Course Information
ACCESS TO MEDICAL STUDIES - SWAP
The SWAPWest Access to Medical Studies, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Science programme provides an entrance qualification to the University of Glasgow to study degrees in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine. In addition the programme provides progression routes to Pharmacy at Strathclyde University, Biomedicine and Oral Health at Glasgow Caledonian University and a wide range of science degrees with the University partners mentioned as well as University of the West of Scotland, Stirling University and SRUC (the Agricultural College).
It is run by the college in conjunction with the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP).
Prior study of Maths, Chemistry and Biology is required due to the intense nature of the study on this SWAP programme. Applicants should detail their experience on their application form; a relevant reference detailing experience will be required prior to interview. Entry on to the programme is decided after interview(s) in partnership with the Scottish Wider Access Programme.
Prospective students must have a clear idea about the degree route or they wish to progress to when they complete the course.
Successful applicants progressing to university in health related areas will need to satisfy criteria outlined by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) Act 2007.
The course is very intensive and requires a full time commitment. It is not possible, due to the nature of the programme, to complete it on a part time basis. Further information about SWAP Access courses can be found on the SWAP website
What you need to qualify for entry...
All candidates on the programme should have been out of education for 3 years if you studied at National 5 level and 5 years if you studied Highers.
Please note places are restricted and early application is strongly advised.
This Access programme is NOT intended for recent school leavers. If you are a recent school leaver you are very welcome to apply for our NQ Science or Engineering programmes.
This Access programme is NOT intended for graduates who should contact medical schools to consider graduate entry programmes.
Applicants should have a gap (of at least 5 years) in their formal education.
Appropriate work experience is very useful and should be clearly explained in your personal statment.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant career progression and be in a responsible position.
Applicants should also have recent and relevant study experience of Chemistry, Biology and Maths preferably at Higher level.
References will be asked for if your application is being considered for interview.
Successful applicants progressing to university in health related areas will need to satisfy criteria outlined by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) Act 2007.
Entry to the course will be based upon a competitive review of the applications.
Applicants should now provide detailed information on relevant life, education and employment experience within their personal statement, in addition to demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject.
Tell us what experience you have in the subject already? What about the subject interests you? What skills do you have that will make you a good candidate for the course? Give examples. If your personal statement is missing this crucial information it is likely your application will be rejected and you will be unsuccessful.
As a face to face interview may not be initially possible your personal statement will be a very large factor in determining whether you are short listed for the programme. It is likely that short listed candidates will receive a formal interview either in person or on line.
Good luck!
A wide variety of units will be covered including:
Core Units:
- Communications
- Mathematics
Preparation for Higher Education Course Specific Units:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Life Sciences
Full Time
1 Academic Year
August - June
Up to 21 Hours per week (plus tutorials, additional optional units to cater for degree choices, and personal learning).
Due to the nature of this course part time study is not available.
BDS Dentistry, MBChB Medicine, BVMS Veterinary Medicine all at the University of Glasgow, M.Pharm Pharmacy at the University of Strathclyde, BSc Clinical Physics at the University of the West of Scotland or Biomedicine and Oral Health at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Can also lead to any Degree, HND or HNC courses in Biological, Environmental Health and Life Sciences in Colleges and Universities in the West of Scotland.
Learners have progressed to HNC and HND programmes in these areas within Glasgow Kelvin College. If you have successfully completed your Access course you would be very welcome on our HN programme and as an internal candidate would be prioritized. Completing these courses opens the door to a huge choice of degree courses or Science based jobs both locally and in every corner of the world. All learners who successfully complete our HN courses progress either to university or obtain well paid jobs in industry.
