2024 Admissions guidance
The following provides detailed information on the University’s undergraduate admissions guidance for the 2023/24 application cycle commencing in October 2023.
The University is committed to a fair and transparent admissions process that provides equal opportunity for all individuals. Through the publication of this guidance we aim to provide greater understanding for our applicants of the approach we take to considering their applications. This guidance applies to all applications to commence undergraduate study in September 2024, or if deferred, September 2025.
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General principles
- The Entry Requirement section of each undergraduate subject page states the cumulative / final grades (and subjects if mandatory) required to be considered for an offer. Any Additional Requirements (interviews, auditions, tests, pre-entry programmes) are also stated. These will be confirmed in any Conditional offer we make.
- We publish Scottish Highers, Adjusted Scottish Highers (for eligible Widening Participation applicants), A-Levels and International Baccalaureate (IB) Entry Requirements on each undergraduate subject page, accessed via the Degree Programme A-Z.
- National European and other International qualification Entry Requirements can all be accessed from the applicable country page.
- If there is more than one possible degree type outcome for that subject, e.g, MA, MA (SocSci), BSc, the Entry Requirements for each type will be stated.
- The Entry Requirement information on the subject pages, together with any below detail relevant to you, your application, qualifications, and circumstances, will determine how we will consider your application.
- There are two types of offer we can make:
- Unconditional, meaning you already meet / exceed our published requirements, and you have a place of study if you choose to accept it
- Conditional, meaning we still need you to meet specified conditions to be eligible for the offer of a place of study.
- We will review all aspects of your application and apply flexibility when circumstances allow, however it will be unsuccessful if we are unable to make you an offer.
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Timing
The deadline for submitting your application is stated in the How to apply section of the relevant subject page.
We will acknowledge your application upon receipt. This will also indicate the timing in which we will review your application to assess your eligibility for an offer.
It is your responsibility to submit a complete and accurate application on time. We do not consider late applications received after the deadline relevant to you and your degree programme choice.
Please note, we are unlikely to issue immediate offers or rejections during this application year. This will vary by individual and depend on your circumstances.
In many cases, we will wait until we have reviewed all applications received by the 31 January 2024 (6pm) deadline.
If this applies to you, we will advise you of our decision timing in your application acknowledgement.
There are exceptions to this 'no immediate offer' approach:
- Priority 1 and Priority 2 Widening Participation applicants are guaranteed an offer, based on achieving our Adjusted Entry Requirements. Where we can, we will issue these prior to the 31 January application deadline, but they may be after this date for some degree programmes. For more information, see the Widening Participation detail below.
- Highly qualified applicants who apply for specific degree programmes and are either predicted, or already meet / exceed our entry requirements, may be considered for an offer prior to the 31 January application deadline.
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Scottish Highers
The SQA Higher Entry Requirements & Adjusted Entry Requirements for each subject can be found on that subject page in the degree programme A-Z.
S5 and S6 Highers Entry Requirements
- Where stated, the S5 Entry Requirements are a guide to the minimum grades required by the end of S5 to be considered for an offer. The S6 Entry Requirements represent the cumulative / final grades required by the end of S6 to be considered for an offer.
- Applicants must also meet any Additional Requirements listed (subject requirements / admissions tests / work experience / interviews / pre-entry programme) in order to be considered.
- All students must have obtained at least four different Highers.
Advanced Highers
- Most subjects do not require Advanced Highers but check the Entry Requirements for the subject(s) you are interested in.
- Where a degree programme requires Advanced Higher(s), these must be met as specified.
- For programmes where Advanced Higher(s) are not required in the stated Entry Requirements, we allow ‘double counting’ of 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
- Conditions included in any Conditional offer will have already made this grade adjustment so offer requirements must be met as stated.
Additional Requirements
Additional Requirements are stated for each subject and degree type and will be confirmed in your offer.
The lists below show all the Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications currently offered by the SQA and indicates the University of Glasgow subject classification for each subject:
Arts, Humanity OR Modern Language
- Accounting: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Art & Design: Higher
- Business Management: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Cantonese: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Classical Studies: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Drama: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Economics: Higher / Advanced Higher
- English: Higher / Advanced Higher
- ESOL: Higher
- French: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Gaelic: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Geography: Higher / Advanced Higher
- German: Higher / Advanced Higher
- History: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Italian: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Latin: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Mandarin: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Media: Higher
- Modern Studies: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Music: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Philosophy: Higher
- Politics: Higher
- Psychology: Higher
- Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Sociology: Higher
- Spanish: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Urdu: Higher / Advanced Higher
Science
- Applications of Mathematics: Higher
- Biology: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Chemistry: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Computing Science: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Engineering Science: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Environmental Science: Higher
- Geography: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Human Biology: Higher
- Mathematics: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Mathematics of Mechanics: Advanced Higher
- Physics: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Psychology: Higher
- Statistics: Advanced Higher
General
- Administration & IT: Higher
- Art & Design (Design): Advanced Higher
- Art & Design (Expressive): Advanced Higher
- Care: Higher
- Childcare & Development: Higher
- Dance: Higher
- Design & Manufacturing: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Fashion & Textile Technology: Higher
- Graphic Communications: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Health & Food Technology: Higher / Advanced Higher
- Music Technology: Higher
- Photography: Higher
- Physical Education: Higher / Advanced Higher
Scottish Highers: Adjusted (Widening Participation)
We want to help talented applicants from all backgrounds to study at Glasgow and we adjust our Highers requirements for Widening Participation applicants, as detailed on each undergraduate subject page.
These Adjusted Entry Requirements represent the cumulative / final grades plus any Additional Requirements necessary by the end of S5 or S6 to be guaranteed an offer. In some cases, degree programme entry requirements include an S5 minimum grade attainment, Our offers require the completion of one or more widening access pre-entry programmes, such as Top-Up, Reach and a range of Summer Schools.
There are two categories of WP applicant: Priority 1 and Priority 2.
Priority 1 will be eligible for an offer at the minimum level of the Adjusted Entry Requirement range:
- Reside in MD20 (SIMD deciles 1 & 2 postcodes) Check yours with our postcode checker
- Care experienced
- Carer
- Estranged (living without family support)
- Asylum seeker
- Refugee
Priority 2 will be eligible for an offer at the maximum level of the Adjusted Entry Requirement range, plus in some cases, attainment of S5 minimum grades:
- Reside in MD40 (SIMD deciles 3 & 4 postcodes) Check yours with our postcode checker
We will ask you for further information to confirm your eligibility, which you can upload via our Applicant Self-Service portal. All details will be included in your offer.
For further information and to find out more about our range of widening access pre-entry programmes, visit:
Scottish Highers: English and Mathematics equivalences
Accepted alternative qualifications in English and Mathematics
English
Accepted alternative qualifications in English where Higher English is a mandatory academic requirement
- Advanced Higher English at Grade B
- A Level English at Grade B
- Higher ESOL at Grade A
- GCSE/IGCSE English Language AND English Literature at Grade 8/9 (A/B) (both qualifications must be achieved)
- International Baccalaureate English at HL 5/6 / SL 7
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher English at Grade A / H6
- SQA National Units at Higher Level in both Communication (NC) and Literature 1
- SCQF Level 6 Online English Access Course offered by the University of Aberdeen at Grade A
- University level modules (SCQF level 7 or above) that cover sufficient English Literature content
- English of an equivalent academic standard from outside the UK - Study must have an English Literature element. We use UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) to assess the equivalency of overseas qualifications.
Mathematics
Accepted alternative qualifications in Mathematics where Higher Mathematics is a mandatory academic requirement
- Advanced Higher Maths at Grade B
- A Level Maths at Grade B
- International Baccalaureate Maths Analysis and Approahces at HL 5/6 / SL 7
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Maths at Grade A / H6
- SCQF Level 6 Online Maths Access Course offered by the University of Aberdeen at Grade A
- University level modules (SCQF level 7 or above) that cover sufficient Maths content
- Maths of an equivalent academic standard from outside the UK - Study must have Maths English Literature element. We use UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) to assess the equivalency of overseas qualifications.
- Higher Application of Maths is not considered an alternative qualification for BSc where Higher Maths is a mandatory
Accepted alternative qualifications in Mathematics where National 5 Mathematics is a mandatory academic requirement
- Intermediate Level 2 Mathematics at Grade B
- Standard Grade Credit Mathematics at Grade 2
- O Grade Mathematics at Grade A
- National 5 Application of Maths at Grade A/B: formerly Lifeskills Mathematics which is also accepted at Grade A/B
- Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher Mathematics at Grade C
- A Level Mathematics at Grade C
- GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics at Grade B / 5
- International Baccalaureate Maths Analysis and Approaches at HL 3 / SL 4 or Maths Applications and Interpretation HL 3 / SL 4
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Mathematics at Grade C3 / H5
- Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Mathematics at Grade B3 / O3
- SCQF Level 5 or 6 Online Mathematics Access Course offered by the University of Aberdeen at Grade C
- Open University MU123 Discovering Mathematics – credits 30
- SQA National Units in BOTH Core Mathematics 4 (D11V) and Mathematics: Analysis/Algebra 1 (D11W)
- University level modules (SCQF level 7 or above) that cover sufficient Maths content
- Maths of an equivalent academic standard from outside the UK - We will always use UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) to assess the equivalency of overseas qualifications.
A-Levels
The A-Level Entry Requirements for each subject can be found on the relevant subject page in the degree programme A-Z.
Standard Entry Requirements
- The Standard Entry Requirements represent the range of grades required to be considered for an offer.
- If you are predicted grades below our standard range, we may still consider you for an offer. If this applies to you, we will advise you of our decision timing in your application acknowledgement.
Applicants must also meet any Additional Requirements listed (subject requirements / admissions tests / work experience / interviews / pre-entry programme) in order to be considered
Additional Requirements
Additional Requirements are stated for each subject and degree type and will be confirmed in your offer.
Some of our degree programmes require specific subjects for entry whilst others will state that subjects must be from a specific field of study, such as a Science or Humanity subject.
The list below indicates the University of Glasgow subject classification for each subject. Please note, General Studies is not accepted for admission.
Where more than one subject is listed in a single bullet point, only one to be accepted where applicant is undertaking standard three A-Levels.
Accepted fields of study and subjects
Arts, Humanity or Modern Language (All considered Humanities subjects)
- Accounting / Management Accounting / Principles of Accounts
- Afrikaans
- Ancient History / Ancient History and Literature
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Art & Design: Only one Art & Design subject accepted (not multiple categories as individual A-Levels)
- Bengali / Bengali (Reading, Listening, Writing)
- Biblical Hebrew
- Business / Applied Business / Business Studies
- Chinese / Chinese Mandarin
- Citizenship Studies: can only have one of Citizenship Studies or Government and Politics
- Classical Civilisation / Classical History and Civilisation
- Classical Studies / Classics
- Constitutional Law: can only have one of Law or Constitutional Law
- Dutch
- Economics / Economics and Business
- Economic and Political Studies / Economic and Public Affairs / Economic Change and Society / Economic Geography / Economic History / Economic and Social History
- English Language and Literature / Language and Literature in English / English (and Communication) / English Language / English Literature / Literature in English
- French
- Geography / Human Geography / Physical Geography
- German
- Global Perspectives and Research
- Government and Politics: can only have one of Citizenship Studies or Government and Politics
- Greek (Ancient or Modern) / Classical Greek / Greek Language / Literature with Greek History
- Gujarati
- Hebrew (Modern)/Modern Hebrew (Reading, Listening, Writing)
- Hindi
- History of Art / History and Appreciation of Art / Art with Art History
- History
- Irish
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin / Latin (Language with Roman History) / Latin (Literature) and Classical Civilisation
- Law: can only have one of Law or Constitutional Law
- Music / Music (Theoretical)
- Norwegian
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Polish
- Politics
- Portuguese
- Psychology
- Punjabi
- Religious Studies
- Russian
- Social and Environmental Biology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Tamil
- Theatre Studies
- Turkish
- Urdu
- Welsh (First Language) / Welsh (Second Language)
Science
- Archaeology
- Biology / Human Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science / Computing
- Electronics / Electronic Systems
- Engineering / Engineering Science: Not accepted in place of Maths or Physics where these are Required Subjects
- Environmental Science
- Further Mathematics: 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
- Geography / Physical Geography
- Geology
- Information Technology
- Marine Science
- Mathematics: 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
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Physics and Mathematics: Not accepted where Physics or Mathematics is a Required Subject and cannot be counted as an additional subject with Physics or Mathematics
- Physics B: Advancing Physics / Physics B: Physics in Context: Not accepted where Physics is a Required Subject and cannot be counted as an additional subject with Physics
- Psychology
- Social and Environmental Biology: not accepted where Biology is a required subject
- Software Systems and Development
- Statistics / Applied Statistics
- Zoology
General and Vocational (only one to be accepted where applicant is undertaking standard three A-Levels)
- Communication Studies
- Criminology
- Critical Thinking
- Dance
- Design and Technology: Cannot be combined with Design & Textiles
- Design and Textiles: Cannot be combined with Design & Technology
- Digital Media and Design
- Digital Technology
- Divinity
- Drama and Theatre Studies
- Elements of Engineering Design
- Engineering Drawing (and Design) / Technical Drawing
- Engineering Graphics
- Environmental Technology / Environmental Studies
- Film Studies
- Food Studies
- Geometrical and Building (Mechanical) Drawing
- Graphic Communication
- Health and Social Care / Applied Health and Social Care
- Hinduism
- Home Economics
- Horticultural Science
- Industrial Studies
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT) / Digital Technology
- Islamic Studies
- Leisure Studies
- Life and Health Sciences
- Media Communication and Production
- Media Studies / Media
- Moving Image Arts
- Music Technology
- Nutrition and Food Science
- Performance Studies
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education: Cannot be combined with Sport & Physical Education
- Professional Business Services
- Public Affairs
- Science (Double) / Science Studies / Science in Society / Science, Technology and Society
- Sport & Physical Education: Cannot be combined with Physical Education
- Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry
- Technical Drawing / Graphics
- Technical Design and Graphic Communication
- Technological Studies / Technology
- Theology (Christian)
- Thinking Skills
- Travel and Tourism (Double or Single Award)
- Use of Mathematics: not accepted in combination with other Mathematics
- World Development
International Baccalaureate
The IB Requirements for each subject can be found on that subject page in the degree programme A-Z.
Standard Entry Requirements
- The Standard Entry Requirements represent the range of IB points normally needed to be considered for an offer (subject to success in any interview and/or other admissions test that is required for that subject).
- If you are predicted points below our standard range, we may still consider you for an offer. If this applies to you, we will advise you of our decision timing in your application acknowledgement.
- Applicants must also meet any Additional Requirements listed (subject requirements / admissions tests / work experience / interviews / pre-entry programme) in order to be considered.
Additional Requirements
Additional Requirements are stated for each subject and degree type and will be confirmed in your offer.
BTEC
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 (i.e. applicant requires BTEC qualification plus 2 A-Levels)
OR
- For admission to some degree programmes as a substitute for 2 A-Level subjects (i.e. applicant requires BTEC qualification plus 1 A-Level).
The table below details:
- The BTEC subjects which are accepted by the University
- The various qualification levels for that subject currently offered by BTEC
- The grades required for each qualification level 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 if eligibility criteria is not clear.
| BTEC SUBJECTS ACCEPTED FOR ADMISSION | BTEC QUALIFICATION LEVELS AND GRADE REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECT ADMISSION (WITHOUT ADDITIONAL A-LEVELS) OR AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR 1 OR 2 A-LEVELS |
|---|---|
| Accounting |
|
| Aeronautical Eng |
|
| Applied Law |
|
| Applied Science |
|
| Art & Design / Art & Design Practice |
|
| Business |
|
| Computing |
|
|
Civil Engineering |
|
| Dental Technology |
|
| Electrical & Electronic Engineering |
|
| Engineering |
|
| Enterprise and Entrepreneurship |
|
| Environmental Sustainability |
|
| Health and Social Care |
|
| Information Technology |
|
| Manufacturing Engineering / Advanced Manufacturing Engineering |
|
| Marketing |
|
| Mechanical Engineering |
|
| Music |
|
| Music Technology |
|
| Operations and Maintenance Engineering |
|
| Performing Arts |
|
| Pharmaceutical Science |
|
| Production Arts |
|
| Sport |
|
| Sport and Exercise Science |
|
| Sport and Exercise Sciences |
|
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
- Building Services Engineering
- Children's Care, L&D
- Children's Play, L&D
- Construction & the Built Environment
- Countryside Management
- Creative Digital Media Production
- Creative Media Production
- Digital Media
- Equine Management
- Esports
- Fish Mgt
- Floristry
- Forensic and Criminal Investigations
- Forestry and Arboriculture
- Horse Mgt
- Horticulture
- Hospitality
- Land Based Technology
- Personal and Bus Finance
- Public Services
- Sport and Outdoor Activities
- Sporting Excellence and Performance
- Sports Coaching and Development
- Travel and Tourism
- Uniformed Protective Services
- Vehicle Technology
BTEC qualifications must have been awarded within 7 years of the date of entry to the University to be accepted as meeting entry requirements.
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
- The majority of HN entrants enter Year 1 of undergraduate study.
- All HN applicants are required to attend and pass a University Summer School. This will be a condition of any offer made.
- In addition, we work with Colleges to provide specific HN pathways into Year 2 of degrees in Life Sciences, Engineering and Social Sciences at our Glasgow campus, and programmes at our Dumfries campus. See Widening Participation for more details.
Cambridge Technical Qualifications
The University welcomes applications from candidates who have sat Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate Qualifications (Level 3). The University recognises that an increasing number of schools/colleges are offering a combination of CTEC qualifications together with A-Levels.
Depending on the type of CTEC qualification, they may be used for admission to some degree programmes as a substitute for 1 A-Level subject (ie applicant requires BTEC qualification plus 2 A-Levels).
We accept the following Cambridge Technical Extended Certificates in place of 1 A-Level. Please note, where a specific subject is required for admission to a programme of study in the case of a mandatory subject, a CTEC will not fulfil the mandatory subject requirements.
- Applied Science
- Business
- Engineering
- Health and Social Care
- Information Technology
- Sport and Physical Activity
The following CTECs are not accepted for entry to our undergraduate programmes:
- Digital Media
- Performing Arts
CTEC qualifications must have been awarded within 7 years of the date of entry to the University to be accepted as meeting entry requirements.
Alternative qualifications
Foundation Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships will be accepted as equivalent to one additional Higher subject at grade A for applicants to degree programmes in Arts, Languages, Social Sciences, Science, Life Sciences, Engineering and Accountancy.
Scottish Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Scottish Baccalaureate and the Interdisciplinary Project. Offers will be based on the individual Highers and Advanced Highers components 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 and Advanced Extension Awards
We welcome the use of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and, in Mathematics, the Advanced Extension Awards (AEA). We recognise that they challenge students and encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning, preparing students for a successful higher education experience. However, we accept that not all students have equal opportunity to access them, so do not require them for entry. The EPQ/AEA are not accepted as an A-level equivalent.
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
Whilst the University does not frame its offers in terms of UCAS tariff points, it may review UCAS tariff points, as well as information in your Personal Statement and Reference, to inform admission decisions for highly competitive subjects.
SQA NPA Qualifications
The University welcomes and recognises National Progression Awards (NPA) completed at SCQF Level 6. Generally a NPA will be considered as counting towards the SQA Higher entry requirements as equivalent to one SQA Higher. They are ungraded unlike the SQA Higher and a Pass mark will be considered as equivalent to A/B at SQA Higher.
There are NPAs listed below which the University will be unable to consider due to its highly vocational content and not relevant to the University’s academic curriculum. A NPA will not be considered in lieu of the required mandatory.
The table below shows which NPA will be considered by the University as equivalent to a SQA Higher.
| Subject Areas | Considered Equivalent to one Higher | Subject area relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Care | Yes | Applications to Life Sciences |
| Art techniques/Design/Architecture | Yes | Applications to MA Arts |
| Business/Administration. Accounting/ Finance | Yes | Applications to MA Arts |
| Caring skills | No | n/a |
| Celtic Studies | Yes | Applications to MA Arts |
| Communications/Media | Yes | Applications to MA Arts |
| Community | No | n/a |
| Computer Sciences/Software/Hardware | Yes | Applications to Graduate Apprenticeships in Software Engineering |
| Construction | Yes | Applications to BEng Civil Engineering |
| Employability | No | n/a |
| Engineering | Yes | Applications to BEng |
| Events | No | n/a |
| Fashion/Textiles/Clothing | No | n/a |
| Film/Photography/Media Production | No | n/a |
| Food/Drink/Hospitality | No | n/a |
| Hair/Beauty/Wellbeing | No | n/a |
| Health and Social Care | No | n/a |
| Jewellery | No | n/a |
| Land and Environment | No | n/a |
| Law | Yes | Applications to MA Arts |
| Manufacturing | Yes | Applications to BEng |
| Maritime | No | n/a |
| Marketing/Public Relations/Customer Service | Yes | Applications to MA Arts |
| Performing Arts | No | n/a |
| Personal and Vocational Skills | No | n/a |
| Public Services, Security and Armed Forces | No | n/a |
| Retailing | No | n/a |
| Science | Yes | Applications to BSc |
| Social Sciences | Yes | Applications to MA Arts |
| Sports Education/Leisure | No | n/a |
| Supply Chain/Logistics/Transport | No | n/a |
| Tenancy | No | n/a |
| Tourism/Travel | No | n/a |
International (including EU) students
The University welcomes applications and students from all over the world.
We do accept many national school qualifications, including many European, SAT & AP if applying from the USA, and CICSE or CBSE if applying from India. A range of Foundation programmes are also available via Glasgow International College.
Visit the International students site and select your country from the drop-down menu for specific information.
- All applications must be made through UCAS: www.ucas.ac.uk or Common App: www.commonapp.org
- For information about your fee status, please see: Fee status policy
Mature students
The University welcomes applications from mature students and provides specific, tailored support via the Widening Participation team.
- UCAS also provides useful information about applying to Higher Education
- The University requires applicants to have participated in study within an appropriate time period prior to being admitted to an academic programme. See Age of Qualifications for further information.
- If your qualifications are considered to be out with an appropriate time period for your choice of programme, you may seek entry through an alternative route, such as the University's Access courses (see Short Courses: Access courses), or the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP).
Age of qualifications
The University requires applicants to have participated in study and have obtained certified study within an appropriate period of time prior to being admitted to an academic programme.
This appropriate period of time is considered to be within 7 years and qualifications not obtained within the last 7 years before study may be considered to be out of date.
The University reserves the right to apply this policy depending on the availability of places for the degree programme the applicant is applying to.
All applications are considered on a case by case basis to ensure you are prepared for a successful transition into university study.
If your qualifications are considered to be out with an appropriate time period for your choice of programme, you may seek entry through an alternative route such as the University's Access courses (see Short Courses: Access Coursess), or the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP).
Resits
Some clinical subjects require attainment of published entry requirements in one exam sitting, i.e. the same exam year. If this is the case, it will be detailed (or linked to) on the relevant subject page in the degree programme A-Z.
In all other cases, we will consider your application on a case by case basis, including the circumstances and duration attaining the specified entry requirements.
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 and it is advisable to have recent academic experience.
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 Would have met the current year (year of admission) entry qualifications prior to being admitted to their current degree programme.
For applicants to the School of Medicine, please see School of Medicine Admissions.
Interviews and admissions tests
An interview will be part of the selection process for:
- Community Development
- Dentistry
- 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 processes for Law involves the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test)
For more information, contact the relevant specialised Admissions Team:
- Medicine: med-sch-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk
- Dentistry: Med-sch-dental-ug@glasgow.ac.uk
- Nursing: nursing-sch-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk
- Veterinary Medicine: admissions@vet.gla.ac.uk
- All others: Admissions enquiries
University transfer
As a general rule, the University does not accept applications from UK 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.
Regardless, all applications from students currently studying at another Higher Education Institution must be made through UCAS and applicants must meet the current SQA Higher or A level entry requirements to be considered for an offer. Any offer is likely to be to Year 1 of study.
For applicants to the School of Medicine, please see School of Medicine Admissions.
Extenuating circumstances: applicant guidance
The University is fully committed to support applicants with extenuating circumstances.
In most cases, it is expected that the detail of the extenuating circumstances will be provided by the applicant’s Academic Referee within the UCAS Reference and whom the University considers as a trusted source of the verification of those circumstances. The UCAS Reference section has changed in format and structure for the current admissions cycle and Academic Referees now have a distinct and separate section to present the applicant’s extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the “Academic References” section for further guidance.
The University is mindful that not all applicants will want to share their extenuating circumstances with their Academic Referee. Alternatively, the applicant can provide details of their circumstances directly to us by completing the Extenuating Circumstances form which can be requested via our online enquiry form (choose Extenuating Circumstances from the category drop down options)
Any information provided by the applicant on their extenuating circumstances will be treated confidentially, however we may require further supporting documentation such as medical letters which should be uploaded to Applicant Self Service (full details will be provided via email). Applicants are encouraged not to use their personal statement to present extenuating circumstances as the extenuating circumstances form is a better way for this information to be assessed.
Undergraduate Admissions will present the applicant’s extenuating circumstances to the Extenuating Circumstances Panel where it is clear due to those extenuating circumstances the applicant has had a less successful outcome in their exam performance. An impact assessment will be undertaken by the University’s Extenuating Circumstances Panel and the grading of that impact assessment will determine to what extent the published entry requirements are adjusted within the offer made to the applicant. Therefore, it is very important for the University’s Extenuating Circumstances Panel to be equipped with detailed and specific information for that impact assessment to be appropriately considered. This includes the applicant’s view and understanding of how they have been impacted and must include dates and timing of the extenuating circumstances and the relatability to capacity to study, performance in their exams, predicted grades or their wider achievements.
We expect information from applicants who have experienced any of the extenuating circumstances listed below including, but not limited to:
- personal or family wellbeing, bereavement, care-experience, estrangement, victim of serious crime, serious illness of the applicant or close relative, either short or long term
- any periods of absence from school and reasons for absence
- challenging home/family life, joblessness, redundancy, significant financial issues, domestic abuse, ongoing and significant caring responsibilities
- disability or other conditions
- other educational disruption, eg, multiples schools attended, rural location with long travel time, teacher absence and impact, etc.
The Extenuating Circumstances Panel will meet regularly to consider applicants who have been referred to the Panel. Applicants will then receive notification of their application decision via UCAS indicating that their Extenuating Circumstances have been considered and whether it has been possible to make the applicant an adjusted offer.
Applicants are encouraged to provide details of their extenuating circumstances and submit the online form by Wednesday 31 January 2024, to be fully considered by the Extenuating Circumstances Panel. It is expected all offers will be made by 30 April 2024.
Extenuating circumstances: academic referee guidance
Please refer to “Academic References” Admissions Guidance 2024 under Section Two: The Applicant Statement (Extenuating Circumstances section).
Personal statements
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 regarding your readiness for higher education, your suitability for your chosen degree programme and any contextual information that will aid us in our decision.
If you are applying to a professional or vocational degree programme, your personal statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of the profession.
This should be 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.
If you have extenuating or contextual circumstances, they should be explicitly stated in your personal statement and reference.
Offers will only be made to applicants if they can meet all the necessary entrance requirements before enrolment
Academic references
Academic references are a trusted source of verification. Information shared can support a more contextualised view of the applicant and any barriers to their achievement. Admissions Officers utilise the academic reference at the point of initial application review to understand the context of the application and make appropriate offer adjustments.
Section One – The General Statement
In this mandatory section, please enter a general statement about your school, college or centre.
Ideally, information should relate to the following:
- the background of the school, including detail of the SIMD Quintile spread across your pupil population
- an overview of the qualification offered outside of the traditional Highers/Advanced Highers
- detail on any subjects not offered at particular SCQF levels
- any policy or process which may have precluded subject spread, e.g., B grade at Higher is required for progression to Advanced Higher studies, limitations in subject re-take options for S6 or 2 year Higher in lieu of National 5 certification
- any other information about the school, college or centre which may have affected student performance, e.g., building construction or staff changes.
Section Two – The Applicant Statement
The UCAS reference has changed in format and structure for this admissions cycle 2023/2024. It is now possible for the Academic Referee to provide extenuating circumstances information in a specific section of the reference within the UCAS application. Undergraduate Admissions expect those extenuating circumstances to be supported and outlined by the Academic Referee in the academic reference. They may also be referred to by the applicant, but this is not necessary if the Academic Referee has described in detail how the applicant has been impacted by their extenuating circumstances. If there are no extenuating circumstances where the applicant has been directly impacted we respectfully ask that no information is provided and the section is left blank.
The University is fully committed to support applicants with extenuating circumstances and where the impact has been assessed as significant and it is clear the applicant has had a less successful outcome in their exam performance, Undergraduate Admissions will make an adjusted offer to the applicant. The grading of the assessment of the impact of the extenuating circumstances will determine to what extent the published entry requirements are adjusted. Therefore it is very important for the University’s Extenuating Circumstances Panel to be equipped with detailed and specific information in relation to the applicant’s extenuating circumstances in order for that impact assessment to be appropriately considered. This includes the Academic Referee’s assessment of how the applicant has been impacted and also must include dates and timing of the extenuating circumstances. This will avoid any need to request additional information. If additional information is required an email will be sent from the Undergraduate Admissions email address directly to the Academic Referee.
In this optional space, we would expect information on any applicants with extenuating circumstances. With the applicant’s approval, please describe any factors that may have impacted their studies, performance or predicted grades, or their wider achievements, including, but not limited to,
- personal or family wellbeing, bereavement, care-experience, estrangement, victim of serious crime, serious illness of the applicant or close relative, either short or long term
- any periods of absence from school and reasons for absence
- challenging home/family life, joblessness, redundancy, significant financial issues, domestic abuse, ongoing and significant caring responsibilities
- disability or other conditions
- other educational disruption, eg, multiples schools attended, rural location with long travel time, teacher absence and impact, etc.
The Extenuating Circumstances Panel will meet regularly to consider applicants who have extenuating circumstances. It is unlikely that Academic Referees will be contacted for follow-up information unless the information provided is insufficient for the Panel to assess the impact. Applicants will be made an offer in the standard way through UCAS and an indication that an adjusted offer has been made.
Section Three – Other Supportive Information
This section is optional but provides a space for referees to detail any additional information about the applicant’s circumstances that they wish the University to consider. This may include:
- information not related to the applicant’s academic achievements or course work
- extracurricular activities
- information on any support systems that the applicant had whilst at your school, college or centre, which may be required at the University of Glasgow to support their applicant or student journey.
For additional information, please see the UCAS website, including their reference examples.
Part-time study
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.
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.
Commitment and timeframe
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 240 credits 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 Advising Team in the College of Arts and an agreed programme of study set out.
For further advice on Arts degrees, you may contact the Advising Team.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for part-time students are the same as full-time students, available on the relevant subject webpage.
If you would like us to consider any additional qualification, then please see Admissions enquiries.
It is advisable to have recent academic experience so if you feel you need to update your qualification in preparation for degree studies, we recommend that you consider an Access programme or relevant credit bearing courses offered by Short Courses at the University.
See Short Courses: Access courses or the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP).
Fees & Funding
Tuition fees are charged annually and based on the number of credits studied. Further details regarding tuition charges are available at:
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 the year preceding the start of the academic session in September.
Criminal Convictions Policy
The majority of programmes do not require a declaration of criminal convictions at the point of application.
However, it is a requirement for you to undergo a criminal record check for specific professional / clinical subjects, under the protection of vulnerable groups (PVG) scheme.
If this is the case, it will be clearly stated on the subject page in the degree programme A-Z.
Deferred entry
We are unable to consider applications for deferred entry for Dentistry, Nursing and Veterinary Medicine programmes.
In other subjects, you can apply via UCAS for a deferred place up to the UCAS deadline for equal consideration (31 January 2024) and if successful for an offer, this will be deferred.
If you wish to defer your offer after you submit your UCAS application, this will be considered individually, up to 16 August 2024 and only if you have an Unconditional Firm place on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow.
For applicants to the School of Medicine, please see School of Medicine Admissions.
Applicants with disabilities
The University welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities or special needs.
Please ensure you provide details of your condition(s) when applying through UCAS, including your personal statement and reference. Please also refer to the guidance in the Extenuating Circumstances section.
We also advise you contact the University’s Disability Service to explore any potential support that may be available.
Exam re-marks/appeals
If we make a Conditional offer to you, 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 and is open to accepting re-marked papers or appeals. However, priority will be given to applicants who meet their conditions without re-marks / appeals, with the latter being accepted or offered deferred entry, dependent upon whether sufficient places are available.
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 breach' resulting in you being withdrawn from the University.
Changes to entry requirements or admissions policies
The University tries to avoid making changes to entrance requirements or our Admissions Policy and process during an 'Admissions Cycle'.
However, we reserve the right to update this policy and entry requirements.
We endeavour to finalise all of our entry requirements on our website by early October for admission to the University the following September.
This approach is designed to ensure applicants are aware of our entry requirements by the start of their final year at school or college. Some changes may take place during early autumn, but all will be completed by the early October 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 any website changes.