College and alternative routes to a degree

• An HNC (Higher National Certificate) is a one-year college course (SCQF Level 7). It is a qualification it its own right. You may be able to use it to apply to first year, or in some cases to second year, of a university degree if you are aiming for university study.
• An HND (Higher National Diploma) is a two-year college course (SCQF Level 8). It is a qualification it its own right. You may be able to use it to apply to second year, or in some cases to third year, of a university degree if you are aiming for university study.
• There are some associate degree courses available at colleges. This means that you can be enrolled at both college and university at the same time, and be guaranteed a place at university if you pass your college course.
• There are also some degree courses available at colleges.

You can apply to both college and university, or just to college or just to university. If you apply to both university and to college, this does not use up any of your UCAS choices.

Colleges open applications at various times throughout the year, but most start accepting applications around December-January. It is crucial to apply as early as you can, as they do not have a fixed deadline and will close once the course is full. Note that you can only apply for one course per college.

You can secure offers from both college and university and make your final decision on Results Day. 

Find a list of colleges in Scotland here.

Find out more about articulation (moving from college into second or third year of university) here.

If you're interested in pathways between colleges and universities in the regions of Stirling, Clackmannanshire, Fife, Falkirk, West Lothian, City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, and the Scottish Borders, check out this pathways website. (Remember, this website doesn't cover all of Scotland yet so take your time to research other areas too.)

Search on college and university websites to find out more, and be sure to check what arrangements are in place between colleges and universities before deciding on a course and potential pathway.