Social Sciences incorporating ICS
SWAP Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Primary Teaching
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is designed to support you in developing the academic skills you require to progress to either university or HNC programmes. You will be taught a range of social sciences by highly qualified lecturers in a supportive environment.
This course offers an alternative route into higher education. It will provide you with intensive academic preparation and the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence you need to enter higher education through a recognised progression route.
SWAP EAST and Edinburgh College work in partnership to offer this life-changing course. You can find more information on the SWAP-East website.
What you will learn
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Politics
- History
- ICT
- Communication
- Literature
- Oral presentations
- Mathematics
Throughout your studies, you will develop critical and analytical thinking skills. Meta skills development is embedded.
How the course is assessed
- You will be continually assessed through essays, presentations, closed-book assessments, portfolios and reports.
Number of days per week
- 3 or 3.5 days per week on-campus.
- You are required to study independently on an additional 2 days per week.
Entry requirements
- This is a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), which means if you have few or no formal qualifications and have been out of full-time education (excluding Level 5 courses or below) for at least three years, you can apply. Part-time study undertaken does not affect eligibility. If you already have a degree, you are not eligible to apply (this includes international students).
- Please check your eligibility on the SWAP East website.
- This is an academically challenging course. It is essential that you have the resilience for the physical and mental demands of this course. In order to succeed, you must carefully consider if you have the motivation and time to commit to this level of study.
- As there are no formal entry requirements, selection will be based on your personal statement, an interview (which includes a written task and a diagnostic maths test) and evidence of academic potential.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
If selected for an interview, you will be asked to:
- Complete a written assessment in literacy to ensure you have the appropriate level of skill to meet the requirements of the course
- Complete a maths diagnostic test so that the maths team can assess your level in order to place you appropriately (you will be placed at National 4 or National 5 level)
Before attending the interview, please have a look at the university/course you would like to apply for in December 2026 for August 2027 entry on the SWAP website.
- Some university courses require National 5 Maths. The diagnostic maths test at the interview will assess your readiness to study National 4 Maths.
- If you require the National 5 Maths, you will be invited back to sit a diagnostic assessment for National 5 Maths to make sure you are ready for this level of study.
- The diagnostic test may be challenging if you have not studied maths for a while. It is recommended that you prepare for the test before the interview. National 4 Maths - BBC Bitesize can help you prepare.
- The SQA has National 5 Maths past papers that you can study.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 6.0Progression and Articulation Routes
- University to study a range of degrees, including arts, social sciences, humanities, journalism, literature, law, business, theology or primary teaching.
- HNC Social Sciences or other HNC programmes
Please see the progression routes offered to students on this programme on the SWAP Website.
Career options
Studying the social sciences at university will open doors for you in the following areas of employment:
- Social services
- Local and central government
- Data analysis
- Research
- Police
- Criminal justice system
- Social work
- Community work
- Teaching
- NGOs
- Charities
- Housing
and many more opportunities.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
| Milton Road Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
