University of Aberdeen: A Historic Campus and Top Tourist Attraction

Universities can be a tourist attraction, and I must say that the University of Aberdeen is a beautiful one. When we got there, we saw a tour bus and some tourists taking photos of the buildings, which piqued our interest. We decided to walk around and explore, and we were not disappointed. We took some really nice photos, which I will share with you all.

I also had to look up some information about the building, its status, and the university as a whole. It was an interesting find, and I learned a lot about the history of the university.

Getting to the University of Aberdeen

From either Queen Street or Broad Street, Marischal College is reachable by bus. College Bounds or King Street are both ways to access the main body of the campus, which includes King's College. – It's a 20-minute walk from Marischal College and the city center. The availability of parking and buses is relatively high.

About the University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen was established in 1495, making it the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world, and one of Scotland's ancient universities. It has maintained its reputation as a top-tier educational institution.

The University of Aberdeen has an extensive history, dating back to the mid-12th century when it is thought that a centre of learning was established at the See of Aberdeen. However, it was not until February 1494 that the university was officially founded by Papal Bull, following a request from King James IV of Scotland to Pope Alexander VI. The primary motivation for this request was said to be King James' desire to correct the ignorance of the people in northern Scotland so that they could better fill clerical offices.

The new university, initially known as ‘The University and King’s College of Aberdeen’, was a collegiate institution modeled after the University of Paris. It was originally planned as a law school, but in 1497, it established the first chair of medicine in the English-speaking world.

Marischal College was founded by the 5th Earl of Marischal in 1593, located in the commercial heart of the city. As they became more integrated with city life, the two colleges clashed both in court and in brawls. Frequent merger attempts were often unsuccessful. During Oliver Cromwell's interregnum, a brief attempt was made to reunite the two colleges, but it was again dissolved after the Restoration. The union was only actually formally completed in 1860, which also created a new medical school for Marischal College.

All faculties were permitted to admit women by 1892, and two years later, a group of 20 women matriculated at the university. The quadrangle at Marischal College was completed in 1906 and opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The city hosted some of the most lavish celebrations ever seen, including banquets, fireworks, and the bestowing of hundreds of honorary degrees to individuals from all over the world.

New buildings were constructed by King's and Marischal Colleges in both traditional and contemporary brutalist styles as both continued to expand throughout the 20th century. 

Address: King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX

Today's events at The University of Aberdeen 

The university’s grounds are dispersed throughout the city: Marischal College is near the city center, while King’s is farther north. King’s College is still in use – the Chapel and Museum are open to visitors during the week and are free of charge. Marischal College is not open to the public, but its austere perpendicular Gothic style is worth admiring from the outside.

King’s College Chapel

The Chapel sanctuary, situated beneath the Tower, is a place of beauty, tranquility, and peace.

During the academic term, King's College Chapel holds worship services every Wednesday. This service commences at 5.15pm unless otherwise specified. In addition to these daily services, the Chapel also hosts significant annual services such as Remembrance and Founders' Day.

It is important to note that the University of Aberdeen is not the same as King's College, even though King's College is a part of it. The University of Aberdeen was formed in 1860 by the merger of two colleges: King's College (founded in 1495) and Marischal College (founded in 1593). King's College is one of the university's historic campuses and is often referred to in connection with the university's heritage.

Address: College Bounds, Aberdeen AB24 3FX

Evolutionary Loop 517 sculptures

A bronze tall curved sculpture. The artist says of the work, 'It reflects the visually striking interior design of the library, and the use of bronze cements a strong connection between the historical relevance and traditions of the university, and the bold and beautiful statement of the contemporary library building.

Created in 2013, medium is bronze, sponsored by Dr John P. Sievwright.

Address: 7 Elphinstone Rd, Aberdeen AB24 3EF

Clark’s Lane University of Aberdeen 

New Kings Building in autumn, old Aberdeen

New King’s College

Elphinstone Hall

The baronial Elphinstone Hall is one of the most beautiful and historic venues available at the University of Aberdeen. It was designed and built in 1930.

Elphinstone Hall is a versatile venue that can accommodate a wide range of events, from dinner dances to business breakfasts, industry exhibitions, and presentations. The Hall is located in the heart of the campus and has a variety of reception and breakout rooms available nearby.

The Hall benefits from a high volume of natural light, which highlights the hammer-beam roof and oak-paneled walls. This, combined with some of the oldest oil canvas paintings in Scotland, creates a truly unique backdrop. In the warmer months, guests are welcome to mingle under the cloisters and admire the view of King's Chapel.

Location: 21 High St, Aberdeen AB24 3EE, UK