Full-time courses

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How to Apply - Full Time Courses

When should I apply for a full time course?

For full time courses starting in January 2025, online applications will open on 9th October 2024.  For courses beginning in August online application will open on 15th January 2025.

Our admissions procedures aim to treat everyone who applies fairly.  If you meet the entry qualifications for the course and we have places available, we'll either invite you to an interview or make you a direct offer.   If the examinations/qualifications you have declared on your application are inaccurate, we reserve the right to withdraw the offer or cancel your application.  You'll find entry qualifications and selection criteria on the course information pages.

What if I'm Applying for More Than One Course?

Choose up to 2 courses and list your choices in order of preference — we’ll start with your first choice when considering your application. If this is unsuccessful, or the course is full, we’ll move on to your second choice. This gives everyone a better chance of securing their first-choice course. 

What Happens When I Apply?

You'll be asked to complete a simple registration process to create your account. You'll need a current email and we'll use this to contact you throughout the admissions process. (Please check your spam or junk email folders in case emails have been placed there instead of your inbox).

Once you’ve set this up, you can:

  • Complete the application form.
  • View your course choices.
  • Book an interview.
  • Accept or decline any offers.
  • Enrol.

To complete your application you will need:

  • National Insurance Number.
  • Scottish Candidate Number.
  • Qualifications.
  • Employment history.
  • Personal statement.

You'll receive an acknowledgement as soon as you apply.  We will advise you on the progress of your application within 3-4 weeks.

You’ll be asked several questions when completing your application, such as:

Residency - whether you are a UK National and have lived in Scotland all your life: This helps us determine what your eligibility might be for course fees and funding.  Before or during your time with us, you may be require to give proof of your right to study in the UK.  That means providing a copy of your passport, birth certificate or other documentation which shows you live in the UK permanently.  If you need support with that, please contact Student Services.

What qualifications do you have or are working towards.  If you don’t have the minimum entry requirements we’ll refer your application to the Curriculum Team to decide whether to progress with your application.  Therefore, ensure you include relevant work experience and a personal statement. 

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent to study on our full time courses.

Personal statement - Tell us in your own words a bit about yourself, why your chosen course(s) interest you and why you’re suitable for the course(s).  We recommend you prepare your personal statement in advance, then simply paste it into the application form.

We’ll ask you to disclose any disability, for example, a mental health condition, learning difficulty or physical impairment. Your answers are treated confidentially and will be shared with our Learning Support team who’ll contact you to discuss support needs (if you have been made an offer).

You’ll also be asked about whether you are care experienced, or have responsibilities as a young carer.  Your answers are treated confidentially and will be shared with our Student Advisors who will provide a named advisor for you to contact for support.

We'll ask you to disclose all unspent criminal convictions.  Your answers are treated confidentially and if you are successful in your application we'll carry out a risk assessment and advise you of all steps in the process.

For further information on the support, we provide please visit our support page

Please note that for year 2 the application process may not start until May/June.  Direct entry to a year 2 programme is subject to the number of places available pending the successful placement of all year one students wishing to progress. Year one progressing students are given priority therefore, we cannot confirm how many Year 2 places will be available until May/June. 

What if I Can't Apply Online?

We can help you complete a paper application. Email Student Services.

What Else Should I Know?

We've only a limited number of places on each course and we only make offers if there are still places available. 

Please bear this in mind — we'll progress your application in date order and as quickly as we can.

What Happens Next?

If you get a place on your first choice course, we’ll automatically cancel your second choice when you accept your offer to give others a chance. If your first choice course is full, we’ll let you know and put you on the waiting list. We’ll then progress to your second choice and let you know the decision on each choice. If both your choices are full, we may offer you an alternative course.

Sometimes if a course is full we may offer you a reserve place. This means that you're top of the list if someone else drops out.

So What Should I Do After Receiving My Offer?

Once you receive an offer, you must accept or decline within two weeks. If we don’t hear from you, we’ll cancel the offer.

When you accept your Definite Offer you can then enrol.  You must enrol within 6 weeks of accepting your Definite Offer.  If you don't enrol we'll cancel your offer. 

Induction information will be sent to you 4-6 weeks before the course starts.

What if I Change My Mind?

If you no longer want your place or wish to change to another course area, contact us immediately. Please don't make any more applications — this may delay your progress.

How Will I Know if I'm Not Successful?

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a course, we’ll let you know. We may offer you an alternative course, or invite you for an interview to discuss your options. If you meet the entry requirements but don’t receive any offers, we’ll also put you in touch with our Careers Advisors, who’ll advise you what to do next.

What if All My Course Choices Are Full?

If one of your course choices is full, we'll put you on the waiting list and progress your second choice. If all your course choices are full and you want to be considered for something else or need advice, please contact us.

Who Should I Speak to if I’m Not Sure About Anything?

You can track the progress of your application by logging in to your MyApplications account.

If you have any questions, contact Student Services

Find Out More

To find full-time courses, browse our course directory.

Funding

  • Once you receive an offer you can apply for funding.  Funding applications are usually available in April. 
  • Students on an HNC/D/Diploma/Degree course can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
  • Students on an NC/NQ/NPA/City and Guilds/Access course will be sent an email from the college in April providing advice on how to apply.
  • Apply as early as you can to ensure that your funding is in place for the start of the course.

For further information on funding please visit our Funding Section 

For further information on learning support please visit our Learning Support Section

Further information on Residency for UK, EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals. 

Information for EU students

Contact Details

Our admissions team are available for drop-in at Student Services or you can get in touch with us by email or phone. We're open Monday- Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.