HND Applied Bioscience with Chemistry

Location: Langside Campus
SCQF Level: 8
Start Date: 24 Aug 2026
Qualification Type: HND
Course Type: Full-Time
Duration: 2 Years (August to June)

Applications for Aug 2026 courses open Wednesday 14th January 2026

HND Applied Bioscience with Chemistry is a unique programme designed to give you advanced knowledge in both Biology and Chemistry at HND level. This is not just another science course; it’s a powerful combination of disciplines that opens doors to a wide range of careers and university pathways. Developed with input from industry leaders, the course equips you with the scientific expertise and practical skills that employers are actively seeking in today’s fast-growing life sciences and biotechnology sectors. You’ll benefit from hands-on laboratory work, real-world applications, and the latest scientific techniques, all delivered by experienced lecturers who are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

What will I learn?

During HND Applied Bioscience with Chemistry you'll study:

Year 1 includes:

Microbiology
DNA and genetics
Cell biology
Fundamental chemistry
Organic chemistry
Base-catalysed and organometallic chemistry
Maths

Year 2 includes:

Research project
Biotechnology: An introduction
Animal and plant cell culture
Chemical engineering principles
Protein structure and function
DNA molecular techniques
Mircobiological techniques
Human metabolism
Cellular signalling
Immunological techniques

Entry requirements (minimum)

To be considered for this course you should have achieved (within the last three years) or currently be working towards the following:

Minimum of Higher at Grade C in Chemistry PLUS National 5 at Grade A/B in Biology or Physics, Maths and English. Please note: National 5 Applications of Maths is not accepted in place of National 5 Maths. If you don't hold National 5 Maths you should apply for NQ Applied Science Level 6, or National 5 Maths (evening). A Foundation Apprenticeship in Science Technologies will also be considered in place of Higher Chemistry; OR
NQ/NC (Level 6) Applied Science course, which must include three Higher Biology / Human Biology units, four Higher Chemistry units and National 5 Maths units; OR
SWAP Access to STEM (Chemistry/Maths) / SWAP Access to Life Science
Higher ESOL (Grade A/B) will be required for any applicants whose first language is not English
A suitable reference may be requested but will not be required as standard
We will also consider your application if you have relevant laboratory experience but no formal qualifications, please contact us to discuss by clicking 'Enquire Now'.

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (SCQF) Framework can help you to check if you're choosing the right level of study. Take a look at the SCQF Interactive Framework here.

If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.

Employer and industry links

This course has been designed collaboratively by research companies (including GSK, Ingenza, Diageo) and IBioIC (Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre). Guest lecturers from industry, laboratory visits, and opportunities to meet with and discuss career options with future employers are therefore integral to and are an important feature of this course.

There are opportunities to complete the course as part of a Technical Apprenticeship while carrying out paid work in industry.

Find out more about our past students experiences on the Technical Apprenticeship.

All HND students have enjoyed the opportunity to attend the UK's largest Industrial Biotechnology Annual conference, hear about the latest research, and meet with industry employers.

Articulation Routes

Glasgow Clyde College science department has formal articulation agreements with the following universities which allow you to progress directly to 3rd year upon successful completion of the HND.

Jobs and further study

You will have the potential to move directly into employment in the industrial biotechnology sector in careers such as a science laboratory technician, research scientist, process operator and fermentation scientist. Previous and current Industrial Biotechnology students are now employed by companies such as GSK, Antibody Analytics and Merck.

Some students are currently completing the HND while in paid employment in biotechnology companies as part of a Technical Apprenticeship in scientific technologies.

Take a look at the course progression map for science courses.

Making an application

For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.

Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.

I've applied — what happens next?

When you apply:
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).

Your application will be reviewed by the course team the outcome will be one of the following:

Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place
Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course
Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options
A Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you will not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options
Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.

Applicants who have been sent Unconditional/Conditional offers will be invited to attend an Information session in May. At this session we will provide further information about the course, allow an opportunity for questions relating to the course to be answered and give a tour of the Science facilities at Glasgow Clyde College.

Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.

Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date. This will normally be sent out in June / July.