Studying at NESCol can provide a direct route to university.
Many students choose to progress to degree-level study after completing their college course. NESCol has formal articulation agreements with universities across Scotland, making the transition from College to university as smooth as possible.
An articulation route is an agreed pathway from an HND, or in some cases an HNC, to a related university degree.
These routes generally allow direct entry into Year 2 or Year 3, depending on the course and university.
articulation routes to RGU and the University of Aberdeen
NESCol has a wide range of articulation agreements with our associate universities, including RGU Degree Link.
Each HND offers at least one articulation route, and you can find the current pathways listed on course pages on our website. Our associate universities are:
Through RGU Degree Link, students begin their studies in NESCol’s nurturing environment and then progress to RGU to complete a degree.
Degree Link offers two clear progression routes:
These progression pathways are subject to meeting entry requirements such as a portfolio, or an interview with an RGU Tutor.
As a NESCol student, you can also join the RGU Associate Student Scheme which provides access to a range of additional benefits.
Your HNC or HND may still allow entry into a university degree programme even if we don’t have a formal agreement in place. It’s always worth checking with your chosen university.
For adult learners returning to education, the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) provides routes into thousands of different degree programmes at partner universities across Scotland.
We recommend visiting the universities you are interested in. Open Days are one of the best ways to get a feel for life on campus and decide if it’s the right place for you.
UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) manages all university applications in the UK. You will need to submit your application through UCAS.
Most UCAS applications close in the January of the year you plan to start university. However, some courses have earlier deadlines, so it’s important to check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date information.
As part of your application, you will usually need to write a personal statement.
Your Academic Tutor is on hand to support you throughout the process, and you can also access guidance during Student Support drop-in sessions.
“NESCol is perhaps the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I found my spark there, and it set me on a creative path that I know is absolutely where I want to be.”
“College was the best thing. If I had stayed on at school and not come here, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
“We were a close-knit community that would help each other out, and I’ve made lifelong friends that I still speak to every day.”
“It was great to be able to share knowledge and bounce ideas off each other. The course was really interesting, challenging at times, but the lecturers were fantastic and explained everything so well.”
“The courses have not only widened my knowledge and skills, but they’ve also provided me with great practical experiences and opportunities that have improved my confidence.”
“I didn’t know if College was the right thing for me because I was so young, but the sports lecturers are so welcoming and they’re always happy to help.”
“It’s been a journey to get to where I am, even becoming a mum in between, but I’m so happy I’ve done it!”