Applied Science HNC

Course overview

This course is ideal for developing a career requiring practical knowledge of the Sciences. You’ll study each of the main branches of Science: Chemistry and Biology, and undertake specialist units to increase your lab skills. 

The course is designed to be sufficiently varied and in-depth to allow you to progress to university studies, and prepare you for employment that relies on a knowledge of applied sciences. You may also need to gain an additional Science Higher and National 5 Mathematics to progress to university.

You are advised to research your university choices early to ensure you apply for the correct complement of courses.

What you will learn

• Maths and Statistics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Lab Skills

How the course is assessed

• Ongoing assessment per unit (theory)
• Ongoing assessment per unit (practical)
• A grading system based on graded unit
• All units within the course must be achieved to gain the full award 

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week

Entry requirements

• To study Biology/Chemistry subjects you must have achieved a pass in Higher Chemistry and Higher Biology or Human Biology with a minimum of a C grade
• C grade passes required at National 5 Maths and English. Please note we do not accept Applications of Maths. 
• Applied Science NC Level 6 is acceptable for entry

Note for internal/progressing students: Progression to HNC Applied Science (and from the current course) is not a guarantee and will be evaluated for each student at the end of the current course, taking attendance, performance, and assessment attempts into consideration. Progressing students will be issued a conditional offer. An unconditional offer is not a guarantee and will be issued based on the curriculum team review at the end of June.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• External candidates missing one entry requirement will be placed on a waiting list. In this case, you must pass a diagnostic test for the missing requirement. Diagnostic tests will only be offered if the course does not meet capacity - these will provisionally take place between 16 and 27 June 2025.
• Applications from students who wish to repeat a course, have previously been enrolled on any Science course, apply again and/or have previously withdrawn from any Science course will be placed on the waiting list. Applications will only be considered in August if there are places available on the course. If the course reaches capacity before August, an offer will not be possible. Therefore, we advise students to consider other options within the College. 

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Progress onto Year 1/2 at university on a range of science-related courses
• Progress to Heriot-Watt University to do all BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences Degrees 

Career options

• Employment both within and outwith Science sector may be possible