Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 1 year

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

City of Glasgow College is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Glasgow to offer a new and exciting HNC Social Sciences programme offering direct articulation to Year 2 of many of the university’s Social Sciences and Arts degree programmes.

The HNC in Social Sciences (SCQF level 7) develops knowledge and skills in areas such as human society and social relationships.

This qualification covers areas such as Sociology, Psychology, Research and other Social Sciences.

The University of Glasgow Engagement during HNC

Whilst studying the HNC at City of Glasgow College students will also be enrolled as University of Glasgow (UofG) students, benefitting from additional academic & induction sessions at the University’s main campus, and access to the UofG Library, UofG student email, etc.

In order to qualify for the 2nd year at the University of Glasgow you must receive a positive reference from the college, achieve an A in the Graded Unit, and successfully complete all elements run by the University of Glasgow.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Alongside the widening participation eligibility criteria below, our standard entry requirements will normally apply. However, given the specific nature of this initiative, we are particularly interested in a pastoral care teacher’s assessment of the academic potential of applicants, and the impact that barriers to learning may be having.

• Two Highers, one at Grade B and one at Grade C, including English and a social sciences subject from the following list only: Modern Studies, Geography, Sociology, Politics, Psychology, History, Economics, Philosophy or RMPS; OR
• Higher English at Grade C plus an NPA level 6 in a social sciences subject; OR
• NC Social Science level 6, plus an academic reference.
• If English is not your first language, you must be able to demonstrate English language skills equivalent to IELTS 6, or have ESOL Higher A or B or Cambridge CAE.

Additional selection requirements

This one-year programme is a Widening Participation initiative, targeted particularly at those who meet one (or more) of the following criteria:

• Resident within a target postcode area (SIMD, deciles 1-4). You can check your postcode for eligibility on the University of Glasgow’s postcode checker.
• Care-experienced.
• Estranged and living without family support.
• Caring responsibilities.
• Asylum Seeker or Refugee status.

In most circumstances, you must have been resident within Scotland for three years prior to the start of the course.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

Subjects covered on the HNC include:

• Politics.
• Sociology.
• History.
• Psychology.
• Geography.
• Economics.
• Research.

After the course

Careers

Employment prospects on completion of a higher education degree in social sciences include a wide range of areas including government, journalism, education, social services, the voluntary sector, and NGOs.

Continuing Study 

This HNC will offer successful students direct year 2 entry to the following University of Glasgow undergraduate degrees:

• Politics.
• Sociology.
• International Relations.
• Social & Public Policy.
• Central & East European Studies.
• Economic & Social History.
• History.
• Philosophy.

You will be able to choose a range of Single or Joint Honours options from the subjects above. Many of these degrees can also be studied ‘with Quantitative Methods’.

Please note this programme does not provide a route into University of Glasgow degrees in Psychology.

If you pass the course but do not attain the entry requirements for the University of Glasgow you can continue to study at the college on HND Social Sciences or apply to other universities.

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods

Additional Information

Materials