- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- SCQF Level
- 7
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HNC
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 year (August to June)
Would you like to study a life science degree at the University of Glasgow? This course allows you to join the second year of an esteemed Life Sciences degree at the University of Glasgow. You’ll learn subjects such as cell biology, microbiology, chemistry and biochemistry, alongside maths and practical laboratory skills, giving you a thorough understanding of applied science as you work towards your future career goals at university.
What will I learn?
During this HNC Applied Science course in partnership with University of Glasgow you will study:
- Cell biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- DNA and genetics
- Human Physiology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics and statistics
- Laboratory skills
This course is enhanced with additional studies carried out at the University of Glasgow to allow you to articulate into the 2nd year of Life Sciences degree programmes upon successful completion. You'll be required to undertake classes both within the college (throughout the academic year) and at the University of Glasgow from January to June.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- Minimum of one Higher at Grade C in either Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology, PLUS National 5 at Grade A/B in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and English. A Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies will be considered in place of Higher Chemistry; OR
- NQ/NC Applied Science (Level 6)
- 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
Please note this course is a widening partnership initiative, and in addition to the academic entry requirements, applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- be Scottish domiciled and residing within a target postcode area (SIMD, deciles 1 to 4). You can check your postcode for eligibility on the University of Glasgow's postcode checker; OR
- be care-experienced; OR
- be estranged from your family; OR
- have caring responsibilities; OR
- have completed a suitable Science based SWAP course
Please note: Scottish domiciled applicants must have been ordinarily resident within Scotland for three years prior to the start of their course.
Entry requirement equivalency table
- If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
If you do not meet the widening access criteria for this course, you can still apply for our HNC Applied Sciences at either our Cardonald or Langside Campus and, on successful completion, apply to any university via UCAS.
Articulation Routes
Successful completion of all 15 credits on the HNC Applied Science (with an A in the Graded unit) and the university Life Science modules will allow you to articulate directly to 2nd year of any Life Science degree programme at the University of Glasgow.
Please note: Completion of this HNC does not allow you to progress to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology or Chemistry degrees at the University of Glasgow.
Find out more about the University of Glasgow's HNC Articulation programme.
Jobs and further study
Successful completion of the course, allows for progression to HND Applied Biological Science (Biomedical route) and HND Industrial Biotechnology.
Take a look at the course progression map for science courses.
You can also progress into a range of degree courses at local universities including Glasgow Caledonian University, University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and the Open University.
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 admissions team and you will either be:
- Invited to attend an information session. At the information session you will meet lecturers and find out more about the course and support services at the College. You are required to attend the information session before any offer will be made. Information sessions will be held regularly between February and June
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to an information session, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. 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
- 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.
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.