- Location
- Anniesland 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 Social Science is designed for people who wish to study a range of social science subjects up to and including the equivalent of first year university level, but in an alternative higher education setting. You will be introduced to sociological and historical theories / factors that explain both societal and human behaviour. In addition to this you will consider political and ideological conflicts in the 20th Century. You will also 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 and collate findings from this.
What will I learn?
This HNC Social Science course provides in-depth study in the main social science subjects including:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Politics
- Philosophy
- Criminology
Entry requirements (minimum)
- Two SQA Higher Grade passes (minimum of one B and one C) or equivalent at one sitting. Higher grade passes must be in relevant subjects with these including social subjects and English (social subjects include geography, modern studies, history, philosophy, RMPS, politics, sociology, 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.
Jobs and further study
Successfully completing this course will enable progression to Year 2 HND Social Sciences at our Langside Campus.
This course also provides access to a range of social science related degrees. These degrees enhance employment prospects in a wide range of areas including government, journalism, education, social services, and the voluntary sector.
Examples include:
- 1st year entry at the University of Glasgow
- 1st year entry at University of Strathclyde
- 2nd year entry may be possible at Glasgow Caledonian University, University of the West of Scotland and University of Stirling depending on Graded Unit results and references.
- BA Combined Social Science with the Open University
Please note that these alternate 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:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session
- 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 interview, 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.