the award-winning Student Centre. Before you move, check out the student accommodations at Abertay University to find a place in the heart of the city.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | Top Scottish modern university for facilities investment (Complete University Guide 2026) |
| Specialist labs | Includes a professional-standard green screen room, haptics lab, and a visual effects suite |
| Library | The Bernard King Library is one of the most technologically advanced in the UK |
| City life | Dundee is affordable, safe, and home to the V&A Museum of Design |
Transformative and value-added education
Abertay excels at taking students from diverse backgrounds and helping them achieve top-tier results. The Guardian University Guide 2026 ranked them 11th in the UK for Value Added, which measures how much a student’s academic performance improves during their time at the university.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| MySuccess modules | Short online modules (micro-credentials) to help you develop personal and workplace skills |
| Support for carers | Specialised employment and career help for students with caring responsibilities |
| Innovative teaching | Marketing and Mental Health Nursing programmes are ranked top in the UK and Scotland for value added |
| Inclusive environment | A strong commitment to making the student experience inclusive and caring |
Final thoughts
Abertay University is a small university making a massive global impact. From its world-ranking video games courses to its top-tier student satisfaction ratings, it offers a high-quality, personalised education. If you want to study in the UK in a city that is affordable, creative, and student-focused, Abertay is a brilliant choice.
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FAQs
What is Abertay University best known for?
Abertay is world-renowned for its Video Games and Cybersecurity degrees. It was the first university to offer a computer games degree and is consistently ranked #1 in Europe for this subject.
Is Abertay University good for international students?
Yes. Abertay offers a compact, friendly campus in Dundee, which is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. It also ranks very high for student satisfaction and academic support.
What are the English language requirements?
Most courses require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no single band lower than 5.5. Some specific programmes might have higher requirements.
Does Abertay offer work placements?
Yes, the vast majority of undergraduate degrees at Abertay include an integrated work placement or industry project to ensure graduates are work-ready.
How is the cost of living in Dundee?
Dundee is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable cities for students in the UK, with lower-than-average costs for rent, food, and social activities compared to cities like London or Edinburgh.
