Abertay University

Abertay University is a prominent, research-focused university based in the heart of the city of Dundee, Scotland. It is a small university with a big influence, offering students the chance to learn from experts in their field and contribute to impactful research, while enjoying an intimate and friendly educational environment. 

Abertay’s educational history begins in 1888 with the formation of the Dundee Institute of Technology, before gaining university status in 1994 under its current name. It’s noted for establishing the world’s first degree in computer games, a heritage that it continues to this day through unique courses such as ethical hacking.  

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes, with other notable courses such as mental health nursing, hacking and computer security, water and environmental management, and oil and gas management. 

Abertay recently rated 103rd in the 2024 Complete University Guide league tables, reflecting its commitment to providing a quality student experience.  

Based out of a campus in Dundee, students at Abertay will enjoy learning in an environment where historic and modern architecture meet, but cutting-edge technology and contemporary facilities are the norm. 

The city itself has a rich industrial heritage and a history that stretches back many hundreds of years. Cultural institutions such as the V&A Dundee and Maritime Trail make it a popular stop for both residents and visitors alike, while the city’s cosmopolitan generation over recent years allows it to deliver a wide range of bars, restaurants, pubs, cafes and event spaces – perfect for downtime. 

Abertay University invests in a robust portfolio of postgraduate programmes, designed to help students build on their existing skills, develop valuable specialist knowledge and prepare for a successful career. 

In addition to a range of in-person taught master’s qualifications, be they MA or MBA, MSc or LLM, students can explore a variety of completely online postgraduate degrees. Completing an online master’s, such as a Master’s in Business Administration with Project Management, is a great way to gain a life-changing degree without compromising on existing lifestyles or commitments. 

The university also has an active research community, the foundation of which is a range of postgraduate research programmes that allow students to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. Specialist facilities and close academic supervision allow students to excel in acquiring qualifications such as MPhil, PhD and professional doctorates. It’s also possible to do a postgraduate research degree online. 

The university’s postgraduate courses are delivered through four schools, which are: 

• School of Applied Sciences 
• School of Business, Law and Social Sciences 
• School of Design and Informatics 
• Graduate School 

Prospective postgraduate students will need to satisfy the entry requirements of their chosen programme at Abertay University before they can receive an offer of study. The university works to encourage students from diverse backgrounds and experiences wherever possible. 

Students applying to the MSc in Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security will need to have a 2:2 level or above at undergraduate honours level, within the computing discipline. Students are expected to have completed a degree with a significant proportion of software development and/or networking. 

Applicants for the MA in Criminology by Research will typically need a 2:1 grade at undergraduate honours level, in a relevant subject. Students that have a lower undergraduate grade with a master’s qualification will also be considered, along with applicants with equivalent professional experience. 

Students applying to the MPhil in Applied Games will need to have an undergraduate honours degree at 2:1 level or above. Students with a lower undergraduate qualification will be considered if they have a master’s degree already, or if they have equivalent professional or personal experience. 

Entry requirements can change over time, so students should check with the university before applying. 

Postgraduate students at Abertay University can benefit from a wide variety of opportunities and support services designed to help students achieve career success. Planning effectively, building industry-relevant skills and making valuable networking connections are priority elements that the university administration seek to provide for students. 

The university prides itself on developing courses that are unique, in demand and industry-focused, creating a reputation for quality and career-readiness that is appreciated by employers. 

The university’s careers team is on hand to help students through services that include: 

• Face to face appointments with passionate and experienced careers advisers, through which students can discuss a range of topics from career planning to making applications and dealing with personal challenges 
• Development of key employability skills through online resources, in-person workshops and more 
• Help finding employment or work experience opportunities, through face to face networking or online search tools 
• Regular events throughout the year helping students market themselves to potential employers 

Students can enjoy access to the university’s careers services for up to three years after they graduate. 

Accommodation

Abertay University maintains a number of accommodation options for its postgraduate students, whether they prefer university-linked or privately rented living arrangements. 

The university has more than 700 rooms to choose from in its managed accommodation, ranging from single rooms in shared apartments to studio apartments for individuals, with en-suite bathrooms. 

All university accommodation options are built with comfort and modernity in mind, as well as convenience. In fact, none of the university’s halls of residence are more than a 10 minute walk from the campus. 

Postgraduate students may to source their accommodation independently, renting from a company or individual landlord around Dundee. It’s a great city for student living due to its relatively low cost of living, vibrant local community and its claim to being the sunniest city in Scotland. Study Inn 2021 rated it as one of the top three most fun cities in the UK, due to its great nightlife and access to the stunning natural landscapes that make Scotland famous. 

The university’s support teams can offer advice and help to any students looking for or securing accommodation. 

There is a range of funding available to postgraduate students at Abertay University, whether they’re on a taught or research master’s course, or a doctoral research programme. These funding options each have different values and eligibility criteria. 

Some of the available scholarships and bursaries include: 

• The Abertay Alumni Discount, which provides a 20% discount to tuition fees for students who are progressing from undergraduate study at the university. It’s available to both taught and research postgraduate students. 
• The Anne Wingate Paterson Scholarship, which offers scholarships worth up to £5,000 to students who are pursuing studies or research in the area of child welfare and protection. 
• The Sutherland Page Fund, which provides scholarships to postgraduate students studying programmes across the fields of arts, divinity, law, medicine or science. Students will need to have been born in Scotland, have one more parent born in Scotland, or have been a resident in Scotland for three years before applying. 
• The Chancellor’s Fund, which can provide funding for master’s and PhD students towards research, travel and conference expenses. Award value can vary. 

Students can explore the full range of scholarships, bursaries and awards on the Abertay website.