Which subject/course do you wish to study? It's worth bearing in mind that courses with the same name may be different from one university to the next, therefore you should look closely at the content, and also assessment methods, to establish which is going to suit your needs best

It's really important that you choose somewhere that will suit you. Each university in Scotland has something distinctive to offer. Do you like the idea of a campus-based university, or would you prefer to be located in a city centre? Does the size of the student population matter to you?

I would recommend that you consider visiting at least a couple of universities over the next few weeks, this will help you to get a "feel" for the places and will help you to decide whether they are for you. You can find details of upcoming open days at Opendays.

Entry requirements: an obvious point, but you should look closely at the entry requirements for your chosen courses/ universities; depending upon the grades you have, or hope to achieve this year, this may help to guide you in your university choices. Don't forget to look at subject requirements, and check whether universities require you to obtain your grades over 1 year or 2 years. I'm sure there is more, however that is probably enough to be going on with!

Let me know if you have further questions

University of Strathclyde replied:

It is important to research courses and Universities to find the one that suits you best. A good place to start is the UCAS website. You can search for courses in subjects that interest you and then use the Entry Profiles to find out more about the course including Entry Requirements.

Anonymous replied:

That is quite a general question. in my opinion depends what u want e.g The course u want in, the clubs, the sports/computing resources, cheepest booze, cheepest housing, teaching ratings, research ratings etc. I would look at university guides. PUSH's Top Tens is a link showing the top tens. Look at the titles you can see what you should judge on a uni. But here is a question: which university guide should you trust?

Where can I find out about the teaching quality at a university I am hoping to apply for?

University of Strathclyde replied:

Try the Teaching Quality Information website

University of Glasgow replied:

Also try the Scottish Funding Council's Enhancement-Led Institutional Reviews to see how well a university is doing. Try Quality Assurance Agency's Review Reports

I'm a bit worried that I might not like university - can I sample university life before I apply?

University of Stirling replied:

Some universities run taster sessions or summer schools for school/ college students. This does vary from one university to the next, therefore it's difficult to give you a detailed answer on this one. It might be worth contacting your local university/ universities to find out what they may be able to offer you. Alternatively, guidance staff at your school/ college will know if a particular scheme has been set up that you are eligible to take part in.

Secondly, you should definitely try to attend a couple of open days (dates of upcoming dates at Opendays); these will give you the chance to visit the university facilities, meet current students etc. Once you have applied and have received offers, you may the chance to have a more in-depth visit to your chosen universities - again, this is highly recommended!

University of Glasgow replied:

In addition often universities are able to put you in contact with their student ambassadors or students who are on the course you are interested in. Ask about this opportunity as well. For example the University of Glasgow has a web site where you can e-mail questions about life at the university - see the University of Glasgow's Student Network

How can I manage my money at university?

University of Glasgow replied:

Budget carefully and have a good idea what things are going to cost you before you go to university. Make sure you understand what accommodation will cost and how much you need to survive throughout the academic year. Institutions have excellent websites to assist you in this matter. Make sure you take advantage of student discounts and charity shops!

Don't buy every book on the reading list but see if there is a second hand academic book store at the university you plan to attend. Make sure you are aware of what financial assistance is available to you through Student Loans or University Hardship funds.

University of Stirling replied:

If you are going to be moving away from home I'd also recommend waiting until you get into your hall of residence/ flat before buying all your kitchen stuff. You'll probably be sharing a kitchen with several other people, in which case you can save big money by all clubbing together to get pots, pans, microwave, toaster etc. Either that or, if you're lucky, someone else will already have all those things and will let you use them! It's not uncommon to see a kitchen in a first year hall with 4 microwaves, 6 kettles, etc. etc....

Have you looked at the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) website yet? SAAS is responsible for paying your tuition fees and also administers financial support for students, including student loans and the Young Students' Bursary. By going onto the website you'll quickly get a good idea of the level of financial support you will be entitled to.

I am not too sure why in some universities the requirements for some subjects are so high even though the department is not the best on some uni guides. It makes me uncertain how actually good is the higher rated unis.

Anonymous replied:

Noticed this too but you've got to remember the requirements may also depend on the demand for the course. If there is usually a high demand for a certain course the uni may raise the entry requirements its entirely at their discretion

University of Glasgow replied:

Entry requirements reflect not just the standards that you must be at academically in order to succeed in a course but are also often pitched to either attract additional applications to subject areas which find it difficult to fill places or to dissuade people from applying to those areas which are under pressure of applications. Therefore they are often not a good indicator of the quality of the course you are interested in.

You must read any published guide or league table quite critically and it is often better to go to independent sources of advice on the quality of what universities offer such as the Scottish Funding Council's Enhancement-Led Institutional Reviews to see how well a university is doing. Try Quality Assurance Agency's Review Reports.

What are the entry requirements for physiotherapy ?

Queen Margaret University replied:

At QMU the entry requirements for Physiotherapy are AAABB for Scottish Highers (336 UCAS tariff points) We ask that within these qualifications you have English & Maths and 2 other sciences. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

What Grades do you need for Accounting!

University of Stirling replied:

Entry requirements can vary quite considerably from one institution to another. Individual websites, or entry profiles via www.ucas.com, will give you this info. At Stirling we ask for BBBB in Scottish Highers. We allow you to do this over two years if necessary. We are happy to consider most subjects, however you would need to have a minimum of Standard Grade 2 English or equivalent, and Standard Grade 3 Maths or equivalent. Hope this helps!

University of Strathclyde replied:

Entry requirements for Accountancy can vary quite considerably from university to university. At Strathclyde we ask for AAAA or AAABB including English and Maths at first sitting of your Highers, or a bit more over two sittings if you haven't gained the grades in S5 (probably an extra B, but this can vary slightly depending on the level of competition each year).

The reason for the high entry grades at Strathclyde is partly the demand for high standards from the Institute of Chartered Accountants - our course is fully accredited for entry to the Institute. The high earning potential of Chartered Accountants leads to strong competition for places and this can also push up entry grades. For any course leading to a profession it is a good idea to check out the professional accreditation of the course.

University of Glasgow replied:

We look for AAABB/AAAA from 5th year including Maths and a Humanities subject (preferably English) for Accounting and Finance at the University of Glasgow. From 6th year you must have AAABBB.

I'm interested in Accountancy and have all the prospectus' for relevant universities and colleges. I was wondering if there was any other information available on these courses.

University of Glasgow replied:

Try information about Accountancy (PDF format) for University of Glasgow You can also e-mail our Student Network to ask a current Accounting and Finance student what it is like - see University of Glasgow's Student Network

University of Stirling replied:

It may be worth making a shortlist based on the information you already have, then going on to individual college/ university websites. Websites quite often have more detailed information, including student profiles, careers information, details of staff and their research interests, etc.

I'm thinking about applying for psychology but I've heard that there is a lot of maths in it. Is this the case?

University of Strathclyde replied:

Psychologists aim to take a scientific approach to the study of behaviour, so they often use statistical methods to analyse data. If a course requires a high level of mathematical ability you will generally find Higher Maths as one of the required subjects for entry.

Psychology will be approached differently in different universities, so it is important to check this out: read the Prospectus; email the course contact named in the Prospectus; check the Entry Profile on the UCAS website; attend a university visit.

University of Stirling replied:

Stirling requires Psychology students to have at least Standard Grade 3 Maths or equivalent.

Oops - I meant to say Standard Grade 2 Maths. Apologies!

University of Glasgow replied:

The University of Glasgow does not ask for a Maths qualification to undertake Psychology but ability to handle statistics will help you on the course.

Queen Margaret University replied:

Queen Margaret University asks for maths at standard grade /intermediate 2/ GCSE or equivalent.

My daughter is thinking about going to university - are there league tables available for Scottish universities?

Queen Margaret University replied:

You can find all Scottish universities listed at Times Online under Good University Guide. This website includes all UK universities but you will be able to see how well placed the scottish universites are against some of the well known english uni's.

Glasgow University replied:

Remember you must read any published guide or league table quite critically and it is often better to go to independent sources of advice on the quality of what universities offer such as the Scottish Funding Council's Enhancement-Led Institutional Reviews to see how well a university is doing. Try Quality Assurance Agency's Review Reports

If the worst happens what can i do to get myself into a mechatronics course of an area similar?

Langside College replied:

Standard Grades allow entry into NQ courses with progression to HNC/D. Langside College also has articulation routes into University with HNC/D. Our website is Langside College Glasgow

Queen Margaret University replied:

If you felt you were going to fail your highers and were given the chance to study over the school summer holidays this would certainly be something to think about. In Edinburgh we have LEAPS and in the Glasgow area there is GOALS Also look at what your local College has to offer with a view to eventually getting onto a HNC/D course.

You will also find that most local colleges will have a progression route with direct entry into year 1 or 2 of a degree programme that links with your college course.

What is the difference between a bursary and a scholarship?

University of St Andrews replied:

Both terms are now interchangeable but traditionally you get a bursary in Scotland as opposed to a scholarship. Each university sets its own criteria for bursary or a scholarship awards eg academic merit, financial need etc. You should always apply for ones you are eligible for. If you don't apply, you can never be in the chase for one!

University of Stirling replied:

The terms are largely interchangeable. Having said this, I personally tend to think of the two in the following way: Bursaries often (although not always)refer to a sum of money awarded to assist in cases of financial hardship (or to protect against it). This doesn't mean all students receiving a bursary are poverty-stricken, however income or other personal circumstances may be taken into account when assessing a student's eligibility.

In Scotland many students will be eligible to apply for the Young Students' Bursary. This is an income-assessed, non-repayable bursary, administered by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. You can find details of the YSB and other available support at Students Awards Agency for Scotland.

Scholarships may also be income-assessed, but often will focus on other criteria. These could include academic scholarships, music scholarships, sports scholarships etc. These are designed to reward outstanding performance or achievement in particular area. For example, at Stirling we have the International Sports Scholarship Programme. This scholarship is offered to students purely on the basis of their ability and achievement in their chosen sport.

If my pass for higher maths is not high enough for a required course what options do I have to improve it?

University of Strathclyde replied:

At Strathclyde for courses which require strong mathematical ability we generally ask for Higher Maths at B. If you gained a C in S5 you can upgrade, or if you are confident of your ability you could take the Advanced Higher - Advanced Higher at C is an acceptable alternative to B at Higher.

You could also contact the Maths department and enquire about attending our Summer School Maths classes, as a strong pass in the Summer School exam can compensate for narrowly missing the grade you need at Higher or Advanced Higher.

I am considering applying for law at university I have heard that Glasgow and Strathclyde are good for law however the entry requirements are AAAAB and I only have AAABC, the C may be getting appealed up to a B. Is it worth applying to these universities? Or should I apply somewhere else where I already have the entry requirements?

University of Strathclyde replied:

Well done, that's a great set of grades from your Highers and we would welcome an application from you. For someone who has not gained AAAAB in one sitting we look for the equivalent of AAAABBB over the two sittings. With AAABC from S5 we are likely to make you a Conditional Offer of BBB, and that could be in your Highers or Advanced Highers - going by how well you did in S5 it sounds like you should be able to achieve that.

The Law School is very approachable so check the Strathclyde University website for the contact details and do not hesitate to call or email with any questions you have.

I'm confused about what it means when the entry requirements should be in one sitting. I want to count highers in both S5 and S6. Can I still get into courses that ask for a certain level at one sitting?

University of Glasgow replied:

First sitting means first attempt. Normally those Highers you take in 5th year. A second sitting means you need qualifications from both 5th and 6th year to be admitted. If we ask for ABBB at first sitting and you get that you may be made an unconditional offer even though you are taking more Highers or Advanced Highers in 6th year.

I am hoping to study Product Design at Uni and have found a good course at Napier but I am struggling to find more courses for Product Design (not engineering related) Are there any more out there...

University of Glasgow replied:

Have a look at the Glasgow School of art. We offer a joint Product Design Engineering course with GSA.

Edinburgh College of Art replied:

Edinburgh College of Art offers a Furniture and Product Design degree, also an Integrated Product Design degree jointly with Heriot Watt University. Get back in touch if you need more information.

University of Strathclyde replied:

Have a look at Product Design and Innovation at Strathclyde.

I am interested in applying for a mechatronics course but am finding it so hard to find a course that suits me. Can anyone help?

University of Glasgow replied:

Try Mechatronics results search on the UCAS website for a full list of Mechatronic courses

My parents are keen for me to go to university in order to get a better job. I'm a bit worried that I might spend 4 years at uni, then have to start a job 'at the bottom' on a lower salary than I would have got if I'd started work straight from school. Any advice to put my mind at ease?

University of Glasgow replied:

According to recent published data graduate starting salaries increased by 4.8% - in 2005 the average student earnd £21,997 (via Prospects - the official UK graduate website) Your earning potential as a graduate aged 20-30 is 40% higher than a non graduate. Obviously getting the type of work you want is down to you and your skills rather than as a direct result of having a degree.

Web Master Careers Scotland replied:

The Scottish version of "What do Graduates do?" is now on this site at Graduates - the bottom link in the list at This will give you lots of information on Graduate job prospects.

University of Glasgow replied:

See Graduates keep higher earnings (BBC website) for another view on this matter.

Can I apply for medicine in S5 - and how likely is that I will be considered in this year.

University of Glasgow replied:

For the University of Glasgow you must apply in S6 with known results from S5.

Course textbook are really expensive and I'm worried that I won't be able to get them out of the library - do you have any suggestions as to where I can buy second-hand books?

University of Glasgow replied:

Most universities will have a second hand book shop- sometimes connected to the Student Union or Student Representative Council (SRC). Also many students advertise books for sale on notice boards throughout public places or at the departments where the teaching will take place.

University of Stirling replied:

Another way of saving money would be to share the cost of purchasing a key text with a classmate and share use.

I'm a bit worried that my student loan won't be enough to live on - is there any other funding I can apply for at university? Also how much do I have to be earning to pay my student loan back?

Edinburgh College of Art replied:

There is other funding available via the Student Awards Agency depending on your circumstances, it would be worth talking to them to see what could be available to you - 0845 111 1711.

Alternatively there are educational trusts and charities you may be able to apply to for one-off grants and recurrent funding. Hotcourses have a trust search facility on their website - Hot Courses' Student Money. It takes a bit of time to search but it is well worth doing.

I believe you have to earn over £15,500 per annum before you have to repay your loan but it would be worth double-checking this with SAAS

University of Glasgow replied:

Most Universities will have information about Hardship Funds and student support on their websites - for example see http://www.gla.ac.uk/studentfinance/ for our advice. Please also check the Students Awards Agency for Scotland for advice on funds you may be eligible to apply for.

I keep hearing about 'seminars', which are in addition to lectures at university. What exactly are these - and do I have to attend them?

University of Glasgow replied:

At the University of Glasgow the main forms of teaching you will experience are:

Lectures
Tutorials
Seminars
Practicals or laboratories.

Lectures provide the foundations to the subject on which you can build and are used to convey information, provide explanation, illustration and application, and to encourage you to ask questions and undertake further reading. Lecturers will use a range of resources and activities, for example, visual, audio, and web-based materials to support your learning.

Tutorials involve a meeting of a small group of students and a tutor to talk about lectures in more depth, ask questions and tackle specific problems. Seminars tend to involve larger groups of students than tutorials and offer more intensive discussion. These are more common in the later years and can focus on discussion of presentations by fellow students.

Practicals and laboratories are a key component in science and engineering courses and placements (clinical, teaching or industrial) or fieldtrips are an essential feature of other courses. These highlight the application of theory, allow you to develop the skills associated with your subject and provide experiential learning opportunities in the appropriate environment. In the later years of science and engineering you are likely to be working within laboratories which are at the leading edge of research in your subject.

Some programmes, such as Archaeology, may entail fieldwork involving spending some time away from the University, while large amounts of time are spent dealing with patients (human and animal) in the many clinical biomedical and veterinary degree programmes that we offer.

The number of hours spent in formal teaching will vary from subject to subject. For example, in medical subjects, engineering and law the formal teaching periods will be significantly greater than in arts or social sciences. However, in all subjects it is important to consolidate and expand your learning by building in regular periods of private study.

If I have to get a job during term time, is it okay to miss the odd lecture? Do lecturers take a register?

University of Glasgow replied:

Each university will handle this somewhat differently. For example you may not have to attend every formal lecture but if you miss labs, tutorials or seminars on a regular basis you may be called into your department you explain yourself. Some institutions may require a particular level of attendance to allow you to pass! You will need to check.

University of Stirling replied

As is the case for the University of Glasgow, modules at the University of Stirling involve a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical/laboratory classes depending on the subject studied.

The purpose of seminars at Stirling is three-fold. Firstly they provide the opportunity to discuss some of the issues raised in the weeks lectures in a small group environment and provoke some discussion and debate about specific issues. Secondly they also give students the chance to ask about any areas that they did not fully understand in the lecture And thirdly and perhaps most importantly, they provide an opportunity for students to really get to know their tutor and have a point of contact throughout their module (not to mention the chance to get to know other students in their class a bit better).

Is there other funding I can apply for at university like a hardship fund?

University of Glasgow replied:

Most Universities will have information about Hardship Funds and student support on their websites - for example see Student Finance for our advice. Please also check the Students Awards Agency for Scotland for advice on funds you may be eligible to apply for.