Coming back into education after almost 20 years was a big step for me, but I knew it was something I had to do to fulfil my dream of becoming a mental health nurse.
During my time here, I gained new skills and refreshed ones I hadn’t used in a long time. I also developed a deeper understanding of key areas in care, like planning for the social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs of individuals, and exploring sociological theories that underpin the work we do. It really opened my eyes to the bigger picture in a care setting.
The course also strengthened my practical and academic abilities—everything from communication and report writing to essay structuring and proper referencing. We even had hands-on opportunities, like dissections, which I never would have experienced otherwise.
What I’ve enjoyed most is being part of such a supportive group. The camaraderie among classmates and the encouragement from tutors made a huge difference in building my confidence.
Now, I feel ready and well-prepared for the next step in my journey—studying mental health nursing at Abertay University. The SWAP Access to Nursing course has truly given me a solid foundation to move forward.
Related Courses
SWAP - Access to NursingThe 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.