Adults who completed a f/time level 5 (or below) course recently but who were out of f/time education for 3 years prior to that would still be eligible. The same applies to students undertaking ESOL studies (including up to level 6). SWAP would view these course as a 1st step back into learning and this would not affect your eligibility to enrol on a SWAP programme. 

Students who do not meet the time out of full-time education criteria but whose secondary schooling was significantly disrupted through illness or personal circumstances, who are care experienced or who were home schooled and have no qualifications above level 4, may still be eligible and should contact the SWAP office for advice. Refugees and asylum seekers are also in this category and should contact SWAP for further guidance.  

Non-eligibility factors

SWAP students come from all sorts of backgrounds and have different reasons for coming on the programme. All SWAP students are returning to education after a gap and tend to be highly motivated and keen to get on. Many juggle studying with part-time jobs and / or caring responsibilities. Returning to education can be daunting but you will have lots of support from classmates and your college tutors.      

 

There are various options. Go to the SWAP East or SWAP West pages for details of current programmes.
 
"Having left school with a basic level of education and then spending 20 years in the police and 10 years at home, this programme allowed me to access further and now higher education … SWAP has given me the opportunity of a new career as a nearly 50 something, for which I am very grateful" (Access to Degree Studies, Forth Valley College).

There are different possibilities depending on the access programme you join.

Information on the degrees available at partner universities can be found on the progression route searches on the SWAP East and SWAP West homepages. 

 

Each year the vast majority of students who successfully complete the programme go on to higher education. There is no guarantee of a university place though and it will depend on the strength of your university application and your performance throughout the access programme. 

 

There are usually no tuition fees to pay and most students will also receive a college bursary. Go to the Funding section for more information.   

 

You apply directly to the college you want to study at using their online application system.  Most colleges begin accepting applications from January onwards and stop once all places are filled.  Popular programmes tend to fill up quickly so it’s best to apply as early as you can.