College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Adult returner applicants

The following notes of guidance are intended to provide information and advice to those who are interested in studying for a degree at the University of Edinburgh who could be considered as an ‘adult returner’ applicant.

 

Who is considered an 'adult returner'?

We consider an adult returner to be a student who has had a continuous gap of at least three years at some point in his/her formal education, and who has not already gained a degree.

Entry requirements for adult returners

The University is committed to the provision of opportunities for degree study to those who do not have traditional educational qualifications or obtained these some time ago.

 

There is one stipulation we make for all adult returner applicants:

All applicants must have undertaken recent and relevant accredited study within three years prior to entry to their chosen degree programme.

We accept a range of academic qualifications, including access programmes and open studies and encourage potential students to contact the College Admissions Office for further advice.

There are certain factors that can make you less likely to receive an offer. Please see the following link for further details:

Information for unsuccessful applicants

Accepted Qualifications for 2024 Entry

SQA Highers/A Levels

Three SQA Highers at grades ABB, or two GCE A levels at grades AB, taken in one sitting.

Specific subjects may be required depending on the degree programme being applied for and applicants should check the current undergraduate prospectus for such requirements.

The Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP East)

SWAP is a partnership between colleges and universities in Scotland which offers Access programmes with progression routes to a range of university degree programmes. Students undertake a full-time programme of study within a local college and can choose from a range of subject areas.

Further information on SWAP can be found on their website:

Scottish Wider Access website

To be considered for entry to a degree programme, students would need to achieve grades ABB in the student profile.

For particular degree programmes such as Languages and courses requiring Maths, extra qualifications may be needed - please check with the College Admissions Office.

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences will aim to guarantee an offer where possible to all adult returner students who meet our minimum entry requirements through SWAP.

Access Programme (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences pathway)  Centre for Open Learning, University of Edinburgh

The Access Programme is a one-year, part-time pathway programme at the University of Edinburgh hosted at the Centre for Open Learning. The programme offers a pathway into most undergraduate degree programmes within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and aims to guarantee an offer where possible to all adult returner students who meet our minimum entry requirements of their chosen Undergraduate degree programme.

Further information can be found below.

www.ed.ac.uk/cahss/access-programme

Access to HE Diploma

This type of access course is offered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Applicants would need to achieve the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject and obtain 60 credits with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit grade or above.

Please note, for particular degree programmes such as Languages and courses requiring Maths, extra qualifications may be required ‐ please check with the College Admissions Office

The Open University

The Open University offers a vast range of subjects at various levels which can be taken on a part‐time basis. Further information can be found at www.open.ac.uk 

To be considered for entry to CAHSS degree programmes applicants should achieve a minimum of 120 credits at Level 1 or above. Please note we will accept these qualifications for entry to first year only.

HNC & HND

NextGen HNC

Unfortunately we are unable to consider NextGen HNCs for entry to the University of Edinburgh at this time. This decision will be reviewed once more information about the content and assessment methods used in these courses becomes available.

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences accepts some HN qualifications for entry to a small number of degree programmes; however this depends on each particular HN qualification’s suitability for the programme in which you are interested.

Students with HNCs/HNDs in relevant subjects have received offers to study degrees in Art & Design, Architecture, Business Studies, Community Education, History, Nursing Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Sport and Recreation Management, Social Work and Sociology.

Please note that at present, the majority of offers are made on the basis of 1st-year entry only for HNC/D. Applicants with HN qualifications will normally be required to pass all units and achieve grade B in the graded unit(s). Please check with the College Admissions Office first to confirm suitability for the degree programme.

The list of accepted awards is under constant revision therefore if you are unsure if your HNC/D is acceptable please do not hesitate to contact us for up to date information.

Applied Sport Science (BSc)

HNC/D in Fitness, Health and Exercise (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC/D in Sports Coaching and Development (with B in the Graded Unit)

Archaeology (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Architecture (BA/MA)

HNC/D in Architectural Technology (with B in the Graded Unit plus National 5 Maths at A) (revised 27/01/2023 to add Maths requirement)

Art and Design Programmes (years 1 & 2)

All relevant HNC/D subjects are considered (with B in the Graded Unit) (e.g. Art & Design, Photography, Textiles, Fashion, Visual Communication, Jewellery, Creative Industries, 3D Design, 3D Computer Animation)

In addition to meeting the entry requirements applicants will have to submit a digital mini-portfolio as part of the application process.

Business (MA)

HNC/D in Business (with B in the Graded Unit) (plus Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths at B or equivalent)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit) (plus Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths at B or equivalent)

Classics (all degrees except the MA Classics)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Divinity (BD/MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Economics (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit plus Higher Maths at B)

English Language (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Health in Social Science (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Services (with B in the Graded Unit). If an A in the Graded Unit is achieved you may be eligible for entry into year 2.

History/Economic and Social History/Scottish History/Ancient History (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

History of Art (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

International Relations (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Landscape Architecture (MA)

HNC/D in Architectural Technology (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Countryside Management (with B in the Graded Unit, plus National 5 Maths at C or an approved science at C)

HNC in Landscape Management (with B in the Graded Unit, plus National 5 Maths at C or an approved science at C)

Law (LLB)

HNC Legal Services (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit). Applicants must complete 2 credits in relevant Communications or Literature modules - please contact us for further information.

Learning in Communities (MA)

HNC in Early Education and Childcare (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Services (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Working with Communities (with B in the Graded Unit)

In addition to meeting the entry requirements for the MA Learning in Communities programme applicants will have to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Linguistics (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Music (BMus)

HNC in Music or Music Performance (with B in the Graded Unit)

Nursing (BN)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit, plus National 5 Maths)

HNC Applied Sciences (with B in the Graded Unit, plus National 5 Maths)

Philosophy (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Physical Education (MA)

HNC/D in Fitness, Health and Exercise (with B in the Graded Unit) plus National 5 Maths at grade C and Higher English at B

HNC/D in Sports Coaching and Development (with B in the Graded Unit) plus National 5 Maths at grade C and Higher English at B

In addition to meeting the entry requirements for the Physical Education programme applicants will have to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Politics (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE) (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit plus Higher Maths at B)

Social Anthropology (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Social Policy (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Social Work (BSc)

HNC in Social Services (with B in the Graded Unit plus Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths at C)

HNC Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Sociology (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

Sport and Recreation Management (BSc)

HNC/D in Business (with B in the Graded Unit)

Sustainable Development (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

What else is expected as standard?

Successful applicants will demonstrate evidence of commitment, motivation and the personal resourcefulness to meet the challenges of a university education through their personal statement and academic reference.

The personal statement should be well constructed, articulate and demonstrate a clear motivation for the chosen degree programme with evidence of independent research and career exploration (where relevant).

Will everyone who meets the entry requirements get an offer for all degree programmes?

Unfortunately not. The minimum academic requirements have been set at a level that is designed to encourage applications whilst meeting our academic standards.

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences offers more than 250 different degree programmes. Demand for entry varies considerably across the subject areas and can also change from year to year.

In subject areas where we receive a disproportionately high number of applications, not all applicants who meet the academic requirements (or are predicted to do so) will be successful in applying.

How will it be decided who gets a place on the high demand degree programmes?

All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences directly to confirm the eligibility of their chosen programme of study, to ensure that it meets the minimum entry requirements.

We encourage applicants and their referees to include as much relevant information as possible about their personal and educational background within the personal statement and academic reference. This will help Admissions Officers identify students with the greatest potential to benefit from, and succeed on, our degree programmes.

How many offers will the College make?

The College will normally make one offer per applicant. Those who apply for more than one programme should email futurestudents@ed.ac.uk to indicate their preferred choice(s).

Does the College conduct interviews?

Interviews are not generally conducted, with the exception of those who apply to study for programmes in Education or Nursing.

Applicants to Art and Design degree programmes will be required to submit a portfolio.

Can I study part-time?

A small number of degree programmes in this College are available for part time study:

  • BA Childhood Practice
  • BD Divinity (General and Honours)
  • BA and MA Religious Studies

For further information and an application form please contact the College Admissions Office.

How to apply

All applications for full-time study are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and can be made up to a year in advance.

UCAS Apply

Application deadlines are as follows:

  • The UCAS equal consideration deadline is 26 January 2022.
  • For International students the closing date is 30 June for many degrees, but our most competitive ones will close on 26 January 2022.

Support for adult returners

We also recognise the particular concerns that adult returners can face in undertaking a degree and we provide a range of support services.