HNC/HND Qualifications

Entrance requirements for applicants taking HNC or HND qualifications

The College of Science and Engineering accepts a number of HNC/HND qualifications for entry to the undergraduate degree programmes listed below.  For some programmes SQA Highers are required in addition to the HNC or HND.

These are our minimum entry requirements for HN applicants. Due to competition for places, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that an application will be successful.

English language entry requirements

Successful completion of a HN qualification meets the University of Edinburgh's English language entry requirements, and no further qualification will be needed.

For entry to the following programmes

Biological Sciences (BSc) C100Biochemistry (BSc) C700Biotechnology (BSc) J700
Cell Biology (BSc) C130Development, Regeneration & Stem Cells (BSc) C140Ecology (BSc) C180
Evolutionary Biology (BSc) C182Genetics (BSc) C400Immunology (BSc) C550
Molecular Biology (BSc) C720Molecular Genetics (BSc) C440Plant Science (BSc) C200
Zoology (BSc) C300Biological Sciences with Management (BSc) C1N1 

 HNC  Programmes

Programme Year one entry 
HNC Applied Sciences

Grade A in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Statistics for Science 1 
  • Laboratory Skills for Science Industries 
  • Applied Sciences: Graded Unit 
  • Cell Biology: Theory and Laboratory Skills 
  • Fundamental Chemistry: Theory & Lab Skills
  • Inorganic Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills 
  • Organic Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills 
  • Biochemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills 
  • DNA and Genetics

If your HNC programme does not include all or any of these modules, please contact us to discuss further.

Please note that, dependent on prior learning, students entering degree programmes with the HNC may be required to take specific courses as part of their degree.

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HND Applied Sciences

Grades BB in the graded units AND

Physics for Life Sciences

Fundamental Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Cell Biology: Theory and Laboratory Skill

Biochemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

DNA and Genetics

Protein Structure and Function

Microbiology: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Human Body Structure and Function

Inorganic Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Organic Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Physical Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Transition Metal Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Thermodynamics and Kinetics: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Chemistry: Laboratory Practical Skills

Spectroscopic and Analytical Techniques

Maths for Science 1

 

Grades AA in the graded units AND

Physics for Life Sciences

Fundamental Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Cell Biology: Theory and Laboratory Skill

Biochemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

DNA and Genetics

Protein Structure and Function

Microbiology: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Human Body Structure and Function

Inorganic Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Organic Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Physical Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Transition Metal Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Thermodynamics and Kinetics: Theory and Laboratory Skills

Chemistry: Laboratory Practical Skills

Spectroscopic and Analytical Techniques

Maths for Science 1

Maths for Science 2  

HND Industrial BiotechnologyGrades BB in the graded units

Grades AA in the graded units AND

  • Maths for Science 1
  • Maths for Science 2

If your HND does not include the HNC modules listed, please contact us to discuss further.


For entry to the following programmes

Chemistry (BSc)  F100Medicinal & Biological Chemistry (BSc) FC17
Chemistry (MChem) F104Medicinal & Biological Chemistry (MChem) FC1R

 

HNC programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Applied Sciences

Grade A in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Inorganic Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills 
  • Organic Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills 
  • Physical Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills

 

HND programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HND Applied Chemical Sciences

Grades BB in the graded units and the following module:

  • Mathematics for Science 1

Grades AA in the graded units and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Mathematics for Science 2

 

For entry to the following programmes

Chemical Physics (BSc) F334Chemical Physics (MChemPhys) F333

HNC programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Applied Sciences

Grade A in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Inorganic Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills 
  • Organic Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills 
  • Physical Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills
  • Physics for life sciences
  • Physics 1 or Physics 2

 

HND programmes

ProgrammesYear one entryYear two entry
HND Applied Chemical Sciences

Grade BB in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Physics 1
  • Physics for Life Sciences

Grades AA in the graded units and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Mathematics for Science 2
  • Physics 1
  • Physics for Life Sciences

For entry to the following programmes:

  • Artificial Intelligence (BSc) G700
  • Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science (BSc) GG47
Cognitive Science (BSc) C859
  • Computer Science (BSc) G400
  • Computer Science (BEng) G401
 Informatics (MInf) G500
  • Computer Science and Management Science (BSc) GN42
  • Computer Science and Mathematics (BSc) GG14
 Software Engineering (BEng) G600

 

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC ComputingGrade B in the graded unit and SQA Higher Mathematics at grade A

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HND ComputingGrades BB in the graded units and SQA Higher Mathematics at grade AN/A

​​​​

For entry to the following programme:

Computer Science and Physics (BSc) GF43

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC ComputingGrade B in the graded unit and SQA Higher Mathematics at grade A and SQA Higher Physics at grade B or above

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HND ComputingGrades BB in the graded units and SQA Higher Mathematics at grade A and SQA Higher Physics at grade B or above.N/A

For entry to the following programmes:

Environmental Geoscience (BSc) F630Earth Sciences (BSc) F600Earth Science & Physical Geography (BSc) FF68
 Earth Sciences (MEarthSci) F640Earth Science & Physical Geography (MEarthSci) FF6V

HNC programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Applied SciencesGrade A in the graded unit

HND programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HND Applied SciencesN/AGrades BB in the graded units
HND Applied Biological SciencesN/AGrades BB in the graded units
HND Industrial BiotechnologyN/AGrades BB in the graded units

 

For entry to the following programmes:

Geophysics (BSc) F660Geophysics & Meteorology (BSc) FFP8
Geophysics (MEarthPhys) M7G6Geophysics & Meteorology (MEarthPhys) K7T8
Geophysics with Professional Placement (MEarthPhys) U9H6 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Applied Sciences

Grade A in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Physics 1 or Physics 2 
  • Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics 
  • Physics Principles: Mechanics
  • Statistics for Science 1

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HND Applied Sciences

Grade BB in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Physics 1 or 2 
  • Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics 
  • Physics Principles: Mechanics
  • Statistics for Science 1

Grades AA in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1 and 2
  • Physics 1 and 2 
  • Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics 
  • Physics Principles: Mechanics
  • Statistics for Science 1

For entry to the following programmes:

Geophysics & Geology (BSc) F690 
Geophysics & Geology (MEarthPhys) L3R7
Geophysics & Geology with Professional Placement (MEarthPhys) L5T6

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Applied Sciences

Grade A in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Physics 1 or Physics 2 
  • Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics 
  • Physics Principles: Mechanics
  • Statistics for Science 1

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry only
HNC Applied Sciences

Grade BB in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Physics 1 or Physics 2 
  • Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics 
  • Physics Principles: Mechanics
  • Statistics for Science 1

For entry to the following programmes:

Ecological and Environmental Sciences (BSc) CF17Ecological and Environmental Sciences with Management (BSc) CN12

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Applied SciencesGrade B in the graded unit

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HND Applied SciencesGrades BB in the graded units
HND Applied Biological SciencesGrades BB in the graded units
HND Industrial BiotechnologyGrades BB in the graded units

For entry to the following programme:

Geography (BSc) F800 

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Applied SciencesGrade A in the graded unit

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammesYear one entry
HND Applied SciencesGrades AB in the graded units
HND Applied Biological SciencesGrades AB in the graded units
HND Industrial BiotechnologyGrades AB in the graded units

 

 

For entry to the following programme:

Geography (MA) L700

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Social SciencesGrade A in the graded unit
HNC Social Sciences: NextGen Achieved with Distinction

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HND Social SciencesGrades AB in the graded units.

For entry to the following programme:

Engineering (BEng or MEng) H100

Please note there is no direct entry into Year 2 of this programme.

HNC programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Civil Engineering

Grade A in the graded unit and the following:

  • Maths for Construction Engineering
  • Maths for Civil Engineering OR Higher Maths at B
  • Geotechnics A OR Higher Physics at B
  • Structural Mechanics OR Higher Physics at B
HNC Electrical Engineering

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2
HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2
HNC Electronics

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2
HNC Engineering Systems

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2
HNC Mechanical Engineering

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2

For entry to the following programmes:

Chemical Engineering (BEng) H800Chemical Engineering (MEng) H804

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entry
HNC Chemical Engineering

Grade A in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Engineering Maths 1 and Engineering Maths 2
HNC Chemical Process Technology

Grade A in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Engineering Maths 1 and Engineering Maths 2
HNC Petroleum Process Technology, Operations and Control

Grade A in the graded unit and the following modules

  • Engineering Maths 1 and Engineering Maths 2

OR

  • Maths for Science 1 and Maths for Science 2

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HND Chemical Process TechnologyN/A

Grades AA in the graded units and the following modules:

  • HF0K34 Chemical Process Technology: Graded Unit 1
  • HE3G34 Industrial Chemicals: Processes and Product
  • H97N34 Chemical Engineering: Principles
  • H7K134 Engineering Mathematics 2
  • H7K234 Engineering Mathematics 3
  • H92X34 Fundamental Chemistry: Theory, Lab Skills
  • H92Y34 Inorganic Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory
  • H93334 Organic Chemistry: Theory, Lab Skills
  • H93634 Physical Chemistry: Theory and Lab Skills
  • H93835 Thermodynamics, Kinetics: Theory and Lab Skills

For entry to the following programmes:

Civil Engineering (BEng) H200Structural and Fire Safety Engineering (BEng) HH21Structural Engineering with Architecture (BEng) H2K1 *
Civil Engineering (MEng) H203Structural and Fire Safety Engineering (MEng) HHF1Structural Engineering with Architecture (MEng) H2KC *

* Entry to year 2 is not offered

HNC Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HNC Civil Engineering

Grade B in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Maths for Construction Engineering
  • Maths for Civil Engineering
  • Geotechnics A
  • Structural Mechanics
N/A

HND Programmes

ProgrammeYear one entryYear two entry
HND Civil EngineeringN/A

Grades BB in the graded units and the following:

  • Maths for Construction Engineering
  • Maths for Civil Engineering OR Higher Maths at B
  • Geotechnics A OR Higher Physics at B
  • Structural Mechanics OR Higher Physics at B

For entry to the following programmes:

Electronics & Electrical Engineering (BEng) H600Electronics & Electrical Engineering (MEng) H601

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammesYear one entryYear two entry
HNC Electrical Engineering

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 3
HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 3
HNC Electronics

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 3
HNC Engineering Systems

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 3

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammesYear one entryYear two entry
HND Electrical EngineeringN/A

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 3
HND ElectronicsN/A

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 3
HND MechatronicsN/A

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 3
HND Engineering SystemsN/A

Grade A in the graded unit and the following:

  • Maths for Engineering 3
  • 2 optional credits in Electronics or Electrical Engineering

For entry to the following programmes:

Mechanical Engineering (BEng) H300Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (BEng) HH36
Mechanical Engineering (MEng) H303Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (MEng) HHH6

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammesYear one entry
HNC Engineering Systems

Grade A in graded unit and the following modules

  • Engineering Maths 1 and 2
HNC Mechanical Engineering

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 2

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammesYear one entryYear two entry
HND Engineering SystemsN/A

Grade A in graded unit and the following modules:

  • Engineering Maths 3 and 4
HND Mechanical EngineeringN/A

Grade A in the graded unit and the following module:

  • Maths for Engineering 3

For entry to the following programmes:

  • Astrophysics (BSc) F510
  • Astrophysics (MPhys) F361
  • Physics (BSc) F300
  • Physics (MPhys) F303
  • Computational Physics (BSc) F343
  • Computational Physics (MPhys) F355
  • Physics with Meteorology (BSc) F304
  • Physics with Meteorology (MPhys) 9W23
  • Theoretical Physics (BSc) F302
  • Theoretical Physics (MPhys) F306
  • Physics with a Year Abroad (MPhys) W2S4

 

HNC Programmes

ProgrammesYear one entry
HNC Applied Sciences

Grade A in the graded units and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Physics 1 or Physics 2 
  • Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics 
  • Physics Principles: Mechanics
  • Statistics for Science 1

 

HND Programmes

ProgrammesYear one entryYear two entry
HND Applied Sciences

Grades BB in the graded unit and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1
  • Physics 1 or 2 
  • Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics 
  • Physics Principles: Mechanics
  • Statistics for Science 1

Grades AA in the graded units and the following modules:

  • Mathematics for Science 1 and 2
  • Physics 1 and  2 
  • Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics 
  • Physics Principles: Mechanics
  • Statistics for Science 1

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