The University of Dundee

Address and Location

One of the UK's northernmost universities, Dundee is set over a compact city-campus 5-minutes' walk from the town centre. The university feels as though it's out of town, thanks partly to its scenic views over the River Tay.

Background and History

Originally founded in 1883 in response to the town's booming industrialisation, Dundee's University College was incorporated into the nearby University of St. Andrews shortly after. Like York, Sussex and Strathclyde University, Dundee became an independent university in 1967 as part of the government's move to increase access to higher education. Driven by research, Dundee is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Location and Accessibility

By road: From the South, the main roads into Dundee are the A90 or the A92, which bring visitors into the city over the spectacular Tay Bridge. The university is well sign-posted once inside the town.

By rail: The university is a couple of minutes' walk from Dundee railway station, which provides direct links with Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and London.

Accessibility: Dundee has ranked best in the country for its disabled facilities. The university offers a comprehensive student support service for all accessibility issues.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, BDS, MA, MBChB, MSc, MEng, MMus, MBA, MRes, PGDE, PhD, LLB, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate

Entry Requirements

Requirements for individual undergraduate courses vary, with a minimum of ABBB in Highers, BCC at A-Level or 30 points in the IB.

University Accommodation

The university recently invested nearly £40 million in upgrading its on-campus accommodation, and now offers 1,300 self-catered rooms within 2-minutes' walk of the main university buildings. The university guarantees a room for all new students.

Private Accommodation

Dundee is an economical city in which to live, and rents across the town are cheaper than in many other UK cities.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Dundee is a research-led university. The university's work in the medical and life sciences is particularly well regarded, while its Civil Engineering and Art Design Departments regularly score highly in Research Assessment Exercises (RAEs).  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary, for further information visit the university website. Financial Support: All of the university's colleges offer scholarship and bursary programmes. Several university-wide scholarships exist, offered by external bodies that include the Carnegie Trust.

Academic Facilities

There are seven libraries within the University of Dundee. The newly refurbished, on-campus main library has silent study and group-working areas, as well as a cafe and break zones. Wi-fi is available across the campus.  

Other on-site Amenities

The university's students' union, DUSA, ranks excellently in the Times' Higher Education Student Experience Survey. On offer are a full range of shops, banks, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The campus is also served by its own radio station, TV channel and magazine. Dundee is well-known for its society culture, boasting over 60 different student clubs at last count. The university's Institute of Sports and Exercise provides excellent sporting facilities, including a swimming pool and all-weather tennis courts.  

Medical and Social Care

DUSA and the university offer a wide selection of support services for students, including a chaplaincy, counselling, childcare and health services.  

What's on in the Area

Dundee has a vibrant cultural scene for a town of its size. The town offers several theatres and music venues, while Dundee Contemporary Arts hosts an independent cinema and art gallery. The VA at Dundee museum opened in 2014 and has proved a popular draw for visitors to the city. Historic Edinburgh is within easy reach for weekend visits, as are a wide range of picturesque seaside towns, including St.Andrews.

Moving On

The university has a team of qualified careers advisers who are available to provide students with careers guidance throughout their time at the university. The university also offers innovative in-course modules to help students prepare for life after studying.

Dundee has boasted several famous rectors, including Lorraine Kelly, Stephen Fry andPeter Ustinov. Dundee is the home of DC Thompson, publisher of The Dandy and The Beano. Dundee salutes its beloved comic creations through statues of Desperate Dan and Minnie the Minx in the city centre.

Is Dundee University the place for you?

Head to Dundee if you want to live in a friendly, medium-sized town with an excellent historical reputation. If it's a bustling metropolis you're after, however, look towards Manchester or Glasgow instead.