Science Entry requirements

BSc, MSci

Highers

  • Applications will be considered from all applicants who achieved a minimum of BBBB/ABB at their first sitting (fifth year).

    Applicants who achieved AAAB at their first sitting will immediately receive an unconditional offer.

    Applicants who achieved between BBBB/ABB and AABB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed, in March 2012.

    Applicants who will be sitting their Highers for the first time in 2012 will receive a conditional offer based on the achievement of AAAB

    The four Higher subjects (under all categories above) should include at least one, and preferably two, from: Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computing Studies, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Information Systems, Managing Environmental Resources, Mathematics, Physics (at least one of Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry is desirable).
     
    Additional conditional offers may be made to sixth year applicants, who were marginally below BBBB/ABB at first sitting based upon an analysis of applications versus available places.
  • Applicants to degree programmes in Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy or Statistics are required to have Mathematics at B or above. 
  • For entry to Computing Science, Electronic & Software Engineering, Mobile Software Engineering or Software Engineering applicants must have Higher Mathematics at B or Higher Mathematics at C together with Higher Computing Studies or Information Systems at B.
  • Applicants to degree programmes in Chemistry and Physics are normally expected to have a Higher at B or above in that subject.
  • Admission to Astronomy requires Standard Grade Physics at 2. 
  • Applicants to degree programmes in Biology are normally expected to have a Higher in either Biology OR Chemistry. 
  • All Biology students study a minimum level of Chemistry in first year.

A-levels

  • ABB including at least one and preferably two from Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computing Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Science (Double Syllabus), Statistics, Zoology (at least one of Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry is desirable).
  • Applicants to degree programmes in Computing Science, Electronic & Software Engineering, Mobile Software Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy or Statistics should normally have A-level Mathematics at B or above.
  • Applicants to degree programmes in Chemistry and Physics are normally expected to have an A-level at B or above in that subject.
  • Admission to Astronomy requires GCSE Physics at B.
  • Applicants to degree programmes in Biology are normally expected to have an AS Level in either Biology OR Chemistry. All Biology students study a minimum level of Chemistry in first year.

European qualifications

Typical entry requirements for European qualifications: Science European Qualifications 

Alternative qualifications and notes

  • All applicants to Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Astronomy, Computing Science, Electronic & Software Engineering or Software Engineering in any college MUST meet the subject requirements listed under Highers or A Levels.
  • HNC/D entry qualifications listed below.
  • Irish Highers: AAAB
  • Pass in Access in Science or Technology courses for first level entry only.
  • Sports Medicine/Physiology & Sports Science/ Physiology, Sports Science & Nutrition: applicants should note that vocational qualifications (eg HNC or HND) involving Sports Therapy or Sports Coaching are not normally considered suitable for admission.
  • International Baccalaureate 32 points
  • European Baccalaureate average of 70% overall with two science subjects.
  • Open University Credits: Pass in Exploring Science (S104); OR pass in Using Maths and Exploring Maths (MS121 and MS221).
  • University of Glasgow’s Department of Adult & Continuing Education Access Course: BBCC.
  • BTEC National Diploma (Applied Science) at grades DDM for all courses but applicants to Maths, Physics, Computing Science, Statistics and Software Engineering must also meet specific subject requirements listed under A-levels.

Applicants to the Joint Honours BSc in Accounting & Applied Mathematics, Accounting & Mathematics, Accounting & Pure Mathematics, Accounting & Statistics, Finance & Applied Mathematics, Finance & Mathematics, Finance & Pure Mathematics and Finance & Statistics will be expected to meet the standard BAcc entry requirements as listed in Entry requirements: Social Sciences.


Psychology

Psychology can also be studied as an MA and MA (SocSci) degree. See Entry requirements: Arts or Social Sciences for details.
Applicants to Single or Joint Honours programmes involving Psychology must meet the following entry requirements.

Highers

  • Applications will be considered from all applicants who achieved a minimum of AABB at their first sitting (fifth year).

    Applicants who achieved AAAA at their first sitting will immediately receive an unconditional offer.

    Applicants who achieved AABB or AAAB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed, in March 2012.

    Applicants who will be sitting their Highers for the first time in 2012 will receive a conditional offer based on the achievement of AAAA.

    The four Higher subjects (under all categories above) should include at least one, and preferably two, from: Biology, Biotechnology Chemistry, Computing Studies, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Information Systems, Managing Environmental Resources, Mathematics, Physics (at least one of Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry is desirable).
     
    Additional conditional offers may be made to sixth year applicants, who were marginally below AABB at first sitting based upon an analysis of applications versus available places.

A-levels

  • ABB

Including at least one and preferably two from: Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computing Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Science (Double Syllabus), Statistics, Zoology (at least one of Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry is desirable).

Alternative qualifications and notes

  • Irish Highers: AAAA
  • Approved Access courses, must be in relevant subject
  • International Baccalaureate 36 points
  • European Baccalaureate 85% overall
  • University of Glasgow’s Department of Adult & Continuing Education Access Course: BBBB
  • See below for a full list of HNQs recognised for entry to science programmes.
  • Please note that Psychology admits to first year only.

Veterinary Biosciences (BSc)

Highers

  • ABBB at one sitting, including Chemistry and Biology, with either Physics or Mathematics, together with two Advanced Highers, one of which should be Chemistry or Biology (at grades CC).

It is acceptable to take Chemistry or Biology as a crash Higher in S6 provided grades ABBB are obtained in S5.

A-levels

  • ABB at one sitting: Chemistry and Biology, plus one additional subject.

Alternative qualifications and notes

  • International Baccalaureate 32 points overall with Chemistry and Biology, one of which must be at Higher Level (Grade 5) plus Mathematics or Physics at Standard Level (Grade 5).

Faster route degree entry requirements

Applicants with AAA grades in appropriate Advanced Highers or A-levels, or International Baccalaureate with 6,6,5 at Higher Level in appropriate subjects and at least 38 points overall, will be considered for our Faster Route degree programmes where available. The Scottish Science Baccalaureate with Distinction with appropriate Advanced Higher and Higher subjects will also be considered. See table below.

  A A A
Anatomy Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Animal Biology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Applied Mathematics Mathematics Further Mathematics# Any subject
Applied Mathematics and Astronomy

Not available

Applied Mathematics and Business & Management

Not available

Applied Mathematics and Chemistry Mathematics Chemistry Further Mathematics#
Applied Mathematics and Computing Science

Not available

Applied Mathematics and Economics

Not available

Applied Mathematics and Geography Mathematics Geography Further Mathematics#
Applied Mathematics and Philosophy

Not available

Applied Mathematics and Physics Mathematics Physics Further Mathematics#
Applied Mathematics and Psychology

Not available

Applied Mathematics and Statistics Mathematics Further Mathematics# Any subject
Applied Mathematics and Zoology Mathematics Biology/Human Biology Further Mathematics#
Archaeological Studies

Not available

Archaeology

Not available

Archaeology and Earth Science

Not available

Archaeology and Geography

Not available

Astronomy and Mathematics

Not available

Astronomy and Physics

Not available

Biochemistry Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Biology and Chemistry Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Biomedical Sciences Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Biomolecular Sciences· Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Biotechnology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Chemical Physics Chemistry Physics Mathematics
Chemistry Chemistry Any subject Mathematics
Chemistry and Mathematics Chemistry Mathematics Further Mathematics#
Chemistry with Forensic Studies Chemistry Any subject Mathematics
Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry Chemistry Any subject Mathematics
Computing Science Mathematics Computing Any subject
Computing Science and Business & Management

Not available

Computing Science and Business Economics

Not available

Computing Science and Economics

Not available

Computing Science and Geography

Not available

Computing Science and Mathematics

Not available

Computing Science and Physics

Not available

Computing Science and Physiology

Not available

Computing Science and Psychology

Not available

Computing Science and Statistics

Not available

Earth Science Geology## Any subject Any subject
Electronic and Software Engineering

Not available

Environmental Biogeochemistry Geology Chemistry Any subject
Environmental Chemistry Chemistry Any subject Mathematics
Environmental Chemistry and Geography Chemistry Geography Mathematics
Genetics Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Geography Geography Any subject Any subject
Geography and Mathematics Geography Mathematics Further Mathematics#
Geography, Chemistry and the Environment Geography Chemistry Any subject
Human Biology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Immunology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Infection Biology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Marine and Freshwater Biology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Mathematical Sciences

Not available

Mathematics Mathematics Further Mathematics# Any subject
Mathematics and Business & Management

Not available

Mathematics and Economics

Not available

Mathematics and Philosophy

Not available

Mathematics and Physics Mathematics Physics Further Mathematics#
Mathematics and Psychology

Not available

Mathematics and Statistics Mathematics Further Mathematics# Any subject
Mathematical and Statistical Studies Mathematics Further Mathematics# Any subject
Medical Biochemistry Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Microbiology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Molecular and Cellular Biology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Neuroscience Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Parasitology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Pharmacology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Physics Physics Mathematics Further Mathematics#
Physics with Astrophysics Physics Mathematics Further Mathematics#
Physiology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Physiology and Psychology

Not available

Physiology and Sports Science Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Physiology Sports Science and Nutrition Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Plant Science Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Psychology

Not available

Psychology and Statistics

Not available

Software Engineering Mathematics Computing Any subject
Sports Medicine Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Sports Science Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Statistics Mathematics Further Mathematics# Any subject
Statistics and Business & Management

Not available

Statistics and Economics

Not available

Virology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
Zoology Biology/Human Biology Chemistry Any subject
 

# Further Mathematics is an A-level qualification and is not a requirement for applicants with Adv Higher Mathematics.

## Geology is available as an A-level only and not as an Adv Higher.

Admission with Higher National Qualifications

We welcome applications from applicants with appropriate Higher National Certificates or Diplomas. Experience of students admitted with these qualifications in the past has allowed us to identify specific requirements for admission to first or second year that are likely to lead to successful completion of a degree programme. Applicants admitted with an HNC/D are normally expected to select their subject of study based on the main subject of their HN qualification, where appropriate.

Admission to first year

An HNC in a relevant subject with B in the Graded Unit (or Integrative Assessment) is acceptable for admission to the first year of a degree programme in the Faculties of Science, subject to meeting any specific subject requirements. In practice, this mainly concerns admission to Computing Science and Software Engineering where Higher Mathematics (or equivalent) at grade B is required in addition to a relevant HNC. Please discuss any requirements with James Brennan (email: J.Brennan@admin.gla.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0)141 330 5303). The HNC qualifications that we regard as relevant for admissions purposes include

  • Applied Sciences
  • Bioscience
  • Computing   

This is not an exhaustive list and reflects the HNC qualifications most frequently offered by new Science entrants in recent years. The specific degree programmes to which these courses would admit an applicant are listed below.
We will consider HN qualifications other than those listed but would review these on an individual basis. In assessing applications, we not only look for specific subject knowledge for admission to a particular programme but we also consider the possible curriculum of an HNC entrant, once admitted to Science, where all students are required to study three subjects in first year. We wish to ensure the best possible match for you.
For further information on the status of any particular HNC for entry to Science, consult James Brennan (email: J.Brennan@admin.gla.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0)141 330 5303).

Admission to second year

Admission to second year with a relevant HND may be possible with a B in Graded Unit 1, and an A in Graded Unit 2. (If the HND is comprised of three Graded Units a B in Graded Unit 1 and AB or BA in Graded Units 2 and 3. Alternatively, 4 Merits or specified grades in Integrative Assessments in the second year of the qualification.) The specific grades required for entry are listed below against the degree programmes to which the HND would admit an applicant.

The HND qualifications that we regard as relevant for admissions purposes include

  • Applied Biological Sciences   
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Applied Sciences
  • Applied Bioscience   
  • Biomedical Sciences   
  • Biotechnology
  • Computing: Software Development
  • Environmental Sciences

As noted above, this is not an exhaustive list and is a reflection of the HND qualifications that have gained admission to Science for recent applicants.

For further information on the status of any particular HND for entry to the second year of a degree, please consult James Brennan (email: J.Brennan@admin.gla.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0)141 330 5303).   

HNC/D in Applied Biological Sciences, Applied Bioscience, Applied Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, would be a relevant qualification for the following BSc or MSci degrees

  • Anatomy
  • Animal Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biomolecular Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Genetics
  • Human Biology
  • Immunology
  • Infection Biology
  • Marine & Freshwater Biology
  • Medical Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology
  • Neuroinformatics#
  • Neuroscience
  • Parasitology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology
  • Physiology & Psychology
  • Physiology & Sports Science
  • Physiology, Sports Science & Nutrition
  • Plant Science
  • Sports Medicine
  • Sports Science
  • Virology
  • Zoology

# This degree is a combination of Computing Science and Physiology so grade B in Higher Mathematics (or equivalent) is required. Admission to second year is not normally possible.

Admission to second year with an HND would require 4 Merits or AB in the Integrative Assessments or Graded Units in the second year of the qualification.


Admission with Higher National Qualifications

HNC in Applied Sciences would be relevant for the following BSc or MSci degrees

  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
  • Chemistry with Forensic Studies

Admission to first year only with a B in the Graded Unit or Integrative Assessments.

HND in Chemistry would be relevant for the following BSc or MSci degrees

  • Biological Sciences subjects (as listed above)#
  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
  • Chemistry with Forensic Studies

# Admission to first year only. 

Admission to second year with an HND would require B in the Graded Unit 1 and an A in Graded Unit 2 (or AB in the Integrative Assessments or 4 Merits in the second year of the qualification).

HNC Computing and HNC Games Development would be relevant for the following BSc or MSci degrees

  • Computing Science#
  • Software Engineering#

# Grade B in Higher Mathematics (or equivalent) required for admission to first year.

First level entry: Revised HNC Computing (2004) subject to successful completion of the unit Mathematics for Computing 1 (or Higher Mathematics at B or above) and a B in the Graded Unit. Revised HNC Games Development (2005) subject to successful completion of the module ‘Calculus and Matrices for Computing’ (or Higher Mathematics at B or above) and a B in the Graded Unit. Applicants with other HN qualifications or grades will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

HND Computing: Software Development would be relevant for the following BSc or MSci degrees

  • Computing Science#
  • Software Engineering#

# Grade B in Higher Mathematics (or equivalent) required.
Second level entry: Revised HND Computing: Software Development (2005) subject to successful completion of the unit Mathematics for Computing 2 (or Higher Mathematics at B or above) and an ‘AA’ in the Graded Units (or 4 Merits or AA in the Integrative Assessments in the second year of the qualification).