If your goal is to gain an HN or degree qualification, but you don’t have the grades to enter at HNC level straight away, don’t worry!
Completing one of the fantastic SWAP courses delivered in partnership between Fife College and SWAP could see you studying at degree level with an HNC or HND after only one year of full-time study.
If you are an adult with few or no formal qualifications who has been out of full-time education for at least three years (five years if you have qualifications above SCQF level 5), these specifically designed courses, at the same level of learning as a Higher, are the perfect way to help you back into education.
What is a SWAP course?
Scottish Wider Access Programmes, also known as SWAP courses, are specially designed for adults who have few or no formal qualifications and who have been out of full-time education for at least three years (five years if you have Highers or an HN).
These courses provide an alternative route into Higher Education (that’s HNCs, HNDs, and degrees) and are designed to give adult learners intensive academic preparation, as well as the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence required to study at degree level.
These courses are full-time for one year and prepare you for entry into HNC, HND, or degree level study through recognised progression routes at Fife College and universities throughout Scotland and the UK.
Want more information about SWAP?
Why go to college to gain a degree?
To meet entry requirements, most HNCs, HNDs, and degrees require Highers, or other subject-related qualifications at SCQF Level 6 – which SWAP courses are.
The great thing about studying an HNC at college is that it’s the same level as year 1 of a degree course at university. And an HND at college is the same as year 2 at university.
Even better, completing your SWAP course then an HND at Fife College could allow you to move on to university by starting in year 3 – meaning that you will complete your full degree in no time!
What SWAP courses are on offer?
So what are your options? And which course is the right one for you? Fife College offers four fantastic SWAP courses that allow for progression to degree level study in a wide range of subject areas and disciplines.
The SWAP courses offered by Fife College include:
- Advanced Certificate: SWAP Access to Arts, Humanities and Primary Education
- Advanced Certificate: SWAP Access to Health and Life Sciences
- Advanced Certificate: Health and Social Care (Access to Nursing and Care HNCs)
- National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering (including SWAP Access to Engineering)
Advanced Certificate: SWAP Access to Arts, Humanities and Primary Education
This course has been carefully crafted by the expert staff at the College, in partnership with employer and stakeholder partners both locally and nationally, to not only allow you to progress to a higher level of study, but also to develop your practical and vocational skills and experience through hands-on learning.
This practical experience will be of great benefit as you progress on to study at HN and/or degree level in the field of Engineering.
You will receive a high level of theoretical delivery at SCQF level 6 in preparation for HND level study in Social Sciences with the College.
Completing your HND at Fife College also opens the door for dozens of possible progression routes to top universities, including:
- University of Stirling
- University of Aberdeen
- University of the West of Scotland
- Abertay University
- The Open University
- Queen Margaret University
- University of the Highlands and Islands
Apply todayAdvanced Certificate: SWAP Access to Health and Life Sciences
This course has been designed to provide you with the skills and qualifications required for entry to health and life sciences HNs and degrees, as well as professions allied to medicine.
You will receive a high level of theoretical delivery at SCQF level 6 in preparation for HND level study in Applied Sciences with the College.
Completing your HND in Science at Fife College also opens the door for dozens of possible progression routes to top universities, including:
- Edinburgh Napier University
- University of Aberdeen
- University of the West of Scotland
- Abertay University
- Heriot-Watt University
- Queen Margaret University
- University of the Highlands and Islands
Advanced Certificate: Health and Social Care (Access to Nursing and Care HNCs)
This course offers you an opportunity to learn about the Health and Social Care professions and the career paths available in these areas. It allows you to begin your studies at SCQF Level 6 on a generic programme working towards Highers in Care and Psychology.
You will receive a high level of theoretical delivery at SCQF level 6 in preparation for HND level study in any of the following fields with the College:
- Additional Support Needs
- Social Services
- Care and Administrative Practice
- Childhood Practice
- Working with Communities
- Social Sciences
Completing your HND in Care at Fife College also opens the door for dozens of possible progression routes to top universities, including:
- University of Stirling
- University of Aberdeen
- University of the West of Scotland
- Abertay University
- The Open University
- Queen Margaret University
- University of the Highlands and Islands
National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering (including SWAP Access to Engineering)
This course has been carefully crafted by the expert staff at the College, in partnership with employer and stakeholder partners both locally and nationally, to not only allow you to progress to a higher level of study, but also to develop your practical and vocational skills and experience through hands-on learning.
This practical experience will be of great benefit as you progress on to study at HN and/or degree level in the field of Engineering.
You will receive a high level of theoretical delivery at SCQF level 6 in preparation for HND level study in any of the following fields with the College:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering Systems
- Fabrication, Welding and Inspection
- Computer Aided Draughting and Design
- Petroleum Engineering
Completing your HND in Engineering at Fife College also opens the door for dozens of possible progression routes to top universities, including Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Aberdeen, and University of the West of Scotland.
How to get started
Ready to start your journey with Fife College toward a degree and, ultimately, an exhilarating and rewarding career in in your chosen field?
Although some of the SWAP courses do not have any formal entry requirements, some do. In general, you’ll need three or four National 5s at Level C or above, or equivalents.
Not sure what this means? Contact the College! They’ll be happy to help and get you on your way.
They’ll also consider your existing life skills and industry experience on merit, though you might be required to complete an aptitude test and a successful interview.
Applications are open. What’re you waiting for?
