- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 8
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HND
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 2 Years (August to June)
Applications open 15th January 2025
This HND Social Science course is ideal if you want to study a range of social science subjects up to and including the equivalent of 2nd year of a degree, but in an alternative higher education setting.
You will study for two years to complete the full HND or you have the option to complete HNC after one year of successful study.
You will be introduced to sociological and psychological theories that explain both societal and human behaviour. In addition to this, you will consider political and ideological conflicts in the 20th Century.
You will be introduced to the purpose of research in the social sciences and learn how to apply this in all subject disciplines. As part of the course, you will also carry out independent research.
What will I learn?
Through critical thinking about social and cultural issues the course seeks to develop your analytical, evaluative, problem solving and communication skills.
The HND Social Science course provides in-depth study in the main social science subjects including:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Politics
- Philosophy
- Geography
- Criminology
Please note that we are not currently running the second year of the HND at our Anniesland campus. You will leave after first year with a full HNC and the accepted credits to undertake the second year of the HND at another campus/or provider.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- Two SQA Higher passes (minimum of one B and one C), or equivalent at one sitting. Higher passes must be in relevant subjects with these including social subjects and English. Social subjects include geography, modern studies, history, philosophy, RMPS, politics, sociology and psychology. You must have a minimum of a B grade in at least one social subject; OR
- NC Social Science Level 6 (as part of that award you must have sat an SQA Higher exam in a relevant social subject and obtained a minimum of a B grade pass)
- If English is not your first language, you must be able to demonstrate English language skills equivalent to IELTS 6, or have ESOL Higher A or B or Cambridge CAE
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.
Employer and industry links
We work in partnership with a number of universities and this course provides access to higher education degrees. These degrees enhance employment prospects in a wide range of areas including education, social work and local government.
Jobs and further study
- Social Sciences and Arts degrees
- 1st year entry only at University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde
- 2nd or 3rd year entry at University of the West of Scotland and Stirling University depending on graded unit results and references.
- 3rd year entry at Glasgow Caledonian University
- BA Combined Social Science with the Open University
Please note that progression routes may change and it is your responsibility to check with each individual institution.
Take a look at the course progression map for social 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 admissions team and you will either be:
- Invited to book a group information session. Selection for the information session will depend on the quality of your application form, so please ensure that your form is fully completed and detailed. The form should give information about your qualifications, interests and personal attributes, and if possible, give reasons why you are interested in studying to work in Social Science.
- 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.
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you will either be offered:
- 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. College staff will check your qualifications.
- 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.