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Course overview

Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), are for adults with few or no formal qualifications and who have been out of full-time education for at least three years.

This course is specifically designed for those who want to return to education and progress into degree-level study.

Successful completion can lead you to a place on an HNC or degree course at a college or university in the east of Scotland (for more information about SWAP and progression options, visit the SWAP East website

This is a competitive course; you will need to attend an interview. You must consider what you write in your personal statement and demonstrate to us your reasons for applying and wanting to become a nurse, as well as any relevant work experience you have.  

Course description

What you will learn

  • You will study the following subjects on the course:
  • Communications 4
  • Literature 1
  • Higher Care units (Human Development and Behaviour, Social Influences and Values and Principles)
  • Higher Human Biology units
  • Numeracy
  • IT
  • Dementia
  • Foundations of Care Practice

Entry requirements

  • You must have been out of formal education for more than three years
  • Experience of working in a care setting is desirable but not essential 
  • A positive attitude, good communication skills and a genuine interest in nursing 
  • A good level of general education would be desirable 
  • A personal statement that demonstrates to us your reasons for applying for the course, wanting to become a nurse and also the relevance of any work experience that you have 

Progression

  • Universities across Scotland offer courses in Adult, Mental Health or Learning Disabilities and Child Nursing 
  • Please note that this course will not give you access to Midwifery
  • Please visit the SWAP East website's progression service

Course options

Course Type: Full-time
Details
Date: 25/08/2025 to 12/06/2026Cost: £1008
Venue details

Sighthill Campus

Bankhead Avenue

Edinburgh

Course provider

Edinburgh College