The University of Aberdeen has been ranked as one of the top universities in Scotland in a newly published guide in The Sunday Times.
The Sunday Times University Guide 2006 places the institution as fourth best in Scotland and in 35th place out of all UK universities. The most important indicator is its ranking at number 21 in terms of esteem among academic peers, ahead of all Scottish universities, except Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The 64-page guide, now in its ninth year, has been described as “one of the most respected university guides in the world.”
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor at the University, is delighted that the University has risen in this year’s rankings. He said: “There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the University of Aberdeen.
“Our ranking in The Sunday Times University Guide is a positive endorsement of Aberdeen’s position as one of the leading universities in the UK.
“There has been an unprecedented £9m investment in Aberdeen’s intellectual leadership with 27 Chair level
appointments being made in the past year.
“We are also contributing £245million a year to the economy, and we are entering our Sixth Century of achievement as an international leader in learning.
“Added to this, our Sixth Century Campaign, which aims to raise £150 million by 2010, shows that we are one of the most progressive fundraising institutions in Britain.”
Lori Manders, Director of External Affairs, at the University added: “This is great news for the University of Aberdeen and I am sure this will be welcomed by our new students who are about to join us in a couple of weeks time when our new academic terms begins on September 18.
“We are proud to be one of the UK’s leading institutions and this positive endorsement of our achievements will continue to drive our ambition to be one of the truly great universities in the world.”
The University is at the forefront of arts and social sciences, in science, computing, engineering,
technology medicine, and medical sciences.
Applications for undergraduate admissions at the University of Aberdeen have risen this year over 2% with more than 15,000 applications received for 2006 entry – the highest number ever recorded at this stage of the recruitment process.
Aberdeen has also made a bold statement about how it intends to match its academic investment with new
facilities. Plans for a £55.5 million library will be at the centre of a £230 million capital investment strategy for the next decade. The library will be a showcase for a collection of 250,000 historic books and manuscripts that will make Aberdeen an international centre for humanities.
Other capital projects at different points on the way to completion are The Hub, an £8 million student centre; the £16.5 million Matthew Hay project for clinical training of students preparing for medical professions; and the £23 million Aberdeen Regional Sports Facilty.