SWAP Access to Nursing (2 years) SCQF Level 6

What is special about this course?

As people live longer, demand for qualified workers in health and social care continues to grow across our region, Scotland and the rest of the developed world creating opportunities for work in fields relating to:

• nursing
• social care
• allied healthcare professions
• health promotion across the NHS, local authority or private companies.

As part of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) this one day a week course aims to:

• equip you with a thorough knowledge of human growth and development
• develop an awareness of the skills required when working with varying groups of clients
• build the foundations to a career in either nursing, health or social care through theoretical study 

This course will also prepare you for further study, give you knowledge on the nursing field and provide you with a qualification to apply for nursing programmes.

Special features:

• You do not need any formal qualifications to be eligible for this programme.
• You will gain skills and theoretical knowledge to help you progress on to further study or into employment.
• SWAP 'profile grades' are based on continuous assessment, not final exam results.
• Allows you to study whilst working around your employment.
• Alongside academic units, you will work through a variety of personal development and study skills materials aimed at helping you develop the skills and confidence you will need to succeed at university level study.

Entry requirements

You must be out of education for:

• 5 or more years (if you have qualifications at Higher level) OR
• 3 or more years (if your qualifications are below Higher level)

Ideally you will already be in employment within the industry, however this is not essential as we will aim to arrange a work placement for you.

You must demonstrate in your personal statement your experience and commitment to working in this field.

Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. Students on courses up to and including HND level have the cost of their application paid for. For further information visit this webpage.

• Communication
• Numeracy
• Information and Communication Technology
• Understanding of Mental Health and Mental Illness
• Caring for People with Dementia
• Prevention of Infection
• HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infections
• Healthy Eating in a Care Setting
• The Continuation of Life
• Child Protection: An Introduction
• Psychology: Research
• Health Promotion
• Care: Values and Principles
• Care: Social Influences
• Care: Human Development and Behaviour
• Preparation for Higher Education & Study Skills
• First Aid
• Healthcare Knowledge & Skills

Study and Skills events are hosted by our partner universities, along with industry specific guest speakers.

Equipment

If you are not currently in employment within a care setting, you will be required to purchase a uniform (approx. £40) to carry out a placement..  Details of what to order will be made available in your first months of study.

If you are eligible for a bursary these costs will be covered.

Fees

Normally, if you are studying full time for the first time and are Ordinarily Resident in Scotland your course fees will be covered through the information you provide on your course application.

If you are studying part time and are on low income or in receipt of certain benefits your course fees may be covered by a fee waiver.

If you are not Ordinarily Resident in Scotland, you may need to pay course fees.

Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

* Fees for 2024/25 are still to be confirmed.

Funding

Our Student Finance Advisers can advise you on all aspects of student funding. The support available depends upon your personal circumstances.
Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

Additional costs

Normally, if you are studying full time for the first time and are Ordinarily Resident in Scotland your course fees will be covered through the information you provide on your course application. 
If you are studying part time and are on low income or in receipt of certain benefits your course fees may be covered by a fee waiver.
If you are not Ordinarily Resident in Scotland, you may need to pay course fees. 
Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.