Advanced Biochemical Sciences: Access
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Course overview
Take your first clear step toward a career in Optometry, Orthoptics, or Visual Science.
This Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course is designed for adults returning to education who want to study Visual Science, Optometry, or Orthoptics at university. It provides the scientific foundation and confidence needed to move into higher education or professional healthcare study.
You’ll build strong knowledge across Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, while developing key academic and communication skills. The course helps you understand how vision works, how the eyes interact with the brain, and how science supports diagnosis and treatment.
Delivered in partnership with SWAP West, this is a full-time, intensive programme with classes timetabled between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. You’ll need genuine enthusiasm for vision sciences and the motivation to manage a demanding study schedule. Further information about SWAP Access courses can be found on the SWAP website.
Applicants progressing to university in health-related areas will also need to meet Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) requirements under Scottish legislation.
This course is ideal for:
- Adults who’ve been out of education for at least 3–5 years and want to return to study.
- Learners aiming for Optometry, Orthoptics, or Visual Science degrees.
- Those interested in how science supports eye health, diagnostics, and patient care.
- Students looking for a SWAP route to university or HNC/HND science programmes.
ℹ️ Not intended for recent school leavers — please consider our NQ Science or Engineering courses instead.
What you will learn
You’ll study the scientific and academic subjects needed for success in university-level healthcare and science programmes, including:
- Physics – understanding optics: light, lenses, and the physical principles behind vision and imaging.
- Chemistry – learning about reactions, materials, and chemical processes relevant to biological systems.
- Biology – exploring human anatomy, cells, and the visual system.
- Mathematics – developing numeracy, problem-solving, and data-analysis skills.
- Communication Skills – writing, presenting, and research techniques for higher-education study.
You’ll also gain experience in critical thinking, practical experiments, and independent learning — skills essential for university success.
Entry requirements
✅ You must have been out of formal education for at least 3 years (if you last studied at National 5 level) or 5 years (if you last studied at Higher level).
✅ You must not already hold an HNC, HND, or degree qualification.
✅ Entry is competitive, based on your application, reference, and interview (if shortlisted).
Personal Statement Guidance
Your personal statement should:
- Explain why you’re interested in Visual Science, Optometry, or Orthoptics.
- Describe any relevant work, volunteering, or personal experience that shows your interest in healthcare or science.
- Highlight skills and qualities such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and care for others.
- Show your motivation and readiness for full-time study.
Applications that do not include this information are unlikely to progress to an offer or to an interview.
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 the first step toward careers in:
👁️ Optometry and Orthoptics
🔬 Vision and Optical Research
🏥 Clinical or Healthcare Support Roles
💡 Laboratory and Diagnostic Science
🌍 Health Science and Technology Fields
Future prospects
Successful completion allows progression to:
- Degree programmes in Optometry or Orthoptics — primarily through Glasgow Caledonian University, with other options available via SWAP West routes.
- HNC/HND Applied Science programmes at Glasgow Kelvin College (internal candidates are prioritised).
- Alternative routes into Mathematics, Chemistry, or broader Science degrees through partner universities.
Graduates from these pathways often go on to rewarding healthcare or science careers, contributing to patient wellbeing and medical innovation across Scotland and beyond.
