Abertay University

A modern University in the centre of Dundee, and home to the world's first computer games degree.

Key facts

Founded in 1888 as the Dundee Technical Institute, with University status from 1994
Launched the world's first computer games degree in 1997
Offered the world's first Ethical Hacking degree from 2006
Named an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Cyber Security Centre in 2020

The University

University Spotlight: Abertay University

We are delighted to feature Abertay University in Dundee as this week's University Spotlight.

Abertay's story began on 15 October 1888, when the Dundee Technical Institute opened with funds from the bequest of Sir David Baxter. It became the University of Abertay Dundee in 1994 and has been known as Abertay University since 2014.

A University of firsts Abertay launched the world's first computer games degree in 1997 and the world's first Ethical Hacking degree in 2006. In 2009 it established the UK's first Centre for Excellence in Computer Games Education. In 2020 the National Cyber Security Centre named it an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity, the only University in Scotland to receive the title in that round. Its cyberQuarter opened in 2022.

Rooted in Dundee From its campus on Bell Street in the centre of the city, Abertay works closely with the games and creative industries for which Dundee is known around the world. Its industry partners include Electronic Arts, Sony, Microsoft and BBC Scotland. Its research spans the creative industries, health and care, security and social justice, and sustainable development.

Honouring exceptional people Abertay's roll of Honorary Graduates reflects the breadth of that ambition. It includes leaders from science, sport, the arts, business and public life, as well as games pioneers such as Ian Livingstone and David Braben. Two of Abertay's Honorary Doctors are already Founding Fellows of the Society.

This week Over the coming days we will celebrate four of Abertay's Honorary Doctors: actor Brian Cox CBE, scientist Professor Dame Anne Glover, Olympic medallist Eilidh Doyle and tennis coach Judy Murray OBE.

Abertay is led by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Bacon, with Professor Alice Brown as Chancellor.