Adult returner applicants

Information and advice to those who are interested in studying for an undergraduate degree within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS), who could be considered an adult returner.

An adult returner is an applicant who has had a continuous gap of at least three years at some point in their formal education, and does not already have a degree.

We provide opportunities for degree study to those who do not have recognised qualifications, or obtained these some time ago. We accept a wide range of academic qualifications from adult returners. 

All applicants must have undertaken relevant accredited study within three years of entry to their chosen degree programme. 

Accepted qualifications for 2025 entry

SWAP East is a partnership of colleges and universities in the east and north of Scotland that aims to promote and support access to higher education for adult returners.

Many of the Access programes that SWAP provide have progression routes to undergraduate degrees within CAHSS. Students undertake full-time study at a local college, and can choose from a variety of subject areas.

SWAP East

CAHSS aims to guarantee an offer to all adult returner students who are predicted to meet our minimum entry requirements through SWAP. Those requirements are grades ABB in the student profile.

For some degree programmes - such as those requiring maths - extra qualifications may be needed. Please use the link below to find out if additional study is required.


The part-time Access Programme is offered by the University’s Centre for Open Learning (COL). It provides a route for adult returners into many undergraduate degrees within CAHSS. 

We aim to guarantee an offer to all adult returner students who meet our minimum entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate degree.


These courses are available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Applicants must achieve the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject and obtain 60 credits with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit grade or above. Please be aware that these requirements will be increasing for 2026 entry.

Please note, for particular degree programmes - such as those requiring Maths - extra qualifications may be required. Please check with the CAHSS Admissions Office.

Email Admissions

 


The Open University offers a vast range of subjects at various levels which can be taken on a part‐time basis. Further information can be found on their website.

To be considered for entry to CAHSS degrees, applicants should achieve a minimum of 120 credits at Level 1 or above. These credits can be taken at 60 per year, across two consecutive years. Please note we will accept these qualifications for entry to first year only.

 


Below is a list of CAHSS degrees, with details of the HN qualifications that are acceptable for entry. Any additional requirements are also listed.

Please note that the majority of offers to HNC/D candidates are made on the basis of first year entry only.

Applied Sport Science (BSc)

HNC/D in Fitness, Health and Exercise (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC/D in Physical Activity and Health: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

HNC/D in Sports Coaching and Development (with B in the Graded Unit)

Archaeology (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Architecture (BA/MA)

HNC/D in Architectural Technology (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths at A also required.

Art and Design Programmes (years 1 & 2)

All relevant HNC/D subjects are considered (with B in the Graded Unit) (e.g. Art & Design, Photography, Textiles, Fashion, Visual Communication, Jewellery, Creative Industries, 3D Design, 3D Computer Animation) or HNC/D Television: NextGen Achieved with Merit or Distinction).

In addition to meeting the entry requirements applicants will have to submit a digital mini-portfolio as part of the application process.

Business (MA)

HNC/D in Business (with B in the Graded Unit) - Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths at B (or equivalent) also required.

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit) - Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths at B (or equivalent) also required.

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths at B (or equivalent) also required.

Classics (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Cognitive Science (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths also required at A also required.

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - National 5 Maths at A also required.

Divinity (BD/MA), Religious Studies, Philosophy & Theology, Theology (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Economics (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit) - Higher Maths at B also required.

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - Higher Maths at B also required.

English Language (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Health in Social Science (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

HNC in Social Services (with B in the Graded Unit). If an A in the Graded Unit is achieved you may be eligible for entry into year 2.

HNC in Social Services: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

History/Scottish History/Ancient History (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

History of Art (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

International Relations (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Landscape Architecture (MA)

HNC/D in Architectural Technology (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Countryside Management (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths at C or an approved science at C also required.

HNC in Landscape Management (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths at C or an approved science at C also required.

Law/Global Law (LLB)

HNC Legal Services (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit). Applicants must complete 2 credits in relevant Communications or Literature modules - please contact us for further information.

Learning in Communities (MA)

HNC in Early Education and Childcare (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Services (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Services: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

HNC in Working with Communities (with B in the Graded Unit)

In addition to meeting the entry requirements for the MA Learning in Communities programme applicants will have to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Linguistics (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Music (BMus)

HNC in Music or Music Performance (with B in the Graded Unit)

Nursing Studies (BN)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at C also required.

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at C also required.

HNC Applied Sciences (with B in the Graded Unit) -  National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at C also required.

In addition to meeting the entry requirements for the BN Nursing Studies programme applicants will have to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Philosophy (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Physical Education (MA)

HNC/D in Fitness, Health and Exercise (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at grade C, and Higher English at B, also required.

HNC/D in Physical Activity and Health: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at grade C, and Higher English at B, also required.

HNC/D in Sports Coaching and Development (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at grade C, and Higher English at B, also required.

In addition to meeting the entry requirements for the Physical Education programme applicants will have to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Politics (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE) (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit) - Higher Maths at B also required.

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - Higher Maths at B also required.

Primary Education with Gaelic (MA)

HNC Childhood Practice (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at grade C, Higher English at B, and suitable language study also required.

HNC Childcare and Education (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at grade C, Higher English at B, and suitable language study also required.

HNC Social Services (with B in the Graded Unit)- National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at grade C, Higher English at B, and suitable language study also required.

HNC in Social Services: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths at grade C, Higher English at B, and suitable language study also required.

In addition to meeting the entry requirements for the MA Primary Education with Gaelic programme applicants will have to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Psychology (BSc), Psychology & Business, Psychology & Linguistics, Philosophy & Psychology, Sociology & Psychology (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit) - National 5 Maths also required at A also required.

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - National 5 Maths at A also required.

Social Anthropology (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Sociology (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Social Policy (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)

Social Work (BSc)

HNC in Social Services (with B in the Graded Unit) - Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths also required at C

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (achieved with Merit or Distinction) - Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths also required at C

HNC Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit) - Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths also required at C

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction) - Core 4 Maths or National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths also required at C

Sport and Recreation Management (BSc)

HNC/D in Business (with B in the Graded Unit)

Sustainable Development (MA)

HNC in Social Science (with B in the Graded Unit)

HNC in Social Sciences: NextGen (Achieved with Merit or Distinction)


We will accept three SQA Highers at grades ABB, or two GCE A levels at grades AB, taken in one year. Please be aware that these requirements will be increasing for 2026 entry.

Specific subjects may be required depending on the degree programme being applied for and applicants should check the current undergraduate prospectus for such requirements.


 

What else is expected as standard?

Successful applicants will demonstrate evidence of commitment, motivation and the personal resourcefulness to meet the challenges of a university education through their personal statement and academic reference.

The personal statement should be well constructed, articulate and demonstrate a clear motivation for the chosen degree programme with evidence of independent research and career exploration (where relevant).

 

Will everyone who meets the entry requirements get an offer for all degree programmes?

Unfortunately not. The minimum academic requirements have been set at a level that is designed to encourage applications whilst meeting our academic standards.

CAHSS offers more than 250 different degree programmes. Demand for entry varies considerably across the subject areas and can also change from year to year.

In subject areas where we receive a disproportionately high number of applications, not all applicants who meet the academic requirements (or are predicted to do so) will be successful in applying.

 

How will it be decided who gets a place on the high demand degree programmes?

We encourage applicants and their referees to include as much relevant information as possible within the personal statement and academic reference. This will help Admissions Officers identify students with the greatest potential to benefit from, and succeed on, our degree programmes.

 

How many offers will CAHSS make?

We will normally make one offer per applicant. Those who apply for more than one programme should email futurestudents@ed.ac.uk to indicate their preferred choice(s).

 

Does CAHSS conduct interviews?

Interviews are not conducted, with the exception of those who apply to study for programmes in Education or Nursing.

Applicants to Art and Design degree programmes will be required to submit a portfolio.

 

Can I study part-time?

A small number of degree programmes in this College are available for part time study:

  • BA Childhood Practice
  • BD Divinity (General and Honours)
  • MA Religious Studies

For further information and an application form please contact the CAHSS Admissions Office.

Email Admissions

 

How to apply

All applications for full-time study are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and can be made up to a year in advance.

The UCAS equal consideration deadline is 29 January 2025 for the vast majority of our degrees.

 

Support for adult returners

We also recognise the particular concerns that adult returners can face in undertaking a degree and we provide a range of support services.

 

There are certain factors that can make you less likely to receive an offer. Please see the following link for further details:

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