The University of Dundee is growing fast in both size and reputation. Broadly-based, it has performed extremely well in both teaching and research assessment exercises, has spawned a range of spin-out companies to exploit its research and has a model wider-access programme. Distance learning - especially in medical related areas - is burgeoning right across the world and now accounts for one in six students. An ambitious project to explore the creation of an international virtual medical school involving all five Scottish medical schools is led by Dundee.
The University received the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for higher education institutions in 1998, has three of the 20 most cited scientists in the UK - the only Scottish university included - and three "biomedical" knights.
University of Dundee has over 16,000 students (including 2,800 part time and 2,000 distance learning) across seven faculties. Some 67% are from Scotland, 20% from elsewhere in the UK, 5% from other EU countries and 8% from outwith the EU. It has traditionally been popular with Northern Ireland students who currently make up around 8% of the student body. Mature students account for about 20%.
Highest profile areas are the life sciences and medicine where world class research into areas such as cancer and diabetes is yielding results. Also art and design where the faculty of Duncan of Jordanstone College has won itself an international reputation.
Added value:
- Great record on employment - Dundee graduates consistently in top league placings for avoiding unemployment.
- Current rector is journalist and broadcasting personality Lorraine Kelly.
- The Wellcome Trust Biocentre houses 250 scientists researching the fundamental causes of diseases such as diabetes, sleeping sickness and cancer.
- Great news for budding novelists - University, jointly with City of Discovery Campaign, organises £6,000 Dundee Book Prize for an unpublished novel - the winner to be published by Polygon.
- Very friendly - students remark on it, unbidden! "Friendliest campus in Scotland" according to Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities 2000.
- Only University to offer Scots Law and English Law.
- Ranked 9th and 7th in past two years by The Times Higher for teaching quality and 2nd in biosciences by The Guardian 2003.
- Students with disabilities can get help from Disability Services which has special units for dyslexic and visually-impaired students.
- Students voted University of Dundee top in the UK in the Red Mole Alternative Student Ratings - largely on the basis of its top quality students union.
- University at heart of City's "cultural quarter" - a lively and vibrant scene.
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