HNC Bioscience

This course is currently closed to new applicants.

Location: Barony
Study mode:
Subject area: Animal and Biological Sciences
Start date: September 2023
Agency code: 017D

Course overview

This course teaches the importance of safe working practices in the laboratory, and how to carry out a supervised laboratory research project.

It's an excellent first step into higher education if you have an interest in biology, and offers a route into employment in the bioscience sector.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

Two Highers (CC) preferably to include a science.

Mature applicants or those offering SWAP Access to Science qualifications or similar are encouraged to discuss the course with SRUC staff.

What you'll learn

This one year course provides an excellent introduction into laboratory science and includes subjects such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and biotechnology.

Example modules include:

Cell Biology: Theory and Practice
Biochemistry: Theory and Practice
Biotechnology: An Introduction
Microorganisms: Growth, Activity & Significance
Environmental Awareness

Student experience

Maria Stanisz, originally from Poland, had a background in horticulture. She worked in a garden centre for a number of years before deciding to change her career path and follow the study of biological sciences.

"The Applied Bioscience course seemed like the best suited choice," she said. "I chose SRUC based on positive reviews from my friends who studied here.

"The laboratory classes allowed me to gain practical skills, and I really enjoyed conducting independent research for my graded unit projects, which were focused on microbiology.”

“Stay focused on your goal, and there are plenty of professionals at SRUC ready to help you in achieving it.”

Maria Stanisz

Fees and funding

Eligible full-time students studying HNC Biosciences should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: There are a number of bursaries available to care-experienced students studying full time. Find out more from our student funding teams at: registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Discretionary fund
- SAAS student bursary
- Care Experienced Accommodation Grant
- Childcare
- Going further bursary
- RUK bursary (for students from outside Scotland)
- The Gregor Thomas Royan Lamb Bursary for Future Farmers
- Centenary bursary
- Change your path bursary