Frequently Asked Questions about the Certificate in Higher Education
- What is a Certificate?
- Why study for a Certificate?
- What courses are available?
- How do I apply?
- Who can I ask for advice on the courses?
- Will I get a Student ID Card?
- Are there other part-time degree courses?
What is a Certificate in Higher Education?
A Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) is a University level award for a programme of learning that is usually taken by part-time study. A Certificate requires 120 credits at Level 1 but these credits can be gained over 2 or more years by taking different courses. Most full time students take 120 credits at Level 1 in their first year as an undergraduate.
Credits
The University of Glasgow, in common with most other Scottish higher education institutions, uses the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework to construct its qualifications. Qualifications are built up using credits. We have referred to these as SCOTCAT credits. SCOTCAT level 1 equates to SCQF level 7. The level and credit rating of the courses in the DACE programme are measured using a full time undergraduate year as a benchmark: most full time students will take 120 credits at SCOTCAT level 1 in their first year as an undergraduate.
Why study for a Certificate?
You may be looking to:
- study a subject of your choice over several years.
- develop your career by choosing a programme of study that provides continual professional development.
- gain university credits that may be used towards a range of awards, including Degrees.*
* At present, completion of a degree at the University of Glasgow would require attendance at classes at the University campus during the day.
What courses are available?
All our available courses with detailed information sheets are listed on our CertHE web page. You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to read the information sheets (pdf file). If you do not have the reader already installed on your computer a free copy can be downloaded from the Adobe website.
How do I apply?
Please download the CertHE enrolment form for 2011/12 (pdf file) and send the completed form along with your payment to Freepost RRTH-HTRT-YXLK, DACE, St. Andrew's Building, 11 Eldon Street, Glasgow G3 6NH.
Who can I ask for advice on the courses?
If you wish to discuss your plans for studying on our courses leading to the Certificate in Higher Education or your options for the future such as studying for a degree, you should contact the DACE Guidance Officer Irene Vezza by email Irene.Vezza@glasgow.ac.uk or by phone 0141 330 1823.
Will I get a Student ID card?
Students taking CertHE will be eligible for a Student ID card even if they do not undertake any assessment. Amongst other benefits, the ID card will give access to the University Library and the Sports Centre (fee and restrictions apply).
Are there other part-time degree courses?
Part-time degree level courses are offered outwith DACE within the University. For more information, please contact the Widening Participation Service, University of Glasgow on 0141 330 2961/3282 or at Nicola.Casey@glasgow.ac.uk.

