Edinburgh College Banner

Engineering

Applied Science HNC

Campus Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 7

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2025

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

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


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 the course, have previously been enrolled on the course, apply again and/or have previously withdrawn 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

IELTS 6.5

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

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Sighthill Campus Full time 25/08/25

You may also be interested in these courses

Engineering

Energy and Environmental Engineering (BEng University Route) (inc. HND Engineering Systems with Renewables)

BEng Energy and Environmental Engineering is a direct route onto the third year of the Edinburgh Napier University BEng ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Midlothian Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Full time

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering (HND and BEng University Route)

BEng in Mechanical Engineering is a direct route to university. You will learn a range of modules including Thermofluids...

Read more and apply

Campus
Midlothian Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Full time

Engineering

Fabrication and Welding Engineering EAL SPEO SVQ2

This course will give you the broad practical skills base you'll need in engineering light fabrication. You`ll take part...

Read more and apply

Campus
Midlothian Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Part time

Engineering

Manufacture and Maintenance Engineering PEO SVQ 2

This course will give you the broad practical skills you'll need in engineering manufacture and maintenance. This course...

Read more and apply

Campus
Midlothian Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Part time

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering HNC (Enhanced Distance Learning)

This Mechanical Engineering HNC is a distance learning course. You will learn a range of modules including Thermofluids ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Midlothian Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Open learning

Engineering

IMI Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Modern Apprenticeship Route

This Vocational Related Qualification (VRQ) provides the essential knowledge and skills for light vehicle technicians wo...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Block release

Engineering

IMI Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles Modern Apprenticeship Route

This Vocational Related Qualification (VRQ) provides the essential knowledge and skills for vehicle paint technicians wo...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Block release