University of Aberdeen
A day in the Life

In just under an hour on the plane from Manchester I touch down in Aberdeen, the Granite City. On the way to the university, the taxi driver tells me a little bit about its history and why it is important to the city.

The University of Aberdeen was founded in 1945 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, to train doctors, teachers and clergy for the communities of Northern Scotland, and lawyers and administrators to serve the Scottish Crown.

The University of Aberdeen continues to excel in the fields of medicine and science. Highly regarded for its work in zoology, scientists at the university have developed a reputation for research into the ecology and behaviour of marine mammals. A receiver of four Nobel prizes, the University of Aberdeen offers over 80 Masters Programmes. As well as the well as the College of Life Sciences and Medicine, programmes are available in the College of Arts and Social Sciences and the College of Physical Sciences. Founded with just 36 members of staff and students, Aberdeen is now home to 13,900 students, 1440 of whom are international. We pull up at the campus, which is situated next to the High Street in Old Aberdeen. It is just as the taxi driver described. Beautiful old buildings stand strong and continue to provide a central base for the UK's fifth oldest higher education institution. I make my way to the visitor's reception to meet with the University's Postgraduate Marketing Officer and my guide for the day, Dominic Milne.

Dominic hands me my itinerary. First on the list is a trip to the Institute of medical Sciences (IMS), located ten minutes away at Foresterhill. The university has a tradition of innovation in the medical sciences and played a key role in the invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Another area the Institute of Medical Sciences has made significant progress in is biotechnology. Aberdeen is one of the world's leading centres in antibody research and as a result of its expertise, a number of commercial successes have come from its biotechnology base.

Location, Location

Aberdeen's location on the North Sea has made it a major centre for the oil and gas industry, another area for which the university is recognised internationally. After lunch I meet with Dr Colin north, Senior Lecturer in Petroleum Geology to talk about the University's links with industry.

Its MSc programme in Petroleum Geology has been running since 1973 and is regarded as one of the best in the world. For students looking to gain commercial skills in the industry, a Masters in Hydrocarbon Enterprise is also available.

Conor Bint is a graduate Canada. He came to Aberdeen to study an MSc in Hydrocarbon Enterprise, a programme that was recommended to him by friends.

'I don't think there are many programmes out there like this. It gave me a broad idea of the industry globally; we didn't just focus on the North Sea, we looked at what is happening at an international level.'

Over 90% of the MSc graduates have been employed in the oil industry. 'Companies like BP, Shell, and StatOil have all invested in this department and recruit heavily from us,' says Dr North.

Conor now works for Wood Mackenzie, an oil company based in Edinburgh. 'I was offered a job before I had completed the programme. Students are taught by and work with industry professionals throughout their studies.'

'Industry comes here to recruit because we are amongst the best in the world,' says Dr North. 'But Aberdeen is also a great place to live. I have come across a lot of students who have told me that they only came to Aberdeen because of our international reputation, but were actually surprised at how much they enjoyed living here.'

I head back to King's College with Dominic. He says that it is very exciting to be a part of a University that provides a strong learning environment for international students.

'International students are made to feel at home here. We ensure they are supported both in their academic work and in their personal lives. The University of Aberdeen is highly regarded in many fields and we will continue to welcome students from all over the world.'

Aberdeen is a great place to study. There is so much to do in the city and the airport is so close by that you can travel easily.

Awarded for excellence

A recent achievement has been the establishment of Biotech Company, Haptogen. Set up by Jim Reid, Chief Executive Officer, and Andy Porter, Chief Scientist Officer, the business is breaking new ground in antibody technology. The duo won this year's Ernst and Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Science and Technology.

'Aberdeen is a centre of world excellence in antibody engineering and is recognised globally for its work,' says Jim. 'Haptogen was created from work that is carried out at the University. Currently, it is an Aberdeen-based business working with companies worldwide, but we are looking at setting up bases abroad.'

Jim tells me that the University is keen to promote opportunities for students to work with the company. 'Having domestic and international students is important to us. We have two international students working with Haptogen who have studied at the university, and we would like to continue this process.'

Soumya Palliyil, from India, is one of the students working for the company. I caught up with her in the lab.

'I was looking specifically for a course in biotechnology. Two of my professors had completed PhDs in Edinburgh and they recommended Aberdeen as it is well-known internationally.'

Soumya worked on a project in Andy Porter's lab, researching antibody engineering. She was offered a job at Haptogen. 'There is a lot of work going on here and we have funding to work on new projects. In terms of biotechnology, the University of Aberdeen is one of the best.'

Fresh Talent

Under the Fresh Talent imitative: Working in Scotland Scheme, Soumya can remain in Aberdeen to complete her work. Normally, international students would have to return home once their visa has expired, but under the new scheme, graduates from Scottish universities can apply to stay and work for up to two years.

'I work with some of the best people in the field and there is a lot of opportunity for me to continue research. There are good links with industry and the University is recognised for its expertise. If you want to work in this field, Aberdeen can really help your career.'

When I came here I didn't know anyone, but there are loads of international students in Aberdeen so it is not like you are away from home. The university arranged my accommodation and made sure I had everything I needed.

International Support

The university recognises that moving to another country can be daunting and so ensure that international students care guaranteed a place in a University Hall of Residence or University Partnership accommodation for at least the first year of study. Jenny Grant, Head of International Recruitment, says that Aberdeen prides itself on taking care of its students.

'All students have access to a wide range of English language learning resources in the Language Centre should they need it. We also have an International Student Adviser based in Student Support who can deal with any queries students have, even if it is just a case of adapting to life at university.'

International students are allocated an academic advisor to help plan their year and the university has an International Society that students can join at any time. 'We try to make sure that international student feel as much a part of the University at home students,' reassures Jenny.

Joanne O'Connor

In brief:

The University of Aberdeen

Number of students:
Over 13,900 (120 nationalities)

Top-rated research departments:

Biological Sciences, Law, Sociology, Town and Country Planning, Physiology, Community Medicine, Plant and Soil Science, Divinity, Pure mathematics were all rated 5 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise. French was rated 5*

Costs and fees for 12 months for International Students:

Arts-based courses £14,000 (includes fees).
Science-based courses £16,656 (includes fees)

Entry requirements:

The university accepts applications from candidates presenting with a qualification equivalent to an Honours degree from a British University.

Cost of living:

Self-catered: £53-75 per week (including heating and electricity). Catered: £87-£105 per week (including heating and electricity). Private flats (shared): £50-£80.

Library and computing facilities:

The university library is spread over five sites and is one of the largest and best equipped in Scotland. The university also has over 1,000 computers for student use, many of which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Language Centre:

The Language Centre, based on King's College campus, is open to all students whose native language is not English.

Clubs and societies:

As well as the Student Advice and Support Centre, the University funds over 150 clubs and societies, including sports, theatre, politics, and the International Society for students from overseas.

Transport links:

Aberdeen's international airport is served by a number of major carriers, providing an extensive network of routes throughout the UK, direct to Europe and world-wide through major hubs.

Further Information:

Student recruitment and Admissions Services
+44 1224 272090/91 sras@abdn.ac.uk

International Office - www.abdn.ac.uk/sras

International Students Handbook - www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/international/handbook.shtml

Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland - www.scotlandistheplace.com