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Steps Into Science: NQ (Level 5)

Student in a lab coat studying a beaker of pink liquid under bright lighting in a science lab.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
NQ
Study Mode
Full Time, Part Time
Duration

1 Year - 2-3 Days per week
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Springburn
Apply now

Course overview

Build on your scientific curiosity and strengthen your skills across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

This one-year, full-time course is designed for learners who already have some basic science knowledge and want to progress to the next stage of their education. You’ll complete National 5-level units across the main scientific disciplines, developing both theoretical understanding and hands-on practical skills.

The course includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Communication, helping you identify which areas of science most excite you for future study. You’ll also work on investigation skills, research, and report writing - all essential preparation for further science or engineering courses.

Supportive teaching, regular feedback, and a friendly environment will help you gain confidence as you move toward NQ Steps into Science (Level 6) or other higher-level study.

This course is ideal for:

  • Learners who’ve completed NQ Steps into Science (Level 4) or have National 4 qualifications.
  • Adults or school-leavers with an interest in applied science and a desire to continue to higher levels.
  • Students who enjoy experiments, problem-solving, and scientific investigation.
  • Anyone looking for a clear pathway toward HNC/HND Science or future university entry.

What you will learn

You’ll study key topics designed to strengthen your knowledge and laboratory skills:

  • Biology – cells, body systems, and environmental interactions.
  • Chemistry – materials, reactions, and analytical techniques.
  • Physics – forces, motion, and energy in everyday applications.
  • Mathematics – numerical methods, data handling, and measurement.
  • Computing – digital tools for data collection and analysis.
  • Communication & Study Skills – scientific writing, presentation, and teamwork.
  • Investigation Skills – designing and carrying out experiments safely and effectively.

You’ll develop both the technical and personal skills needed for success in higher-level scientific study.

Science student Lewis wearing safety goggles and gloves while demonstrating lab equipment in a college laboratory.

Step Into the Lab with Lewis 🧪🔬

Experiment time!

Join Science student Lewis as he carries out a practical lab experiment, building the hands-on skills that bring theory to life.

At Glasgow Kelvin College, learning isn’t just in textbooks — it’s tested, explored and discovered in the lab.

Future scientist loading… ⚗️✨

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ Minimum of Four National 4 qualifications (or equivalent), at grade C, in Maths, English, Biology and Chemistry.

✅ You must have a genuine interest in science and enthusiasm for learning.

✅ Entry is competitive, based on a review of your application and personal statement.

Personal Statement Guidance

Your personal statement should:

  • Explain why you want to study science and which subjects interest you most.
  • Describe any school, work, or personal experiences that show curiosity or ability in science.
  • Highlight your skills - organisation, communication, teamwork, and motivation - with examples.

A detailed, well-written personal statement increases your chance of being shortlisted for interview (in person or online).

Additional Information

When you start the course, your academic skills will be reviewed to confirm that you’re on the right programme. If extra support is needed, staff may suggest an alternative route to help you achieve 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

Although this course focuses on preparation for further study, it begins to build the skills valued in:

🔬 Laboratory and Technical Support

🏥 Healthcare and Pharmacy Assistant roles

⚙️ Engineering and Manufacturing Support

🌿 Environmental and Conservation Work

💡 STEM Apprenticeships and Trainee positions

You’ll strengthen your understanding of how science applies to real workplaces - from labs and hospitals to energy and environmental industries.

Future prospects

After successfully completing this course, you may progress to:

  • NQ Steps into Science (Level 6)
  • NQ Applied Science or NQ Science for Health Care
  • Other NQ, HNC, or vocational programmes in related STEM fields

Many learners continue to HNC Science at Glasgow Kelvin College, and then move on to university or technical employment in the growing science and engineering sectors.

Other Courses You Might Consider

Find out about our Science Department

Read What Our Student Said

Video Transcript – Lewis: NQ Steps Into Science

I'm ready to see some magic.

Hi, I'm Lewis. I'm on the Steps into Science level five course.

We're doing the effect of temperature change on reaction rate.

We're adding five centimeters cubed of sulfuric acid. Now we're adding two centimeters cubed of potassium permanganate and 40 centimeters cubed of water.

We're going to be lighting the Bunsen burner. We have to make sure that the hole is closed on it so that we don't get a blue flame.

We're currently heating this to about 40 degrees. Once that's at 40 degrees, we can take it off and add our oxalic acid. Once we've stirred it, it should turn colourless. That's when we can kind of judge the rate of reaction.

Chemistry is the best.

Now that we've heated this to 40 degrees, we're just moving this onto here so we can add our carboxylic acid.

Oh, here we go. So from that we can understand that it takes 1 minute and 18 for its turn colourless, which at 40 degrees is the rate of reaction.

So now we're going to repeat at 50, 60 and 70 degrees.

While we're waiting, what is the best Taylor Swift song been?

Right. I think we can cut the video later. 55 seconds. So at 50 degrees, it's a lot faster at 55 seconds.

60. Oh that was way faster third one done 17 seconds at 60 degrees this shows that as the temperature rises the rate of reaction speeds up I really see some magic

This is taking forever. 7.91 seconds. 70 degrees. It's the fastest of all. It's 7.91 seconds, which again just proves as the temperature goes up, so does the rate of reaction.

This has been a science experiment brought to you by me.

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