Many undergraduate programmes of study at GCU have the option to Articulate into 2nd or 3rd year. This means, on successful completion of an HNC/D at college, you can 'Articulate' or 'skip to' 2nd or 3rd year. Articulation routes for each programme can be found under the entry requirements on the corresponding course page and your year of entry should be made clear on your UCAS application. In 2022-23, GCU had nearly 900 students Articulate to our degree programmes - this is not unusual and is encouraged so that you don't repeat years of study, and your prior learning is recognised.

The Scottish Wider Access Programme supports adult learners to access higher education. SWAP provides full-time, one-year courses across a variety of different areas including science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, education, languages, business, law, social work, nursing, allied health professions, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. SWAP courses have been specifically developed to help adult returners to education who have little to no qualifications and have been out of education for a long time. You can find out if you are eligible for a SWAP programme here. SWAP entry requirements can be found under 'entry requirements' on specific course pages on the GCU website. SWAP students will, in general, start their studies from Level 1.

You may also choose to enrol at GCU as a College Pathways student. This means you'll be a GCU student studying for two years at college and then progress directly into the 3rd year of your chosen pathways course at Glasgow Caledonian University. You can view a list of College Pathways degree courses here. Our College Pathways Programme allows you to study for your HND at one of our partner colleges (more information below) while ensuring your place at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Non-Articulating students are previous college students who start their GCU degree level study at Level 1. This could be because they have been studying at college to gain required grades, or they don't feel ready to Articulate to Level 3 entry.