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Applied Science – Life Science: HNC

Science students and lecturer analysing samples with microscope and petri dish at Glasgow Kelvin College
Qualification Qualifications Explained
HNC
Study Mode
Full Time, Part Time
Duration

1 Year - 2-3 Days p/w
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Springburn
Apply now

Course overview

Take your first step on a life sciences career.  From microbiology and pharmacology to molecular biology and anatomy.  

This course offers an excellent life sciences education preparing you for progression to university of entry to the working world.

This HNC Applied Science (life sciences) is ideal for learners with an interest in the biological and life sciences who want to progress to university or work in health, environmental, or research settings.

You’ll study key areas including Cell Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry, developing a strong understanding of how living systems function — from molecules to organisms. The course blends theory and hands-on laboratory work, giving you practical experience of scientific techniques used in research, healthcare, and industry.

You’ll also complete a Graded Unit 1 project on a topic related to your chosen area of interest, helping you strengthen research, analysis, and report-writing skills for higher study.

This one-year programme covers 15 credits from the HNC Applied Science framework and is taught in a supportive, interactive environment that encourages collaboration and curiosity.

Many learners progress directly into Year 2 of university science degrees such as Zoology, Marine Biology, Biomedical Science, or Physiology - or move straight into employment within the life sciences sector.

This course is ideal for:

  • Students aiming for degree-level study in life sciences or healthcare-related fields.
  • Learners who’ve completed NQ Applied Science (Level 6) or equivalent.
  • Adults returning to education with an interest in biology, physiology, or animal science.
  • Anyone who enjoys hands-on practical science and wants to understand how the body and environment work together.

What you will learn

You’ll build knowledge and skills across key areas of life science, including:

  • Cell Biology – understanding structure, function, and genetic processes.
  • Anatomy and Physiology – exploring how the human body and its systems work.
  • Microbiology – investigating microorganisms and their impact on health and the environment.
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry – studying chemical principles and molecular pathways in living systems.
  • Mathematics and Statistics – applying numerical and analytical methods for scientific study.
  • Dissertation/Graded Unit – researching and writing on a specialist life-science topic.

You’ll also participate in workshops and practical sessions at the University of Glasgow throughout the year, helping you integrate seamlessly into university study.

Applied Science students Riley and Erin taking part in a filmed interview in a classroom at Glasgow Kelvin College.

🔬 Life as an Applied Science Student at Kelvin 💬

Our Applied Science students recently took part in a hands-on workshop with the RSPB, using LEGO to explore how the campus could be made more accessible for wildlife.

From creative problem-solving to real-world environmental thinking, the session gave students a fresh perspective on sustainability and biodiversity.

Science in action. Ideas that matter.

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ Minimum of one Higher at grade C or above in Chemistry, Biology, or Human Biology and National 5 (or equivalent), at grade C, in Maths, Chemistry, Biology, and English.. OR

✅ Successful completion of NQ Applied Science (Level 6), or equivalent.

✅ Relevant work experience will also be considered.  

Entry is competitive, based on your application and personal statement.

Personal Statement Guidance

Your personal statement should:

  • Explain why you want to study Life Sciences
  • Describe any school, work, or volunteering experience related to science, health, or the environment.
  • Highlight your skills - curiosity, organisation, problem-solving, teamwork, and determination.
  • Show that you understand the commitment required for a full-time HNC programme.

When you start the course, your academic skills will be reviewed to ensure you’re on the correct pathway. If extra support is needed, staff may adjust your route to maximise your success.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This qualification opens doors to technical and professional roles in:

🔬 Biomedical and Clinical Science

🏥 Healthcare and NHS Laboratories

🌿 Environmental and Life-Science Research

⚗️ Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industries

📚 Education and Science Communication

Graduates also gain transferable skills in analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork — valuable across the wider STEM sector.

Future prospects

Successful completion allows progression to:

  • Year 1 or 2 of related degree programmes at universities across Scotland, including:
    • Biochemistry  
    •  Microbiology  
    •  Environmental Biology  
    •  Neuroscience  
    •  Pharmacology

We also maintain close links with Glasgow’s universities to ensure this course supports your academic and professional goals.

Please note: university entry is based on meeting each institution’s own entry criteria.

Other Courses You Might Consider

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Applied Science – Life Science (Glasgow University): HNC

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Applied Science – Pharmacology and Biomedical Science (Glasgow Caledonian University): HNC

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Find out about our Science Department

Read What Our Student Said

Video Transcript – Riley and Erin: HNC Applied Science

Riley: Hi, my name is Riley and I'm currently doing the Applied Science course at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Erin: Hi, I'm Erin and I also do the Applied Science course at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Riley: Today we're building Lego for our RSPB, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Erin: We've been figuring out ways to make the campus more accessible for wildlife.

Riley: There's a couple of things that we have been working on. We've added some green walls to the Lego. We've also added more grassy habitats, more trees.

Erin: The green walls are basically walls of growth up the side of campus building, which basically means that we're taking more advantage of space that's not on the ground.

Riley: We've also added water habitats, which introduces more wildlife into the college.

Erin: We've also added little recycled tyre planters in the middle. We could also turn them into mini ponds.

Riley: We're also thinking about introducing some more trees that grow fruit and vegetables and stuff like that.

Erin: And that's kind of just about what we've been doing today. We've just been messing about with some Lego to show our ideas a bit. Bye!

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