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SWAP Courses

The Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) is a great starting point for adult learners to progress to university making it easier than ever to get your foot on the ladder of Higher Education.

What is SWAP

At Edinburgh College you can study on a variety of Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP). SWAP access programmes support access to higher education for adult learners and are a proven route into hundreds of degree courses at partner universities. SWAP programmes are specifically designed for adults who are returning to education after a gap, and who have the motivation and ability to go on to study at university or for a higher-level qualification at college.

How does SWAP work

SWAP access programmes provide full-time, one-year academic courses across a range of subject areas at Edinburgh college and cover programmes relating to

  • Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Primary Education
  • Engineering
  • Languages with Business/Arts and Social Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Medical Studies
  • Physical Sciences

Successful completion of a SWAP access programme will enable you to progress to a wide range of degrees at SWAP partner universities. You can find out more about progression routes on the SWAP website.

Entry Criteria

SWAP access programmes have been specifically developed for adults who have no or few qualifications and who have been out of education for some time. You may have to complete entry diagnostic tests for certain programmes that cover mathematical and English skills. IELTS of 5.5 and above are required for non-native English speakers.

SWAP Courses at Edinburgh College

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

SWAP Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Primary Teaching

This unique course is specifically designed to allow you to progress to either university or HNC programmes. You will be...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks

Community Based ESOL and Modern Languages

SWAP Access to Languages with Business

The SWAP Access to Languages with Business course is a unique course designed to allow you to progress to a wide range o...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks

Community Based ESOL and Modern Languages

SWAP Access to Languages, Arts and Social Sciences

The SWAP Access to Languages, Arts and Social Sciences course is a unique course designed to allow you to progress to a ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks

Engineering

SWAP Access to Life Sciences

Life Sciences Access is a stepping stone to further education at a university level. You will develop your knowledge and...

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Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks

Engineering

SWAP Access to Medical Studies

The Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) to Medical Studies is a full-time course lasting one academic year taught at ...

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Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks

Engineering

SWAP Access to Physical Science

The course will develop your knowledge and understanding of subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Maths.SWAP (Scottish...

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Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks

Health Professions & Social Services

SWAP University Access to Nursing

Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), are for adults who have few or no formal qualifications and who have been out o...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks