Advanced Biochemical Sciences: Access
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Course overview
Your first step towards Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, life sciences or Allied Health careers - with extra preparation and support.
This Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course is designed for adults returning to education who aspire to study Medical, Dental, Veterinary, or Health Science degrees, but who need more preparation before progressing to our Access to Medical Studies and Allied Health programme. Further information about SWAP Access courses can be found on the SWAP website.
You’ll study Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Communication Skills in a supportive environment, building your knowledge and confidence for higher-level study. The course provides the scientific foundation needed for future health and life-science routes and can also lead to HNC/D programmes or degree-level study in science-based subjects.
It’s a full-time, intensive course, with classes between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Learners must be ready to commit fully to the academic workload and consider time, childcare, and finances before applying.
This course is for:
- Adult learners returning to education
- Learners aiming for degree-level study Medical, Dental, Veterinary, or Health Science degrees, but who need more preparation before progressing to our Access to Medical Studies and Allied Health programme.
- Those looking for a SWAP route into a related university course or HNC Applied Science.
- People who enjoy problem-solving, experimentation, and exploring how science shapes our world.
ℹ️ This Access programme is not suitable for recent school leavers - please consider our NQ Steps to Science courses instead
What you will learn
You’ll study a mix of science and academic subjects designed to prepare you for progression to higher-level Access or HNC study:
- Biology – human systems, cells, nutrition, and health sciences.
- Chemistry – structure of matter, reactions, and scientific processes.
- Mathematics – building confidence with numeracy, graphs, and data analysis.
- Communication Skills – developing writing, presentation, and academic study techniques.
You’ll also gain valuable experience in teamwork, research, and independent learning - all key for success in health and science disciplines.
Entry requirements
✅ You have been out of education for three years or more (Nat 5 quals) and 5 years (for Highers)
✅ You want to follow the progression routes listed in the progression opportunities section below
✅ You do not already hold a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or degree
✅ You are looking for a SWAP route into university or higher-level science study
✅ Applications are also welcomed from Care experienced student, or students that have experienced exceptional circumstances and educational disadvantage. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the SWAP west office.
ℹ️ Entry is competitive and based on your application, personal statement and performance at interview.
Personal Statement Requirements:
- Explain your interest in Medicine, Health, or Science and your long-term goals.
- Describe any relevant life, work, or volunteering experience in health, care, or science settings.
- Highlight the skills that will help you succeed - such as motivation, teamwork, and communication.
- Show that you understand the commitment needed for a full-time course.
Applications missing this key information are unlikely to progress to interview.
Additional requirements:
- On starting the course, your academic skills will be reviewed to confirm that you’re on the best pathway for success.
- If support is needed in a particular area, staff may recommend a different Access route to help you achieve your goals.
ℹ️ 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.
Career Opportunities
This course provides an excellent foundation for future careers in:
🩺 Medicine and Allied Health Profession
🦷 Dentistry and Oral Health
🐾 Veterinary Medicine
💊 Pharmacology
🔬 Biomedical or Life Sciences
🏥 Physiotherapy and Health Support Roles
Future prospects
Successful completion allows progression to:
- Access to Medical Studies and Allied Health (SWAP) at Glasgow Kelvin College (internal applicants are prioritised).
- HNC or HND Applied Science programmes at Glasgow Kelvin College.
- Degree-level study in Biological, Chemical, or Health Sciences at partner universities.
This course is an ideal stepping stone for adults who want to progress steadily toward university study in medicine, science, or allied health - with the skills and support to succeed.
