World Changers Welcome text on image of students on campus World Changers Welcome text on image of students on campus

Entry requirements

Please see the individual programme pages in the Degree programme A-Z for entry requirements for each degree. The information on this page will also be useful when considering your application to the University.

Students in the Wolfson Medical School Building Students in the Wolfson Medical School Building

Access Glasgow

Pre-entry programmes and adjusted offers to support your application to Glasgow.

Scottish Highers

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

S5 Standard and Minimum Entry Requirements

  • The S5 Standard Entry Requirements represent the grades required by the end of S5 to receive a guaranteed offer. Applicants must also meet any additional requirements listed (subject requirements/admissions tests/work experience/interviews) in order to receive an offer.
  • For some degree programmes, offers may be made below the S5 Standard Entry Requirements, the S5 Minimum Entry Requirements indicate the minimum grades that must be achieved by the end of S5 to be considered for an S6 offer. Any offer that is made in this instance would be conditional on further requirements from S6.
  • The S6 Standard Entry Requirements represent the cumulative grade requirement for S6 offer holders.
  • All students must have obtained at least four different Higher subjects.

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 a degree programme requires Advanced Higher(s) in the entry requirements these must be met as specified.
  • For programmes where Advanced Higher(s) are not required in the entry requirements we allow applicants to ‘double count’ Highers and Advanced Highers in the same subject when calculating cumulative grades.
    • Grades ‘A’ and ‘B’ at Advanced Higher level will count as a grade ‘A’ at Higher level
    • Grade ‘C’ at Advanced Higher level will count as a grade ‘B’ at Higher level
  • Please note conditions included in any conditional offer will have already made this grade adjustment: offer requirements must be met as stated.

Additional Requirements

All Additional Requirements must also be met for an offer to be considered. Additional Requirements may include subject requirements, further admissions tests, work experience, interview. Additional Requirements for each degree programme can be found in the degree programme A-Z.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships will be accepted as equivalent to one additional Higher Grade subject for applicants to degree programmes in Arts, Languages, Social Sciences, Science, Life Sciences, 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. 

All applicants must ensure that their portfolio of qualifications also 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 in the table 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 in the table below.

The table below lists all the Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications currently offered by the SQA and indicates the University of Glasgow subject entry requirement classification for each subject:

 

Higher

Advanced Higher

Subject Entry Requirement Classification

 

Arts, Humanity or Modern Language

Science

General

Accounting

Y

Y

 X

 

 

Administration & IT

Y

N

 

 

X

Art & Design

Y

N

X

 

 

Art & Design (Design)

N

Y

 

 

X

Art & Design (Expressive)

N

Y

 

 

X

Biology

Y

Y

 

X

 

Business Management

Y

Y

 X

 

 

Cantonese

Y

Y

X

 

 

Care

Y

N

 

 

X

Chemistry

Y

Y

 

X

 

Childcare & Development

Y

N

 

 

X

Classical Studies

Y

Y

X

 

 

Computing Science

Y

Y

 

X

 

Dance

Y

N

 

 

X

Design & Manufacturing

Y

Y

 

 

X

Drama

Y

Y

X

 

 

Economics

Y

Y

 X

 

 

Engineering Science

Y

Y

 

X

 

English

Y

Y

X

 

 

Environmental Science

Y

N

 

X

 

ESOL

Y

N

X

 

 

Fashion & Textile Technology

Y

N

 

 

X

French

Y

Y

X

 

 

Gaelic

Y

Y

X

 

 

Geography

Y

Y

X

X

 

German

Y

Y

X

 

 

Graphic Communications

Y

Y

 

 

X

Health & Food Technology

Y

Y

 

 

X

History

Y

Y

X

 

 

Human Biology

Y

N

 

X

 

Italian

Y

Y

X

 

 

Latin

Y

Y

X

 

 

Mandarin

Y

Y

X

 

 

Mathematics

Y

Y

 

X

 

Mathematics of Mechanics

N

Y

 

X

 

Media

Y

N

X

 

 

Modern Studies

Y

Y

 X

 

 

Music

Y

Y

X

 

 

Music Technology

Y

Y

 

 

X

Philosophy

Y

N

X

 

 

Photography

Y

N

 

 

X

Physical Education

Y

Y

 

 

X

Physics

Y

Y

 

X

 

Politics

Y

N

 X

 

 

Psychology

Y

N

 X

  

 

Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies

Y

Y

X

 

 

Sociology

Y

N

X 

 

 

Spanish

Y

Y

X

 

 

Statistics

N

Y

 

X

 

Urdu

Y

Y

X

 

 

Widening participation: adjusted Highers entry requirements

We want to help talented applicants from all backgrounds to study at Glasgow. See our range of widening access pre-entry programmes at:


A-Levels

A-Level subjects accepted for University entry

The A-level Entry Requirements for each subject can be found on the relevant programme page in the degree programme A-Z.

Standard and Minimum Entry Requirements

  • The Standard Entry Requirements represent the grades required to receive a guaranteed offer.
  • The Minimum Entry Requirements represent the grades required in order to be considered for an offer.
  • ALL applicants must also meet any Additional Requirements as stated in order to be considered for an offer.

A-Level subjects accepted for University entry

Required Subjects: some of our degree programmes require specific subjects for entry whilst others will state that subjects must be from a specific field of study. In order to avoid any ambiguity, the University has classified all A-Levels into three fields of study:

  • Arts/Humanities/Modern Language subjects
  • Science Subjects
  • General Subjects With very few exceptions, applicants can only have one A-Level subject classified as ‘General’: please see the table detailed below.

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. All applicants are required to meet A-level requirements as stated, the EPQ/AEA are not accepted as an A-level equivalent.

The table below details all A-Level subjects accepted by the University and their associated field of study:

A-LEVEL SUBJECTFIELD OF STUDYADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Accounting / Management Accounting / Principles of Accounts Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Afrikaans  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Ancient History  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Ancient History and Literature Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Anthropology  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Applied Art and Design General If combined with Art & Design A-Level (any category) only 1 A-Level can be counted. 
Applied Business Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Applied Business, Economics, Business Studies or Economics and Business
Applied Information and Communication Technology (ICT) General Not accepted as core science subject.
Applied Performing Arts General  
Applied Science General Not accepted as core science subject.
Arabic  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Archaeology Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Art and Design (Art, Craft and Design) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Only 1 Art and Design subject accepted (not multiple categories as individual A-Levels)
Art and Design (Critical and Contextual Studies) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Only 1 Art and Design subject accepted (not multiple categories as individual A-Levels)
Art and Design (Fine Art) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Only 1 Art and Design subject accepted (not multiple categories as individual A-Levels)
Art and Design (Textiles)  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Only 1 Art and Design subject accepted (not multiple categories as individual A-Levels)
Art and Design (Graphic Communication)  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Only 1 Art and Design subject accepted (not multiple categories as individual A-Levels)
Art and Design (Photography) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Only 1 Art and Design subject accepted (not multiple categories as individual A-Levels)
Art and Design (Three-Dimensional Design) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Only 1 Art and Design subject accepted (not multiple categories as individual A-Levels)
Bengali Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Biblical Hebrew Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Biology Science Biology and Human Biology not accepted as two separate subjects.
Botany Science  
Business Studies / Business Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Applied Business, Economics, Business Studies or Economics and Business
Chemistry Science  
Chinese  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Chinese and Chinese Literature not accepted as two separate subjects.
Chinese Literature Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Chinese and Chinese Literature not accepted as two separate subjects.
Citizenship Studies Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Citizenship Studies, Law or Government & Politics
Classical Civilisation Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Classical History and Civilisation Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Classical Greek Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Classical Studies Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Classics  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Communication Studies General  
Communication and Culture General  
Computing  Science  
Computer Science Science  
Constitutional Law Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Cannot have both Constitutional Law and Law
Creative Writing  General  
Critical Thinking Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Dance  General  
Design and Technology: Food Technology  General Only 1 Design & Technology subject accepted
Design and Technology: Product Design (3D Design) General Only 1 Design & Technology subject accepted
For BEng or MEng Engineering programmes this subject will be classed as Science.
Design and Technology: Product Design (Textiles) General Only 1 Design & Technology subject accepted
Design and Technology: Systems and Control Technology General Only 1 Design & Technology subject accepted
Design and Textiles General Cannot be combined with Design & Technology subject 
Divinity  General  
Drama and Theatre Studies General  
Design and Textiles General  
Dutch  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Economic and Political Studies Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Econ & Pol Studies; Econ & Public Affairs; Econ Change & Society; Econ Geog
Economic and Public Affairs Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Econ & Pol Studies; Econ & Public Affairs; Econ Change & Society; Econ Geog
Economic Change and Society Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Econ & Pol Studies; Econ & Public Affairs; Econ Change & Society; Econ Geog
Economic Geography Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Econ & Pol Studies; Econ & Public Affairs; Econ Change & Society; Econ Geog
Economics  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Applied Business, Economics, Business Studies or Economics and Business
Economics and Business Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Applied Business, Economics, Business Studies or Economics and Business
Electronics / Electronic Systems Science Not accepted in place of Maths or Physics where these are Required Subjects
Elements of Engineering Design Science Not accepted in place of Maths or Physics where these are Required Subjects
Engineering  Science Not accepted in place of Maths or Physics where these are Required Subjects
Engineering Drawing (and Design) / Technical Drawing Science Not accepted in place of Maths or Physics where these are Required Subjects
Engineering Graphics (Applied) Science Not accepted in place of Maths or Physics where these are Required Subjects
Engineering Science Science Not accepted in place of Maths or Physics where these are Required Subjects
English Language  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of English Language, English language & Literature or English Literature
English Language and Literature / Language and Literature in English / English (and Communication) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of English Language, English language & Literature or English Literature
English Literature / Literature in English Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of English Language, English language & Literature or English Literature
Environmental Management General  
Environmental Studies  General  
Environmental Technology General  
Film Studies  General  
Food Studies  General  
French  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Geography  Science OR Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Geography: Human/Natural Environment Science OR Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Human/Physical Geography Science OR Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Geology  Science  
Geometrical and Building (Mechanical) Drawing  General  
German  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Government and Politics Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Citizenship Studies, Law or Government & Politics
Global Perspectives and Research Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Graphic Design / Graphic(al) Communication General  
Greek (Ancient or Modern) / Classical Greek Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one Greek subject
Greek Language with Greek History Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one Greek subject
Greek Literature with Greek History Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one Greek subject
Greek (Literature) and Classical Civilisation Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one Greek subject
Greek Literature (in Translation) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one Greek subject
Gujarati  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Health and Social Care / Applied Health and Social Care General  
Hebrew (Modern) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Hindi  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Hinduism  General  
History  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
History of Art / Art with Art History Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Home Economics  General  
Horticultural Science Science  
Human Biology / Social Biology Science Biology and Human Biology not accepted as two separate subjects.
Humanities  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Industrial Studies General  
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) / Digital Technology General  
Information Technology Science  
Irish  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Islamic Studies  General  
Italian  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Japanese Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Journalism in the Media and Communications Industry General  
Latin  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Latin (Language) with Roman History Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Latin (Literature) and Classical Civilisation Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Law  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of Citizenship Studies, Law or Government & Politics.
Leisure and Tourism General  
Leisure Studies General  
Marine Science Science  
Mathematics Science Where Mathematics and Further Mathematics are both taken these will be accepted as two A-level grades. Where Mathematics is required as a specific subject requirement, Further Mathematics will not be accepted in place of this.
Mathematics: Applied/and Statistics Science Will not be accepted as a separate A-level grade if taken with A-level Mathematics or A-level Further Mathematics. Where Mathematics is required as a specific subject requirement, only A-level Mathematics is accepted.
Mathematics: Mechanics Science Will not be accepted as a separate A-level grade if taken with A-level Mathematics or A-level Further Mathematics. Where Mathematics is required as a specific subject requirement, only A-level Mathematics is accepted.
Mathematics: Pure/with Mechanics/and Statistics/with Statistics Science Will not be accepted as a separate A-level grade if taken with A-level Mathematics or A-level Further Mathematics. Where Mathematics is required as a specific subject requirement, only A-level Mathematics is accepted.
Mathematics: Pure and Applied Science Will not be accepted as a separate A-level grade if taken with A-level Mathematics or A-level Further Mathematics. Where Mathematics is required as a specific subject requirement, only A-level Mathematics is accepted.
Mathematics: Statistics Science Will not be accepted as a separate A-level grade if taken with A-level Mathematics or A-level Further Mathematics. Where Mathematics is required as a specific subject requirement, only A-level Mathematics is accepted.
Further Mathematics Science Where Mathematics and Further Mathematics are both taken these will be accepted as two A-level grades. Where Mathematics is required as a specific subject requirement, Further Mathematics will not be accepted in place of this.
Further Mathematics: Pure and Applied/Pure with Mechanics Science Will not be accepted as a separate A-level grade if taken with A-level Mathematics or A-level Further Mathematics. Where Mathematics is required as a specific subject requirement, only A-level Mathematics is accepted.
Media Communication and Production General  
Media Studies / Media General  
Moving Image Arts General  
Music / Music(Theoretical) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Music Technology General  
Norwegian Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Punjabi  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Performance Studies General  
Performing Arts General  
Persian Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Philosophy  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Physical Education  General Can only have one of Physical Education or Sport & Physical Education
Physical Science Science Cannot be combined with either Physics or Chemistry due to overlap AND NOT accepted in place of either where they are Required Subjects.
Physics  Science  
Physics B: Advancing Physics  Science Not accepted where Physics is a Required Subject and cannot be counted as an additional subject with Physics
Physics B: Physics in Context Science Not accepted where Physics is a Required Subject and cannot be counted as an additional subject with Physics
Physics and Mathematics Science Cannot be combined with either Physics or Mathematics due to overlap AND NOT accepted in place of either where they are Required Subjects.
Polish  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Portuguese  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Psychology  Science Can only have one of Psychology, Psychology A or Psychology B
Psychology A/ Psychology B Science Can only have one of Psychology, Psychology A or Psychology B
Public Affairs Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Religious Studies  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Russian Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Science (Double) General Not counted as science subjects and cannot combine Science Double, Science Studies, Science in Society, Science Tech & Society as individual A-Levels
Science (Studies) General Not counted as science subjects and cannot combine Science Double, Science Studies, Science in Society, Science Tech & Society as individual A-Levels
Science in Society General Not counted as science subjects and cannot combine Science Double, Science Studies, Science in Society, Science Tech & Society as individual A-Levels
Science, Technology and Society General Not counted as science subjects and cannot combine Science Double, Science Studies, Science in Society, Science Tech & Society as individual A-Levels
Social (and Environmental) Biology General  
Sociology  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Software Systems and Development Science  
Spanish  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Sport & Physical Education General Can only have one of Physical Education or Sport & Physical Education
Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry General  
Statistics / Applied Statistics Science  
Tamil  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Technical Drawing / Graphics General Can only have one of Technical Drawing / Graphics; Technical and Graphic Communication 
Technical Design and Graphic Communication General Can only have one of Technical Drawing / Graphics; Technical and Graphic Communication 
Technological Studies / Technology General  
Theatre Studies Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Thinking Skills General  
Theology (Christian) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Travel and Tourism (Double or Single Award) General  
Turkish Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Urdu  Arts, Humanity or Modern Language  
Use of Mathematics Science Not accepted where Mathematics is a Required Subject and cannot be counted as an additional subject with Mathematics
Welsh (First Language) / Welsh (Second Language) Arts, Humanity or Modern Language Can only have one of these A-Levels - not both First and Second Language subjects.
World Development  General  
Zoology Science  

A-Level subjects not approved for general admission

  • General Studies

UCAS tariff points

The University does not frame its offers in terms of UCAS tariff points.


International (non-EU) students


European students

The University welcomes applications from all European countries.


International Baccalaureate

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.

Alternative qualifications

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.


BTEC 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 1st year of some Degree Programmes (without any other qualifications); OR
  • For direct access to 1st 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 (1st 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.

BTEC SUBJECTS ACCEPTED FOR UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONUNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS CRITERIA: BTEC QUALIFICATION LEVELS AND GRADE REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECT ADMISSION (WITHOUT ADDITIONAL A LEVELS) OR AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR 1 OR 2 A LEVELS
Accounting
  • BTEC HND pass will grant access to all Accountancy & Finance Degrees (B.Acc) and B.Sc degrees in Accounting & Mathematics or Accounting with Statistics. Applicants must also have an A Level Maths at Grade B or above.
Aeronautical Eng
  • Diploma/Extended diploma subject at Grades MM or MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels - however will not replace Maths and Physics A Levels where these are stated subject requirements.
Applied Law
  • Subsidiary Diploma subject at Grade D may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
Applied Science
  • L3 Extended Diploma at Grades DDD will give access to Year 1 of most Life Sciences and Science Degrees (applicants to Psychology will require GCSE Maths at Grade B or above)
  • BTEC HNC/HND with a Merit Pass overall AND a Merit Pass in the majority of subjects will give access to Year 1 of most Life Science and Sciences Degrees  (applicants to Psychology will require GCSE Maths at Grade B or above)
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma at Grades MM OR Extended Diploma at Grades MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels - however will not replace specified science A Levels where these are stated subject requirements.
Art & Design
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Level 3 Diploma at Grades MM OR Extended Diploma at Grades MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma or Extended Diploma cannot be used to replace 2 A Levels.
Business
  • L3 Extended Diploma at Grades DDD will give access to Year 1 of MA Arts and MA Social Sciences Degrees
  • BTEC HNC/HND with a Merit Pass overall AND a Merit Pass in the majority of subjects will give access to Year 1 of MA Arts and MA Social Sciences Degrees
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D, or Diploma at Grades MM, or Extended Diploma at MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels to some degree programmes.
Computing
  • L3 Extended Diploma at Grades DDD will give access to Year 1 of Computing Science, Informatis and Software Engineering degrees. If Maths not studied as part of BTEC then A Level Maths required.
  • BTEC HNC/HND with a Merit Pass overall AND a Merit Pass in the majority of subjects will give access to Year 1 of Computing Science, Informatis and Software Engineering degrees. If Maths not studied as part of BTEC then A Level Maths required.
  • Level 3 Diploma at Grades DD or Extended Diploma at Grades DMM will be accepted in place of 2 A Levels for most degree programmes.
Dental Technology
  • Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma at Grade D or Extended Diploma with a minimum of MPP will be accepted in place of 1 A Level for most degree programmes. It cannot be accepted in place of a science subject where science is a required subject.  
Electrical Electronic Engineering
  • Diploma/Extended diploma subject at Grades MM or MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels - however will not replace Maths and Physics A Levels where these are stated subject requirements.
Engineering
  • Diploma/Extended diploma subject at Grades MM or MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels - however will not replace Maths and Physics A Levels where these are stated subject requirements.
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma or Extended Diploma cannot be used to replace 2 A Levels.
Environmental Sustainability
  • L3 Extended Diploma at Grades DDD will give access to Year 1 of Environmental Science & Sustainability Degree at Dumfries Campus.
  • Subsidiary Diploma at Grade D, Diploma at Grades MM or Extended Diploma at Grades MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma or Extended Diploma cannot be used to replace 2 A Levels.
Health and Social Care
  • L3 Extended Diploma at Grades DDD will give access to Year 1 of Education (Teacher Training) Degree Programmes providing applicants also have GCSE Maths at Grade B or better AND A Level English or AS Level English or GCSE English Language & English Literature at Grade B or better.
  • BTEC HNC/HND with a Merit Pass overall AND a Merit Pass in the majority of subjects will give access to Year 1 of Education (Teacher Training) Degree Programmes providing applicants also have GCSE Maths at Grade B or better AND A Level English or AS Level English or GCSE English Language & English Literature at Grade B or better.
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma  at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most  degree programmes
Information Technology
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma or Extended Diploma cannot be used to replace 2 A Levels.
Manuf Eng
  • Diploma/Extended diploma subject at Grades MM or MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels - however will not replace Maths and Physics A Levels where these are stated subject requirements.
Mech Eng
  • Diploma/Extended diploma subject at Grades MM or MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels - however will not replace Maths and Physics A Levels where these are stated subject requirements.
Music
  • Extended Diploma at Grades DDD will give access to Year 1 of the MA Music (but not the BMus degree)
  • BTEC HNC/HND with a Merit Pass overall AND a Merit Pass in the majority of subjects will give access to Year 1 of MA Arts Degree in Music (but not the BMus degree)
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma or Extended Diploma cannot be used to replace 2 A Levels.
Music Technology
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma or Extended Diploma cannot be used to replace 2 A Levels.
Operations and Maintenance Engineering
  • Diploma/Extended diploma subject at Grades MM or MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes. 
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels - however will not replace Maths and Physics A Levels where these are stated subject requirements.
Performing Arts
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma  at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most  degree programmes
Pharm Sci
  • Diploma at Grade D may be used in place of 1 A Level subject  for most degree programmes
Production Arts
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma  at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most  degree programmes
Sport
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma or Extended Diploma cannot be used to replace 2 A Levels.
Sport and Exercise Science
  • Diploma/Extended diploma subject at Grades MM or MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes. Diploma or Extended Diploma cannot be used to replace 2 A Levels.
Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • Extended Diploma at Grades DDD will give access to Year 1 of most Life Science Degrees (but not all Science Degrees)
  • BTEC HNC/HND with a Merit Pass overall AND a Merit Pass in the majority of subjects will give access to Year 1 of most Life Science Degrees (but not all Science Degrees)
  • Subsidiary Diploma/90 Credit Diploma at Grade D OR Diploma/Extended Diploma at Grades MM/MPP may be used in place of 1 A Level subject for most degree programmes.
  • Diploma / Extended Diploma at Grades DD or DMM may be accepted in place of 2 A Levels - however will not replace specified science A Levels where these are stated subject requirements.

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.

For applicants to the School of Medicine, please see School of Medicine Admissions.


Mature students

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: Short Courses). This policy is designed to ensure that University entrants can cope with the academic rigour of our degree programmes.

SQA Higher National Qualifications: HNC or HND

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.

Age of qualifications

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: Short Courses). This policy is designed to ensure that University entrants can cope with the academic rigour of our degree programmes.


Access Programmes

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


Interviews and admissions tests

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 UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) as well as interview.

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


Graduate applicants

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.

For applicants to the School of Medicine, please see School of Medicine Admissions.


University transfer

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.

For applicants to the School of Medicine, please see School of Medicine Admissions.


Extenuating circumstances

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.

For applicants to the School of Medicine, please see School of Medicine Admissions.


Non-academic factors affecting admissions decisions

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.


Part-time study

Part-time degrees

Our flexible  degrees are designed to allow part-time students access to a wide range of Arts or Science subjects and ultimately graduate with a MA Arts or BSc Science degree from the University of Glasgow.

We are unable to offer part-time degrees in the following subjects: Accountancy & Finance, Dentistry, Engineering, Film & Television Studies, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Psychology, Veterinary Biosciences, Veterinary Medicine. OR in any of the Social Sciences MA (SocSci) degrees.

The list of undergraduate courses offered by the University is available at: 2021 Degree programmes A‑Z

Course delivery

The individual courses which make up the degree programme follow the timetable undertaken by the full-time undergraduate students and part-time students attend the same on campus lectures, tutorials or practical sessions Part-time study is study by day, and will require attendance on several days of the week.

Level of commitment and timeframe for completing part-time studies

An honours degree, normally takes a full-time student 4 years to complete, and can be completed in as few as 6 years by a part-time student.  Full-time students study 120 credits per year, and all students are required to complete a total of 240credits before commencing honours studies.

  • Science part-time students are expected to commit to 80 credits per year for the first three years and then progress to full-time studies to complete the final two years of honours. 
     
  • Arts students have much greater flexibility and a part-time student can take between 20 and 80 credits per year. The structure of the degree is discussed with the Adviser for part-time students in the College of Arts and an agreed programme of study set out.

For further advice on Arts degrees please you may contact the Adviser to part-time students, Mrs Linda Knox, at linda.knox@glasgow.ac.uk

Entry requirements for part-time applicants

The entry requirements for part-time students are generally the same as for full-time students, but if you would like us to consider any additional qualification then you may contact the admissions office at: catherine.donegan@glasgow.ac.uk

Standard entry requirements can be found in the individual programme pages of our 2021 Degree programmes A‑Z.

It is advisable to have recent academic experience and, if you feel you need to update your qualification in preparation for degree studies, then we recommend that you consider an Access programme or relevant credit bearing courses offered by the Centre for Open Studies at the University. Further details are available from:

Students with disabilities

Applicants with disabilities or special needs are considered on the same basis as all other applicants.  However, we advise applicants to liaise with the University Disabilities Service to explore any potential difficulties or access any additional support they may require. See:

Fees & funding

Tuition fees are charged annually and based on the number of credits studied.  Further details regarding tuition charges are available from our Registry website:

For information regarding the Part-time Fee Grant, administered by SAAS: see

How to apply

Applying for a part-time degree is made directly to the University and not through UCAS. The closing date for applications is 31 July each year preceding the start of the academic session in September. If you would like to check whether your qualifications would gain you entry to part-time study prior to applying please contact catherine.donegan@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now


Criminal Convictions Policy

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.

 


Deferred entry

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. 

For applicants to the School of Medicine, please see School of Medicine Admissions.


Exam re-marks/appeals

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.


Combining A levels and Highers

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: kelly.fox@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


Changes to entry requirements or admissions policies

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.


Previous study at the University of Glasgow

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.