International Study Centre

Student employability and careers

The flexibility of Scottish degrees creates a unique and well-rounded learning environment to help your future career.

Graduates smiling and holding up a flag

Succeed in your career

Gaining a degree from a top-ranking university is the first step to succeeding in your future career. Whether you choose to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, the International Study Centre at the University of Aberdeen can help you to become an employable graduate.

The graduate employment market is hugely competitive. You will need to demonstrate you have the career skills, as well as the academic abilities, to set yourself apart from the rest. By studying with us, you will benefit from a wide range of careers services to ensure you leave the University as an employable graduate.

Career preparation at the International Study Centre

Career-focussed activities are built in to your pathway programme, including:

  • discovering your own areas of personal strength
  • activities allowing you to build on your teamwork, time management, problem-solving and communication skills
  • creating a personal development plan which you can use throughout your time at university.

You'll also have the opportunity to build up work experience by taking up part-time employment or a work placement during your studies. Find out more about working rights as part your visa.

Career preparation at the University

The University of Aberdeen's Careers and Employability Service will support your career aspirations and future success. Through collaboration, innovation and professionalism, students and recent graduates are provided with advice and information, allowing you to effectively plan your future career and skill development. You’ll also receive many opportunities to network and connect with potential employers.

Some of the ways that the University of Aberdeen supports you during your studies include:

  • One-to-one support in-person, by phone or online, with a dedicated, subject-specialised Careers Adviser.
  • Opportunities for you to participate in programmes, such as the Pathway to Success programme and the Career Mentoring Programme, that will allow you to develop skills that employers are looking for.
  • Online professional skills courses, where you can develop skills to enhance your career.
  • Workshops, presentations and job fairs, run by employers, to provide you with expert industry knowledge and tips.
  • Extensive support with finding work experience and graduate opportunities.

There is an extensive database of careers information and resources available, designed to support you in finding a career that is best suited to your skills, interests and degree. Filter by job type, subject area and other categories to gain the knowledge and guidance you need to succeed here.

The flexible degree options at Aberdeen allow you to shape your degree to your career goals. As an undergraduate student, you can choose to study either a single honours, joint honours or major/minor degree. Within these degrees, you will also have the opportunity to explore different subject modules before deciding on the final path you want to take. This allows you to create a unique study plan based on your own interests, as well as widening your knowledge to maximise your employability.

Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to study additional subjects with no increase to their overall workload. The 'Enhanced Study' courses you have the opportunity to join include:

  • Discipline Breadth
  • Sustained Study
  • Sixth Century courses

University of Aberdeen is situated in the energy capital of Europe. Both the city and university attract major FTSE 100 employers such as Shell and BP, a significant number of which supply and provide services across the entire supply chain. With such major companies in the industry close by, paired with Aberdeen’s strong links to the oil and gas industries, you will be provided with a wide range of opportunities to connect and gain experience in your chosen field.

Each school has gained local, UK and international connections from alumni, industry, research and consultancy. The University attracts a wide range of UK and international employers and many of the postgraduates provide consultancy work in business including:

  • Siemens
  • ConocoPhilips
  • PwC
  • Shell
  • Aberdeen Asset Management

The University of Aberdeen supports students in a wide range of internship and work placement roles. Last year, students benefited from around 1,400 placements - ranging from those included in degree programmes to optional summer internships. Students have gone on to work in companies such as:

  • Chevron
  • Marathon Oil
  • BP
  • Norco
  • Aberdeenshire Council
  • Astrazeneca

Work after study

After studying, you can start your career in the UK with the new Graduate Immigration Route – a 2-year post-study work visa for international students graduating from UK universities. Take the first step with a pathway programme at the International Study Centre to gain the skills you'll need both on your degree and in your career.

Ranked 16th in UK

for the careers services, entirely based on authentic/verified student reviews.

(StudentCrowd reviews 2023)

93.8% of graduates

are in employment or further study after 15 months.

(Graduate Outcomes survey, 2019/20 leavers)

Lea from Namibia in front of Aberdeen's library

You're going to pick up a whole lot of experience. You're going to pick up a lot of skills. You're going to enjoy meeting new people. There is a lot of support, the staff really want to see you growing in your career and they have a lot of facility to just really assist the students in terms of getting a placement or getting your CV right and just preparing yourself for the job market."

Lea from Namibia

MSc Finance and Investment Management

Aberdeen University students sat outside on campus

Programmes

Our extensive programme offerings will help you to find the best pathway for you. Whether you want to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or have a passion for science, engineering or business, there is a pathway for you.

Aberdeen students talking in a communal space

How to apply

Ready to join us at the International Study Centre? Learn more about the application process and what you need before you arrive.

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Aberdeen Family.