Guide
Researching universities, colleges, and courses
As an ACES participant, learn what you need to look for when investigating what and where you want to do
Updated on 24 August 2026
Researching the different types of universities, colleges and creative courses out there is a big early step in your application process.
Although courses at different universities might share the same name they can be very different in their structure, teaching style and content. Names can also be confusing - it's important to look at course descriptors for more detail.
UCAS can be good place to start - but for in-depth course information visit the university's website directly.
ACES can also give advice - so book a chat with us!
Visit the universities and colleges
In addition to researching online and via prospectuses, it's essential to visit the universities and colleges you are considering to get a feel of what they are like in person, find out more information and ask questions.
It's best to prepare early. You don't need to wait until you are in S6 to go to open days.
All universities and colleges will advertise their open days on their websites and usually you are asked to book a place online.
- What is the university/college like? Could you see yourself studying and living there? Gut feeling is important!
- What is the course structure like? Is it flexible or quite rigid?
- Which modules will you study?
- What are the facilities, workshops and studios like?
- How often do you see your personal tutor?
- How will your work be assessed? What is feedback like?
- Are there opportunities for industry placements? Study trips?
- Are there any additional costs, such as studio or workshop fees?
- What is the competition for entry?
- What are the entry requirements - both academic and portfolio?
- What are selectors looking for in a portfolio?
- Will you be interviewed as part of the application process?
- Speak to current students - what do they think?
Remember - if you are moving to a new town or city you will be living there for a long time. Be sure to explore around the university/college too. You're there to live - not just to study!
Further Education (FE) College
Another option when you leave school is to go to FE college. This could be because:
- you don't feel ready to begin a degree
- you don't have the academic requirements yet
- you might already have the academic requirements, but need to boost your portfolio
There are lots of options available, and some FE courses can lead to direct entry to Level 2 or 3 of some university courses.
You can apply to both university and college at the same time. Even if you are confident in your application to university, it is always a good idea to have a plan B in place - just in case things don't go to plan.
Here are the two main college course options:
Portfolio Preparation Courses
- Usually 1 year long
- SCQF Level 6
- Entry requirements: Nat 5s, portfolio and interview
Develop your creative practice and produce work for your portfolio. Admission to Level 1 of a university course.
This course is an addition to Higher qualifications - not an alternative. You must have the right Highers and Higher grades for university.
HNC/HND
- 1 or 2 years
- SCQF Level 7 (HNC) or 8 (HND)
- Entry requirements: Highers, portfolio and interview
Equivalent to Level 1 of university and an alternative to Highers. You might consider this option instead of S6 at school.
Although advertised as a two-year course, you can apply to university in year 1 and might be able to move directly to Level 2 of a degree programme.
Other courses
Colleges will have lots of different creative courses on offer, including Diplomas, National Certificates, Evening, or Introductory courses. It's important to check the level of the course by looking at the SCQF rating.
SCQF ratings are the scale at which the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework measure how difficult the learning of a course is. When you are researching university and college courses, the ratings that you will most likely come across are as follows:
- SCQF Level 5: National 5
- SCQF Level 6: Higher
- SCQF Level 7: Level/Year 1 of university, or an HNC
- SCQF Level 8: Level/Year 2 of university, or an HND
For most Higher Education courses, these will be looking for Level 6 and above.
You will also may see references to credits. This isn't anything to do with money, it's more of a measure of the size of the qualification - basically how many hours of work you'll put into your qualification