The University of Dundee prides itself on offering world-leading education and student experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to create real-world impact.

The University invests in its facilities, developing new ways of learning, and pushing the boundaries of research to ensure students have everything they need to achieve their goals.  

With students and staff from all over the world, the University of Dundee is a diverse and friendly community where students are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. 
 

STUDY AT the university of Dundee  
 

HISTORY of the university of dundee

Founded in 1881 as University College Dundee, the central purpose was that it should be used for "promoting the education of persons of both sexes, and the study of science, literature, and the fine arts”. In 1897 it became part of the University of St Andrews.  

In 1967, a royal charter was granted, and the University of Dundee was established.  

The University regaining its independence has allowed Dundee to develop in its own way and become the world-leading institution that it is today.  

 

SPECIALIST AREAS at the university of dundee

The University of Dundee is globally renowned for its expertise across a range of disciplines including:
 

  • Life Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Law
  • Art & Design
  • Liberal Arts

 
The University offers over 200 undergraduate and over 250 postgraduate courses, giving you plenty of choice to find something that will challenge and inspire you.

All courses at Dundee are informed by high quality research, and you will learn about your subject from expert academics.  
 

LIFE ON CAMPUS

Part of what makes the University of Dundee so special is its main City Campus. The City Campus is a student community where everything you need is close by, with the main library, teaching buildings and social spaces all within a few minutes’ walk. Situated in the vibrant West End of Dundee, the city’s best shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions are also right on your doorstep.  
 

STUDENT SUPPORT AT the university of dundee

The University of Dundee offers a range of student services that provide different types of support and guidance to help you work to your full potential and make the most of your student experience at Dundee. Friendly and welcoming staff are here to help you with any issues you encounter. Services offered include everything from Academic Skills to Counselling and Disability Services.

Peer Connectors offer a buddy system to help you settle in once you arrive in Dundee. They can show you around and give you the opportunity to meet, mix and socialise with other students.
 

university of dundee FACILITIES  

At Dundee, you’ll have access to world-class facilities, ensuring you can reach your potential while studying. 

There are four libraries, including the Main Library, which is in the heart of the City Campus. The Main Library is the hub for all your study needs and includes a wide range of electronic and printed resources, and study spaces including group study rooms with the latest technology. It also has a café and relaxation areas which are perfect for a break during study sessions.
 

SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT the university of dundee

On City Campus, you will find Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA). DUSA supports more than 200 sports clubs and student societies, making it easy for you to meet other students with the same interests, or try something completely new. DUSA is also home to a café bar – the ideal place for meeting up with your friends for coffee or lunch.

Sport and Active Health (SpAH) offers a range of high-class sport and exercise facilities on campus, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a spacious gym with a specialist strength training area, exercise studios and a cycle studio. SpAH also offers over 40 exercise classes a week. With such a wide variety of facilities and classes available, you can find the best option for you.
 

ACCOMMODATION AT the university of dundee

A variety of single occupancy accommodation options are available on or near to campus. All student accommodation options are furnished with shared kitchens and living spaces, private bedrooms, and en-suite bathrooms. At Dundee, entrant full-time students starting in September are guaranteed an offer of accommodation if you apply by the relevant deadline (Terms & Conditions apply).

Each accommodation building has its own Resident Support Team who are there to check in with you and organise social events for your building, helping you to settle into your new home and make new friends.  
 

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS  

The University of Dundee is a global institution - around 25% of students on campus are international students from over 136 different countries.  

The International Advice Service provides professional and friendly advice to all international students and are there to answer any questions. They offer guidance on living and studying in the UK and arrange welcome events, along with many social and cultural events throughout the year.
 

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

Dundee has strong links with local, national, and international employers. Students are given the opportunity to meet with a range of employers at career fairs and networking events.  
 

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS

A range of study abroad opportunities are available for undergraduate students. The University of Dundee has a dedicated Go Abroad team who can help you to study abroad for a semester or a full year, giving you the opportunity to experience a new culture, build your confidence, and make lifelong friends.  
 

EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The University of Dundee understands how important it is for you to succeed and reach your career goals. The University’s Careers Service is a team of trained and dedicated professionals who are there to support you during your studies and after you graduate, helping you to achieve your career aspirations.  

You can also find guidance from the Centre for Entrepreneurship, which offers opportunities to develop your enterprise skills and improve your employability. The Centre also offers support for new business ventures with funding and mentoring.  
 

STUDY IN dundee, scotland

The University of Dundee is located on the east coast of Scotland, in the city of Dundee. Dundee is filled with Scottish history and culture, with historic castles, museums, and galleries right on your doorstep.  

Dundee is in the perfect location for exploring the best that Scotland has to offer, with great transport links to other major cities, and beautiful coastline, forests, and countryside all within easy reach.  

The nearest international airports can be found in the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, which are both only a short trip away from Dundee. With excellent transport links available from Dundee, it’s also easy to travel to other cities in the UK and beyond.  
 

Why STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF dundee

The University of Dundee offers world-leading education, research, and student experience. The University offers an exciting range of courses across a variety of subjects ranging from Art and Design, Humanities and Law, to Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences.  

Dundee is committed to supporting students to reach their full potential and achieve their goals, ensuring they have everything they need for success after graduation. 

 

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?

The information on this page has been submitted by the university. If you want to know more, get in touch and one of our student advisors will answer all your questions.

Universities receive hundreds of enquiries every day and are not always able to respond in a comprehensive manner. As an official representative of the university in Canada, we can help you make your UK study goals come true. From navigating UK admissions to preparing your finances, accommodation and visa, your student advisor will guide you through every step.

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Facts About the University of Dundee
 

Established: Founded as University College Dundee in 1881; gained independent university status by Royal Charter on 1 August 1967.

Location: Dundee, Scotland.

Population of Dundee: Around 150,000

Closest airport: The nearest major international airports include Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport, both of which can be reached by road/rail. Travel time: usually 1.5-2 hours depending on transport (road/rail) and traffic. There is also Dundee Airport, but with more limited connectivity. 

Student population: Approximately 15,000

International students: Around 4,000

Nationalities on campus: Over 140

Employability rate: Around 96% 
 

Areas of expertise/Centres of Excellence

  • Biological Sciences / Life Sciences: Dundee is ranked top in the UK for research in Biological Sciences in the current Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
  • Medicine / Health Sciences: The medical school (Ninewells) is a major centre for research and teaching; also strong in biomedical sciences, dentistry etc.  
  • Art & Design / Creative Industries: Via the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and related programs, Dundee has strong expertise in art, design, TV & imaging, etc. 
     

FUN FACTS

  • The Video game Grand Theft Auto, the technology for LCD screens and Laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ surgery were all created in Dundee.
  • The University of Dundee may have been the first university in the world to educate men and women in the same classroom and the first that didn’t require students to declare their religion on their application forms.
  • Dundee has one of the highest concentrations of students per head of capita of any city in the UK.
  • Dundee is often called a “hidden gem” in Scotland — it offers a student-centred city experience, combining cultural history with modern innovation (e.g. in biotech, digital industries, etc). 
     

WHY STUDY AT UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE

  • Strong research reputation backed by recent REF results, especially in the life sciences and medicine.
  • Globally diverse student body, with over 140 nationalities and growing international student numbers.
  • Balanced city-life + affordability: Dundee provides many of the advantages of being in a UK city (culture, amenities, transport) while being less costly than larger cities like Edinburgh or London.
     

UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE RANKINGS

  •  The University of Dundee is climbing rapidly in recent UK rankings.  
  • In The Guardian University Guide 2026, Dundee leapt 26 places to 26th overall in the UK.  
  • In the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, it rose 13 places to joint 23rd overall, with top-UK subject-rankings including #1 in Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering, and #2 for Medicine and Dentistry.  
  • According to the REF 2021 results, 84% of Dundee’s research was judged “world leading” or “internationally excellent,” and it retains its position as top UK university for Biological Sciences. 
     

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