Science@Glasgow

Why choose Glasgow as an Undergraduate?

Top 100 Universities of the world

Exceptional flexibility and one of the widest choices of science degrees (>100)

An award-winning campus, situation close to superb countryside ideal for fieldwork and recreation.

Choose from a range of 3, 4 or 5-year degrees, including faster routes for well qualified students.

Best campus in Scotland (Times Higher Education Supplement).

Situated in the cosmopolitan West End of Scotland's biggest and most vibrant city centre.

90% of Glasgow's final year students rate themselves statisfied - well above the national average.

One of only 2 European universities to feature in a list of green universities published by Grist.

 Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do I apply?
• Can I transfer from another Institution/College?
• Will I be interviewed?
• Can I change my course?
• What qualifications do I need?
• What will it cost?
• What will my timetable be like?
• What are the career prospects for my chosen degree?
• Where can I find out more about my course?
• Have I missed the closing date?
• My question is not here?  Contact us

Watch movie clips of our departments.  

How do I apply?

An application for any Science degree at the University of Glasgow is made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). 

Your UCAS application must be made online. 

On first entering the system you are required to register, you will then receive a password which allows access to your application at any later date.

Applications are made for specific degrees but you are admitted to the Faculties of Science as a whole.

100 different degrees

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Will I be interviewed?

You will not be interviewed as part of your application process.

If you receive an unconditional offer of entry for Science at this University, you will receive a written invitation from the Science Support Unit from June in the year of entry, to meet a Senior Adviser of Studies.  Appointments take place from July onwards and provide an opportunity for you to discuss and agree first year courses.  International students should arrange their appointments to coincide with their arrival in Glasgow, these often take place in September during Freshers Week.

This meeting is very important and the first step towards becoming a registered and recognised student of the University.

At the meeting you will also receive further information about registration, induction and class enrolment.

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Can I change my course?

Some students come to university with precise intentions; they have already decided on the subject in which they wish to specialise.  Others will be less certain and will wish to keep a number of options open.  This is perfectly possible with our flexible system of entry to science as a whole rather than to a particular department.  Almost any first year curriculum is the possible foundation of more than one honours programme, and usually a choice of honours subjects will remain open until the end of second year.  Consequently even students who come with a definite honours programme in mind will have the opportunity of reassessing their choice in the light of one or two years of university study.

100 different degrees

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What qualifications do I need?

For entry in Session 2010

Highers

You require 4 Highers at grade ABBB including 2 from Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Human Biology or Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Computing Studies or Information Systems.

A-Levels

You require 3 A-Levels at grades ABB including at least one from Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Human Biology, Environmental Science,  Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Computing Studies, Botany, Zoology, Statistics. 

Faster Route

In addition to the extensive range of degree programmes we offer, Science also has faster route entry that allows a 4-year honours programme to be completed in 3 years and a 5-year MSci in 4 years. The faster route may be of interest if you:

• are highly qualified at A-level or Advanced Higher level in subjects relevant to your proposed degree
• are keen to pursue a science degree with maximum concentration on your chosen area of study
• wish to complete your degree faster than the normal timeframe.

Alternative Qualifications

About 15% of those admitted to Glasgow do not come straight from school with Highers or A-levels. We welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications including:

* Higher National Certificates or Diplomas
* access course qualifications
* vocational qualifications
* study at other universities
* Open University credits

International Qualifications

We welcome students with the IB Diploma and also recognise other international qualifictions from around the world such as SAT's, ACT's, AP's etc.  For full country specific entry qualifications are available.

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What will it cost?

We know that finances are important to all prospective students and their parents.  At Glasgow you can find useful and reliable information to help you.

Information regarding day to day finance including: budgeting, living costs and setting up a bank account. 

Student finance

Further information regarding tuition fees for Home, EU or International students.

Fee information

For information on tuition fees see: Registry: Tuition fees

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What will my timetable be like?

In first year, your three subjects will each require attendance for roughly seven hours per week.  Attendance will be made up of lectures, laboratories and, maybe, tutorials.    Below are sample timetables for students taking Biology, Physics or Computing Science.  In many subjects, lectures are repeated and lab times are flexible. In first year Science students have over 300 different combinations so it is simply a guide!

When you are not in a scheduled class, you are likely to be undertaking private study to go over lecture notes, read the course textbook, or to prepare assignments which will be handed in and will often contribute to your final grade for the particular course.  Coursework can account for as much as 50% of the final assessment in some subjects.  Treat your studies as you would paid employment and aim to 'work' a 35-40 hour week.

Biology

 ^ Employability workshop with a final year student and a staff member as mentors
* Student Learning Service workshop - 'Work smarter not harder' - optional

Physics

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What are the career prospects for my chosen degree?

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Where can I find out more information about my course?

Why not visit the website of the Department you may be joining:

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Have I missed the closing date for applications to Science?

Closing dates for September 2010 entry to Science

15 January 2010: UK/EU applicants
30 June 2010: international (non-EU) students.

You are strongly advised to meet these deadlines but if you apply late, we may consider your application. UCAS will accept applications after these dates and forward them to the University. It is not guaranteed that all faculties will accept late applications; this will depend on demand for places and your qualifications.

Once your application has been received and a decision has been made, you will hear from UCAS and the University.

One of three things will happen:

• You may receive an unconditional offer. This happens if you already have academic qualifications that meet requirements and the University believes you have the potential to benefit from study.
• You may receive a conditional offer. This happens if you have not already gained the necessary passes for entry to your chosen subject. The Admissions Officer will look at the qualifications you are taking when you apply and will make an offer based on these, in line with our published entry qualifications.
• If it is obvious you could not meet the necessary qualifications, you may be advised that we can not make you an offer. If this is the case, we are happy to advise you on what to do to make a subsequent, successful application.

If you receive an offer, you then have to follow UCAS procedures in deciding which offer (if you have received more than one) you wish to accept as your first choice.  If you have received only our offer, you can choose to accept it and notify UCAS by the due date.

If you receive your offer you will be contacted, during the Summer, by the Science Support Unit.

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Can I transfer from another Institution/College?

Yes, you can transfer from another University. 

You are requried to send a copy of a full transcript, of your univeristy/college studies to date, to the Science Admissions Officer.   You must also apply through UCAS. 

You will then be considered for advanced entry into either year 2 or 3 at Glasgow. 

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