Scottish qualifications

Information for applicants applying with Scottish qualifications.

In general, we look for breadth of study across four or more subjects.

Consequently the entry requirements for most of our programmes, with the exception of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, are expressed in terms of students achieving four Highers at specified grades 'over one sitting'.

Where Highers are taken over more than one sitting, this requirement increases.

For example, where we ask for BBBB over one sitting, we would normally ask for ABBB or BBBBB over two sittings.

Higher qualifications

Specific entry requirements are given for each degree, these can be found via the degree finder. General University entry requirements may also apply.

Standard Grade and Intermediate equivalences

If you are taking Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2 qualifications in place of Standard Grades, we accept the following equivalences:

Standard Grade versus Intermediate
Standard Grade	Intermediate 2	Intermediate 1
1	A	-
2	C	-
3	C	A

Advanced Highers

While we frame our entry requirements in terms of Highers, we encourage you to pursue your studies to a more advanced level by taking at least one subject (and preferably more) at Advanced Higher.

In terms of credit for entry purposes, we equate Advanced Higher with one grade above the corresponding Higher, for example Grade B at Advanced Higher would equate to Grade A at Higher.

Please note that we do not double count Higher and Advanced Higher in meeting the requirement to study a minimum of four subjects.

Advanced Highers may allow direct entry to second year of certain programmes within the College of Science & Engineering.

Direct entry to second year

Scottish Baccalaureate

The University welcomes developments which encourage study at Advanced Higher level and encourage students to make productive use of their final year in secondary school.

We also welcome developments to encourage the uptake of sciences and languages - areas of particular strength within the University.

We recognise the opportunity the Baccalaureate provides for specialisation while not restricting the traditional breadth of study available within the Scottish school curriculum.

We will continue to state standard entrance requirements in terms of Highers and encourage students to maintain breadth of study in S5 & S6.

We will expect students to undertake at least four subjects at Higher level or above.

Where applicants have already achieved the breadth and level required for entry to first year, the University will consider applicants completing the Science Baccalaureate for advanced standing in some related degree programmes in Science and Engineering.

The Open University's 'Young Applicants in Schools Scheme in Scotland'

The University welcomes the opportunity for offered to Sixth year pupils in Scottish secondary schools to undertake modules from the Open University's 'Young Applicants in Schools Scheme in Scotland.'

These modules are not equivalent to an SQA Higher or Advanced Higher and will not form part of any offer made to candidates, but they do offer applicants the opportunity to further explore a topic of particular interest to them and to develop their independent study skills.

Successful completion of appropriate and relevant modules would help applicants demonstrate interest and commitment to a subject, as well as enthusiasm for academic study.

They will also help to broaden an applicant's experience in terms of learning, teaching and independent study.

Age and Stage policy

Information about the abolition of Age and Stage regulations for SQA candidates is available.

Tell me more about the University's Age and Stage policy

This article was published on Jul 9, 2012