Applied Science SCQF Level 5

What is special about this course?

Science and Maths are important foundations in the understanding of the world around us, from the production of food and clothes to medicine and technology. Science is no longer separated into individual fields; Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths combine to solve problems such as global warming, energy generation, treatment of disease and the solving of crimes.

Science is the method of investigating the unknown and deepening knowledge of what we know already, it involves thought, problem solving, experimentation and evaluation.

The Level 5 course is designed to teach you how to think scientifically and apply these skills of scientific thinking to solving problems. The course has a large practical element to develop hands on experimental experience. You will be given the opportunity to build a skills record with practice in the techniques used in Laboratories in Industry. Skills that are transferrable to the workplace.

Lecturing staff are all from scientific backgrounds, having worked in industry, academia and research. 

This course is designed to help you progress to study Highers and Nationals qualifications

Entry requirements

  • Three passes at National 4 including Maths and Science is desirable, or
  • Applicants are encouraged from mature students who may not have formal qualifications but have skills required to meet the demands of the course. 
  • Entry is subject to interview

The programme offers a blend of national units to develop your scientific knowledge in addition to essential and meta skills support skills for study and employment.

Units include:

  • National 5 Course Award in Environmental Science
  • National units in Chemistry, Biology and Physics
  • National units in Mathematics and also ICT
  • Skills development in chemistry lab skills, health and safety and scientific communication

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time
  • Part Time
  • face-to-face
  • group working
  • guest lectures
  • research projects

The course is timetabled for 3 days a week, between 9am and 5pm.

How long will my course last?

1 Year

One year full time, longer part time.

Where can I study my course?

    Start date

    August 

    Fees

    If you have been living in the UK for at least 3 years, are ordinary resident in Scotland before the course start date it is likely that you will not have to pay fees for your full time course.  Please check our Fee Waiver Policy.

    Full time students will automatically receive the fee waiver if they are eligible. We will use the information provided on your course application form to determine whether you are eligible. 

    Scottish students

    Further Education course  (SQCF 1-6)

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Full-time

    £1,790

    £1,844

    Rest of UK students

    For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

    Further Education course  (SQCF 1-6)

    2024-25

    Full-time

    £6,149

    International students

    For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

    Further Education course  (SQCF 1-6)

    2024-25

    Full time 

    £6,149

     Fees are payable on enrolment each academic year.

    Please contact credit.control.ic@uhi.ac.uk if you have any further questions on fees.

    Additional costs

    You will be required to purchase textbooks as part of this course (approx £35). If you are eligible for a bursary these costs will be covered. http://www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk/study/funding/

    What can I do on completion of my course?

    • On successful completion of this course, you can apply to study Highers and Nationals. Highers are the stepping stones to HNC Level University study.
    • On completion of the HNC Applied Science qualification many job opportunities open up to you as Science Technician in local hospitals, schools and industries.
    • An HNC in Applied Science can also be used to gain direct entry to year 2 of our BSc Environmental Science degree, BSc Bioscience or similar science programmes in other universities. See HNC Applied Sciences.

    Is there more information available online?

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    Apply for Applied Science SCQF Level 5

    We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25

    I want to start in 2025/26

    We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Inverness. UHI Inverness operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.