Entry Requirements

Master of Arts (MA) in Arts & Social Sciences

• MA - Minimum Entry Requirements

• MA - Minimum Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry

Honours degrees in Scotland normally take four years to complete. In an arts or social science subject, you have a great deal of freedom to devise your own programme of study. Most first year classes are open to you even if you have not studied the subjects before, and you can usually go on to Honours in any subject that particularly interests you, even if it is not the subject you applied for via UCAS. All degrees have core courses, but your freedom to combine subjects is generally limited only by the timetable.

Changing Your Subject

The tradition in Scotland is to admit students to a degree programme rather than to a particular subject or degree. You do have to put specific subjects and course codes on your UCAS form, but essentially we admit you to the MA degree programme rather than specifically to an MA in Anthropology or History or Philosophy, for example. As a result, it is possible in most cases to change your Honours preference after you have begun your degree.

Specialised Years - Honours

Honours students can specialise in their third and fourth years in one particular subject (Single Honours), in two (Joint Honours) or in the case of Scottish Studies, three (General Honours). You can also take an Honours degree in which you add a 'minor' in a subject like Music to your 'major' subject. Honours degrees are classified, that is to say you will be awarded a first-class, upper-second, lower-second, or third-class degree.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for the MA are rarely subject-specific: we are more interested in your overall ability than in the precise content of your pre-university studies. In most cases you do not need a prior qualification in the subject to enter a first year degree, even if the subject in question is one that is on the school curriculum. There are some exceptions, but they are rare. When you apply, do not worry too much about getting your subject choice absolutely right on your application. If you find your interests changing, you will usually be able to change your degree intention accordingly.

Level One

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Level Two (Advanced Entry)

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Offers of Admission

Admission is competitive, and consequently precise entry requirements may vary from year to year. An applicant’s academic profile will normally be the most significant factor in our decision making. Additionally, certain features of the personal statement and reference may help to strengthen an applicant’s case. Where it is a school’s policy for an applicant to take one Higher in fourth year and three more in fifth year, we count all four.

Where applicants are taking Highers across fourth, fifth and sixth year we normally look for a better performance than the minimum. We do not double-count a Higher and an Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B-grade in Advanced Higher can represent an improvement on a B-grade at Higher, so an Advanced Higher may be used to upgrade a Higher.

Applicants choosing to resit a Higher in which they achieved a grade C or below in their first attempt will normally be required to achieve an A-grade in their second attempt. If the Higher at C was achieved in S4, this policy does not apply, even if the resit is not until S6.

We are keen to encourage people from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in university studies, and we appreciate that not all applicants have the same opportunity to meet our standard entry requirements. For this reason we take certain information into account when deciding on the exact grades we might require in any given case. This might include information about whether an applicant has had health problems or a disability, has been homeless, is a care leaver/estranged or a care giver, attends a school where a low proportion of pupils normally go on to higher education, lives in a relatively deprived area as defined by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, has attended or is eligible to attend widening-access programmes such as Aspire North, LEAPS, SWAP etc. Where information of this kind appears on the UCAS application, it may allow us to make an offer at our minimum level. More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

Advanced Entry

The traditional four year MA Honours degree with its 'two-plus-two' structure (two pre-Honours years followed by a two-year Honours programme), allows you to experiment with new subjects in your pre-Honours years, and perhaps change your Honours intention, while still completing your degree in the normal time. However, if you are clear about what you want to study, and have (or are likely to get) good qualifications in the subject or subject area you have applied for, it is possible to complete an Honours degree in three years. In your first year, you would take a combination of first and second year subjects, and then proceed to third year in your second year of study. Direct entry to the second year of study is possible in most subject areas covered by the MA degree. To qualify for Advanced entry, prospective Single Honours students must hold an A grade pass at A Level, or an A grade pass at Advanced Higher, in the subject they wish to study for their degree. Prospective Joint Honours students may be admitted directly to the second year of the degree if they hold an A and B grade pass at A Level, or one A grade pass and one B grade pass at Advanced Higher in the subjects concerned.

Enhanced Study

You may have the opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and widen the breadth of your studies even more. More information on Enhanced Study.

Foundation Apprenticeships

The University recognises that Skills Development Scotland, alongside other partners, is working with industry to increase the range of work-based learning opportunities for pupils in the senior phase of secondary schools. The development of Foundation Apprenticeships is one such initiative and this qualification will normally be considered in lieu of one SQA Higher at grade A across a range of degree programmes (from September 2024 entry). You must still meet any specific subject requirements.

Articulation routes

The University welcomes applications for degree level study from students with HNC and HND qualifications, and has a number of college articulation routes in place which lead to advanced entry into our degree programmes. For full information contact your college, visit our website or email study@abdn.ac.uk

Employment Prospects

'Arts' degrees are often thought of as educationally attractive but not strongly job-related. In fact, some degrees within the arts and social science area are strongly vocational: most graduates in Accountancy, Computing and Economics, for instance, will have no difficulty in finding a job, and will be employed because of the knowledge and skills they have learned at university; Mathematics graduates, too, are highly employable. As with most science graduates, however, the majority of graduates in arts and social science subjects go into careers in which they do not use their subject knowledge directly. They nevertheless have access to a wide range of career openings, because more than 40% of the vacancies notified to university careers services, or advertised in the broadsheet press, are for holders of degrees in any subject. Employers are looking for the qualities that any good MA graduate will have.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sciences

The University is a major international centre for teaching and research in all divisions of scientific study, and Aberdeen has an unparalleled provision of buildings and equipment for science students.

• BSc - Minimum Entry Requirements

• BSc - Minimum Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry

• BSc Biomedical Sciences - Minimum Entry Requirements

• MChem,MSci - Minimum Entry Requirements

Flexibility and Breadth

The University of Aberdeen BSc degree structure is extremely flexible. When students apply, they are asked to nominate a specific degree title. However, admittance is actually to the general BSc Pure Science programme. Within this programme, students are free to change their degree intention to any of those listed in the BSc section of the prospectus. There are a few exceptions: the Biomedical Sciences, MChem and some MSci degrees have higher entry requirements than other science degrees, and consequently formal approval is required before changing degree intention to one of these degrees.

In the first year of study, students typically take at least three subjects. One of these is continued in second year for half of the time, alongside either one of the other subjects studied in first year, or a selection of subjects, some of which may be new. At the end of second year the final choice of degree intention is made, based on the subjects studied so far, and the results obtained. In years three and four, students follow the specified curriculum for their final choice of degree subject.

Each student has a Personal Tutor to guide them in their subject choices and to ensure that these choices comply with the degree regulations.

Qualifications

The Honours BSc requires four years of full-time study. The degree classification is based on the student's performance in the final year, and in some cases the third year as well.

There are also a number of integrated Masters programmes (e.g. MChem and MSci) which require five years of full-time study. These degrees normally include an integral industrial placement. A student who leaves the University after one, two or three years of study can be re-admitted to study for a more advanced qualification.

Entry Requirements

Below you will find a full breakdown of our entry requirements. We look for a good level of proven academic ability overall, and strength in Science or Mathematics subjects. Beyond this we do not usually insist on specific subjects.

In some cases, such as Chemistry and Mathematics, previous study of the subject is usually desirable in order to cope with the first year material. A student applying for one of these degrees who does not have the required background may still be offered a place, but in this case may be directed towards one of the other science degrees for which their background provides a better preparation.

Please Note: Computing, Geography, Geology, Information Systems, Psychology and Technology are acceptable as Science subjects for entry purposes. Higher Applications of Mathematics is acceptable as a Mathematics subject for entry purposes, except where Higher Mathematics is explicitly required.

Minimum Entry Requirements - BSc

Level One

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Level Two (Advanced Entry)

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Minimum Entry Requirements - BSc Biomedical Sciences

Level One

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Level Two (Advanced Entry)

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Minimum Entry Requirements - MChem, MSci

Level One

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Sciences: Level Two (Advanced Entry)

Please note that the stated Entry Requirements do not guarantee entry. Computing, Geography, Geology, Information Systems, Psychology and Technology are acceptable as Science subjects for entry purposes. Higher Applications of Mathematics is acceptable as a Mathematics subject for entry purposes, except where Higher Mathematics is explicitly required.

Offers of Admission

Admission is competitive, and consequently precise entry requirements may vary from year to year. An applicant’s academic profile will normally be the most significant factor in our decision making. Additionally, certain features of the personal statement and reference may help to strengthen an applicant’s case. Where it is a school’s policy for an applicant to take one Higher in fourth year and three more in fifth year, we count all four but the applicant must include two science or mathematics subjects.

Where applicants are taking Highers across fourth, fifth and sixth year we normally look for a better performance than the minimum. We do not double-count a Higher and an Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B-grade in Advanced Higher can represent an improvement on a B-grade at Higher, so an Advanced Higher may be used to upgrade a Higher.

Applicants choosing to resit a Higher in which they achieved a grade C or below in their first attempt will normally be required to achieve an A-grade in their second attempt. If the Higher at C was achieved in S4, this policy does not apply, even if the resit is not until S6. We are keen to encourage people from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in university studies, and we appreciate that not all applicants have the same opportunity to meet our typical entry requirements.

We are keen to encourage people from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in university studies, and we appreciate that not all applicants have the same opportunity to meet our standard entry requirements. For this reason we take certain information into account when deciding on the exact grades we might require in any given case. This might include information about whether an applicant has had health problems or a disability, has been homeless, is a care leaver/estranged or a care giver, attends a school where a low proportion of pupils normally go on to higher education, lives in a relatively deprived area as defined by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, has attended or is eligible to attend widening-access programmes such as Aspire North, LEAPS, SWAP etc. Where information of this kind appears on the UCAS application, it may allow us to make an offer at our minimum level. More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

Advanced Entry

The four year length of the degree programme provides the opportunity for the breadth and flexibility that is such a significant feature of the Aberdeen Honours degree. However, for those who are well-qualified, and who are clear about their degree intention, it is possible to complete an Honours degree in three years rather than four. Such students effectively join the second year of the degree programme, and during this year they study the required second year modules for their nominated degree subject, alongside a selection of other first and second year modules.

Good entry qualifications are needed, at least up to the level of GCE A Level, or SQA Advanced Higher, particularly in subjects that are essential for the intended degree and that would otherwise have been studied in first year. Some opportunities for third year entry also exist for those with qualifications up to the level of a good HND, provided the core content of the first two years of the degree curriculum has been covered adequately.

Scottish Baccalaureate

The Scottish Baccalaureate qualification is a good preparation for entry to university. The qualification will be considered alongside Advanced Highers, for direct entry into year two across a range of degree programmes.

Enhanced Study

You may have the opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. More information on Enhanced Study..

Foundation Apprenticeships

The University recognises that Skills Development Scotland, alongside other partners, is working with industry to increase the range of work-based learning opportunities for pupils in the senior phase of secondary schools. The development of Foundation Apprenticeships is one such initiative and this qualification will normally be considered in lieu of one SQA Higher at grade A across a range of degree programmes (from September 2024 entry). You must still meet any specific subject requirements.

Employment Prospects

Most science graduates, regardless of their university, are able to find some kind of employment. The important question is not “Will I get a job after graduating?” but “What kind of job can I get?” As a science graduate from Aberdeen you will be well prepared for a wide range of high-quality employment opportunities. With a good Honours classification you will also be qualified for study towards a higher degree or PhD study.

Good Aberdeen graduates are highly regarded, and consequently many major employers in industry and commerce target the University in their annual recruiting exercises. An extremely high percentage of science graduates secure good jobs or further study/training opportunities within six months of graduation.

Our philosophy is one of world-class teaching in an atmosphere of research. Staff in the School have won major national awards, and strong links with industry ensure that teaching is in line with the requirements of today's companies.

Honours Degrees of BEng and MEng

The BEng is a four-year Honours programme and the MEng is a five-year Honours programme, both of which are fully accredited by the Engineering Institutions. The first two years of our programmes cover general engineering, with elements of chemical, mechanical, petroleum and electrical/electronics, as well as civil. This approach gives Aberdeen graduates a broad understanding of engineering principles, which we know is invaluable to their future careers. Similarly highly regarded is the particular emphasis on management and project management. Again, we know from working with industry that this knowledge is vital for new graduates working in an engineering capacity. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth including design applications.

Note: Higher Applications of Mathematics is NOT acceptable where Higher Mathematics is explicitly required.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Offers of Admission

Applicants should note that achieving the minimum entrance requirements may not on its own guarantee an offer of admission. Consequently, we may need to ask for more than the minimum. An applicant’s academic profile will normally be the most significant factor in our decision making. Additionally, certain features of the personal statement may help to strengthen an applicant’s case.

Foundation Apprenticeships

The University recognises that Skills Development Scotland, alongside other partners, is working with industry to increase the range of work-based learning opportunities for pupils in the senior phase of secondary schools. The development of Foundation Apprenticeships is one such initiative and this qualification will normally be considered in lieu of one SQA Higher at grade A across a range of degree programmes (from September 2024 entry). You must still meet any specific subject requirements.

Law has been taught at the University of Aberdeen since its foundation in 1495; today the Law School continues to build on this strong traditional foundation to offer a modern, flexible degree, which provides an excellent academic training.

Minimum Entry Requirements for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Foundation Apprenticeships

The University recognises that Skills Development Scotland, alongside other partners, is working with industry to increase the range of work-based learning opportunities for pupils in the senior phase of secondary schools. The development of Foundation Apprenticeships is one such initiative and this qualification will normally be considered in lieu of one SQA Higher at grade A across a range of degree programmes (from September 2024 entry). You must still meet any specific subject requirements.

The School of Education has a long and distinguished record in the training of teachers. Staff are recognised nationally and internationally for their development work in particular fields.

Minimum Entry Requirements for the MA (Hons) in Primary Education

HNC and HND

Qualifications such as an HNC or HND (eg Education and Childcare) will be accepted as one subject alongside 3 additional subjects at Higher. Applicants are expected to have studied at least four distinct subject areas. You must still meet the English and Maths requirements.

FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP

Where an FA is presented as part of an application, this will count as equivalent to one Higher subject at grade B. You must still meet the English and Maths requirements.

UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

Graduates wishing to apply for primary teaching training must apply for the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). PGDE Courses in both primary and secondary education are available and are professionally accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GCTS). More information on the PGDE can be found here.

ENGLISH Minimum

• SQA Higher grade award in English at Grade B or above; or
• GCSE English Language AND English Literature, at Level 6 (previously Grade B) or above IN BOTH; or A Level English, Grade C or above; or
• O Level English Language AND English Literature, Grade B or above or pass IN BOTH; or
• International Baccalaureate English at HL Grade 5; or
• Irish Leaving Certificate English at Higher Grade 3 or above; or
• National Course award (Higher Still) in English and Communication at Grade B or above; or
• National Units – Communication (NC) at Higher level and Literature 1 at Higher level  (Previously known as National Certificate Modules Communication 4 & Literature 1); or
• University of Aberdeen Online English (see below) or
• English of an equivalent academic standard from outside the UK.

*Higher ESOL only acceptable for entry to PGDE Secondary, NOT PGDE Primary or undergraduate Primary.

MATHEMATICS Minimum

• National 5 Mathematics at Grade C or above; or
• National 5 Applications of Mathematics (previously known as Lifeskills Maths) at Grade C or above; or
• Core Maths 4 Pass; or
• GCSE Mathematics at Level 4, or Grade C or above or Pass; or
• O Level Mathematics at Grade C or above or Pass; or
• International Baccalaureate Maths at SL Grade 4; or
• Irish Leaving Certificate Mathematics at Ordinary Grade 4 or above; or
• National Course Award Intermediate Level 2 Mathematics at Grade C or above; or
• SCE Standard grade (credit level) award in Mathematics at Grade 2 or above; or
• SCE Ordinary grade award in Mathematics at Grade C or above or Pass; or
• Open University Course – MU123 Discovering Mathematics, Pass (Please note that the course generally starts in January each year with exam results issued in the December of the same year); or
• University of Aberdeen Online Maths (see below) or
• Mathematics of an equivalent academic standard from outside the UK

The following are not accepted as a Mathematics qualification at the University of Aberdeen: Standard Grade 3 or below, GCSE Grade D or below, CSE Grade 1, O Level Grade 3.

The University will consult UK ENIC (The UK National Information Centre for global qualifications and skills), to determine whether or not qualifications achieved outside the UK meet the entry requirements detailed above.

University of Aberdeen Online English and Mathematics

The University of Aberdeen offers online access courses in English and in Mathematics.  English is at SCQF Level 6 – the equivalent to Higher English and there are three Maths courses – SCQF Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7. All are accepted by the University of Aberdeen for entry to teacher training.

For MA Primary we would require Aberdeen Online Access English (SCQF6) at grade B3 or above and a minimum of Aberdeen Online Access Maths (SCQF 5) at grade C3 or above.

Full information on the Online provision, including costs, can be found at www.abdn.ac.uk/study/online/access-courses.php

Accreditation

The Master of Arts (MA) in Education (Hons) programme is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and allows graduates to apply for provisional registration as a primary teacher.

Theological study and learning go back beyond the foundation of the University in 1495. The School is situated in the beautiful and historic buildings of King's College.

Degrees in Divinity and Theology

The School offers three degrees at the undergraduate level: Bachelor of Divinity (BD), Bachelor of Theology (BTh), Master of Arts (MA) in Theology and Religion. Each may be taken as a non-Honours or as an Honours degree.

Bachelor of Divinity (BD)

The BD is designed for students who wish specialised and comprehensive study of the Christian tradition, or who are preparing for a future in full-time ministry. The study of the biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek) by candidates for this degree is encouraged, but not compulsory. The designated degree of BD normally takes three years and the Honours degree normally takes four years.

Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

The BTh is designed to be more flexibly structured than the BD. It provides flexibility of course choice and the chance to combine the study of Theology with subjects in other disciplines in the early years of the programme. It is particularly suited to the needs of those considering teaching religious and moral education in schools. The BTh can be taken via distance learning.

Master of Arts (MA) in Theology and Religion

The MA in Theology and Religion includes both the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine, and the wider study of religion and religious traditions from around the world. The study of the Christian tradition attends to its historical, cross-cultural and contemporary contexts, whereas the comparative study of world religions includes an interdisciplinary investigation and interpretation of the origin, function and mean of religion and religious practice.

Minimum Entry Requirements for the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) and the Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

(For the MA in Theology and Religion, see Arts and Social Sciences above.)

Foundation Apprenticeships

The University recognises that Skills Development Scotland, alongside other partners, is working with industry to increase the range of work-based learning opportunities for pupils in the senior phase of secondary schools. The development of Foundation Apprenticeships is one such initiative and this qualification will normally be considered in lieu of one SQA Higher at grade A across a range of degree programmes (from September 2024 entry). You must still meet any specific subject requirements.

Our music staff possess a wide range of research expertise encompassing aspects of performance, composition and musicology. Facilities for music students are first-class, including electroacoustic music studios, a collection of historical instruments and a world music centre. Our full time degree programmes comprise the following:

• BMus with Honours
• BMus with Honours (Music Education)

Degree Options

Following core music studies, in which students are able to develop skills in performance, composition, musicianship and music history, one of two Honours programmes is chosen. BMus with Honours is a music degree; the BMus with Honours (Music Education) programme leads to a qualification to teach music in secondary schools.

Please note: for entry to the BMus (Music Education) with honours programme the following are requirements set by the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS):

ENGLISH MINIMUM

• Higher English at grade C or above, or GCSE English Language and English Literature at grade 4/C or above or equivalent

MATHEMATICS MINIMUM

• National 5 Maths at grade C or above, or Applications of Maths (previously known as Lifeskills Mathematics) at grade C or above; Standard Grade Mathematics at grade 1 or 2, or GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.

Must also have competence on piano.

Minimum Entry Requirements for the Bachelor of Music (BMus)

Music Qualifications

Candidates for the BMus Music (honours) are required to demonstrate a strong interest in the study of music as well as significant attainment in one or more of a range of disciplines including performance, composition, music technology, musicology, and community engagement. Entry to the programme will be assessed on the strength of the candidate's academic record and personal statement. Graded qualifications on instrument or voice are welcome but are not essential. Candidates may be invited to interview.

Candidates for the BMus Music Education (honours) are required to demonstrate a strong interest in the study of music and education. Entry to the programme will be assessed on the strength of the candidate's academic record and personal statement. Candidates should be of a standard equivalent to Grade 8 (Associated Board or other) or show the potential to achieve this on their main instrument/voice. Competence on piano is also required. Candidates may be invited to interview.

Foundation Apprenticeships

The University recognises that Skills Development Scotland, alongside other partners, is working with industry to increase the range of work-based learning opportunities for pupils in the senior phase of secondary schools. The development of Foundation Apprenticeships is one such initiative and this qualification will normally be considered in lieu of one SQA Higher at grade A across a range of degree programmes (from September 2024 entry). You must still meet any specific subject requirements.