University of Dundee: Strategic Advisory Taskforce report

Chapter 5: University of Dundee Academic Schools

School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Law

A dynamic, modern, and integrated School that brings together a range of disciplines from across the social sciences, humanities and related professional programmes.

The School comprises 5 divisions:

Dundee Law School:

• Top 20 for Law in the UK - Good University Guide, The Times and Sunday Times 2025.

Education is focused on the subjects needed to proceed towards practising Law in all common jurisdictions globally, including undergraduate LLB, accelerated LLB, and postgraduate LLM programmes.

Research is organised around two themes - Law for a Sustainable World and Law for a Just World, with cross-cutting initiatives comprising the Interdisciplinary Legal Studies Group, the UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Science and Policy, and collaboration with the Centre for Energy, Petroleum, and Mineral Law and Policy.

Education and Society:

• Top 10 in the UK for Education - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
• 1st in Scotland for Overall Satisfaction in Education - National Student Survey 2024.

Education is focused on social justice and improving the lives of individuals and communities. The division offers courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level in School Teacher Education, Community Education, and Social Work, ranging from qualifying and post-qualifying courses that are professionally recognised, to continuing professional development courses.

Research covers the themes of: practice, pedagogy, education and life transitions, and peripheries.

Energy, Environment and Society:

Education is focused on preparing graduates for high-profile careers, and can include remote internships to develop employability skills and gain valuable work experience.

• Top 10 LLM Programmes for Energy Law - LLM Guide 2024.
• Top 20 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science - The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

The Division tackles challenging questions about human and physical environments, from global issues such as climate change to local issues such as urban regeneration.

Education covers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Geography (also with economics, planning, history, psychology, and modern languages), Environmental Science, and Social research. This includes degree level courses with Dundee and Angus College.

Research addresses pressing environmental and social issues, and is organised in two groups: the environmental futures, and social futures groups. The emergent Binks Institute for Sustainability brings a wide range of researchers together to address critical questions to be addressed in achieving environmental sustainability locally and globally.

Humanities:

• 1st in Scotland for overall satisfaction in English and Creative Writing - National Student Survey 2024.
• 1st in Scotland for overall satisfaction in English and Film Studies - National Student Survey 2024.

The Division focuses on understanding the world’s culture and creativity through critical reflection and practice in history, literature, comics, film, creative writing, philosophy, modern languages, and archival education.

Education includes courses in Archive and Information Studies, English, History and Archives, Languages, and Philosophy.

Research incudes a vibrant PhD programme, research centres and partnerships, and the Arts and Humanities Research Institute with five research centres, and membership of a number of clusters shared with other higher education institutions. It is also a member of the Consortium of Institutes of Advanced Studies, and the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities which offers funding for doctoral research under the auspices of the Arts and Humanities Research Council and SFC.

Psychology:

• Top 30 in the UK - Guardian University Guide 2025.

The Division conducts education and research in human experimental psychology, language and cognition, neuroscience and development, and social psychology.

Education includes BSc and MA honours programmes in Psychology, and a wide range of joint courses (with English, Geography, History, Mathematics and Languages).

Research is recognised as being world-leading with particular strengths in Psycho-linguistics, Developmental Psychology, Health Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Social Psychology.

The School’s mission is to continue building a high-quality and inspirational environment for education, research and social impact that will be known for its innovative approaches to the human and cultural sciences, and for addressing the major challenges faced by members of society in their local, national, and global settings.

School of Science and Engineering

Through teaching and research, the School brings together subjects in STEM - science, technology, engineering (and) mathematics - to address global societal challenges and life-changing technologies.

• 1st for Medical Technology and Biomedical Engineering in Scotland - Complete University Guide 2025.
• 1st in Scotland for overall satisfaction in Physics - National Student Survey 2024.
• 2nd in the UK for Forensic Science - Guardian University Guide 2026,
• 5th in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
• Top 5 in UK for Computing - Guardian University Guide 2025,
• 2nd in Scotland for overall satisfaction in Mathematics - National Student Survey 2024

The School comprises 5 divisions:

Engineering:

Education with a focus on undergraduate and postgraduate accredited courses in biomedical, civil, and mechanical engineering which enable students to develop technical and problem-solving skills to tackle real life challenges.

Research is focused on Biomedical Imaging and Technology; Future Infrastructure and Environment; and Material Science and Engineering.

Anatomy and Human Identification:

The School hosts the largest interdisciplinary forensic science research team in the UK, comprising staff from the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) and the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID). This pairing has acknowledged leadership in forensic science, and key partnerships and collaborations with the judiciary, forensic scientists, crime scene examiners and other operational forensic practitioners, and law enforcement and legal practitioners.

Education includes undergraduate courses on Anatomical Sciences and Forensic Anthropology, and postgraduate programmes in similar areas with variants which focus on Human Anatomy, Archaeology, and Medical Art.

Research draws on partnerships and collaborations, and is based on five principles of Detection, Recognition, Comparison, Recognition, and Comparison.

Computing:

The Division’s focus is on building systems and software, and providing the technical and transferable skills that are in demand by a wide range of industries.

Education - undergraduate courses are Computer Science, Computer Science (Data Science and AI) and Computer Science (User Experience and Design), the latter with Industrial Placement. Postgraduate programmes incorporate International Business, AI for Software Development, Data Science and Engineering, Educational Assistive Technology, and Information Technology Management. Computer Science PhD programmes promote collaborative research and innovation, spanning a range of cutting-edge topics.

Research - 100% of computer science and informatics submitted to REF 2021 was rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Programmes lever fundamental computer science expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning and user experience to enhance human health and well-being, and to empower society through technology.

Mathematics:

Mathematics fuels scientific advances and guides decisions in industry, government, and finance, based on analytical skills, problem-solving ability and strong IT skills.

Education - undergraduate single honours courses are in Mathematical Biology and Mathematics, and joint honours courses are available, combining Mathematics with English, Astrophysics, Economics, Finance, Physics, and Psychology. With internationally acknowledged research strengths in Applied Mathematics, a range of PhD opportunities are available in Dundee.

Research - Mathematical Sciences and Computational Physics work together on fundamental research which gives rise to interdisciplinary applications spanning Science and Engineering, Life Sciences, Medicine, and Dentistry. Key areas include Mathematical Biology and Computational Biophysics; Magnetohydrodynamics and Astrophysics; and Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing.

Physics:

Exploring nature in the broadest possible sense, physicists discover how the universe behaves and aim to use that knowledge to the benefit of humanity.

Education - undergraduate courses include Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, and Physics with renewable energy science. It is possible to combine Bachelor and Masters’ level modules into an integrated degree.

Research - Physics research areas include: Astronomy and Astrophysics; Biomedical Imaging and Technology; Computational Biophysics; Materials Physics; Nanotechnology; Photonics; and Renewable Energy. A wide range of PhD opportunities are available.

School of Business

The School strives to deliver an outstanding experience that connects people and organisations to deliver economic and social impact.

Education – Undergraduate programmes: Accounting and Finance, Economics and Business Management, and Marketing. Postgraduate programmes: Accounting and Finance Economics Business, International Business, and Management and Marketing.

Business degrees with Artificial Intelligence (AI): Business Analytics and AI, International Business and AI, International Marketing and AI for Business, Islamic Finance and AI, Management and AI for Business.

Research – Cross-disciplinary research themes: Health, wellbeing, and education; entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity, and markets and governance.

The School’s Research, Knowledge Exchange, and Impact (RKEI) ambitions are grounded in interdisciplinary collaborations across the School and the University. They are closely aligned with the University’s commitment to transforming lives, locally and globally as reflected in Dundee’s ranking in the world top 20 for delivering on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (THE Impact Rankings 2019) and the University’s interdisciplinary themes.

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design

The creative heart of the University, shaping some of the top artists and designers across the globe.

• 2nd in Scotland for Art and Design - Complete University Guide 2026
• Top 15 in the UK for Art and Design - Complete University Guide 2026

Education - undergraduate Art and Design courses …. spanning Animation; Architecture; Art and Philosophy; Environmental Sustainability and Geography; Fine Art; Graphic Design; and Interior and Environmental Design. Postgraduate Art and Design courses …. spanning Animation and Visual Effects (VFX); Communication Design; Curatorial Practice; Design for Business; Fine Art; Interior Design; Medical Art; and Product Design.

Research - The School’s research contributes to a knowledge base that extends beyond its traditional strengths in art and design disciplines. Individual creative practice continues to play a major role in its research culture alongside collaborative and interdisciplinary research. DoJ researchers play a major role in projects in the arts, humanities, social sciences, physical and life sciences, technology, and engineering.

Researchers are grouped thematically around four areas of investigation:

• Interdisciplinary Design and Innovation
• People, Landscape, and Environment
• Secure Digital Futures
• Visual Practice, Curation and Critique.

These themes are permeable, transcend departmental structures, and draw on many areas of expertise. Funders and collaborators include the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Creative Scotland, The British Council, The National Galleries of Scotland, and Arts Council England.

Professor Anita Taylor, the Dean of the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design presented at the fifth Taskforce meeting.

School of Medicine

Pioneers in medical education where students are doctors from day one and world leading research flourishes, transforming lives locally and globally.

• 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for Medicine - The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
• Joint 1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Medicine - Complete University Guide 2025.
• 1st in the UK for Medicine and Medical Technology - Complete University Guide 2021.

Education - Dundee’s five year MBChB undergraduate curriculum with a limit of 220 students prepares doctors for the greatly increased pace of change in medical knowledge, practice and professionalism. In addition, the School provides a one-year Gateway to Medicine for widening access students, and a four-year Scotgem course designed for Scottish graduates who are interested in a career in general practice within NHS Scotland.

It is also possible to take a year out of the MBChB course to study for a BMSc - known as an intercalated year - with in depth study in one of the following areas: Anatomy; Applied Orthopaedic Technology; Cancer and Personalised Medicine; Global Health; Healthcare Improvement; Human Reproduction, Assisted Conception and Embryonic Stem Cells; Medical Education; and Neuropharmacology and Behaviour. There are also a number of Postgraduate Courses covering similar territory at a higher level, and with a number of internationally recognised researchers, clinicians, and educators committed to innovation and excellence. A number of Medical Education and Research qualifications and degrees at MSc and PhD levels are also available.

Research within the School is organised into the following divisions:

• Population Health and Genomics
• Cardiovascular
• Cancer
• Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Reproductive Biology
• Neuroscience
• Respiratory and Gastroenterology

Current Research Themes are:

• Precision Medicine
• Health and Bioinformatics
• Translational Neuroscience
• Cancer
• Infection and Anti-microbial Resistance
• Cellular stress and metabolism
• Medical Education.

Research is strongly informed by a close working relationship with NHS Tayside through the Tayside Medical Science Centre (TASC) which supports researchers in the delivery and governance of high quality clinical research and provides patients with access to innovative treatments, interventions and medicines.

The School has a growing track record of commercialisation and impact in areas including Data-driven healthcare, Modelling disease, and Healthcare by design. TASC is one of Europe’s leading drug trial sites, offering its many industry partners a high quality clinical research environment that offers end-to-end support across the trial lifecycle. TASC has taken part in more than 170 commercial research studies, generating £7m further investment into the research infrastructure in Dundee.

School of Dentistry

The School prepares students of dentistry and oral health sciences for graduate study and professional life. In research, it aims to improve human health and well-being, while contributing to the design and effective implementation of future health technologies, health services, health informatics and knowledge systems.

• 1st in the UK for Dentistry - Complete University Guide 2026.
• In the top 50 in the world for Dentistry - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Education - undergraduate courses are in Dentistry (BDS), and Oral Health Sciences (BSc). Postgraduate courses cover a range of issues, including: Dental Public Health; Dental Public Health with Clinical Dentistry; Forensic and Legal Odontology; Forensic Dentistry; and Inclusive Oral Health. The School also has a PhD programme for postgraduate research in dentistry.

Research - The School is a WHO Collaborating Centre for public health issues on Congenital Anomalies and Technology Transfer. It is embedded in an oral health research rich environment through the: Dental Health Services Research Unit; Cochrane Oral Health Group; Centre for Evidence Based Dentistry; and the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programmes. Current research includes the: Scottish Oral Health Improvement Prison Programme; NIHR Dental Recalls Trial; A study focused on the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities; Scottish Oral Health Improvement Homelessness Programmes; and Oral Improvement for People with Experience of Drugs.

School of Health Sciences

The School’s courses are delivered by expert staff, committed to providing high quality education to students. Research is focused on improving health and health services, supporting innovation, and patient safety.

• 1st in Scotland for overall satisfaction in Child Nursing - National Student Survey 2024.

Education - with campuses in Dundee and Kirkcaldy, the School offers excellent clinical facilities and placements throughout Scotland. Undergraduate courses include Adult Nursing, Child Nursing, and Mental Health Nursing; pre-registration MSc courses. Postgraduate courses include Advanced Practice; Health Studies; Infection Prevention and Control; Leadership in Healthcare; and Quality Improvement and Patient Safety.

Research - primary research themes include Understanding health; Innovation in health; and Improving health service delivery. Research groupings build on existing strengths and reflect the interests and experience of staff as follows: Healthy active ageing research; Improvement and implementation; Living well with long term conditions; Mother, infant and child; and Substance use.

Professors Rory McCrimmon, Linda Martindale, Peter Massey, Dr Andrew Mason and Mr Simon Dunn, Executive Nurse Director for NHS Tayside, gave presentations at the fourth taskforce meeting

School of Life Sciences

The School has an international reputation for excellence in the three ‘triple intensity’ areas of research, education, and external engagement.

• 1st in the UK for Biological Sciences - Research Excellence Framework 2021;
• 1st in the UK for Research Quality in Biological and Biomedical Sciences - Complete University Guide 2026;
• The School is 7th in the UK, 8th in Europe, and 18th in the world for Biomedical and Health Sciences Impact - Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) Leiden Ranking 2024.

Research divisions, centres, and units, enable research groups studying similar topics to be grouped together to encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary working - these are:

• Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery
• Cell Signalling and Immunology
• Centre for targeted Protein Degradation
• Computational Biology
• Drug Discovery Unit
• Genome Integrity
• Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation (PPU)
• Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Plant Sciences
• Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infective’s Research (WCAIR).

Research activity is underpinned by state-of-the-art facilities and in-house support, located in four interlinked buildings, with a Division of Plant Sciences located at the James Hutton Institute. The Dundee based campus includes:

• Open-plan research laboratories
• The National Phenotypic Screening Centre
• Cryo-Electron Microscopy
• MRC PPU Reagents and Services
• MRC PPU DNA Sequencing and Services
• Safety, technical services, and workshop expertise
• Data Analysis Group
• Dundee Imaging Facility
• Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility
• FingerPrints Proteomics Facility - a Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry capability, available to researchers and external academic and industrial clients across the globe.

Top in the UK for overall student satisfaction in Biosciences - National Student Survey 2024.

Education - training and developing the next generation of scientists is fundamental to the work of the School, and is led by a dedicated team of academics, technicians, and administrative staff. Undergraduate degrees (excluding the joint degree with the National University of Singapore) are fully accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, and include:

• Biochemistry (with or without a year in industry)
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery
• Biological Sciences (with or without a year in industry)
• Biomedical Studies with the Indonesia Institute for Life Sciences
• Life Sciences (with Dundee and Angus College)
• Microbiology (with or without a year in industry)
• Molecular Biosciences (joint degree with HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands)
• Neuroscience (with or without a year in industry)
• Pharmacology (with or without a year in industry).

Taught postgraduate courses include:

• Biological Data Science
• Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (can be with Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Marketing)
• Service and Health Communication.

It is also possible to undertake a ‘Life Sciences Masters by Research MSc (Res)’ by conducting an in-depth research project working in a lab on real projects with world leading scientists.

The School also offers a range of different programmes leading to a PhD in Life Sciences, some involving rotation projects, and others focused on a single area of research. It also places great emphasis on supporting a vibrant PhD and post-doctoral community.

Commercialisation and impact in Life Sciences ensures that the School’s research has a real and significant impact on the quality of people’s lives - their health, the economy and the environment.

The School was 4th in the UK for the volume of equity secured by its spin-outs (£251m) - Parkwalk-Beauhurst 2022;

and 5th in the UK for its record of turning research into world-changing companies - Octopus Ventures 2021.

With long-standing partnerships with industry and a verifiable track record of generating sustainable spin-out companies, a number of new collaborations and enterprises are at the forefront of life sciences innovation. The new hub created through the Tay Cities Deal will further strengthen the expertise and support provided to industry, accelerating company formation and growth.

Professor Sir Michael Ferguson presented at the third Taskforce meeting.