Dundee · Founded 1888
Post-1992 UniversityAbertay University
Home to the world's first computer games degree and a global leader in cybersecurity education. Abertay is small and teaching-focused, based in central Dundee alongside the V&A design museum. Graduates have an unusually high direct-employment rate in the games and tech industries.
Rankings
- Guardian
- 50+55
- Times
- 50+62
- Student satisfaction
- 80%
Cost of Living
- Rent (halls)
- £690/mo
- Rent (private)
- £450/mo
- Other costs
- £620/mo
Dundee city rents are among the most affordable in Scotland, and Abertay's compact campus means minimal transport costs.
Known For
Students
4,500
Location
Dundee
SAAS code
A30
Entry requirements for Scottish students
Typical Higher offers for 2026 entry. Always check with Abertay directly.
Computer Games Technology
Maths required
No portfolio required
Ethical Hacking
One from Computing, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Cybersecurity NPA
Cybersecurity
One from Computing, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Cybersecurity NPA
Forensic Sciences
Biology, Human Biology, Physics, or Chemistry required
Business Management
No specific subjects
Psychology
No specific subjects
Entry requirements sourced from Abertay University prospectus, April 2026. Competitive courses may ask for higher grades.
What it actually costs per month
Realistic monthly budget for a student living in Dundee, 2026.
The SAAS gap at Abertay
- SAAS gives you (max, monthly)
- £950/mo
- Your costs (est.)
- £920/mo
Dundee is one of Scotland's most affordable university cities. Most Abertay students on the full SAAS package can cover term-time living costs without additional income — a rarity among Scottish universities.
Calculate your exact SAAS packageSAAS tuition — what you’ll actually pay
If you’re a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate, SAAS pays Abertay University’s tuition fee (£1,820/year) directly — you pay nothing. The SAAS code is A30.
Open days 2026
Confirmed 2026 open day dates for Abertay. Always book a place directly via the university website.
26 Sep 2026
Campus
24 Oct 2026
Campus
Dates sourced from Abertay’s official open days page, checked April 2026. Confirm current details before travelling.
Scholarships & bursaries
Verified funding available to Scottish-domiciled students at Abertay. Always check the university website for current eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Batchelor Trust Grant
Up to £500 (one-off)
Dundee/Angus/Fife resident students in Year 1 or 2 facing financial hardship; excludes BA Business and LLB Law
Apply / find out moreDundee Education Trust Award
£300 (one-off)
Scottish undergraduate students at Abertay; apply direct to the trust
Apply / find out moreWho is Abertay best for?
Abertay punches well above its weight in computer games and cybersecurity — the games industry literally has Abertay graduates everywhere because the university ran the world’s first computer games degree from 1997. If your child wants to make games, hack systems, or work in digital forensics, this is a genuinely top choice that doesn’t demand top Higher grades. The flip side: it’s small (4,500 students), has a narrower course range, and the league-table position is misleading because rankings under-weight specialist strength. Budget-conscious families also like the very low Dundee rents.
Student life at a glance
Students’ union
ASA — small but tightly social, with strong gaming and esports societies. Runs an annual Dare Academy game-jam that recruits straight into industry.
Social scene
Central Dundee location means everything is walkable. The V&A, the Wellgate, and a thriving food and bar scene on Perth Road and the West End.
Graduate prospects
Game studios (Rockstar Dundee, 4J Studios), cybersecurity firms and police forensic units are the typical destinations. Direct-employment rate is one of the highest in Scotland.
Considering Abertay? Also look at
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Frequently asked questions about Abertay
What is Abertay University ranked?
Abertay University is ranked 55 in the Guardian University Guide and 62 in The Times Good University Guide. Student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey) sits at 80%. Rankings shift annually — always check the latest published tables before relying on a specific position.
How much is student rent at Abertay University?
Average monthly rent in Dundee for Abertay students is approximately £690 in university halls and £450 in private rented accommodation. Other living costs (food, transport, utilities, social) add roughly £620 per month on top. These are indicative averages — actual costs depend on the specific hall or flat. Always check the university's accommodation pages for the latest prices.
What is Abertay University known for?
Abertay University's strongest subject areas include Computer Games, Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, Forensic Science. These are the departments most commonly cited in league tables and by employers. Abertay also has strong graduate employment in these areas — check the university's own graduate outcomes data for the most current figures.
What type of university is Abertay University?
Abertay University is a post-1992 university — meaning it was granted university status after the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. Post-92 universities typically have a career-focused teaching approach with strong vocational programmes and industry placement links.
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Browse options →Rankings, rent, and living-cost figures checked April 2026.
Rankings source: Guardian University Guide and The Times Good University Guide. Rent figures are indicative averages from council and university accommodation pages. Entry requirements sourced from Abertay prospectus 2026 entry. Always confirm current prices and requirements directly with Abertay. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.