SWAP Access to Life Sciences

Access - Edinburgh College

Course overview

Life Sciences Access is a stepping stone to further education at the university level. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and mathematics.

This is a full-time course taught at Edinburgh College’s Sighthill campus. Our Science department offers you the opportunity to study in purpose-built laboratories. These will support the development of your general and specialist practical skills whilst enhancing your theoretical understanding of science.

This is a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) meaning you can apply if you have few or no formal qualifications and have been out of full-time education for at least three years.

SWAP courses provide an alternative route into higher education designed to give you intensive academic preparation and the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence you need for higher education through recognised progression routes at colleges or universities in Scotland. For more information on SWAP courses, please go to the SWAP East Portal.

Course description

What you will learn

You will cover a range of National 5 and Higher-Level subjects such as:

Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
ICT
Preparation for Higher Education

All SWAP students are required to participate in and complete Preparation for Higher Education (HE). Preparation for HE will assist you in researching and visiting universities. You will be expected to work as a team and on your own to complete this module.

Entry requirements

Students should be ordinarily resident in Scotland. Please contact the SWAP East Office at swapeast@ed.ac.uk if you are not sure about your eligibility.

Candidates must have been out of full-time education for three years and must not already have a degree. The course is NOT intended for school leavers.
Applicants applying from a level 4 or 5 access course will be required to achieve 65% or above in each - Biology, Chemistry and Maths. This should be achieved at the first attempt. All assessments must be completed during the SWAP course, regardless of previous achievement for Profile Grading purposes.
Students who already have a university degree are not eligible for a SWAP programme. Any applicant who has been to university but did not complete may be eligible if there are special circumstances. Please email SWAP for advice Before applying to swapeast@ed.ac.uk.

Progression

A large range of degree courses is offered by the universities in East and Central Scotland including:

The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Napier University
Heriot-Watt University
Queen Margaret University
University of Dundee
Abertay University
University of St Andrews
University of the Highlands and Islands
University of Aberdeen
For Biological Science students this course can lead to a range of degree options including Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology

Career opportunities

A range of science-related careers.

Find out more at the Scottish Wider Access Programme website