Access courses
Access courses usually refer to courses that can help prepare you for studying at higher education level. Such courses may be run by universities or colleges on their campuses or within the community. The term 'access' can mean something different depending on who or which institution you are talking to. It is always best to contact the individual institution to discuss exactly what they can offer you.
What sort of 'access course' and where?
There is a wide range of access courses available throughout the North of Scotland. Some access courses focus on a range of study skills and IT skills, as preparation for study at a higher level (this might be at a college or university). Others are tailored towards specific subject areas, including both academic and vocational courses. Some of these courses and qualifications awarded may link in to the entrance requirements for specific university courses. As the format and timing of these courses vary, you are advised to contact individual institutions for detailed information.
The Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) promotes access to higher education for mature students without the required formal entry qualifications: some of Scotland's Colleges and a number of higher education institutions work together to establish routes into higher education for students moving from SWAP access programmes to university. SWAP programmes are available in specific subject areas and normally involve full-time study over one year. They prepare for study at higher education level. Contact individual colleges to find out which SWAP courses are available and which routes into individual universities they can map out for you, or contact the SWAP-North office directly: 01224 273008.
To help you plan a study route you can use a resource called Course You Can. The website explains the range of higher education qualifications and how they relate to each other; it shows how qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs and Degrees can be achieved whatever educational level you are starting from. The website also has useful links and contact information.
What questions should I ask?
Before contacting individual institutions you might want to think about the questions that might be relevant to your own educational needs and personal circumstances. For example:
- Is the course full time or part time?
- How long does it last?
- How much does it cost and is funding available?
- Is the course a stepping stone to higher education?
- Is the course designed to replace or enhance previous qualifications for entry to higher education?
- Does it guarantee a place on particular courses at specific institutions?
- Regarding course content, does the course focus on general study skills or is it subject specific?
- What sort of additional support is available - for example, childcare or expenses?
Access courses at Scotland's Colleges and higher education institutions
| Institution | Telephone | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen College | 01224 612000 | Participates in the SWAP programme. The college offers a SWAP ‘Access to Nursing’ course. Within the Link 2+2 programme students can study two years (full-time) for an HND in a variety of subjects, then move to Robert Gordon University for another two years and obtain a degree. |
| Banff and Buchan College | 01346 586100 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access courses in Art & Design, Arts & Social Science, Nursing, Computing And Information Technology (full time). Offers progression routes with The Robert Gordon University. |
| Highland Theological College | 01349 780000 | One year full time (or flexible open learning) certificate giving access to study for the Theology degree. |
| Inverness College | 01463 273000 | Access to Science; Access to Nursing - full and part time. |
| Lews Castle College | 01851 770000 | Participates in the SWAP programme: Access to Degree Studies (one year full time or online). |
| Lochaber College | 01397 874000 | A Beginners’ course is offered by college; other courses are provided in the community through Highland Council. |
| Moray College | 01343 576000 | Access to Care (recognised Access to Nursing) one year full time in Elgin, progressing to Stirling University or Robert Gordon University. Access to Science and Environment degrees, one year full time, two years part-time in Elgin, progressing to Moray College or UHI; valid as entrance to many English and Scottish universities by negotiation. |
| The North Highland College | 01847 889000 | Open Door to Degree (distance learning); Access to Health, Child and Social Care (full-time for 36 weeks or part-time). Both possibly leading to BA in Child and Youth Studies. |
| The Open University in Scotland | 0131 2263851 |
The Open University is a distance learning institution that offers introductory courses to prepare for further study at higher education level. Its Openings courses are designed for adults who have no educational qualifications or have not studied for a long time. |
| The Robert Gordon University | 01224 262000 | The University recognises SWAP courses. The University offers a range of Access study skills modules and subject specific modules. REAcH is a project that aims to support people in Scotland who have been unemployed for up to two years and would like to improve their career prospects by getting into learning. The project maps out courses that can lead towards entrance to HNC/D or degree courses. |
| Scottish Agricultural College (Aberdeen Campus) | 0800 269453 | Flexible entry. Clear progression route through certificate, to diploma, to HNC/HND and degree. |
| Shetland College | 01595 771000 | As part of open learning, students can join UHI BA courses in Rural Development, Cultural Studies, Child & Youth Studies (full time or part time). Has 'New Directions' programme for people with no or few qualifications. |
| University of Aberdeen | 01224 272000 | Participates in the SWAP programme. The University's Centre for Lifelong Learning offers Access to Degrees programme - various modes of study, including full-time, part-time and distance. |
Summer schools provide an opportunity to study a course intensively over a short period of time, usually over several weeks during the summer.