- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 7
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HNC
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 Year (August to June)
Applications open 15th January 2025
HNC Applied Science is a challenging and fascinating programme which builds on your learning at a Higher level of biology and chemistry and develops your maths, statistics and report-writing skills.
Successful completion of this course will allow you to develop the essential practical laboratory skills and knowledge for further study at university and employment in the life science sectors.
Former students have went onto study Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Food Science, Marine Biology, Pharmacology and a wide range of other life science degrees.
What will I learn?
In this HNC Applied Science course you will study:
- Cell biology
- Microbiology
- DNA and genetics
- Human body: structure and function
- Chemistry
- Mathematics and statistics
- Laboratory skills
Optional Units:
- Biotechnology: an introduction
- Science industries key issues
- Biomedical investigations
- Ecology and ecosystems
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
- 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 laboratory experience but no formal qualifications - please contact us to discuss using Enquire Now
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.
Articulation Routes
Glasgow Clyde College has formal articulation agreements with the following universities which allow you to progress directly into 2nd year of the degrees listed upon successful completion of the HNC in Applied Science.
Glasgow Caledonian University - Glasgow
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
- BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
- BSc (Hons) Food Science
- BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
University of Strathclyde - Glasgow
- BSc (Hons) Biomolecular Science
Robert Gordon University - Aberdeen
- BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
- BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science
Certain progression criteria apply and these will be shared with students when applying to university.
Students are not limited to only applying for to the university courses listed above – students successfully completing the HNC in Applied Science have articulated into 2nd year of a wide variety of degrees at universities in Scotland.
Jobs and further study
Successful completion of the HNC Applied Science course allows for progression into year 2 of HND Applied Biological Science (Biomedical Route) and the HND Industrial Biotechnology at Glasgow Clyde College.
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 junk/SPAM folder if you do not hear from us)
- Your application will be reviewed by the lecturing team. If you meet (or are working towards achieving) the minimum entry requirements for the course, you will then be invited to an information session on campus where you will meet lecturers, and find out more about the course and support services at the college. You are required to attend this information session before any offer will be made
- Information sessions will be held regularly between February and June. You will receive an offer shortly after attending an information session if you are suitable for the course
Outcomes
You will be informed of the outcome by email within 10 working days after the interview. There are four possible outcomes:
- Unconditional offer: you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed
- Conditional offer: your place is secured, pending meeting the entry requirements
- Waiting list: you have met all entry requirements, however, the course is full. If any spaces become available you may be contacted.
- Unsuccessful: you have not met the entry criteria or did not meet the necessary level at the skills test. You can call the Student Advice Centre to discuss alternative options.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 days or risk losing your place.
If a place is unavailable at your first choice of campus, you may be offered a place at one of our other campuses and you must respond to this within 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent further details such as start date, joining instruction, induction date and funding information.