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USA

These pages are designed for students coming to Dundee from the USA or from a school or college operating the US system of education.

We have a long history of welcoming students from the USA to Dundee, and at present there are around 200 American students at the University. Our alumni are spread throughout the US, with active alumni groups in California, New York, Virginia, Chicago and Texas.

Why Dundee?
Entry Requirements
Meet us
Fees, Funding & Living Costs
Employability

Why Dundee?

Come and join our student population and study for your undergraduate or postgraduate degree here in Scotland, at a university which has been ranked #1 for student experience. We have many unique offerings available and are ranked as one of the top 200 institutions in the world. Our staff-student ratio of 6:1 ensures a high level of interaction between staff and students, and career prospects for our graduates are amongst the best in the UK.

Studying for a degree in Scotland

The Scottish education system is different from the US system and it is important that you understand some of those differences before you make your decision to come and study here at Dundee.

For undergraduates

Did you know that the American system is based on the Scottish educational system? Scotland is home to some of the oldest English speaking universities in the world! So there are some similarities such as academic years on a two semester system and four year degree programs.

There are also some differences:

Terminology
- The Scots do not talk about their major, instead they refer to it as a course of study.
- Instead of individual courses, we use the term modules.
- Classifications like freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior are not used. Instead, students talk about being in Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or their final year of study.
- An Honours year in the UK (or final year of study) denotes the honours degree classification. This means a student will produce an original piece of research to present at the end of their degree.
- Degree classification. Instead of using GPAs, Scottish students graduate with a First class degree, Second class – upper or lower, or a Third class degree.
- Learn more about some of the terms we use.

There is not a liberal arts degree structure in Scotland. Students begin to study within their chosen subject area during their first year. This means that you apply for a specific course of study. You can switch your course of study up to year two, but once you enter year three, you must continue with your chosen course of study. For some students, this is one of the key advantages of studying in the UK.
At Dundee, we offer more flexibility than other UK universities, by offering joint degree programs.
You can study law or medicine straight from school and do not have to study a 4-year pre-med or pre-law program first.
All students can take advantage of our study abroad programs, whether you want to spend a semester or full year abroad, we have programs in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong that you can take advantage of to enhance your degree and your undergraduate experience.

For graduate students

There are several key differences between US and UK graduate programmes.

Terminology
- In the UK, a masters course is called a postgraduate degree, rather than a graduate degree.
- Sometimes, instead of being referred to as a course, a masters degree will be referred to as a programme of study.

UK masters programs are one year (from September to September) of intensive study. So you can save both time and money by studying for your masters at the University of Dundee. Visit our cost comparison webpage for more details
UK masters courses tend to be very focused and students leave with a specialisation that often grants them an edge in a particular field.
You do not have to sit the GRE for entry into any of our postgraduate programmes.

Scottish life and culture

While at Dundee you can immerse yourself in Scottish culture (there's more to it than just tartan and shortbread!) and explore the scenic beauty of Scotland. Mountains, lochs and glens are all within easy reach, and the rest of the UK is also highly accessible, even without a car. If that's not enough, you'll only be a short flight away from mainland Europe too.
Find out more about our campus and city »

We have a thriving International Student Society which has members from over 100 countries world-wide. They organise trips and tours, arrange social events, and work in conjunction with our international support service to make sure your time at Dundee runs smoothly.

Our International Advice Service also organises events for the international community.

You'll be able to find friends to celebrate Scottish holidays and events with - such as Hogmanay (New Year), Burns Night, and St Andrew's Day, and there will also be plenty of people willing to celebrate Thanksgiving and the 4th of July with you!

"As a third-year joint honours Psychology and Philosophy student at The University of Dundee, my course keeps me busy, but I enjoy the challenge it offers. Teaching standards at Dundee are at an exceptional level, but professors are always friendly and willing to meet with you after lectures or during office hours if you need a little extra help. Freshers’ fairs at the beginning of the year give you the opportunity to sign up for every club and sport imaginable, I chose to write for The Magdalen, the universities student magazine, as well as participate in Athletics, and the Sailing club. I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Dundee, because while the city is so quaint and amicable, it’s only about an hours distance away from Edinburgh or Glasgow if you’re wanting to nip to a bigger city for a daytrip, or the weekend. I’ve found Scottish students to be exceedingly friendly, and through getting to know them and understanding their rare breed of Scottish humour, I’ve accumulated priceless memories of my time in Dundee."

Danielle Ames, Psychology and Philosophy Student

Learn more about studying in the UK from the British Council United States website.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

For entry to all our programmes you will need to demonstrate that your qualifications meet the University of Dundee entrance requirements. These are general guidelines only, and exact requirements will vary on an individual basis, and from course to course. The information below is based on you taking your exams under your country's national education system. If this is not the case, please refer to the entry requirements for the relevant country.

For undergraduate courses: if you have taken international school leaving qualifications such as A Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB), the entry requirements are detailed on the individual undergraduate course pages.

For some of our postgraduate programmes there may be additional non-academic entrance requirements such as relevant work experience. These are detailed on the individual postgraduate course pages.

Undergraduate - Year 1

A high school graduation diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.25 plus one of the following:

SAT Reasoning Test with composite score of 1650 (with no individual section below 550) and two relevant APs at Grade 4 or above

OR

SAT Reasoning Test with composite score of 1650 (with no individual section below 550) and two relevant SAT IIs at 600 or above

OR

ACT Test with a composite score of 26 (with no individual section below 24) and two relevant APs at Grade 4 or above

OR

ACT Test with a composite score of 26 (with no individual section below 24) and two relevant SAT IIs at 600 or above

OR

Three APs at Grade 4

Please note the University of Dundee’s institutional code for the ACT is 5400 and for the SAT the institutional code is 0857.

Undergraduate - Year 2

Applicants should have successfully completed the first year at a recognized US University. It is essential that applicants have studied modules equivalent to those taken by students studying here in Level 1. We also accept US Associates Degrees, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 – 3.25 or above, for Level 2 or in some exceptional cases, Level 3 entry. Transcripts must be supplied. Level 2 entry is also considered for those applicants with four relevant AP exams, grades 4 or 5.

Undergraduate - Medicine

If you wish to study medicine at Dundee, the following qualifications are all required:

High School Graduation Diploma (HSGD) with a cumulative GPA of 3.75
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - SAT scores of 700 in each section (Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing) with a cumulative score of 2100
Advanced Placement (AP) - four AP exams with scores of 5, including Chemistry and another science.

Postgraduate - taught

A GPA of 3.25 in a relevant Bachelor degree . You must submit your degree transcripts. We do not require the GRE for admission, but this may help to supplement your application. Please note our school code for the GRE is 3408.

Postgraduate - research

A Masters level qualification from a good university will normally be required. Evidence of some research experience (for example through a Masters Degree project) is expected. Transcripts of all previous degree-level studies must accompany the application.

Meet us

Online

Would you like to speak to an admissions representative or a current US student about studying at the University of Dundee? If so, please contact Bronagh Crosse to arrange for you to speak via Skype or email.

International / EU applicants & enquirers:

5th December 10-11am GMT
12th December 4-5pm GMT
19th December 10-11am GMT

9th January 10-11am GMT
16th January 4-5pm GMT
and then from March onwards

More information & signup

Meet alumni

We are sometimes able to connect you to alumni who live or work in your part of the world. If you are interested, please email alumni@dundee.ac.uk to find out more.

Fees, Funding and Living Costs

The cost of studying in Dundee is very affordable when compared to private 4-year US institutions. Dundee also offers scholarships to overseas students.

Fees

Who are you? Choose from the following to access relevant information about Fees & Funding:

International Undergraduate Applicant
International Taught Postgraduate Applicant
Global Programme Student from another university coming on Study Abroad or Summer Study Abroad
Research Postgraduate Applicant

Scholarships

These scholarships are specifically for students from the US:

US Fulbright Awards Programme

The US Fulbright Awards Programme offers a wide range of study abroad opportunities to US citizens for postgraduate study or summer programmes. Students who receive a Fulbright scholarship receive a University of Dundee fee waiver, visit the Fulbright Commission website.

Marshall Scholarships

Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. For more information, visit the Marshall Scholarships website.

Scotland's Saltire Scholarships

For citizens of Canada, the People's Republic of China, India or the USA, who have not completed an undergraduate degree in Scotland, and have been offered a place on a University of Dundee Masters programme in a priority subject area. For more information, visit our Scotland's Saltire Scholarships webpage.

General scholarships

Visit our general scholarship pages to check whether you are eligible for any other scholarship and bursary opportunities available across the university, and our Academic School Scholarships webpage for course-specific funding.

Living Costs

Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, so you get a high value of education and your cost of living is affordable.
To see how the cost of studying at Dundee for a Masters course compares to the cost of studying in the US, please visit our cost comparison web page.
Students are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week with their student visa.
You can apply your US Direct Loans to your study in Dundee - both to help cover your tuition and your living expenses. See our Federal Loans flowchart for more details.
As a student in Scotland, you have access to the National Health Service, so you do not have to pay for health insurance while studying at Dundee. Find out more about healthcare in Scotland.
We offer a variety of accommodation, both on and off campus.

"The living cost is fairly low compared to other cities, and the access to a kitchen on your flat is convenient, we do not have that in the United States, we have meal plans. Cooking with the flat mates is a great way to wind down at the end of the day and have a good laugh."
International Student Barometer, 2009

Employability

Dundee has an excellent employment record, and 96% of our graduates are in employment or further study 6 months after graduation.

Benefits of a UK degree

A British degree is highly respected and valued by employers across the globe. Standards of teaching, research and facilities in the UK are among the best in the world, and are regularly assessed by independent bodies to ensure high academic standards are maintained. Here at Dundee, we are ranked as one of the UK's top ten universities for learning and teaching.
Find out more about our strengths »

Studying and living abroad will also help you to stand out from other candidates in an increasingly crowded job market. You'll gain first-hand international experience, and be able to draw upon your time in the UK to demonstrate skills in adaptability, self-confidence and problem solving - all of which employers value.

The more independent approach to learning that you'll find here will also help you to develop critical thinking, self-discipline and the analytical skills that are sought after by employers.

My time at Dundee broadened my educational awareness. I really enjoyed the more independent approach to my studies. It was also amazing to have so many international students on campus, thus learning about different cultures. Dundee is a great place to expand your awareness. Coming to Scotland changed the course of my life in that I now live, work, and plan to study medicine here. I did not foresee any of this before studying abroad.
Annie Irving, English and Biology

Studying for the MLitt Creative Writing at the University of Dundee was challenging and exhilarating. I had the freedom to write about my travel experiences but was also challenged to write in different areas that I wasn't accustomed to, like monologues and fictional short stories. The program helped me to gain more confidence in my writing through intensive writing workshops and especially at the Literary Salons, where we gave readings of our own work.
Juliana Janisch, MLitt in Creative Writing, 2009

What are our graduates doing?

Our American graduates are spread out across the US. Recent employers have included GlaxoSmithKline, Morgan Stanley, AON Global, Auburn University and Pixar.