Course Information
ACCESS TO SOCIAL WORK - SWAP
Please read this page in its entirety before you apply.
Successful completion of the Access to Humanities provides progression to a range of different subjects in the arts and social sciences, including primary teaching, social work, psychology, history, politics, law and philosophy, among many others. When you click to apply for this course, you will be directed to the Access to Humanities application form, which you should complete according to the directions below.
This course is designed for adults who have had a significant gap in formal education (a minimum of 3-5 years, depending upon the highest level of academic qualifications you’ve attained so far). You may check your eligibility by contacting SWAPWest directly via www.scottishwideraccess.org or by emailing Amy Angus at aangus@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk
Please note: Successful candidates who wish to enter teaching or social work will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland check after progressing to university.
Candidates for primary teaching or social work are also advised to arrange some practical experience with relevant groups. Opportunities for volunteering may be found in your local community, or by searching on Volunteer Glasgow (www.volunteerglasgow.org).
What you need to qualify for entry...
- No formal academic qualifications are required to apply for this course; however, you must have good written and spoken communication skills, which may be tested during the application process.
- If English is not your first language, you must be able to show evidence that you've completed ESOL level 6 (Higher) or an equivalent qualification.
- If your initial application is successful, you will be required to complete written tasks (online) and may be asked to participate in a group discussion (online) as part of the recruitment process.
Your personal statement must include full responses to the following questions:
- What is your ultimate goal in terms of a future university degree subject or career? If you aren’t yet sure of your preferred subject, tell us why you have chosen the Access to Humanities programme.
- What are the main skills and personal attributes you possess that will make you a successful student? Give examples from your work or life experience to support your points.
- What challenges do you think you will face in undertaking full-time study and what strategies will you use to help you cope?
- Tell us the title of the last book you read and what you learned from it, or what you enjoyed most about it.
Please keep your answers brief (no more than around 80-85 words in response to each question), as there is a 2000-character limit on the personal statement field (around 350-400 words in total). We suggest you draft your answers first as a Word document on your own device, so that you can check the character count, before you copy-and-paste it into your application form. Please check that your entire response has copied over before you submit your application. If you have gone over the character limit, you can then edit your statement to make it fit before you submit the application.
Please note: When entering your education qualifications, please do not leave the section blank. We must know the year when you were last engaged in formal education (e.g. school/college) and the highest level of qualifications you hold (e.g. GCSE, Standard Grades, National 4, National 5, Highers, etc.). You don't need to include all of the subjects or the grades you received if you can't remember them, but do give us some indication of where you left off in education.
Applications that are incomplete may be declined.
Course topics may include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History
- Geography
- Philosophy
- Communications (Higher)
- Literature and National 5 Maths among other subjects.
In the Preparation for Higher Education unit, students will also develop ICT skills, study skills and research skills. Candidates will be assessed using essays, class-based exams, group discussions and presentations.
Full Time – 21 hours (3.5 days) per week
The course is offered on a full-time basis during the day. Although you will be in classes 21 hours per week, they may be timetabled on any days Monday to Friday and any hours between 9am-5pm. Furthermore, you will be expected to engage in independent study during the periods when you are not in a timetabled class, and/or after hours or on weekends. The total time commitment is therefore around 35 hours per week. Good attendance is a requirement of progression.
One Academic Year: August - June.
The academic year usually begins in late August and finishes in the middle of June. Our college holidays generally track with the Glasgow school holidays, so in addition to public holidays you can expect some breaks in mid-October, late December, and late March or early April. We operate on a trimester basis, so you will attend for three blocks of 12 weeks, not including breaks, for a total of 36 weeks of study. You should avoid booking any holidays or time off during term time, as the course is intense and extended absence may have a negative effect on your ability to complete it.
Location
There are two Access to Humanities classes: one located at Springburn (G21 4TD) and one at Easterhouse (G34 9HZ). We will always accommodate requests for a specific campus, provided spaces are available. Please note that, due to the ongoing pandemic, classes may be offered on campus or online, or a blend of both. You must be able and willing to attend in person and online. If you are eligible, the College may be able to offer equipment e.g. a laptop on loan. An exact timetable and pattern of attendance will be provided at enrolment.
Fees and Funding
This is a full-time Further Education course. For information about relevant fees, please consult this page: https://www.glasgowkelvin.ac.uk/student-funding/further-education-ft/. Please note the information about eligibility, funding, household income, etc. If your application is successful and you are offered a place, you will be provided with instructions on how to apply for fees and funding.
If you wish to study on a part-time basis you should provide information about this in the personal statement you include with your application.
If you have any questions about this course, please email Amy Angus on aangus@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk
Primary teaching, secondary teaching, social work, psychology, history, sociology, social and public policy, law, business, criminal justice, philosophy, English literature, local authority and civil service, heritage and tourism, and NGO/third sector, among others.