SWAP Access to Physical Science

Course overview

The course will develop your knowledge and understanding of Physics, Chemistry and Maths.

SWAP (Scottish Wider Access Programme) courses are designed if you have few or no formal qualifications and have been out of full-time education for at least 3 years.

SWAP Access courses provide you with an alternative route into higher education and 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 Scottish Wider Access

What you will learn

You will cover a range of National 5 and Higher subjects such as

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Maths
• Information Technology
• Communication
• Preparation for Higher Education.

All SWAP students are required to participate in and complete Preparation for Higher Education (HE). Preparation for HE will assist you in researching and visiting universities. You will be expected to work as a team and on your own to complete this module.

How the course is assessed

• You will be assessed on each unit
• All units within the course must be achieved to gain the full award 
• You will be tested on your theoretical and practical skills 

Number of days per week

• 4 days per week

Entry requirements

• Students should be ordinarily resident in Scotland. Please contact the SWAP East Office at swapeast@ed.ac.uk if you are not sure about your eligibility.
• Candidates must have been out of full-time education for three years and must not already have a degree. The course is NOT intended for school leavers.
• Applicants applying from a level 4 or 5 access course will be required to achieve 65% or above in each - Physics, Chemistry and Maths. This should be achieved at first attempt. All assessments must be completed during the SWAP course, regardless of previous achievement for Profile Grading purposes. 
• Students who already have a university degree are not eligible for a SWAP programme. Any applicant who has been to university but did not complete may be eligible if there are special circumstances. Please email SWAP for advice BEFORE applying at swapeast@ed.ac.uk.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• Entry is by informal interview and a short, Mathematics entry exam. All candidates are interviewed to ensure that the appropriate course is chosen and that the applicant can cope with the amount of work involved.
• Applications should include a strong personal statement that clearly indicates the candidate has researched progression routes and has a clear idea of the degree and career they wish to pursue. Applications may be returned to candidates who do not meet these criteria. 
• Progression information can be found at: https://swapsurvey.org/progression/east. 
• Note for internal/progressing students: Progression to the next level and from the current course is not a guarantee and will be evaluated for each student at the end of the current course, taking attendance, performance, and assessment attempts into consideration. Progressing students will be issued a conditional offer. An unconditional offer is not a guarantee and will be issued based on curriculum team review at the end of June.
• Applications from students who wish to repeat a course, have previously been enrolled on any Science course, apply again and/or have previously withdrawn from any Science course will be placed on the waiting list. Applications will only be considered in August if there are places available on the course. If the course reaches capacity before August, an offer will not be possible. Therefore, we advise students to consider other options within the College. 

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

•  A large range of degree courses is offered by the universities in East and Central Scotland including:
  • Edinburgh University
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • Heriot-Watt University
  • Queen Margaret University
  • University of Dundee
  • Abertay University
  • University of St Andrews
  • University of the Highlands and Islands
  • University of Aberdeen
• For Physical Science students this course can lead to a range of Maths, Engineering, Physics and Physical Science degree options at university
• Successful students have access to over 100 degree programmes including Physics, Civil Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and more

Career options

A range of science-related careers.

Find out more on the Scottish Wider Access Programme website