Health Professions
SWAP University Access to Nursing
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP) are for adults with few or no formal qualifications and who have been out of full-time education for at least three years.
This course is specifically designed for individuals who wish to return to education and progress to degree-level study.
Successful completion can lead you to a place on an HNC or degree course at a college or university in the east of Scotland (for more information about SWAP and progression options, visit the SWAP East website.
This is a competitive course; you will need to attend an interview to be considered. You must consider what you write in your personal statement and demonstrate your reasons for applying, your motivation to become a nurse, and any relevant work experience you have.
What you will learn
You will study the following subjects in the course:
- Communications 4
- Literature 1
- Higher Care units (Human Development and Behaviour, Social Influences, Values and Principles)
- Higher Human Biology units
- Numeracy
- IT
- Dementia
- Prevention of Infection
Placement information
- There is no placement in this course.
How the course is assessed
- Essays
- Reports
- SQA National Assessments
Number of days per week
- 4 days per week
- This course is hybrid, with some teaching in person and some online.
Entry requirements
- You must have been out of formal education for more than three years.
- Experience of working in a care setting is desirable but not essential.
- A positive attitude, good communication skills and a genuine interest in nursing.
- A good level of general education would be desirable.
- A personal statement that demonstrates to us your reasons for applying for the course, wanting to become a nurse and also the relevance of any work experience that you have.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You will attend an interview, during which you will be asked to complete a written piece of work.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Universities across Scotland offer courses in Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing, and Child Nursing.
- Please note that this course will not give you access to the Midwifery program.
- Please visit the SWAP East website's progression service.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Milton Road Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
