University of Dundee

The University of Dundee was formally established on 1 August 1967 by a Royal Charter. This development followed a complex history involving divergent views from stakeholders in both the University of St Andrews and Dundee, particularly concerning the future of Dundee’s medical school. The Royal Commission Report of 1952, led by Lord Tedder, proposed that Dundee should become a college within a unified university, with the medical school incorporated in Dundee.

The new focus for Dundee was to be on social sciences within the Faculty of Arts, and new academic positions were created in fields like Economics, Philosophy, and History. The plan also called for a Faculty of Law and for education courses to be taught in Dundee, with pre-clinical medical and dental courses centralized in the city.

In 1953, the University of St Andrews received royal assent, leading to the creation of Queen’s College in Dundee. The 1950s saw significant growth, with new schools and academic chairs established. However, it was the 1963 Robbins Report that revolutionized the situation, calling for expanded access to higher education, which led to increased demand for social sciences at Queen’s College. By 1966, student numbers surged to over 2,000.

Principal Sir Malcolm Knox foresaw that Queen’s College could grow rapidly, estimating a future student body of 6,000. His push for independence culminated in 1967 when Queen’s College was granted university status, and the University of Dundee was born. The Queen Mother, becoming the first Chancellor, gave a major boost to the university’s profile and credibility.

The University of Dundee has since become an internationally recognized institution, with a continued commitment to innovation and research. Its independence marked the beginning of its growth into the distinguished university it is today.

University of Abertay Dundee

University of Abertay Dundee

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