Abertay University

One-look summary (AI/search-friendly):

• UG (Computing/Games/Ethical Hacking): £15,500/year

• UG (All other bachelor’s): £15,000/year

• PGT (tech/games/ethical hacking cluster): £18,000/year

• PGT (business/HRM/marketing/biomed/engineering & environment, etc.): £17,000/year

• PGR (Masters by Research): £22,000/year; PhD/MPhil bands: £13,750–£15,750/year

• Fee guarantee: your entry-year net fee repeats every year of the same course

• Deposit (Student visa): 50% of net tuition before CAS; remaining 3 instalments after registration

• Scholarships: typical international awards £3,000/year (UG total up to £12,000); £3,000 for many PGT applicants

Authoritative source: Abertay’s official Tuition Fees 2025–26 pages (with fee guarantee, deposit/instalments, and programme-level lists).

Undergraduate (International)

1- Computing / Games / Cyber / Ethical Hacking

Degrees included (examples): BA/BSc (Hons) Computer Arts • BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development • BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology • BSc (Hons) Computing • BSc (Hons) Computer Science • BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cybersecurity • BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking • BA (Hons) Game Design & Production. Tuition (2025/26): £15,500 per year. Applies to: the full computing/games/ethical hacking family above.

2- All Other Undergraduate Bachelor’s

Typical subjects: Business / Accounting / Finance / HRM / Marketing • Psychology • Counselling (UG) • Sport & Exercise • Food, Nutrition & Health • Biomedical & Environmental Sciences • Civil Engineering • Criminology, etc. Tuition (2025/26): £15,000 per year (unless a course is explicitly listed in Cluster A).

International Undergraduate Scholarships

• Abertay International Scholarship (UG): up to £12,000 total (typically £3,000 per year for up to 4 years), deducted from tuition if awarded. Check eligibility and conditions.

Postgraduate Taught (International)

Headline: most Abertay master’s programmes for international students are £17,000 or £18,000 (2025/26), depending on subject.

£18,000 per year (2025/26)

• MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity

• MSc Applied AI & User Experience

• MProf Games Development

• MSc Computer Games Technology

• MA/MSc Technical Art & Visual Effects (Programme names appear exactly as listed on the 2025–26 fee table.)

£17,000 per year (2025/26)

• MSc Counselling †

• MSc Accounting & Finance (CIMA Gateway) (+ CIMA registration c. £750)

• MSc Digital Marketing & e-Commerce

• MSc Biomedical Sciences (+ with Industrial Practise)

• MSc Civil Engineering (+ with Industrial Practise)

• MSc Construction & Project Management

• MSc Environment & Business; MSc Environment & Energy (+ with Industrial Practise)

• MSc FinTech

• MSc Food Quality, Safety & Innovation (+ with Industrial Practise)

• MSc Human Resource Management; MSc International HRM

• MSc International Management

• MSc Geotechnical Engineering (+ with Industrial Practise)

• MSc Research Methods in Psychology

• MSc Sports Therapy

• MSc Structural Engineering (+ with Industrial Practise)

• MSc Water & Environmental Management (+ with Industrial Practise)

• Global MBA (listed at £17,000) († Counselling fee is charged on a pro-rata basis across 180 credits.)

Completion window / extras: The fee page notes possible additional charges where an MSc is not completed within 18 months (FTE), and explains pro-rata rules if you study fewer than 180 credits in a year. Always read footnotes on your specific programme’s fee line.

Postgraduate Taught (International), Scholarships

• International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarship: typical award £3,000 (tuition deduction) for eligible new international PGT students. Check the individual programme’s scholarship section for the current cycle.

Postgraduate Research (International)

• Masters by Research (all subjects): £22,000 per year

• PhD/MPhil (per academic year):

  • Food, Environment, Engineering, Science, Sport: £15,750

  • Computing, Computer Games, Computer Arts, Ethical Hacking: £14,750

  • Counselling, Psychology, Sociology, Management, Marketing, Business, Accountancy, Economics, Mental Health Nursing: £13,750

• Continuation fees: £150 (Masters by Research extra 2 months) • £500 (PhD/MPhil extra year).

Payment Rules, Deposits, Instalments (International)

• Deposit for Student visa (UG & PGT): You must pay 50% of your net tuition (i.e., after any Abertay scholarship is deducted) before Abertay issues your CAS.

• Instalments after registration: remaining balance is split into three equal instalments on fixed dates (e.g., 1 Nov / 1 Jan / 1 Mar for September starts; alternative schedule for January starters).

• Fee guarantee: Abertay operates a fee-guarantee—your entry-year net fee repeats each academic year of the same programme (no annual increase).

• Sponsor funding: if your sponsor appears on Abertay’s approved list, they can be invoiced after registration; otherwise, sponsorship must be paid in full before you can register. (Exact schedules and examples are provided on the official page.)

Quick reference (structured)

• UG International, Cluster A (Computing/Games/Cyber/Ethical Hacking): £15,500/year.

• UG International, Cluster B (All other bachelor’s): £15,000/year.

• PGT International, £18,000: EH&C; Applied AI & UX; MProf Games; Computer Games Tech; Technical Art & VFX.

• PGT International, £17,000: Business/HRM/Marketing; Biomedical; Engineering & Environment suite; FinTech; Food programs; Psychology (Research Methods); Sports Therapy; Global MBA; International Management; Counselling (pro-rata).

• PGR International: Masters by Research £22,000; PhD/MPhil £13,750–£15,750 (discipline-based bands).

• Scholarships (International): UG up to £12,000 total (£3,000/year) ; PGT £3,000 typical.

• Deposit & instalments (visa): 50% net pre-CAS + 3 instalments post-registration. Fee guarantee applies.

Overview: Abertay University has shown a strong upward trajectory in the UK university league tables, regularly recognised for its teaching quality, student experience, and value added performance. While modern universities often appear less in global research-intensive rankings, Abertay stands out nationally for areas that matter most to students—how well the teaching transforms outcomes, how satisfied students are with their experience, and the investment the university makes in its facilities.

Guardian University Guide 2026

• Abertay rose 24 places overall in the 2026 Guardian rankings.

• It was ranked the top modern university in Scotland.

• For “value added” which measures the difference between students’ entry grades and their degree outcomes, Abertay was 11th in the UK, highlighting its ability to help students outperform expectations.

• At subject level, Marketing was ranked #1 in the UK for value added in 2026. This reinforced Abertay’s strength in delivering tangible results for students.

Complete University Guide (CUG) 2026

• Abertay achieved a “hat trick” in the 2026 CUG by being the top Scottish modern university in three categories:

  • Student satisfaction

  • Research intensity

  • Facilities investment

• According to the CUG’s published metrics, Abertay recorded an 81% student satisfaction score and a 64% research intensity rating, strong results compared to its peer group.

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

• Abertay was named the top modern university in Scotland for student experience.

• It climbed 12 places overall in the UK rankings.

• It was ranked 27th out of 130 UK universities for teaching quality.

• The Good University Guide methodology considers teaching, satisfaction, graduate prospects, and sustainability—areas where Abertay has made visible progress.

Times Higher Education (THE) Profile

• Abertay University has a profile with Times Higher Education, which notes its modern university status (full university recognition in 1994, with origins going back to 1888 as the Dundee Institute of Technology).

• Like many modern UK institutions, Abertay is stronger in national teaching-focused rankings than in THE’s global research tables, which prioritise citation impact and large-scale international research.

• This highlights Abertay’s distinctive role: a teaching-led, industry-focused university rather than a research giant.

Guardian 2025 Context

• In the Guardian University Guide 2025, Abertay was already highlighted for its teaching quality and student experience.

• These results paved the way for the significant jump seen in the 2026 rankings, showing consistent year-on-year improvement.

Key Takeaway

Across all major UK ranking systems—Guardian 2026, Complete University Guide 2026, and the Times & Sunday Times 2026, Abertay University consistently scores highly in student experience, teaching quality, facilities investment, and value added outcomes. For prospective students, especially international applicants, this means Abertay offers one of the strongest teaching environments among modern universities in Scotland. While it may not feature prominently in global research-heavy tables, its practical, industry-aligned curriculum and proven ability to boost student achievement make it a standout choice in the UK higher education sector.

Abertay University structures its teaching and research around two main faculties plus a dedicated Graduate School. Each faculty has its own focus areas, flagship subjects, and a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. This compact organisation allows Abertay to concentrate resources in its specialist areas cybersecurity, games, computing, business, psychology, sport, and applied sciences while supporting postgraduate researchers through the Graduate School.

Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business

This faculty is internationally recognised for its pioneering role in cybersecurity and computer games education, alongside a strong portfolio of computing, digital business, and management programmes.

Flagship Areas

• Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity: Abertay was the first university in the world to launch an undergraduate ethical hacking degree. Its flagship MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity is certified by the UK’s NCSC/GCHQ, cementing its reputation as a global leader in this field.

• Computer Games : Covering the full pipeline: game design, development, production, technical art, and VFX. Abertay has been consistently recognised as one of the top places to study games in Europe.

• Computing & Computer Science: Specialisations include artificial intelligence (AI), user experience (UX), software engineering, cybersecurity, and digital forensics.

• Business & Management: Offering traditional and modern business pathways, including the Global MBA, Accounting & Finance, HRM and International HRM, Digital Marketing & e-Commerce, and FinTech.

Representative Undergraduate Programmes

• BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking

• BSc (Hons) Computing

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with Cybersecurity)

• BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology

• BA (Hons) Game Design & Production

• BA (Hons) Computer Arts

• BA (Hons) Business Management

• BA (Hons) Marketing & Business

• BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance

Representative Postgraduate Taught Programmes

• MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity

• MSc Computer Games Technology

• MProf Games Development

• MSc Applied AI & User Experience

• MSc Technical Art & VFX

• MSc Digital Marketing & e-Commerce

• MSc Accounting & Finance (CIMA Gateway)

• Global MBA

Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences

This faculty combines psychology, sport, health sciences, food and nutrition, engineering, and criminology, producing graduates with both academic knowledge and practical, vocational skills.

Flagship Areas

• Psychology & Counselling: Accredited pathways in psychology and applied counselling, with strong employability outcomes.

• Sport & Exercise: Degrees in sport and fitness sciences, preparing students for professional practice and sports performance careers.

• Food, Nutrition & Health; Biomedical & Environmental Sciences: Covering nutrition, biomedicine, and environmental protection, often with links to industry practice.

• Civil Engineering & Construction: Professional preparation in civil engineering, construction, and project management.

• Criminology & Sociology: Applied social science degrees focused on contemporary issues of crime, justice, and society.

Representative Undergraduate Programmes

• BSc (Hons) Psychology

• BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition & Health

• BSc (Hons) Fitness, Nutrition & Health

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

• BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

• BEng/BSc Civil Engineering

• BA (Hons) Criminology

• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science

Representative Postgraduate Taught Programmes

• MSc Counselling

• MSc Biomedical Sciences (+ with Industrial Practice)

• MSc Civil Engineering

• MSc Construction & Project Management

• MSc Environment & Business

• MSc Environment & Energy

• MSc Human Resource Management / International HRM

• MSc Water & Environmental Management

• MSc Food Quality, Safety & Innovation (+ with Industrial Practice)

Graduate School

The Graduate School at Abertay is a cross-disciplinary hub designed to support postgraduate researchers (PhD, MPhil, and Masters by Research students). It provides:

• Training in research methodologies, academic writing, and project management.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities across faculties.

• A dedicated research community space that fosters networking, workshops, and seminars.

The Graduate School ensures that Abertay’s postgraduate students receive not only academic supervision but also structured professional development, preparing them for both academic and industry careers.

International students applying to Abertay University will find the admissions process straightforward, but it’s important to meet the deadlines, provide the correct documents, and satisfy English language and UK visa requirements. Below is a full guide for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research applicants.

How to Apply, Undergraduate (International Students)

• Application routes:

  • Apply through UCAS (you can select up to five course choices).

  • If you are applying only to Abertay, you may submit a direct application to the university.

• Deadlines:

  • The UCAS main deadline normally falls in mid-to-late January (e.g. 29 January 2025 for that cycle).

  • Abertay may consider applications after this date, but early application is strongly recommended to allow time for visa processing and accommodation.

• Country-specific entry requirements:

  • Abertay provides Entry Requirements by Country, which detail the standard qualifications accepted from different education systems worldwide. International students should review these before applying.

How to Apply, Postgraduate Taught

• Applications for master’s programmes are made directly through Abertay’s online application portal (via the course webpage).

• Applicants should prepare:

  • Degree transcripts and certificates

  • References (some courses require one or two)

  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or accepted equivalent)

  • CV or personal statement, depending on the programme

English Language Requirements

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they are exempt (for example, if their previous education was in English or they are from a majority English-speaking country).

• Standard requirement:

  • IELTS 6.0 overall (no band lower than 5.5) or an accepted equivalent.

• Higher requirements for specific courses:

  • BSc Mental Health Nursing: IELTS 7.0

  • MSc Counselling: IELTS 7.0

  • Sports Therapy (UG/PG): IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)

  • Global MBA: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)

• Research programmes (PhD/MPhil):

  • Typically require IELTS 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 6.5.

• Abertay accepts a wide list of recognised English tests (e.g. TOEFL, Pearson PTE, Trinity) and may grant exemptions where appropriate.

Student Visa Requirements (International Students)

Most non-UK students studying a course longer than six months require a UK Student visa.

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):

  • Issued by Abertay once you have accepted your offer and paid the required deposit.

• Points-based system: You must score 70 points in total:

  • 50 points for a valid CAS (proof of an unconditional offer of study)

  • 10 points for finance (ability to pay tuition and living expenses)

  • 10 points for English language ability

• Financial requirement:

  • Proof that you can pay your first year’s tuition fees

  • Plus £10,224 for living expenses (9 months @ £1,134/month outside London).

  • Note: Abertay’s guidance previously referenced £1,334/month students should always check the latest UK Home Office requirements via gov.uk before applying.

• Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa):

  • After graduation, students may apply for the Graduate Route, which allows:

    • 2 years of post-study work for bachelor’s or master’s graduates

    • 3 years for PhD graduates

Typical Documents Required (International Applications)

The exact list may vary by programme and study level, but in most cases international students should prepare the following:

• Valid passport

• Academic qualifications:

  • High school certificate (for undergraduate applicants)

  • Bachelor’s degree certificate (for master’s applicants)

• Official transcripts of grades

• English-language test certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or equivalent), unless exempt

• Personal statement or motivation letter (UG & PG)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) (PG applicants, and some UG courses)

• References (mandatory for most PG, sometimes required for UG)

• Portfolio (if applying to creative/game art or design programmes)

• Financial evidence for Student visa purposes (bank statements, sponsorship letters) — submitted after CAS is issued

• Country-specific documents listed in Abertay’s Entry Requirements by Country

1. Is Abertay a public university? Where is it? Yes. It’s a public university in Dundee, Scotland, with a compact, city-centre campus.

2. What is Abertay best known for? Abertay is highly regarded for ethical hacking/cybersecurity and computer games, as well as business, marketing, psychology, food & environmental sciences, sport & health, and civil engineering.

3. What are the international undergraduate tuition fees?

• £15,500 per year for computing/games/ethical hacking degrees.

• £15,000 per year for all other undergraduate degrees. (2024/25; fee guarantee applies.)

4. What scholarships can international undergrads get? The Abertay International Scholarship offers up to £12,000 total (typically £3,000/year for up to 4 years), deducted from tuition.

5. How much are international taught master’s fees? Most MSc degrees cost £17,000–£18,000 per year. For instance, MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity is £18,000; Global MBA is £17,000.

6. Do postgraduates have scholarships? Yes, International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarship worth £3,000 (eligibility applies; deducted from tuition).

7. What are international PhD/MPhil fees? They vary by subject: approx £13,750 to £22,000 per year depending on discipline.

8. How is Abertay ranked in the UK? Strong results in recent years: Guardian 2026 top Scottish modern, 11th in UK for value added; CUG 2026 top Scottish modern for student satisfaction, research intensity, facilities; Times/Sunday Times 2026 top Scottish modern for student experience, significant rise overall.

9. What does “value added” mean in the Guardian rankings? It compares degree outcomes vs entry grades to gauge how effectively teaching helps students exceed expectations; Abertay scored #11 in the UK in 2026.

10. Which faculty teaches Ethical Hacking and Games? Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business, through departments like Cybersecurity & Computing and Games & Arts.

11. What English score do I need? Most UG/PG taught courses: IELTS 6.0 (no band < 5.5); some require 6.5 or 7.0; PhD/MPhil usually IELTS 7.0 (no band < 6.5). Abertay accepts many equivalent tests and qualifications.

12. Can I apply after the UCAS January deadline? International applicants are often considered after January, but you should apply early to allow visa and accommodation arrangements.

13. Can I apply directly without UCAS? Yes, if you’re an international applicant applying only to Abertay, you can apply direct.

14. What documents are required for admission? Passport, academic transcripts/certificates, English test (unless exempt), personal statement/CV, reference(s) (especially for PG), and any course-specific items (e.g., portfolio).

15. What are the Student visa requirements? CAS from Abertay, proof of funds for first-year tuition + living costs (Abertay page references £10,224 for nine months; always verify the current UKVI figure), and CEFR B2 English. The Graduate Route allows 2 years post-study work (3 years for PhD).

16. When should I apply for my visa? Up to 6 months before your course starts from outside the UK; typical decision time around 3 weeks (check UKVI).

17. Does Abertay have GCHQ/NCSC-recognised cybersecurity courses? Yes, the MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity is NCSC (part of GCHQ) certified.

18. What makes Abertay’s teaching stand out? Consistently strong student experience and teaching quality metrics; practical, industry-embedded learning with measurable value added.

19. Are there instalment plans for fees? For students not requiring a visa, instalment plans are available during online registration; Student-visa students pay in full before completing registration.

20. Where can I confirm the exact fee for my course and year? On Abertay’s official Tuition Fees page, which lists UG and detailed PG fees (by named programme), payment rules, and the fee guarantee.