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About Abertay University

Abertay University is a modern, pioneering and ambitious university with almost 4,000 students and income of about £34 million per year with a strong tradition of preparing students for the industries and jobs of the modern world. Today, this innovative approach is clearly visible in the University’s programme provision which ranges from forensic, sport and food sciences to biotechnology, cybersecurity and computer games. For the latter, Abertay is renowned internationally.

Abertay has made its mark with high-quality, well-directed teaching and research, which in turn, provides a stimulating and enriching experience for our students. We are the leading modern university in Scotland for 'research intensity' and best for student satisfaction. This is central to our long-term plan to embed a research-led culture throughout the institution.

Teaching and Learning

Our approach to curriculum reform - aimed at transforming the student experience and unlocking potential - creates a dynamic learning environment, which led to our shortlisting for the Times Higher Education University of the Year Award in 2016.

Our Teaching & Learning Enhancement strategy has three main objectives:

  • Reforming our curriculum to revolutionise the delivery and design of programmes which will advance students’ knowledge; enhance students’ preparedness for post-graduation and the world of work; and recognises and facilitates different modes of learner journey.
  • Incentivising students’ performance through an integrated approach to all aspects of assessment (formative, summative and recording achievement) with a focus on programme-level learning outcomes, joint Honours/GPA degree classification and implementation of the Higher Education Achievement Report.
  • Raising the status of teaching in the institution in terms of leadership, professional recognition, reward and development.

Research and Knowledge Exchange

Abertay University is a compact, focused institution, which enables us to work effectively both within and across traditional research boundaries. The Abertay University Research and Knowledge Exchange strategy, R-LINCS (Research-Led Innovation Nodes for Contemporary Society), bridges conventional boundaries between research disciplines to devise innovative approaches to address societal challenges. R-LINCS is structured into four themes: Creative Industries, Environment, Security, and Society.

These themes address key local, national and international priorities, building on our existing areas of expertise and on our industry-facing heritage. Our ambitious long-term plan to build capacity and drive interdisciplinary research and innovation is being stimulated by a strategy framework and internal investment.  Research underpins both our teaching and engagement with industry and society more generally. Abertay has a rapidly developing research culture, and submitted 30% more staff, and more Units of Assessment, for the Research Excellence Framework 2014 compared to RAE 2008.

Further information on teaching & learning and research at Abertay is available at:

https://www.abertay.ac.uk/discover/work-here/working-at-abertay/learning-development/tle/

http://www.abertay.ac.uk/research/ref2014/

University Strategy

Abertay is committed to being an excellent university, equal to the best in Scotland and making our own unique contribution to society.  The values and principles that guide the activities of Abertay are seen in our strategic plan for the period 2015-2020: available at http://abertay.ac.uk/media/Strategic%20Plan%202015%20for%20web.pdf

Abertay University has achieved the Athena Swan Bronze Award, recognising the University’s achievements in respect of gender equality. The University is also proud to hold the Race Equality Charter Mark Bronze Award for our ongoing commitment and active steps to improving race equality for our staff and students; the only Scottish university to hold this award. Abertay University holds a Gold Award for Healthy Working Lives, a Silver Award for the Armed Forces Covenant; and is recognised as a Cycle Friendly Employer.