Humanities - Philosophy: Access

What you will learn

You’ll study a range of engaging and thought-provoking subjects, including:

• Psychology – understanding human thought and behaviour.

• Sociology and Politics – exploring society, power, and how change happens.

• History and Philosophy – learning from the past and thinking critically about ideas.

• Communications and Literature (Higher level) – improving written and verbal skills for university.

• Mathematics (National 5 Applications) – strengthening numeracy and problem-solving skills.

• Preparation for Higher Education – developing ICT, academic writing, and research skills.

Assessment is continuous throughout the year, using essays, reports, class discussions, and presentations instead of final exams.

Entry requirements

✅ No formal qualifications are required.

✅ You must have been out of full-time education for at least three years.

✅ You should have good communication skills, which may be assessed during the application process.

When applying, please include in your personal statement:

• Your future goal (career or university subject).

• Your skills and personal qualities that will help you succeed.

• Any challenges you might face returning to study and how you’ll manage them.

• The title of a recent book you’ve read and what you learned from it.

If shortlisted, you’ll complete a short written task and be invited for an informal on-campus discussion.

🚫 Please note: This course is not open to recent school leavers (those in full-time education within the last three years). If unsure, you can contact SWAPWest directly via www.scottishwideraccess.org or email Amy Angus at aangus@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk.

ℹ️ If you have applied for this course do not apply for any of the other Humanities courses listed as they are all part of the same course.  Business, Geography, History, Humanities, Philosophy, Primary Teaching, Psychology, Secondary Teaching,  Social Science, Social Work, Sociology.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

• you need to have QS 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.

Career Opportunities

This course provides a strong foundation for university and beyond. Graduates often progress to roles such as:

🧠 Research or Analytical Assistant

💡 Policy or Ethics Consultation Officer

🗣️ Community Engagement or Education Support Worker

🌍 Cultural or Heritage Project Coordinator

⚖️ Legal or Public Affairs Assistant

Future prospects

Successful completion of this SWAP Access to Humanities (Philosophy) course can lead to university study in:

• Philosophy, Ethics or Cultural Studies

• Social Sciences or Humanities degrees focused on ideas, society or belief

• Law, Public Policy or International Relations

• Psychology, Sociology, or Community Education

• Business, Management or Global Studies

Graduates can go on to a wide array of university-level pathways and careers across the public, private and voluntary sectors.