Curriculum for Excellence Statement
Introduction
The University of Strathclyde looks forward to welcoming the first students who will have completed their school
education under the principles of the Curriculum for Excellence.
The University recognises the importance of Curriculum for Excellence and welcomes the emphasis it places on
encouraging and supporting young people to develop the attributes and capabilities to enable them to be successful
learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. The University of Strathclyde prides
itself as a place of useful learning which strives to produce graduates with impact, combining breadth of experience
and skills with depth of disciplinary knowledge and understanding; the Curriculum for Excellence is strongly aligned
with these aspirations.
Strathclyde also acknowledges the importance of enabling flexible pathways to learning within schools and in the
transition from school to higher education. We are aware that there will be a number of different models of study
for Highers, whereby the study of a subject may span 1 or 2 years, exams may be taken at a single or multiple
sittings, and an individual student’s pathway may combine different modes. We also acknowledge that young people
may be able to study a subject at SQA Higher level, without an earlier qualification at National 4 and National 5 in
the subject.
We confirm the University’s commitment to a fair admissions policy that allows for “.. equal consideration of
candidates who possess the necessary knowledge and skills base irrespective of what routes they may have taken
through the Senior Phase (S4 to S6) of Curriculum for Excellence” as set out in the Universities Scotland paper
Beyond the Senior Phase – University Engagement with Curriculum for Excellence.
The University of Strathclyde expresses its entry requirements with reference to Highers (or a combination of
Highers and Advanced Highers in some courses). We do not use the UCAS tariff and this will continue to apply. Our
entry requirements are the minimum standards required for entry, however achieving this standard does not
necessarily guarantee entry as we receive many more applications than there are places available. Applicants may be
required to present further academic qualifications or better grades. The UCAS Personal Statement, the reference
and contextual data will all be taken into account in the admissions decision.
Standard Grades/Intermediate 2 and National 4/National 5
The University’s general entrance requirements specify that all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in
English and Maths (or a Science). At present the requirement is for a minimum of Standard Grade 3 or Intermediate
2 at C, and this will become a minimum of National 5 Grade C. Applicants should note that National 4 qualifications
will not be taken into consideration as part of the application.
Highers
As well as meeting specific subject requirements, applicants are expected to reflect their course interests by offering
Highers which demonstrate appropriate skills or knowledge. We value breadth, so every Higher offered need not be
directly related to the degree course applied for. Admissions staff may however focus on the subjects they consider
more relevant to the particular degree course when making their offers.
We acknowledge that there will be a number of different models for study for Highers and that applicants will be
applying with a range of qualifications taken over the Senior Phase. The University’s entry requirements are
expressed in grades and applicants are expected to achieve a minimum of four Highers at specific grades. Some
degrees require a greater number of Highers, depending upon the content of the particular degree programme.
Advanced Highers and Scottish Baccalaureate
The University recognises the value of the Advanced Higher (grades A-C) and the Scottish Baccalaureate as
preparation for University study. Individual departments take different approaches to the acceptance of the
Advanced Higher, depending on the degree programme.
For example, for Engineering and Science programmes, the Advanced Higher is given a greater credit than the
Higher. Where the applicant has both qualifications in one subject, the Advanced Higher replaces the Higher.
Applicants with good grades in the Advanced Higher may be offered entry to second year.
For Humanities programmes, the Advanced Higher and Higher are given equal credit and the grades for each
qualification count towards the total grades required. Applicants with good grades in the Advanced Higher may be
offered entry to second year.
For Business programmes, the Advanced Higher and Higher are given equal credit and the grades for each
qualification count towards the total grades required. Applicants with good grades in relevant Advanced Highers may
be offered entry to second year. Applicants with good grades in Advanced Highers may wish to apply for the BBA
degree, which is an accelerated Honours degree programme that takes three years to achieve. Applicants to the
BBA are not required to match Advanced Highers to subjects studied although relevance is still considered.
Full information about the acceptance of the Advanced Higher qualification is published in the University prospectus
and website.
Wider achievement
The University recognises that the Curriculum for Excellence will give pupils the opportunity to develop additional
skills, in the form of eg, community projects, charity work, personal development programmes and work experience.
Applicants should use their UCAS personal statement not only to highlight these wider achievements but to explain
how these activities have furthered their personal development, or how they demonstrate the applicant’s
motivation for University study, and where they provide evidence of additional skills that may be relevant to a
particular degree programme.
While the University already takes cognisance of these skills in the admissions process and will continue to do so,
applicants are still required to demonstrate the ability to study a broad range of subjects at a high level and intensity,
consistent with the academic ability and commitment required for university study. The emphasis placed upon these
additional skills will vary by course.