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Advanced Certificate: SWAP Access to Nursing

The Scottish Wider Access Program (SWAP) is a partnership between colleges and universities in Scotland that work together to support access to higher education for adult learners. SWAP programmes are for adults who have not previously obtained a university degree and have been out of full-time education for at least three years. This course has a direct pathway to Nursing and Paramedic Science university degrees as well as access to a wide range of HNC courses.This course will allow you to investigate and learn about the broad range of health and social care roles in Scotland and beyond, through units that explore current health and social care topics and opportunities.

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Level:

Broadly comparable to SCQF Level 6

Study Mode:

  • Full time

Location:

  • Dunfermline
  • Glenrothes
  • Kirkcaldy

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • One year full-time

Who is this course for?

  • This course is for students who meet the SWAP eligibility criteria. That means you don’t already have a degree and you have been out of full-time education for at least three years. Check your SWAP eligibility on the SWAP website.
  • Those who undertake a level 5 course can still access this as this will be counted as a two year access course.

What skills will I learn?

  • You will develop team working skills, presentation and problem solving.
  • You will learn skills for employment and understand the sector and its regulations.
  • You will learn about academic studies and how to carry out research.

What will I study?

  • Care skills
  • Legislation
  • Research method
  • Human development and care values
  • You will also learn about the regulation of the health and social care sector, its history and challenges

Application Information

What further study options are available?

University degrees in Health and Social Care, including Nursing and Paramedic Science degrees. For the full list of degree pathways, use the SWAP degree search.
HNC study in the field of:
  • Healthcare Practice
  • Social Services
  • Additional Support Needs
  • Social Science and Childhood Practice

What career opportunities are there?

  • Employment in a variety of Health and Social Care settings, Social work and Nursing