COURSE INFORMATION

Scottish Wider Access Programmes, (SWAP) courses are specifically designed for those who have left formal education and, after a period away, want to return and progress to Higher Education. Successful completion can lead you to a place on an HNC, HND, or degree course at college or university in the SWAP–East network.

This is an intensive course with an expectation of regular self-study.

  • Academic study skills at a level required to allow you to access HN or Degree courses
  • Information gathering, referencing and research skills
  • Analysis and evaluation skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Essay, report-writing, independent study skills
  • Core skills and other transferable skills
  • One year full-time
  • History
  • Criminology
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Communication and literature
  • Maths (external component at National 5 required by students studying for primary education)


You will sit internal unit assessments, as well as being assessed on whole course performance at the end of the year using a graded profile. Most university places are dependent on good grades in this profile.

  • You must be SWAP eligible - visit the SWAP website to find out more about eligibility criteria.
  • Entry is by informal discussion where you will be asked to demonstrate that you have the relevant life skills to successfully complete the SWAP course.
  • Evidence of life skills may include level of maturity and experience of skills related to the potential choice of degree subject, including paid employment or volunteering and awareness of subject choice.

Please note that school leavers cannot apply for SWAP courses.

  • Degree courses at partner universities - visit the SWAP East website to find out more about available degree progression routes
  • HNC: Social Sciences
  • A wide range of other HNC/D courses
  • You may need to buy one or more textbooks – approx. £10-£20
  • Entry is by informal discussion where you will be asked to demonstrate that you have the relevant life skills to successfully complete the SWAP course.
  • Evidence of life skills may include level of maturity and experience of skills related to the potential choice of degree subject, including paid employment or volunteering and awareness of subject choice.
  • After applying, you will be sent a link to an online form. When completing this, please explain your reasons for your course choice, so that we can ensure you have applied to a course which will best meet your needs.