Engineering
SWAP Access to Engineering
Campus Midlothian Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
SWAP Access to Engineering provides a direct route to university for candidates who have not been in full-time education for the last three years. Suitable candidates should have Highers/HNs or 1st and 2nd year university experience.
The course is designed to provide you with the first step towards a career in engineering. The course focuses on mechanical engineering and includes some electrical engineering, mathematics and engineering design. The course will develop your knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and systems.
This is a full-time course taught at Edinburgh College’s Midlothian campus. Completion of the course will lead to further study on engineering courses at HNC/D and university degree levels.
The units you study will enable you to progress to a career in different engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, civil, aeronautical and renewable energy.
The course is taught by teachers with industry experience using the latest technologies. You will be taught in Edinburgh College classrooms and workshops, where you will gain essential, hands-on experience in the engineering sector.
Places on the course are very competitive and fill up quickly, so if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that you can be considered for a place.
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 (five years if you have studied Highers or a Higher National course or similar levels).
SWAP courses provide you with an alternative route into higher education. They are designed to give you intensive academic preparation as well as the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence you need for entry into 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.
What you will learn- Engineering
- Dynamics
- Thermofluids
- Mathematics
- Communications
- IT
- Energy
- Electrical Principles
- Engineering Design
- Statics
- Strength of Materials
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Preparation for Higher Education
Placement information
- There will be no industrial placements during this course
How the course is assessed
- Continual assessment throughout the year
- No end of year examination
Number of days per week
- 3 days per week
Entry requirements
- Mathematics and Physics at a minimum of National 5
- If you haven't studied Mathematics or Physics for some time, then you might benefit from taking a preparatory unit before joining the course
- Adult returners without the Mathematics and Physics qualifications required are welcome to apply but you will need to offer alternative qualifications or prove a real desire to be on the course
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You will attend an academic interview to ensure that this is an appropriate course for you and that you can handle the workload
- You may be asked to complete an entry level test which covers numeracy, literacy and comprehension
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Access to the first year of a university degree in mechanical, electrical, maritime, renewable, aeronautical, civil or structural engineering.
- You can study a range of engineering courses at HNC/D and Associate Degree Level at Edinburgh College onn successful completion of the course.
Career options
This course will open career prospects in:
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Renewable engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Civil engineering
- Structural engineering
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Midlothian Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
