SWAP Access to Languages, Arts and Social Sciences

Course overview

The SWAP Access to Languages, Arts and Social Sciences course is a unique course designed to allow you to progress to a wide range of university courses or HNC/HND programmes. It is a full-time course (up to 18 hours a week) running from the end of August to the middle of June. It is delivered partly on campus (2 days a week) and partly through Microsoft Teams online tutorials (2 days a week).

As a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course, it is designed for people with few or no formal qualifications who have been out of full-time education for at least three years ( or five years were obtained when studying full-time). 

SWAP courses provide you with an alternative route into higher education by giving you intensive academic preparation as well as the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence you need for entry into higher education. Despite its specific focus on Languages and Social Sciences, this course allows you to apply for a wide range of degrees (e.g. English, Law, etc...) through recognised progression routes to colleges or universities in Scotland. For more information on SWAP courses, please go to the SWAP East website.

This course is open to those with previous experience in either French, Spanish, German or Italian but also those who want to study French or Spanish with no prior language learning experience.  Language study (French or Spanish) may be combined in different ways depending on your language profile. 

All units are internally assessed unless external assessments are required to satisfy particular progression routes. In addition to the units taught, as part of your preparation for higher education, you will also be given the opportunity to attend open days and study skills events held by universities and colleges.

What you will learn

• Literature
• Communication
• Presentation Skills
• Core Mathematics 3 (level 4)
• Optional Core Mathematics 4 (level 5)
• Combination of different language units
• Investigating Europe research unit
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Reflective learning and study skills development
• Preparation for Higher Education and help with UCAS application

How the course is assessed

• All units are internally assessed (through assessments, essays, reports, presentations etc.) unless external assessments are required to satisfy particular progression routes. 

Number of days per week

• 18 hours up to 4 days/week
• Hybrid mode of delivery: 2 days on campus (Mondays and Wednesdays) and 2 days online (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Entry requirements

• To be eligible for SWAP, an applicant MUST have been out of full-time education for 3 years if they already have qualifications at SCQF Level 5 or equivalent, or 5 years if they already have qualifications at least SCQF Level 6 or equivalent 
• This course is open to those with a previous experience in either French, Spanish, German or Italian but also those who want to study French or Spanish with no prior language learning experience. 
• If you think you do not meet entry requirements, please contact SWAP East, as your application might still be considered on an individual basis depending on your circumstances. 
• If your first language is not English you should hold one of the following ESOL qualifications as proof of English Language competence: IELTS 6 or above; Cambridge First Certificate or above; SQA ESOL National 5 (external examination grade A) or SQA ESOL Higher; other equivalent English qualification e.g. university degree in English 
• If you are unable to provide evidence of ESOL level as above you'll need to do the college ESOL level test and any offer of a place is conditional on passing the test 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• If selected for an interview you will be asked to complete written assessments in literacy and numeracy to ensure you have the appropriate level of skill and knowledge to meet the requirements of the programme.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

Access a wide range of degrees at: 

• University of Edinburgh 
• Heriot-Watt University 
• Edinburgh Napier University 
• Queen Margaret University 
• University of Stirling 
• University of St Andrews 
• The University of Abertay 
• University of Dundee 

Progress to HNC/D programmes in a further education college. Study other qualifications in modern languages, arts or social sciences. 

Career options

With further study you can gain employment in the following: 

• Tourism officer 
• Teacher 
• Interpreter 
• International relations 
• International Business