Access to Life Sciences (SWAP)

Course Content

SWAP Access courses are designed for learners who are looking for a change in career direction. It is an intensive course which aims to prepare learners academically, and to give the opportunity to develop the skills required for entry into university or HNC courses. Learners will study a broad range of subjects including units in Chemistry, Maths and Biology as well as core units in Communications and IT.

Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements; however, applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment and motivation.

Applicants will be interviewed and may be required to take a Maths skills test.

To be an eligible SWAP Access student, applicants must have been out of full time education for at least 3 years if they previously studied level 5 qualifications, or 5 years for level 6 qualifications. There are English efficiency entry requirements of 6.0 IELTS score for students with English as a second language.

If you are unsure of eligibility, contact the SWAP office swap.east@ed.ac.uk. You can also get further information at Is SWAP for me?

Method of Assessment

Assessment is by end of unit tests/completion of course work and practical assessments. At the end of the year, learners will be given a grade profile in Maths, Chemistry and Biology.

Future Prospects

Successful completion of the course will allow entry to a range of degree courses at university or progression to HNC Applied Science.

Further information on which degrees could follow on from this programme can be found in SWAP East’s degree search https://swapsurvey.org/progression/east There is also general information on SWAP Access programmes available on their website https://www.scottishwideraccess.org