Part-time courses

Group of students on our Riverside Campus mezzanine

How to Apply - Part Time Courses

When should I apply for a part-time course?

Online applications for courses beginning in August 2026 will open from 14th January 2026.

Our admissions procedures aim to treat everyone who applies fairly.  If you meet the entry qualifications for the course and we have places available, we'll either invite you to an interview or make you a direct offer. If the examinations/qualifications you have declared on your application are inaccurate, we reserve the right to withdraw the offer or cancel your application. You'll find entry qualifications and selection criteria on the course information pages.

What if I'm Applying for More Than One Course?

You can choose up to 2 courses and list your choices in order of preference — we’ll start with your first choice when considering your application. If this is unsuccessful, or the course is full, we’ll then move on to your second choice. This gives everyone a better chance of securing their first-choice course.

What happens when I apply?

You'll be asked to complete a simple registration process to create your account. You'll need a current email and we'll use this to contact you throughout the admissions process. (Please check your spam or junk email folders in case emails have been placed there instead of your inbox).

Once you’ve set this up, you can:

  • Complete the application form.
  • View your course choices.
  • Book an interview.
  • Accept or decline any offers.
  • Enrol (from 17th February). 

To complete your application you will need:

  • Scottish Candidate Number.
  • Qualifications.
  • Employment history.
  • Personal statement.

You'll receive an acknowledgement as soon as you apply.  We will aim to advise you on the progress of your application within 4-6 weeks.

You’ll be asked several questions when completing your application, such as:

Residency - whether you are a UK National and have lived in Scotland all your life: This helps us determine what your eligibility might be for course fees and funding.  Before or during your time with us, you may be required to give proof of your right to study in the UK.  That means providing a copy of your passport, birth certificate or other documentation (e.g Evisa confirming your immigration status ) which shows you live in the UK permanently.  If you need support with that, please contact Student Services.

What qualifications do you have or are working towards - If you don’t have the minimum entry requirements we’ll refer your application to the Curriculum Team to decide whether to progress with your application.  Therefore, ensure you include relevant work experience and a personal statement. 

Personal statement (230-350 words) - Tell us in your own words a bit about yourself, why your chosen course(s) interest you and why you’re suitable for the course(s).  We recommend you prepare your personal statement in advance, then simply paste it into the application form.

We’ll ask you to disclose any disability, for example, a mental health condition, learning difficulty or physical impairment. Your answers are treated confidentially and will be shared with our Learning Support team who’ll contact you to discuss support needs (if you have been made an offer).

You’ll also be asked about whether you are care experienced, or have responsibilities as a young carer.  Your answers are treated confidentially and will be shared with our Student Advisors who will provide a named advisor for you to contact for support.

We'll ask you to disclose all unspent criminal convictions.  Your answers are treated confidentially and if you are successful in your application we'll carry out a risk assessment and advise you of all steps in the process.

For further information on the support, we provide please visit our support page

What if I Can't Apply Online?

We can help you complete a paper application. Email Student Services.

What Else Should I Know?

We only offer a limited number of places on each course and we only make offers if there are still places available. 

Please bear this in mind — we'll progress your application in date order and as quickly as we can.

What happens next?

If you get a place on your first choice course, we’ll automatically cancel your second choice when you accept your offer to give others a chance. If your first choice course is full, we’ll let you know and put you on the waiting list. We’ll then progress to your second choice and let you know the decision on each choice. If both your choices are full, we may offer you an alternative course.

Sometimes if a course is full we may offer you a reserve place. This means that you're top of the list if someone else drops out.

So what should I do after receiving my offer?

Once you receive an offer, you must accept or decline within two weeks. If we don’t hear from you, we’ll cancel the offer.

When you accept your Unconditional Offer you can then enrol (enrolments will open from 17th February).  You must enrol within 6 weeks of accepting your Unconditional Offer.  If you don't enrol we'll cancel your offer. 

Induction information will be sent to you 4-6 weeks before the course starts.

What if I Change My Mind?

If you no longer want your place or wish to change to another course area, contact us immediately. Please don't make any more applications — this may delay your progress.

How Will I Know if I'm Not Successful?

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a course, we’ll let you know. We may offer you an alternative course, or invite you for an interview to discuss your options. If you meet the entry requirements but don’t receive any offers, we’ll also put you in touch with our Careers Advisors, who’ll advise you what to do next.

What If All My Course Choices Are Full

If one of your course choices is full, we'll put you on the waiting list and progress your second choice. If all your course choices are full and you want to be considered for something else or need advice, please contact us.

Who Should I Speak to if I’m Not Sure About Anything?

You can track the progress of your application by logging in to your MyApplications account.

If you have any questions, contact Student Services

What about fees?

Find out your course fee payment details and funding options for part time courses.

You'll be responsible for payment of course fees and other costs, such as exam fees, whether you are self-financing, your employer/sponsor is paying, or you are applying to SAAS.

If another organisation has agreed to pay your fees, but then does not do so, you'll become liable to pay. This also applies if you tell us that you have applied for funding (for example, SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant), but you do not complete your application or if your application is later refused.

The fee (including exam fees) is shown on the course information page on the website.

Fees for part time students who normally live in England will be charged the rest of UK tuition fee rate per unit. 

Fee Waivers

The college may offer a fee waiver if you receive certain benefits or are on a low income. Not all courses offer fee waivers, and for those that do have fee waivers, places are limited. Fee waiver applications will be assessed in date order.

If you have a fee waiver place, you should complete a Fee Waiver Form.

More information is available from the Finance team.

Part-Time Fee Grant

If you’re studying at least 30 credits at undergraduate level and your personal income is £25,000 or less, you may be eligible for a Part-Time Fee Grant.

The grant amount varies based on the number of SCQF credits and the qualification you are studying.

For further information and eligibility, please check the SAAS website.

Employer or Sponsor

If your employer or sponsor is paying the fees, you should complete a Company Authorisation Form, which should be returned to the Finance team.

Timescale for Payment of course fees

If you have accepted an offer, the college will be in contact in April to confirm payment arrangements (exceptions: Engineering and City Enterprises teams, which will contact their students directly).

• Courses that have a fee under £200: fees need to be paid in full.

• Courses that have a fee over £200: students can arrange a payment plan with the Finance team.  A minimum £200 deposit must be paid by the deadlines below, with the full balance paid by December.

Failure to make a payment or to set up a payment plan by the dates below will result in your offer being cancelled.

  • Offer made before 11th of May: payment of fees or payment plan must be made by 21st May
  • Offer made after 11th of May payment of fees or payment plan must be made within 4 weeks from the date of your offer.
  • Offer of a place after 3rd of August: payment of fees or payment plan must be made by the course start date. 

Payment Instruction form Please use this form for online bank transfers.

Find out more

Contact Details

Our admissions team are available for drop-in at Student Services or you can get in touch with us by email or phone. We're open Monday- Friday 8.30am-4.30pm. 

For further information on learning support please visit our Learning Support Section

Further information on Residency for UK, EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals. 

Information for EU students

 

 

 

 

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