Former students of Glasgow Kelvin College talk about their experiences on the SWAP Access to Humanities programme.
Course overview
Please read all the information on this page before you apply.
The Access to Humanities course provides progression to a range of different subjects in the arts and social sciences, including primary teaching, social work, psychology, history, politics, law, business, 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 have achieved so far). If you have been enrolled in high school within the last three years, you are not eligible for this course. You can check your eligibility by contacting SWAPWest directly via www.scottishwideraccess.org or by emailing Amy Angus at aangus@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk
Candidates who wish to refresh their knowledge before interview may find it useful to review English and Maths at SCQF Level 5 (National 5, Intermediate 2, or equivalent) using BBC Bitesize or similar relevant resources.
Please note: 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).
Also note that successful candidates who wish to enter teaching or social work will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland check after progressing to university.
What you will learn
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History
- Geography
- Philosophy
- Communications (Higher)
- Literature
- National 5 Application of Maths
- Preparation for Higher Education (Prep for HE)
In the Preparation for Higher Education unit, students will also develop ICT skills, study skills and academic research skills. Candidates will be assessed using essays, class-based exams, group discussions and presentations.
Entry requirements
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 note that there is a 2000-character limit on the personal statement field.
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 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.
Please also note the following:
- 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 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.
For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Future prospects
This course offers opportunities to progress to 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.