Highers, National 4s and National 5s

WHAT'S THE BEST THAT COULD HAPPEN?

When you study National 4s, National 5s and Highers, you’ll get qualifications that will help you go to the next level of study - whether that’s college or university. And on the way you’ll explore new ideas, build your confidence and get support and guidance from our skilled staff, every step of the way.

What are National 4s and National 5s?

National 4s are at SCQF Level 4, National 5s are at SCQF Level 5, and Highers are at SCQF Level 6.

You may remember these levels as being called Standard Grades from your time at school. Broadly speaking, the National 4 qualification is equivalent to Standard Grade at General level and National 5 is equivalent to Credit level Standard Grade.

What do I need Highers, National 4s or National 5s for?

Highers and National 5s are often needed as a minimum requirement for entry to HNC or HND courses, so if you're looking to study a specific subject, you may need to gain these qualifications first.

For some Highers, a minimum entry requirement is a National 4 or National 5 in a related subject.

What can I study?

Glasgow Clyde College offers courses in a selection of Highers and National 5 subjects. These courses take place to study full-time during the day and some are available to study part-time on week day evenings.

During the day you can study:

National 5: Arts (English and Applications of Maths)
National 5: General Programme (English, History, Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies or Applications of Maths)

Highers: Arts (English and Sociology)
Highers: General Programme (English, History and Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies).
Highers: Sciences ( Maths and Chemistry)

As well as studying for National 5s or Highers you will be supported with a guidance class to help you with your studies and your future career choices.

When you study National 5 or Higher subjects you will also be expected to commit to additional hours of self-study to support your learning.

We also offer a National 4 General Programme and Science programme for those who need National 4 qualifications to progress to our National 5 programmes or to study at Level 5 in any other area across the college.

National 4: General Programme (English, Maths and History (Langside only) or Psychology (Anniesland only))
National 4: Sciences (English, Maths and Chemistry)

Check out the Highers and National 4 / National 5 courses available to study during the day

Studying in the evening

Our evening provision may offer a valuable alternative if you are still attending school and wish to take a subject that isn’t currently available at your school. It gives you the opportunity to study an additional qualification alongside your existing curriculum.

When you study National 5 / Higher evening subjects you will also be expected to commit to additional hours of self-study to support your learning. We'd recommend that studying in this way is suitable for those over 17 due to this workload. You'll also be expected engage in classes (particularly in online classes) and to have a minimum of 80% attendance in order to go forward to the exam (for both in person and online classes). The college reserve the right to withdraw students who do not engage or attend.

Free onsite parking at each of our campuses is available for those attending evening classes.