HNC Bioscience at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A one-year HNC giving a broad introduction to the theory and practice of the biosciences, covering ecology, environmental issues and core chemistry, biology and physics, with extensive hands-on laboratory training and a graded-unit research topic. Lectures and labs are delivered face to face on campus at UHI Moray or UHI Perth.

Duration: Full-time: 1 year (34 weeks); part-time: 2 years; part-time modular: 17 weeks | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Units include biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, animal and plant cell culture, chemistry and physics for life sciences, microorganisms, plant physiology, environmental awareness, quality, health and safety systems, IT applications and the Bioscience graded unit; campus-specific options include ecology and ecosystems, wildlife management and fundamental chemistry (Moray) and livestock physiology, plant growth and development and rural electrical energy systems (Perth).

Career pathways

Research, teaching, the food and pharmaceutical industries, the public sector (e.g. NHS) and environmental and ecology jobs; progression to year 1 or 2 of BSc (Hons) Environmental Science or BSc (Hons) Marine Science, or further study in biochemistry, biotechnology, ecology, genetics, immunology, medical physics or zoology.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above in a science-related subject (preferably Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or 1 A level at grade D or above in a science-related subject, plus credit level Standard Grade or National 5 in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or equivalent. Alternatives: NC or NQ in a science subject (e.g. NQ Access to Science, NC Applied Science); Foundation Apprenticeship Food and Drink Technologies plus a Scottish Higher in Science and National 5 Chemistry or Biology; or Foundation Apprenticeship Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) plus National 5 Chemistry or Biology. An interview may be required; applicants without the standard entry are encouraged to apply and relevant work experience is considered. International applicants: IELTS for UKVI (Academic) 5.5 overall with no element below 5.0, or LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (60 overall, no element below 55), taken at a UKVI-approved centre for Student Route visa applicants; online students overseas need IELTS Academic 5.5 overall with no element below 5.0 or a CEFR B2 equivalent in all four components.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students, full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). Full-time, term-time address in Scotland Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 1 year (34 weeks); part-time: 2 years; part-time modular: 17 weeks

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