Rediscover learning and open the door to university and career opportunities through understanding how individuals, families and communities are supported.
This SWAP Access to Humanities (Social Work) course is designed for adults returning to study without formal qualifications. It offers a supportive and structured route to rebuild academic confidence, strengthen communication and research skills, and explore how social systems, welfare, and service engagement intersect in modern society.
You’ll engage with themes of social justice, community, support, change and resilience — developing the habits of study, reflection and critical thinking needed for degree-level work.
As part of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), this course provides recognised progression routes to university and higher-level study.
Successful completion of this course provides recognised entry routes to partner universities, including:
University of Glasgow
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
University of the West of Scotland (UWS)
University of Stirling
This course is ideal for you if:
You have been out of full-time education for at least three years.
You want to progress to university study in Humanities or Social Sciences.
You are motivated to develop academic confidence and independent learning skills.
You’re interested in subjects such as teaching, psychology, social work, law, history, or politics.
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.
✅ 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.
This course provides a strong foundation for university and beyond. Graduates often progress to roles such as:
🧑🤝🧑 Social Worker (in statutory or third-sector settings)
💡 Community or Youth Support Worker
🧠 Mental Health or Wellbeing Practitioner
📊 Social Research or Policy Assistant
🏠 Family Support, Housing or Inclusion Coordinator
Successful completion of this SWAP Access to Humanities (Social Work) course can lead to university or college study in:
Social Work, Community and Youth Work, or Counselling
Social Policy, Criminology or Community Development
Education, Sociology or Psychology
Public Administration, Nursing or Health & Social Care
Graduates can progress to a wide range of pathways across community services, social welfare, voluntary and statutory sectors.
🎧 Thinking About Returning to Education?
Meet Thomas, Megan, and Kaitlyn — three inspiring adult learners who took the leap back into education through the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP).
In this episode, they chat with Kerry from SWAP West about their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and how SWAP supported them in moving from college to university.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change direction, this podcast is for you. Discover how SWAP helps adults gain confidence, build new skills, and open doors to fresh opportunities.
🎧 Listen now and get inspired to take your next step!
