Undergraduate study

The SQA Higher Entry Requirements for each subject can be found on that subject page in the degree programme A-Z.

Please see our 2018 Undergraduate Admissions Policy (SQA Highers) [PDF] relating to applications to degrees in Accountancy, Arts, Education, Engineering, Sciences and Social Sciences.

Standard and Minimum Entry Requirements

• The Standard Academic Entry Requirements represent the grades normally needed for an offer to be made (subject to success in any interview and/or other admissions test that is required for that subject).
• For some degree programmes, offers may be made below the standard SQA Higher entry requirements. The Minimum Academic Entry Requirements indicate the minimum grades that must be achieved for an offer to be considered.
• All Highers must have been attained at one sitting of the examination

Advanced Highers

• The majority of subjects do not require Advanced Highers but check the degree programme A to Z for the subject(s) you are interested in.
• Where attainment at Advanced Higher is included in offer conditions, a B grade will be regarded as equivalent to an A grade at Higher, and a C grade the equivalent of a B grade at Higher.
• Double-counting of Advanced Highers and Highers to meet entry requirements is allowed for Accountancy  & Finance and all Arts, Engineering, Science and Social Sciences subjects, and may be accepted for other subjects – check with the relevant admissions contact.

Subject specific requirements

• All subject specific requirements at Higher and at Standard/National 5 for each degree programme can be found on that subject page in the degree programme A-Z.

In addition to attaining any subject specific grades, ALL of our degree programmes require applicants to have a broad range of qualifications and as such applicants must ensure that their portfolio of qualifications meet the following criteria:

1.  Where subjects contain a high proportion of common material (such as Biology and Human Biology) these will not normally be counted (recognised) as two distinct subjects;
2. For applicants to be admitted after S5 their Higher Grades can only include ONE subject from the General Field of Study subjects listed below.
3.  For applicants to be admitted after S6 their Higher Grades can only include TWO subjects from the General Field of Study subjects listed below.

General Field of Study Subjects

• Administration & IT
• Art & Design (Design)
• Art & Design (Expressive)
• Care
• Childcare & Development
• Dance
• Design & Manufacturing
• Fashion & Textile Technology
• Graphic Communication
• Health & Food Technology
• Music Technology
• Photography
• Physical Education

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships will be accepted as equivalent to one additional Higher Grade subject for applicants to degree programmes in Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering and Accountancy. They are not accepted for entry to Law, Medicine, Dentistry or Vet Medicine. Where specified subjects are required for entry to a degree programme (for example Maths and Physics for Engineering), a Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering would NOT replace that requirement but WOULD count as one of the additional subjects making up the total compliment of Higher / Advanced Higher qualifications.

A Level subjects accepted for University entry

The University recognises the value of all A Levels and with very few exceptions all are accepted for General Admission to the University.

Due to the increased range of A Level subjects, applicants should be aware of the following Admissions Policies which impact the A Level subjects accepted by the University for specific degree programmes:

• Required Subjects:Some of our degree programmes require specific subjects (Required Subjects) for entry whilst others will state that subjects must be from a specific ‘Field of Study’ such as Science, Social Sciences, Arts, Humanities or Modern Languages. In order to avoid any ambiguity, the University has classified all A Levels into four ‘Fields of Study’:
  • Arts/Humanities/Modern Language Subjects (ARTS)
  • Social Science Subjects (SOCIAL SCIENCE)
  • Science Subjects (SCIENCE)
  • General Subjects GENERAL)
• Range of Subjects:In addition to attaining grades in Required Subjects or subjects from a specific Field of Study, ALL of our degree programmes require applicants to have a broad range of qualifications and as such applicants must ensure that their portfolio of qualifications meet the following criteria:
  • Where subjects contain a high proportion of common material (such as Economics and Economics and Business) these will not normally be counted (recognised) as two distinct subjects
  • With very few exceptions, applicants can only have one A Level subject classified as being in a General Field of Study.  
• Extended Project and Advanced Extension Awards: We welcome the use of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and, in Mathematics, the Advanced Extension Awards (AEA) as a means of challenging students and encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to learning. However, we recognise that not all students have equal opportunity to access them and so we do not require them for entry and they do not normally provide additional credit in the selection process of applicants for an offer of a place.

The table below details all A Level subjects accepted by the University and their associated Field of Study classification:

A Level subjects not approved for general admission

• Applied Performing Arts
• General Studies
• Journalism in the Media and Communications Industry
• Leisure Studies 
• Leisure and Tourism 
• Media Communication and Production 
• Moving Image Arts 
• Performing Arts 
• Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry
• Travel and Tourism (Double or Single Award)

Please see our 2018 Undergraduate Admissions Policy (A level/IB/BTech) [PDF] relating to applications to degrees in Accountancy, Arts, Education, Engineering, Sciences and Social Sciences.

The IB Requirements for each subject can be found on that subject page in the degree programme A-Z.

Standard and Minimum Entry Requirements

• The Standard Academic Entry Requirements represent the IB points normally needed for an offer to be made (subject to success in any interview and/or other admissions test that is required for that subject).
• For some degree programmes, offers may be made below the standard IB entry requirements. The Minimum Academic Entry Requirements indicate the minimum grades that must be achieved for an offer to be considered.
• All points awarded for each component part of the IB must be attained at one sitting of the examination.

Please see our 2018 Undergraduate Admissions Policy (A level/IB/BTech) [PDF] relating to applications to degrees in Accountancy, Arts, Education, Engineering, Sciences and Social Sciences.

The University of Glasgow welcomes applications from students who have studied (or are currently studying) Higher National qualifications at Further Education colleges.

• The document linked below details the degree programmes which accept HNC or HND qualifications, specific HN qualifications that are accepted, and the entry level (1st or 2nd year) to which applicants with required grades will be admitted. It also details any additional entry requirements: such as SQA Highers. HNC / HND Entry Requirements 
  
• All HN applicants the University are required to attend and pass the University of Glasgow Summer School. This will be made a condition of any offers made.
• As with all entry qualifications, HN qualifications must have been awarded within 7 years of the date of entry to the University to be accepted as meeting entry requirements.

The University welcomes applications from candidates who have sat BTEC National Diploma (Level 3) Qualifications. The University recognises that an increasing number of schools/colleges are offering a combination of BTEC qualifications together with A Levels.

Depending on the type of BTEC qualification they may be used:

• For direct access to 1^st year of some Degree Programmes (without any other qualifications); OR
• For direct access to 1^st year of some Degree Programmes provided applicant also has specific A Level or GCSE subjects; OR
• For admission to some Degree Programmes as a substitute for 1 A Level subject (ie applicant requires BTEC qualification plus 2 A Levels); OR
• For admission to some Degree Programmes as a substitute for 2 A Level subject (ie applicant requires BTEC qualification plus 1 A Level)

The table below details:

• The BTEC subjects which are accepted by the University (only those listed are accepted);
• The various qualification levels for that subject currently offered by BTEC;
• The grades required for each qualification level in order to be accepted for direct access to the University (1^st year), or as a substitute for 1 or 2 A Levels. Where access to the University is accepted with only BTEC qualifications, the table also indicates the Degree Programmes accepting these qualifications.

Due to the number of BTEC qualifications, combinations of BTEC and A Levels, requirements for specific subjects at A Level or GCSE, and range of Degree Programmes offered by the University (some of which have very specific requirements).

Applicants are strongly advised to use the following table for guidance only and seek further clarification from the University Admissions department prior to submitting their application.

The following BTEC subjects are not accepted by the University for admission (irrespective of qualification level or grade achieved:

• Agriculture
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Animal Management
• Aviation Operations
• Beauty Therapy
• Blacksmith & Metalwork
• Children's Care, L&D
• Children's Play, L&D
• Construction & the Build Environment
• Countryside Management
• Creative Digital Media Production
• Creative Media Production
• Equine Management
• Fish Mgt
• Floristry
• Forestry and Arboriculture
• Horse Mgt
• Horticulture
• Hospitality
• Land Based Technology
• Personal and Bus Finance
• Public Services
• Travel and Tourism
• Vehicle Technology

As with all entry qualifications, BTEC qualifications must have been awarded within 7 years of the date of entry to the University to be accepted as meeting entry requirements.

Please see our 2018 Undergraduate Admissions Policy (A level/IB/BTech) [PDF] relating to applications to degrees in Accountancy, Arts, Education, Engineering, Sciences and Social Sciences.

See Widening Participation for information about University of Glasgow widening access programmes.

• Information about studying at Glasgow can be found on the International students site
• All applications must be made through UCAS www.ucas.ac.uk
• For enquiries about fee status please complete the Fee Status Enquiry Form

 The University welcomes applications from all European countries.

• European requirements: Arts, Science, Engineering, Accountancy, Social Sciences
• European Requirements: Education Degree Programmes (M.Educ, BTEchEd and MA RPE)
• European requirements: Psychology MA (Arts), MA (Social Sciences)
• For information about admission to Dentistry: med-sch-dental-ug@glasgow.ac.uk
• For information about admission to Law: law-ug-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk
  
• For information about admission to Medicine: med-sch-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk
• For information about admission to Veterinary Medicine: vet-sch-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk

The University welcomes applications from mature students

• UCAS provides useful tailored information about applying to Higher  Education: http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/mature-students
• The University of Glasgow requires applicants to have participated in study within an appropriate period of time prior to being admitted to academic programmes. As a general rule, qualifications attained 7 years or more from the date of entry to the University will not be recognised. If qualifications are outwith this time limit students are encouraged to seek entry through an alternative route such as the University's Access courses (see: Centre for Open Studies). This policy is designed to ensure that University entrants can cope with the academic rigour of our degree programmes.

The University does not accept applications from UK and EU students to transfer from another institution. Exceptions will be made only if it can be proven that a student  who is currently living away from home needs to return to their home city due to significant personal problems such as family or personal illness, bereavement or other circumstances. These situations will be considered on a case by case basis and documentary evidence, such as medical reports, will be required. All applications from students currently studying at another Higher Education Institution must be made through UCAS and applicants must have met the SQA Higher or A level entry requirements to be considered for an offer. Any offer is likely to be to year one of study.

The University of Glasgow welcomes applicants to undergraduate degree programmes who have already completed an undergraduate degree. Attainment of an undergraduate degree does not on its own guarantee admission to another degree programme. The following criteria will be considered when reviewing graduate applications:

• Applicants must have attained a minimum of a 2:2 (Lower second class) honours degree; AND EITHER
• Would have met the current year (year of admission) entry qualifications prior to being admitted to their current degree programme; OR
• Has studied a minimum of two papers in subjects relevant to the degree programme they are considering applying for (so for example, an applicant to Arts or Social Sciences will be required to have studied a two Arts or Social Science subjects as part of their degree programme). 

Please note: the University of Glasgow only recognises qualifications attained within 7 years of the proposed date of admission to the University. This includes undergraduate degrees. Applicants whose degree was attained more than 7 years from the date of entry, should apply to the University as a mature student  through an alternative route such as the University's Access courses (see: Centre for Open Studies). This policy is designed to ensure that University entrants can cope with the academic rigour of our degree programmes.

An interview will be part of the selection process for:

• Community Development
• Dentistry
• History of Art & Art-world Practice
• Medicine
• Music
• Nursing
• Teaching
• Veterinary Medicine & Surgery

You may also be interviewed if you’re applying for entry into Year 2 in any subject.

The selection processes for both Dentistry and Medicine involves the UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) as well as interview.

The selection process for Law involves the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test).

Scottish Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Scottish Baccalaureate and the Interdisciplinary Project. Offers on the basis of individual component Highers and Advanced Highers within it. Additional Highers may also be required at B or above. 

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate and the Core. The Advanced Diploma with a pass in the Core and two A-levels is accepted for many programmes. 

Extended Project

The University very much values the Extended Project and its role in preparing students for a successful higher education experience. We do not frame any offers in terms of the Extended Project.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

We welcome applicants offering the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma. Combinations of individual Pre-U subjects and A-level subjects are acceptable if three subjects are offered overall. Typical offers are likely to require two subjects at minimum D3 and one at M2. 

UCAS tariff points

The University does not frame its offers in terms of UCAS tariff points, nor does it make use of the tariff at confirmation.

We consider all information within the UCAS application when making our admissions decisions. This will include evidence in your personal statement and your supporting reference of your readiness for higher education and your suitability for your chosen degree programme. If you are applying to a professional or vocational degree programme you should demonstrate, through your personal statement, a clear understanding of the profession, supported by, for example, evidence of any work experience or work shadowing as well as wider achievements such as volunteering or community work. We do recognise that not all applicants have equal access to such opportunities.

Offers will only be made to applicants if they meet both the academic and non-academic entrance requirements.

For Dentistry, Nursing and Veterinary Medicine programmes we are unable to consider applications for deferred entry. In other subjects deferring may be possible but is not granted automatically.

The University of Glasgow Admissions Policy sets entry tariffs (grades) that must be achieved at one sitting (one year). This applies to all qualifications, from all countries and exam bodies.

Exceptions to this policy will be considered, where there are genuine extenuating circumstances such as family bereavement, applicant illness, serious illnesses within the family or other significant family or personal circumstances. Any extraneous or extenuating circumstance should be notified to the University as part of the application process, via email direct to the Admissions Department, and/or inclusion in the UCAS application (explicit reference in the personal statement or school reference). Extraneous/Extenuating circumstances will not be considered after submission of the application (or any rejection made by the University), unless it can be proven that the relevant event occurred during that specific time period.

Where an extenuating circumstances has been properly notified to the University, the following process will apply:

1. The Admissions Department will request appropriate documentary evidence to be provided. This may include letters from GP's, Consultants, Social Work Department, Schools or Colleges.
2. Upon receipt of appropriate documentary evidence, a meeting will be held to consider the specific case. This meeting will include the Head of Admissions (or Deputy Head of Admissions), Senior Admissions Officer and appropriate admissions Officer. This meeting will decide:
   1. If the extraneous/extenuating circumstance should be upheld; AND
   2. In the event that the extraneous/extenuating circumstances is upheld, what alternative offers should be made to the applicant.

1. No applicant will be admitted below tariff even where there is a valid extenuating circumstance. The applicant will be made an offer which:
   1. Achieves the standard entry tariff over 2 sittings (cumulatively); OR
   2. Ignores the first sitting outcome and allows the applicant to attain the standard entry tariff at his/her second sitting.
2. The approach adopted in point 3 above will depend on the individual circumstances and severity of the case. The revised offer will be approved by the Head of Admissions or Deputy Head of Admissions.

When the University makes a Conditional Offer to an applicant, the conditions must be met at the first publication of results.

Different practices exist in each country, whereby exam papers may be re-marked and/or appeals submitted by students (or their schools on their behalf).

The University will consider each situation individually, but is under no obligation to accept re-marked papers or appeals. Priority will be given to applicants who meet their conditions without re-marks / appeals, with the latter categories only being accepted should there be sufficient places left on the course applied for. Under no circumstances will an appeal or re-mark be considered after 31 August.

The University never changes Entrance Requirements or Admissions Policies during an 'Admissions Cycle'.

There may, however, be changes between one year of entry and another. We endeavour to finalise all of our entry requirements on our website by early summer for admission to the University in September of the following year. This approach is designed to ensure applicants are aware of our entry requirements prior to selecting subjects in their final year at school (or college). Some changes may take place during the summer/early autumn, but all will be completed by the end of September in the year preceding entry.

Applicants are advised to continually monitor our website to ensure they have the most up to date information. Advice provided by the Admissions Department (or other communications) which relate to Entry Requirements or policies in place for a prior year, will be superseded by the website changes.

The University of Glasgow requires applicants to have participated in study within an appropriate period of time prior to being admitted to academic programmes. As a general rule, qualifications attained 7 years or more from the date of entry to the University will not be recognised. If qualifications are outwith this time limit students are encouraged to seek entry through an alternative route such as the University's Access courses (see: Centre for Open Studies). This policy is designed to ensure that University entrants can cope with the academic rigour of our degree programmes.

Applications from students sitting a combination of Highers and A levels

The University recognises that some students may study a combination of Higher and A level  or Higher and AS level subjects and welcomes applications from such students.

For MA Arts/BSc Science/BEng Engineering degrees

Two A levels at grades BB plus two Highers at grades AA OR one A level at grade B plus three Highers at grades AAA.  All results to be attained at the first sitting.

Two AS levels at grades BB are considered as equivalent to one A level at grade B and can be used in combination with three Highers to attain the entry requirements. The University does not make offers based on one AS level plus three Highers.

Please check individual subject requirement in the Degree programmes A‑Z

Further enquiries: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk

For BAcc Accounting/MA Social Science degrees

Two A levels at grades BB plus three Highers at grades AAB OR one A level at grade B plus four Highers at AAAB. All results to be attained at the first sitting.

Please check individual subject requirement in the Degree programmes A‑Z

Two AS levels at grades BB are considered as equivalent to one A level at grade B and can be used in combination with four Highers to attain the entry requirements. The University does not make offers based on one AS level plus four Highers.

Please check individual subject requirement in the Degree programmes A‑Z

Further enquiries: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk

For all other degrees:

Please contact the relevant admissions area using the contact information in the Degree programmes A‑Z

Applicants who have previously studied at the University of Glasgow and did not complete their studies for any reason (academic performance, ill-health, conduct, or any other reason) must declare this in their Personal Statement.

This declaration will help ensure that the underlying reason for the non-completion of studies is fully investigated by the Admissions Department and a balanced admissions decision is taken thereafter. Failure to declare previous study would be deemed a 'material breech' resulting in the student being withdrawn from the University.

Principle

The over-riding principle upon which the policy is based is that individuals applying to study at the University of Glasgow will not be discriminated against if they have a criminal conviction, unless it is deemed that the applicant poses a threat to:

• Other students
• University Staff
• University property. 

Process

All applicants are asked to tick a box on their application (UCAS form for undergraduate entry and University of Glasgow online application form for postgraduate or part-time study) declaring whether or not they have a criminal conviction.

If an applicant does not declare a conviction and it is subsequently discovered that one exists, they may, after consideration by the appropriate College management team, be dismissed from the University.

If a criminal conviction is declared then the application will be passed to the Head / Deputy Head of Admissions for review and consideration, before it is progressed further.

Upon receipt of an application with a declared criminal conviction, the Head / Deputy Head of Admissions will write to the applicant requesting specific details of any unspent criminal conviction and the names and contact details of any social worker, probation officer or other professional who may be able to provide further relevant information.

Upon receipt of information back from the applicant, the Head / Deputy Head of Admissions will review the documentation received and make a decision about the suitability of the applicant. In some situations additional information such as Disclosure Scotland records (or equivalent) may be requested, and in exceptional circumstances the applicant may be invited for interview before a final decision is made.