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 West 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. Many colleges are looking at how their courses and qualifications 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Argyll College | 0845 2309969 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Part of UHI Millennium Institute, Argyll College refers students to different colleges for 'Undergraduate Access' courses e.g. Christian Theology, Science & Environment; UHI Degree Studies. |
| Ayr College | 01292 265184 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Runs SWAP Access to Social Sciences course; mature students may be able to get into higher education study with good passes. |
| Cardonald College | 0141 2723333 | articipates in the SWAP programme. Access to Humanities, Access to Health and Biological Sciences. |
| Clydebank College | 0141 9527400 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Nursing and Access to a Degree in Social Work. Also offer Access to Humanities & Teaching, which prepares adult returners to higher education studies. |
| Coatbridge College | 01236 436316 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Health Studies, Access to Life Sciences; Access to Science and Technology. Also Access to Social Science/Social Work (full-time and part-time). |
| Glasgow College of Nautical Studies
|
0141 5652500 | The college offers Access to Social Science with progression to HNC, and a flexible course, ‘First Steps’, which helps to develop skills needed to engage in a course of study. |
| James Watt College | 0800 5872277 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Primary Education, Art and Social Sciences. Also Access to Nursing, both providing entry qualification to nurse training. Both full-time. |
| John Wheatley College | 0141 5881500 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Humanities (full time) for progression to higher education. |
| Kilmarnock College | 01563 523501 | Participates in the SWAP programme. 'Access to Humanities, Access to Primary Education. Also Nurse Entry course. |
| Langside College | 0141 2723600 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Humanities, incorporating Social Work and Primary Education; Access to Nursing. Full time and part time. |
| Motherwell College | 01698 232323 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Humanities, Access to Prosthetics, Orthotics and Sports Engineering; Access to Engineering. |
| North Glasgow College | 0141 5589001 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Nursing; Access to Science and Technology; Access to Humanities; Access to Community Education; Access to Mathematics and Computing. Also Access to Health Studies/pre-Nursing. |
| 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. |
| Reid Kerr College | 0141 5812222 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Humanities, Access to Primary Education: Access to Nursing. |
| South Lanarkshire College | 01355 807780 | Participates in the SWAP programme. Access to Humanities with Primary/Secondary Education Routes; Access to Nursing. |
| Stow College | 0141 3321786 | Participates in SWAP programme. Offers a wide range of Access courses leading to FE/HE entry. |
| University of Glasgow | 0141 3302000 | The University recognises SWAP courses. Part-time access courses for adults are run by the Department of Adult and Continuing Education (DACE): details available from DACE. Foundation for Access prepares for the Arts and Social Science Access Programme and the Science Access Programme. |
| University of Strathclyde | 0141 5524400 | The University recognises SWAP courses. Pre-entry Certificate Course prepares for entry to the Faculty of Law, Arts & Social Sciences, the Strathclyde Business School and Social Work and Community Education (September to June). |
| University of the West of Scotland | 0141 8483000 | The University recognises SWAP courses for adults and it has developed joint courses with further education colleges that allow direct transfer from college to university. |