Nursing Degree (Care): SWAP Access
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Course overview
It’s never too late to start learning again.
This NQ Level 4 pre-access course is designed especially for adults who have been out of education for a while and are ready to take that first step back. If you’re interested in people, psychology, social issues, history or literature — or if you dream of a future career in teaching, social work, law, politics or business — this course will help you rebuild your skills and confidence.
Based at our Easterhouse Campus, this supportive programme runs from August to June, over two and a half days per week, and follows Glasgow school holidays — ideal if you’re balancing study with family or work commitments.
You’ll explore fascinating topics across the social sciences while also strengthening your English, maths and study skills. It’s the perfect foundation for progressing to a SWAP Access to Humanities, Social Sciences or Primary Education course, and eventually, university study.
Speak to us to find out about your options and to make sure you begin studying at the right level. Contact Amy Angus on aangus@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk to arrange a chat.
This course is ideal if you:
- Have been out of formal education for a while and want to return to study.
- Left school with few or no qualifications.
- Want to explore a career in social sciences, teaching, social work, or related fields.
- Need to build academic confidence before progressing to Access-level study.
What you will learn
You’ll study a range of social science and core subjects, developing both knowledge and essential study skills, including:
- Communication (English) – develop writing, reading and discussion skills.
- Mathematics – build confidence with numbers and problem-solving.
- Study Skills – learn how to research, write essays and prepare for exams.
- Sociology – understand how society and people interact.
- Psychology – explore behaviour, thinking and human development.
- History – examine past events and how they shape the world today.
Assessment methods include essays, class-based exams, group discussions and presentations.
Some elements of the course may be delivered online.
Entry requirements
✅ No formal qualifications are required.
✅ Applicants must demonstrate good written and spoken communication skills.
✅ Offers and interviews are based on your application form and personal statement.
ℹ️ If you have been enrolled in high school within the last three years, you are not eligible for this course.
ℹ️ You must be 18 years or older at the start of the course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (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
Graduates often progress to roles such as:
🤝 Social or Community Support Worker
📚 Classroom or Learning Assistant
🏛️ Local Government or Policy Officer
🧠 Psychology or Counselling Assistant
📈 Administrative or Research Support Roles
Future prospects
On successful completion, you may progress to:
- SWAP Access to Humanities, Social Sciences and Primary Education, or
- SWAP Access to Social Work and Social Services.
These routes open opportunities for degree-level study in social sciences, education, law, politics and more.
